DIY Detailing- Pics Included!

[z1ggy]

I think I'll stick with Meg's. I'm not detailing a Ferrari, but I do like a clean car. Looks like Gold Class or NXT will suffice.

If you want best bang for buck, go gold class. I've seen youtube comparo vids between Megs cleaner wax, gold class, NXT and ultimate, and there wasn't a huge difference between the last three. Gold class is the least expensive out of those, so just go for that. It's what I currently use!! Although, I am 100% buying a jar of Zymol Carbon when I run out of my Meg's later this year. That stuff looks amazing. Sheets so fast it blew my mind.

 

[z1ggy]

Love these threads, we need more like these. I might do mine next.

Thanks!

People should be encouraged to follow my guide and post some before and after pics!!

 

[xanis]

Did a quick detail today while the weather wasn't awful. Pollen has been really bad this year, so it's a battle to keep it off the car as you work.

Before:

After:

What I did: Wash, clay, wax, wheel wet, cleaned the windows

I'm probably going to get a different wheel wet when this one runs out. It doesn't produce an amazing shine and it doesn't last more than 2 days or so. I'll probably get some Meg's Gel next time.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

I cant recommend Meguiars 105 and 205 combo enough. Its a compound and finish 2 step process. I do my clients cars that way, then finish wish a Caranuba paste wax.

 

[Mutilator]

I'm probably going to get a different wheel wet when this one runs out. It doesn't produce an amazing shine and it doesn't last more than 2 days or so. I'll probably get some Meg's Gel next time.

Get yourself some 303 Aerospace Protectant spray. You can use it inside on leather or vinyl seats, dashboard, etc. and outside on the tires among other uses. Doesn't make the tires ridiculously shiny like most tire dressings (matte finish instead) and also doesn't fling off and leave residue on your fenders like that Megs gel probably will. At least I think that was one of the ones that use to leave a purple splatter on the fenders after you drove the car. You may be able to pick it up locally at some auto or marine supply stores if you don't want to order it online.
Of course if you're one of the ones that actually likes shiny tires then ignore everything I just said.

 

[sontakke]

Both 1999, van crossed 200K, Camry is right behind.

 

[z1ggy]

Bump

No new pics but I think I'm going to order some Zymol wax within the next week or two to compare it against Meg's. I've noticed my Meg's just can't doing well in the warmer months as far as longevity goes, so I'm willing to pay a bit more to see if Zymol can do the trick.

I'll post comparo pics with water run off, beading, etc.

 

[thescreensavers]

I personally like Black Fire Wet Diamond Sealant it is super easy to apply and its longevity is nuts

I used to use Tech Wax 2.0 with Gold Class Carnauba Synthetic on top, it gave an incredible shine and depth(M105/205 Combo used to clean up paint) but it only lasted a ~month in south FL before it would stop beeding.

So I tried BFWD, while its shiny it dosnt have the same depth as the combo used above but it lasts so much longer, ill live with it.

Hell on my WRX I haven't applied BFWD in about ~8 months its still beeding

I met someone in the parking lot a month ago who had the same car and color and he asked if I had WRB(same color as him) because mine looked darker, he uses Turtle Wax.

I haven't polished my WRX yet as I dont really have time and so its being neglected bleh , I might run M205 on a White CCS pad just to clean up and slight polish the paint shouldn't take all that long, with the soft clear on my car it will do a ok job.

 

[y2kse]

I've noticed my Meg's just can't doing well in the warmer months as far as longevity goes, so I'm willing to pay a bit more to see if Zymol can do the trick.

When I bought my prior car new (the below Sentra), I started using Zaino Z-2 and Z-5 specifically because it would last six months between applications. I lived in an apartment and had no way to clean it up during the winter.

This was my then-10 year old Sentra, after 120k miles and a decade of Ohio winters:

Current three year old Altima:

 

[twinrider1]

Any special products/considerations for a black car?
Just bought a '12 Cube in Black Sapphire Metallic (looks black but if the sun hits it right you can see a fine blue/purple metallic flake). I saw a post somewhere about a Menzerna product that was really good for black but I can't find it now.

Are Nissans known for any paint characteristics, good or bad?


I didn't about the looks of my old Durango, but I want to keep this nice.

Y2KSE. Very nice! Do you do anything for under the car to keep the rust at bay?

 

[vshah]

what do you guys do to clean rain spots off etc. The last time I did a thorough detail the shine was gone within a week after I got caught in the rain. Quick detailer spray + mf wipe down is what I plan to try next time.

 

[manimal]

what do you guys do to clean rain spots off etc. The last time I did a thorough detail the shine was gone within a week after I got caught in the rain. Quick detailer spray + mf wipe down is what I plan to try next time.

I like a quick shot of slick mist and a wipe and it shines! I have a clean towel that i only use for a quick application of slick mist on a clean car and when I ran out the rag did another fifteen or more uses by the time I bought another bottle.




I swear slick mist is soo good I have thought about using it on my bald spot..