MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

freeskier · #1 03-24-2008, 11:14 AM

i have read detailing HOW to's and there has been alot of mention of "grit gaurd". can anyone explain what this is? also, are jelly blades safe of a wet finish?

ScottRiqui · #2 03-24-2008, 11:29 AM

The "Grit Guard" or "Dirt Guard" (there are several brands/designs on the market) is a filter/strainer that goes in the bottom of your wash bucket to trap dirt and grit, helping to prevent you from picking the dirt back up with your wash mitt. Along with the two-bucket wash method, it can go a long way toward preventing swirl marks/scratches in your car's paint.

As for the jelly blade, I haven't used one personally, but others here have been very happy with them. I have used the Griot's Garage water blade and haven't been very impressed with it, possibly because it uses a blade of closed-cell foam rather than silicone. I find that it puts faint scratches in whatever wax/sealant I have on the car (it doesn't scratch the clearcoat, but scratches in the wax look just as bad until I re-apply more wax.

freeskier · #3 03-24-2008, 11:35 AM

ok, so they are specific to each wash baucket?

ScottRiqui · #4 03-24-2008, 11:43 AM

Most of them will fit in a standard five-gallon bucket. I have two of the "grit guards" - one in each bucket. Although, I suppose it's probably more important to have one in your "clean water" bucket than in the soap bucket.

**OctaneGuy** · #5 03-24-2008, 11:55 AM

I use and sell the Dirt Guards because I think they do a better job over the Grit Guards thanks to the filter element that traps dirt at the bottom. I also use two 3.5 gallon buckets for washing. You should definitely have one in the rinse bucket, and optionally even better to have one in the soap bucket as well. Can never be too careful to prevent grit from getting back on your paint.

**lotsie** · #6 03-24-2008, 12:17 PM

I just some Dirt guards from OctaneGuy, tried them out yesterday, and they worked great. Here is a post I wrote yesterday:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...&postcount=105

Mark

MiniMaybee · #7 03-24-2008, 01:46 PM

I'm

'ing the Dirt Guards. They catch much more finer grit then my old Grit Guards did. I just use two 5 gal buckets I bought from US Plastics (where I also got my original Grit Guards). The Dirt Guards fit well.
I also use a Jelly Blade. It is made from soft silicone and as long as you keep it clean - it does not scratch. I always rinse mine before using.

freeskier · #8 03-24-2008, 01:54 PM

i know octane guy is in california, is there a place like pep boys or advanced auto that sells dirt guards?

**lotsie** · #9 03-24-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeskier

i know octane guy is in california, is there a place like pep boys or advanced auto that sells dirt guards?

Remember it's the vendors here on NAM that keep this site afloat. Support them as best you can

Mark

MiniMaybee · #10 03-24-2008, 02:10 PM

I bought mine from OG when he was at MITM. Going to Vegas?
Just order some more stuff from OG at the same time (Black WOW, One Grip, Prima) and pay the shipping. The more you buy the better the shipping.

Modnar · #11 03-24-2008, 03:13 PM

If you're planning on purchasing Grit/Dirt Guards and buckets, get the guards first so you can take them to the store with you and test fit them first. They need to have a tight fit to work otherwise they'll just float around in your bucket. Though I suppose you could use a (clean) rock to weight them down.

MiniMaybee · #12 03-24-2008, 04:10 PM

We've already had the "clean rock" discussion and all the detailing implications thereof.

freeskier · #13 03-24-2008, 04:20 PM

i just asked the autozone question because i wanted it todday.

**lotsie** · #14 03-24-2008, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiniMaybee

We've already had the "clean rock" discussion and all the detailing implications thereof.

, Yeah but it was one of our better discussions

Mark

**OctaneGuy** · #15 03-24-2008, 06:23 PM

I will be at AMVIV with some Dirt Guards. But I'm suggesting to people that if they want it for sure, order it from my store and choose WILL CALL to save on shipping and I'll have it ready for pickup at my booth.

As for fast shipping, choose Priority Mail--it arrives in 2 to 3 days depending on where you are in the USA and it's affordable.

re: Vendors
I appreciate the referral guys!!!

re: Autozone
Unfortunately not, they don't carry Dirt/Grit Guards to the best of my knowledge.

Richard

**lotsie** · #16 03-24-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

I will be at AMVIV with some Dirt Guards. But I'm suggesting to people that if they want it for sure, order it from my store and choose WILL CALL to save on shipping and I'll have it ready for pickup at my booth.

As for fast shipping, choose Priority Mail--it arrives in 2 to 3 days depending on where you are in the USA and it's affordable.

re: Vendors
I appreciate the referral guys!!!

re: Autozone
Unfortunately not, they don't carry Dirt/Grit Guards to the best of my knowledge.

Richard

I ordered mine from Richard last Thursday, they arrived Saturday

Mark

freeskier · #17 03-24-2008, 07:13 PM

as alaways, i would much rather order from a NAM vendor, really appreciate the help

bcski · #18 03-24-2008, 07:58 PM

Hey Freeskier,

Where do you ski? I'm currently at Snowshoe in W.V.

freeskier · #19 03-24-2008, 08:16 PM

W.V. being waterville vally?