MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

SmokeM · #1 07-29-2008, 09:29 PM

Does anyone know what products the dealerships use. I'm assuming they all use the same factory products and it can't be the same stuff they pedal at the parts counter.

My Chili Red paint has this Sapphire-like haze. It's not pronounced like swirls but very subtle. It looks pretty cool.

Also I almost have 1000 miles on the clock. I've driven through 2 rain showers and the wheel dressing still looks as good as I drove it off the lot. Anyone know what brand they use there? I'm very happy with the products they used on my car. I'm hoping someone that works at a dealership has an inside scoop.

I have yet to wash it. I'm waiting for my Zaino to arrive this week for the full treatment.

kenchan · #2 07-30-2008, 05:19 AM

probably watever that's in bulk and the lowest bidder.

rockridge · #3 07-30-2008, 08:09 AM

I think they use 600 grit sandpaper, or a dirty wash bucket.

cadfael_tex · #4 07-30-2008, 08:26 AM

terry towels with gravel in them is the only part I know. I think the soap is lava.

MINIFVR · #5 07-30-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadfael_tex

terry towels with gravel in them is the only part I know. I think the soap is lava.

Yup, they use pumice to get brake dust off the wheels.

MINIFVR · #6 07-30-2008, 09:40 AM

ok. now we need a serious answer....

cadfael_tex · #7 07-30-2008, 09:46 AM

Thought Kenchan's first was the serious answer. Doubt it is anything special. White Terry towels has been the dryer at every dealer I've seen. Usually there is just a pressure wash and a wipe down from what I've seen.

MINIFVR · #8 07-30-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadfael_tex

Thought Kenchan's first was the serious answer. Doubt it is anything special. White Terry towels has been the dryer at every dealer I've seen. Usually there is just a pressure wash and a wipe down from what I've seen.

Yeah his answer was serious, and is quite unfortunate.

gnatster · #9 07-30-2008, 09:56 AM

Most places use a variety of commercial products. Most metropolitan areas have a jobber that specializes in a variety of car care needs that they sell and deliver to dealers and body shops. The local Auto Paint supply houses usually sell these as well. Most of the time you will find larger commercial size bottle of Mequires products on their shelves. Many of these are formulated for use with a high speed buffer. These products are designed to have a good shine at a low per use cost. By using some of the more specialized products such as those from Detailers Paradise you can archive a much nicer finish. DP's products are formulated more for the home user then the commercial and are more forgiving as well.