I was thinking today about my waxing process and about the products I am currently using. I haven't waxed my car since the middle of July and it is in my opinion in need of another batch. But before I do I want to do some good work cleaning and repairing my paint, and making my stall of the garage the ultimate detailing enviroment.

Firstly I am going to get alot of products from groits garage, hopefully, my dad has loved me getting Zaino even though it is expensive, the problem is my planned order from groits is approx. $500, yes $500!
Here is what I'm planning on getting:
Detailers Handbook: 12.99
Anti Hose Catchers: 12.99
Rubber Cleaner: 9.99
Wheel Cleaner: 9.99
Vinyl/Rubber Dressing: 29.99
3 Finest Sprayers: 8.97
2 Blue Detail Sponges: 4.99
Porter Cable: 199.99
3 Machine Polishes: 34.99
3 Orange Polish Pads: 28.99
Plastic Polish: 9.99
Chrome Polish: 12.99
Dried-On Wax Remover:6.99
Touch Up Kit: 12.99
Engine Kit: 24.99
Leather Care: 14.99
Pneumatic Creaper: 79.99

I really don't care what the total is. I just want my car to look the best!
Has anyone used any of these products?
Any of these I don't need?
What should my revised list be?

Also I am caught between using Z-6 and Z-8 between coats of Zaino wax I want the highest shine possible. What should I use?


Thanks in Advance!
Mikey

 

Well you do have a couple of big ticket items in there w/ accessories. I nearly freaked when I saw $500, but considering the expensive items that may not be so bad.

 

If there's a Lowes Home Improvement store near you, you can get the Porter Cable 7336 (same one that Griots sells) for around $100. I paid $94 for mine about 1.5 months ago.

Also, be aware that Griots waxes are carnauba based and won't last as long as the Zaino. You might want to check over at Autopia for opinions on Griots before you place your order. They are to detailing what NAM is to MINIs for information.

As for the Zaino question, use the Z-8 for the best shine.

 

Yeah... You can get the PCDA cheaper with all of the Sonus pads included at autopia.

How much time are you thinking about spending UNDER your MINI? $80 for a creeper is kinda overkill unless you plan to rebuild a car or two. Sure... It's cool to have but it neither adds horsepower nor makes your car cleaner (unless you plan to show it and clean the undercarrage... MINIs aren't meant to be trailer queens!)

 

Dried on Wax remover? Try a jar of generic peanut butter (Smooth) for $0.99 at your local grocery).

 

No the creaper is a sit on, kinda like the chair a dentist sits in at the dentists office, it has a rack under the seat to keep your most used items easy to locate.

Here's a pic.



About the oribital: Thanks, you just saved me $100. I'm still going to get the griots pads just to make sure I'm not switching around in products.

BTW I've tried peanut butter, and it doesn't work for me, so I will try this and if it doesn't work I'll send it back, and replace my spats.

Thanks

 

Here's my revised list:

Detailers Handbook: 12.99
Anti Hose Catchers: 12.99
Rubber Cleaner: 9.99
Wheel Cleaner: 9.99
Vinyl/Rubber Dressing: 29.99
3 Finest Sprayers: 8.97
2 Blue Detail Sponges: 4.99
Porter Cable: 199.99 Autopia
Sonus SFX2: 13.95 Autopia
Sonus SFX3: 13.95 Autopia
Plastic Polish: 9.99
Chrome Polish: 12.99
Dried-On Wax Remover:6.99
Leather Care: 14.99
2 Microfiber Towels: 13.00 Pakshak.com

New total: 330.80
A little better!

 

No I won't use their waxes, I will only use their machine polish (buff out scratches). I am more than happy with Zaino but I believe my paint could get a little better. I got my car in Jan. and didn't wax it until March (in Indiana), So thats the paint I'm dealing with!

Mikey

 

I've decided to nix the touch up stuff, (since I'll have my uncle do that, he's a professional mechanic/detailer), and the engine kit because I really don't need it.

Mikey

 

Screw the Creaper!!!!!

 

while getting all this stuff, the one thing you are missing that is very important are: QUALITY microfiber towels.

if you are going to be spending this much time and money on other stuff, you can't forget the thing that will be touching your car along with all these other products.

I suggest pakshak.com

 

sweet!

 

I have all of the stuff you listed and use it all regularly. The creeper is great for extended work down low on the MINI; waxing wheels, polishing tail pipes, polish/wax painted skirts, etc.

On the orbital, they usually have metal plate which can transfer heat to the product and your finish. Griots has a different plate to reduce this risk; check for similar feature. And the web site say $179.

I highly recommend their microfiber cloths. Also, see if there's a "kit" that puts together some of your items. This could allow for some savings.

Whatever you chose, enjoy your "ultimate detailing environment".

 

Hi Mikey, everyone has their opinion, and I will throw mine in. I have virtually every Griots product...heck, I have hundreds of products. (help me!) And they are often good but not always the best and rarely the best value.

