843de

Gee SS fan, I always knew you were a man of refined tastes, looks just like what I have. My wife calls the Griots catalog my "garage porn", I like to think of it as the Victoria's Secret for gear heads.

SS fan

Their Headquarters are here in Tacoma they bought the old coca cola building and turned it into a detailing mecca, you can make an appt. to take you ride in and a couple of them help/teach you to do it right.It's a awesome thing.Every 1st sat. they have a thing called Caffeine & gasoline always have some famous car guy speaking its fun lots and lots of fine rides all over the place.I haven't bought many of their products yet,I was considering the Zaino line up. but I did get some of their tire dressing and it was far superior to any I've ever used.So since they are so close I'm going to get their polishes they have a one step new one that doesn't require machine application. I like to appy and polish by hand it's therapeutic for me.

BlackScreaminMachine

I detail a ton but not into Boutique Products. I do typically stick to Meguairs and their stuff has improved greatly and most times readily avalible.

Weather permitting I will wash every week or as needed. I have 4 Cars Min between my Trans Am, Century, HHR, and the Mother-in-laws Ford Edge. And thats before I do any paying jobs lol.

SS fan

was using McGuires nxt2.0 was ok this stuff 1 step from Griots is in a whole different league. The labor is the same Isn't it all about the results

BlackScreaminMachine

NXT 2.0 works mint, you just gotta learn thin and uniform coats. I myself is very heavy handed. I got a cheapo 30$ wax spreader and I can do 2 cars in no time and comes off effortlessly.

You should try their Ultimate Quick Wax, best booster out there and not too expensive.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ghlight=Detail

This is my HHR and I think it came out pretty good.

JPerrydore

If you must take your car to a car wash the touchless car washes are best. However, they do use very harsh chemicals that will strip the wax or protectant right off your car. The "wax" that they have and use isn't your typical wax and will not last very long.

As others have said the car washes that have brushes or "soft" clothes that slap against you car are not good at all. They do nothing but scratch and swirl your car.

Best way to protect your ride is to hand wash it with proper technique and always keep a good coat of sealant or wax of your choice on it.

Anything that touches your paint has the ability to scratch or swirl it. So always use a quality wash mitt and quality microfiber towels.

I personally use:

Sheep skin wash mitt
two bucket wash method with grit guards
DP Xtreme foam for my soap or Megs NXT can be picked up at your local walmart or autozone for cheap and it's a great soap
Leaf blower to dry
Cobra Guzzler to spot dry any areas

Etc. I could go on forever about what I typically use to detail a car. Either way a good guideline is to always work clean! If your wash mitt is dirty set it aside and pick up a clean microfiber or spare wash mitt. Nothing is worse than the feeling of dragging a dirty wash mitt across your paint.

hyperv6

Might note what eats into the Chevy bow tie enblems gold is often the soap from car washed. It is very harsh stuff and is often what does the damage.

Also some widow washing fluids are what eat the rear one up.

As for the quality of detailing it can vary. Often what is spotless for some is where I start to detail. I keep black swirl free and with out many blemishes. Even guys at detail shops wonder what all I use.

While many products work many work better and last longer. It all depends on what you want. I keep high standard and yes it does take a little more work but I never have trouble selling a used car and often get top dollar for it. Besides it is how I relax. I enjoy detailing a car.

One thing is the combinations based on conditions of the paint dictate what is needed for a prime job. Also technic in what you use and how you do it.

I have detailes national winning show cars and know a lot of tricks. There is no specail skills I have other than a lot of reading and learning. Then I applied and practiced what I learned. It is amazing just how a little knowledge can turn a good detail job into a great one.

I just love how everyone ask me what wax I use but fail to ask what else I use or do.