Product selection (rather detailed)

A

Ancient of Mumu

New member
Hello detailing mavens -



I've been lurking on this site for several weeks, reading the AU forum, and the Autopia detailing guide to learn what to do and what to use to do the job. But, before I go out and spend a non insignificant amount of money on products, I'd like your opinions on my selection...



Background:



First, I'm going to be doing this all by hand since I'm not yet ready to invest in a PC or the like. That said, these are my two target cars that I want to get ready for the impending New England winter.



1. A '99 black Mitsu Galant. 5 New England winters, along with birds, bugs, and trees have taken their toll on the paint, and I'm sure there are scratches, and swirls etc. all over. I have no illiusions about making the car look as good as new, but I'm sure I can get it to look much better than it does now.



2. An '03 Pepper White w/ black roof Mini Cooper. This still looks almost as good as new with only a couple of minor scratches that I'm sure I can polish out. I just want to keep this car looking as good as it does now and prep it for the winter.



So... here's what I've come up with, both in terms of procedure and product:



0. Tar and Bug remover: 1Z Insect & Tar Pre-Cleaner

1. Shampoo: 1Z Perls Shampoo

2. Clay: not sure here... any suggestions?

3. Polish: 1Z Ultra Paint Polish (for the Galant only)

3a. Polish: 1Z Metallic Polish (both cars)

4. Wax: 1Z Glanz Wax



As far as applicators and towels, it looks like the wool wash mitt is the way to go along with a set of MF towels. I've come to understand that Pakshak has some good stuff.



Anyhow, I know I'm pretty 1Z heavy, but I read nothing but good things about their products, especially for hand applications.



So, what do you think?





[Edited for better order and application of products]
 
You did ok. For clay Clay Magic is popular, Meg's and Mother's have there own brands. Maybe get a Waffle Weave for drying your cars after washing, also a QD is missing from your list. What about the interior, tires, wheels, and glass do you have any products for those spots. Pakshak, WCD, SMP plus many others for your MF needs. Since you are doing everything by hand, get some good MF applicators or terry cloth applicators.
 
You could pick up the Megs Quick Clay kit from Autopia along with your 1Z products or even the Sonus clay & Glyde lube. The clay is very similar, but the Sonus has an edge on the lube. I have not used the 1Z polishes & LSPs however I have been VERY impressed with the interior products I have tried and I have read a ton of good posts about them.



I would recommend the 1Z Plastik-Reiniger & Tiefenpfleger plus maybe the Cockpit Premium. The Tiefenpfleger is a nice tire dressing.



I don't think PakShak carries 1Z, but I haven't been to their site lately; the owner does seem very nice and everyone that has ordered from them has positive things to say.
 
I'm not certain about this, but doesn't it make sense to only use UPP on the older Galant and the milder MPP on both cars?
 
pocon1: Yes, I am... and I drive an ice cream van, which also needs to be detailed :)



jvcn: you're absolutely correct - I mixed up the UPP and MPP and have fixed my list accordingly
 
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