Some thoughts:
Detailers Handbook: 12.99 OK, info is always good
Anti Hose Catchers: 12.99 They work.
Rubber Cleaner: 9.99 Works ok. Mothers makes a good one as does Meguiars.
Wheel Cleaner: 9.99 Not bad. I switch between brands. Use properly.
Vinyl/Rubber Dressing: 29.99 Not bad, I prefer different things for different applications. The 303 Aerospace is great matte finish for interior. The Protectant by Mothers is awesome. So is the Reflections Tire Care. Just the "right" sheen.
3 Finest Sprayers: 8.97 Ok.
2 Blue Detail Sponges: 4.99 Ok.
Porter Cable: 199.99Autopia $189 on sale and includes SFX2
Sonus SFX2: 13.95 Autopia see above
Sonus SFX3: 13.95 Autopia I would also get SFX1 unless your paint is in good shape.
Plastic Polish: 9.99 For what use? I maintain with Plexus
Chrome Polish: 12.99 For what use? I maintain with NeverDull
Dried-On Wax Remover: 6.99 I found this doesn't always work as advertised.
Leather Care: 14.99 I use Zaino the most. (love the smell) I just got the new Sonus and is it very nice as well. EASY application. Much better than the thicker creams that need buffing like Lexol, which I really dislike. Just too much work.

2 Microfiber Towels: 13.00 Pakshak.comAre you nutz??? You need WAY more than two towels. I have bins full of them. At least get a set of 6 of them...to start! I personally use Blue Pearl towels more than any other towel. They are an excellent quality and last a long, long time. Good bargain, too.

If you are looking for another WAY under rated towel, check out the VIKING Car Care, blue microfiber at O'Riellys, Auto Zone, etc. (It's labelled as a plush drying and QD towel. It's not a drying towel, though.) It's super plush, satin edged and slightly oversized. A great bargain. I have many of these as well. (I'm not sure it's pictured on their website but you will maybe recognize the packaging)

The VIKING blue polish applicator is also awesome. They make a good REAL Wool Mitt as well.

Too bad your not closer to me. You could sample all this stuff before laying out the cash!

 

This sounds like a good excuse for a ROAD TRIP!

 

Thanks BradB!
My revised list:
Detailers Handbook: 12.99
Anti Hose Catchers: 12.99
Porter Cable: Autopia: $189 on sale and includes SFX2Sonus
SFX2: 13.95 Autopia FREE
Sonus SFX3: 9.95 Autopia
Sonus Eclipse: 12.95
Leather Care: Z10 Leather in a Bottle: 10.95
Z8 Grand Finale Spray: 19.95
12 Microfiber Towels (blue perl): 39.90


BOLD=zainostore.com
Green=Autopia.com
RED=Groits Garage

 

Brad,

I'm using the vinyl/rubber care on my tires and black spats, I love the way Zaino is on my tires but it is way to greasy on my spats. What do you think the best product is for what I want?
Also do I really need the rubber cleaner? I'm mean couldn't dial and a brush do the same thing? Also what is the best wheel cleaner in your opinion?

Also about the dried on wax remover I use peanut butter to remove the wax on my spats, but after about a week they come back again, what do I need to do? I've tried rubbing alcohol also.

Thanks.

Mikey

 

SIX microfiber towels aint enuff. I always got some dirty waiting for the wash.

Try like 20!

 

I just thought the same thing!
FIXED

 

Crap I just remembered I had the Zaino plastic polish stuff!

 

Depending "what" dirt gets embedded in the plastic/rubber you can use a detergent/car shampoo to wash the rubber....I go a LONG time without using it.

I have about 4-5 bottles of Rim Bright on the shelf. It's ph balanced and I even dilute it up to about 25-30%. So it lasts a LONG time. I also like Eimann Fabrik. (alkaline) It can be diluted as well. If you want a brand that cuts the grime (assuming that you would never clean your wheels), the Mothers All Wheel (acidic) cleaner is one of the strongest but still very safe.

Don't let the alkaline or acidic scare you. There is a lot of mis-information out there. They need to be that way to cut the grime with minimal agitation. Just use them properly.

The trick is getting the wax out of the pores of the plastic. You need to do that mechanically. Use a stiff detail brush with the alcohol. The new Meguiars brushes are awesome. I have a couple.

 

So, how do you wash them?

In the past I have just tossed my MF towels in with the terry towels I use to dry the glass and the top of my wifes Jeep, as well as the waxing stuff and wash bonnets all in one load. Will that hurt anything?

 

Yes it will hurt. The MF towels will suck up the lint from the terry towels and then leave lint on the finish. ALWAYS wash your MFs separately from anything else and NEVER use fabric softener on them.

 

Brad,

I'm using the Zaino Tire Shine on my tires and black spats, I love the way Zaino is on my tires but it is way to greasy on my spats. What do you think the best product is for what I want?

Thanks.

Mikey

 

I like using Meguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer. It makes the black very black, it's not greasy looking, and lasts over a month, but I go over the trim about every 3 weeks, takes 15 minutes.

It also get rid of wax marks.