Help build my car wash and wax kit

[oldpaddy]

Hi all, what's the best car washing, waxing and detailing stuff out there? Exterior and interior. I think I'm going to get a buffer too, but I don't have a clue what I should get.

2014 expy. Black exterior and interior. Leather.

Thanks for any help.

 

[johnboneske]

Thats an open question, and all about opinions... I want to see answers before I chime in!

 

[oldpaddy]

Thats an open question, and all about opinions... I want to see answers before I chime in!

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I own a 2015 Expediton Limited 4x4.

I have had very good results from various Meguiars’ products over the years. They make several excellent waxes that are easy to apply and remove.

 

[Enigma346]

For interior I use Meguiar's only. When it comes to cleaning fabric, something that has gotten grease/oil and various other things off my seats was what is pictured below. Hasn't let me down since a friend sat in my Civic and got oil and grease on the seat. (He cleaned up before getting in. Obviously not will enough) But I'm new to this whole game. Let's see what everyone else used as well.

 

[oldpaddy]

Anyone recommend a buffer?

 

[oldpaddy]

What do you guys think, porter or dewalt buffer?

 

[Plati]

OK. I was under the impression that modern paint with clear coat rendered "old school" auto wax/buff unnecessary. I've never known anyone that waxed their car and I never have. Although my buddy with the Shelby waxes his, after he cleans it with white gloves and sterilized water.

Been wrong before, this wouldnt be my first time if I'm incorrecto.

I wash my 2014 EL with Dawn .... the 2003 I stopped washing, just hose it down.

 

[gixer2000]

I use all Meguiars products. During the winter I use optimum no rinse (ONR) for washing.

 

[gixer2000]

OK. I was under the impression that modern paint with clear coat rendered "old school" auto wax/buff unnecessary. I've never known anyone that waxed their car and I never have. Although my buddy with the Shelby waxes his, after he cleans it with white gloves and sterilized water.

Been wrong before, this wouldnt be my first time if I'm incorrecto.

I wash my 2014 EL with Dawn .... the 2003 I stopped washing, just hose it down.

Dish soap strips wax and anything added to protect the paint. Keep that up and I'll bet you see clear coat failure sooner than later.

I know a few detailers that do their initial was with Dawn because it allows them a clean slate. It strips everything thats ever been applied

 

[JExpedition07]

I also agree on Magiuars products, love them

 

[Clemson82]

I only use Collinite wax. It is, bar none, the absolute best wax ever made in my opinion. The feel and look afterward in incredible.

I had my Mercedes coated last year with IGL. That stuff is unbelievable. Watch the videos, it stays silky smooth and nothing sticks to it.

 

[oldpaddy]

I only use Collinite wax. It is, bar none, the absolute best wax ever made in my opinion. The feel and look afterward in incredible.

I had my Mercedes coated last year with IGL. That stuff is unbelievable. Watch the videos, it stays silky smooth and nothing sticks to it.

Interesting. It gets great reviews.
Do you buff by hand or use a buffer?

 

[Clemson82]

Interesting. It gets great reviews.
Do you buff by hand or use a buffer?

By hand.

 

[oldpaddy]

By hand.

What brand of polish do you like?

 

[Plati]

OK. I asked my friends at the monthly meeting to drink beer and eat wings. Car guys, one owns a street rod & the other is finishing restomod of an pickup. They both say the wax the paint. One guy likes the "clay" thing and I did hear the Maguilers name a couple times. So I was wrong, didnt know.

 

[gixer2000]

OK. I asked my friends at the monthly meeting to drink beer and eat wings. Car guys, one owns a street rod & the other is finishing restomod of an pickup. They both say the wax the paint. One guy likes the "clay" thing and I did hear the Maguilers name a couple times. So I was wrong, didnt know.

Gotta clay before you wax imo. The clay removes dirt and junk from the clear coat so if you wax without claying first your just sealing the junk in

 

[BlueStangGT]

Meguiar’s makes great products as do several others, I’ve used their stuff almost exclusively on my Mustang for nearly 20 years. There’s four basic steps to follow providing you don’t have any deep scratches:

1. Clean. Dawn works great for this.
2. Clay bar. Horizontal surfaces are always worse than vertical.
3a. Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound.
3b. Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish.
4. Meguiar’s Ultimate Wax.

You don’t need a dual action / random orbit polisher to do this but it definitely speeds things up tremendously, be sure to keep clean bonnets handy for each step and don’t exert extra pressure on the surface; let the various compounds do the work.

 

[Helo driver]

Check out AMMO NYC. Larry has some exceptional products that are tough to beat. Plus, all the how to videos to go with it. I use most of his stuff on my black ‘16 MKX and my new Expy. Using the Hydrate paint moisturizer has been a game changer!

 

[rjdelp7]

Black is the most difficult to keep up. It shows everything and will drive you nuts. Trust me, I have been there. However, It looks the best, when "just waxed". You want a glaze, not a wax or polish. They also make many, spray detailers, to use in between. Turtle wax ICE is a good product. Harley Davidson make a excellent paint glaze and spray detailer. The also sell single use polish towels at the dealer(nice item!), I use them on my Black Superglide. I tried it all and the HD is the best on black. Use new, good quality microfiber towels(washed may have debris). Some have polyester and may put micro scratches in the paint. Good Luck!