Detailing startup kit

M

Majestic

New member
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Update 7-21-09
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Well I ordered my stuff, I added a few things.
I got some 303 protectant for the dash and Z-9 and Z-10 for the leather.

I went to costco and they didnt seem to have any bulk MF towels but they had terry cloth towels, I just wanted the cloths just to clean out the door jambs, tires, or engine. All the MF I am getting will be for waxing, and cleaning the body of the car.

As for some tire shine I went to walmart and found some cheap stuff, didnt do much research on it, just picked it up and went since i forgot to put it in the order.

As for the flex that i wanted I just went and got the PC instead, it saved me a lot of money in doing that, besides I am a amature that just wants to play with detailing my car.

Most the stuff that I ordered will be arriving on Thursday but sadly I probably wont be playing around with it until sunday :(

I also gotta get a new hose as the old hose that I have was flattened by a car tire, whos name will remain anonymous :)

And 2 buckets and a large storage bin for all these nice goodies :)

Will keep you guys up to date on whats going on.

Thanks for all your support.

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I am trying to get into detaling, I am pretty much a noob that never detailed a car. I am trying to come up with a detailing startup kit for myself. Here is what I have so far. Please send me your input on what you like or dont like, what i need to add or if I am missing some stuff. The prices are estimates I saw on the internet.

Thanks in advance on all input.
- Allen

Microfiber
Costco bulk 54 pack for $30.00
Costco - 4 Pack - Eurow Sheepskin Wash and Polish Mitt $25

Washing car
Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner 64 oz $13.00

Glass cleaner
Sprayway Glass Cleaner (Aerosol) - $4.00

Engine
Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner
3M? Foaming Engine Degreaser - http://www.shop3m.com $5.00
CD2 Engine Detailer for the finish - amazon.com $9.00

Clay
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit FREE BONUS $20.00

Polish
Meguiar's M105/M205 Kit with Lake Country Pads
& Flex XC3401VGR Dual-Action Polisher
$390.00

Sealant
BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond, All Finish Paint Protection $30.00

Waxing
Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax $60.00
 
Hey Allen... Welcome to TID!!!

From your list, it looks like you've got a great start!

The missing items that come to my mind are:

Tire Dressing
Interior Vinyl/Leather Cleaner & Conditioner
Drying towel (s)


Also, I've found the Costco towels to be excellent "work" towels, but a little to scratchy for paint.

You might want to invest in some higher quality MF's for removing polish/wax/sealant from the paintwork.

Plenty of good stuff to choose from at www.properautocare.com!!!:biggrin:
 
Yes i agree I was going to use the costco mf towels to clean things like tires and door jambs, I was going to go for higher quality mf towels.

I just never got around to researching which ones are good. I heard cobra was good but over priced. I will continue to research and find one that is priced right and works just as well

any products that you can recommend for the Tire Dressing and Interior Vinyl/Leather Cleaner & Conditioner?
 
Majestic said:
I heard cobra was good but over priced. I will continue to research and find one that is priced right and works just as well

any products that you can recommend for the Tire Dressing and Interior Vinyl/Leather Cleaner & Conditioner?
Click to expand...

http://properautocare.com/tiredressings.html

http://properautocare.com/micprod.html

http://properautocare.com/vinrubcarpro.html

http://properautocare.com/leatcarprod1.html

Sorry Angelo.... just stole your thunder!!!!:rofl::biggrin::rofl::biggrin:
 
Majestic said:
I am trying to get into detaling, I am pretty much a noob that never detailed a car. I am trying to come up with a detailing startup kit for myself. Here is what I have so far. Please send me your input on what you like or dont like, what i need to add or if I am missing some stuff. The prices are estimates I saw on the internet.

Thanks in advance on all input.
- Allen

Microfiber
Costco bulk 54 pack for $30.00
Costco - 4 Pack - Eurow Sheepskin Wash and Polish Mitt $25

Washing car
Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner 64 oz $13.00

Glass cleaner
Sprayway Glass Cleaner (Aerosol) - $4.00

Engine
Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner
3M? Foaming Engine Degreaser - http://www.shop3m.com $5.00
CD2 Engine Detailer for the finish - amazon.com $9.00

Clay
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit FREE BONUS $20.00

Polish
Meguiar's M105/M205 Kit with Lake Country Pads
& Flex XC3401VGR Dual-Action Polisher
$390.00

Sealant
BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond, All Finish Paint Protection $30.00

Waxing
Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax $60.00
Click to expand...


Good start...I suggest a few modifications.

> Glass cleaner: Sprayway Glass Cleaner (Aerosol) - $4.00
>> Forget any aerosol...find Stoner in a pump spray on sale.

> Costco - 4 Pack - Eurow Sheepskin Wash and Polish Mitt $25
>> Try the grout sponge from Lowes for about $2 (ProLine
Professional Tile & Grout Sponge, Model: K-28P) instead of the wash mitt. Forget the polish mitt - that's why you'll purchase some quality MF cloths.

Regards,
GEWB
 
Majestic said:
Engine
Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner
3M? Foaming Engine Degreaser - http://www.shop3m.com $5.00
CD2 Engine Detailer for the finish - amazon.com $9.00
Click to expand...

CD2 is OK but don't apply too heavily - run off (drips) will stain asphalt - takes a while to dry and needs two days for the odor to go away.

You can find it at a national chain auto store for less than $7 (I just bought two cans a few weeks ago).

Regards,
GEWB
 
gewb said:
CD2 is OK but don't apply too heavily - run off (drips) will stain asphalt - takes a while to dry and needs two days for the odor to go away.

You can find it at a national chain auto store for less than $7 (I just bought two cans a few weeks ago).

Regards,
GEWB
Click to expand...

There is also an excellent substitute for CD2, which I started using because CD2 is getting hard to find and it's expensive...

Stoner TrimShine! Excellent product... I buy it by the case!:) (cheaper when you buy 12)
 
Luster said:
There is also an excellent substitute for CD2, which I started using because CD2 is getting hard to find and it's expensive...

Stoner TrimShine! Excellent product... I buy it by the case!:) (cheaper when you buy 12)
Click to expand...

I'm waiting for that order to come thru my way........:biggrin:
 
Luster said:
There is also an excellent substitute for CD2, which I started using because CD2 is getting hard to find and it's expensive...

Stoner TrimShine! Excellent product... I buy it by the case!:) (cheaper when you buy 12)
Click to expand...

How does it do on engine detailing and wheel wells (the two areas where I use the CD2)?

Regards,
GEWB
 
gewb said:
How does it do on engine detailing and wheel wells (the two areas where I use the CD2)?

Regards,
GEWB
Click to expand...

They are very similar products. I use for engine bays all the time. I haven't used it on wheelwells, but I wouldn't hesitate. Even for a single can the price is very reasonable.
 
Nope, I think you are on the right track in spending. Just look it the bright side, when you get good at it you might be able to detail some of your friends rides and make some money on the side which will help you pay for your new hobby............:thumbup:
 
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