:welcome: to AG. Lots of Forums, lots of participanrs... many of the usual suspects are on most of them. AGO is a solid choice. :xyxthumbs:
I have a 2003 Mustang Cobra SVT and I'm wanting to basically throw out all of my old OTC products and start with all new products. What I'm specifically looking for is stuff to enhance the appearance of the metallic in my paint.
Currently, I do not have a buffer but am open to getting one, I was looking at the Porter Cable but am still unsure about it.
I will most likely stick with my car wash soap (meguiars gold class) and my current clay (meguiars). Unless it is brought to my attention that they are horrible choices.
The paint on my car has minimal swirls or scratches so I'm basically just wanting to get a good polish, sealant, wax, something for chrome wheels, engine bay dressing, and tire dressing.
I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks! :xyxthumbs:
Good thing, that's what you're going to get, "any and all suggestions". Product evaluation is pretty subjective. Everyone has their favorites and are ready to step up to the plate and recommend them. First off, there's absolutely nothing wrong with OTC products. Many of the products you see for sale online are also available OTC. And people have been getting satisfactory results with those products for years. I don't know if I'd be tossing everything in the dumpster for the promise of improved results from other products. As I just pointed out in another thread, a superior detailer with superior techniques can achieve superior results using average products. And an average detailer is going to get average results regardless of products used. Megs Gold Class & clay are solid and reasonably priced choices.
As noted in a previous response, your final results are governed by preparation before wax or sealant. Removing defects, swirls and enhancing gloss and
clarity is where you achieve results. Waxes and sealants are for protection. Some will tout this looks better than that, this brings out flake better, that is deeper, glossier, etc. I must be cockeyed because I see very little difference in LSPs. Yeah, I can see the difference in a Zaino glare-like shine compared to a carnauba. But a high gloss defect free finish is what I'm into, not the nuances that may or may not exist.
I had actually read on SVTPerformance.com that #845 really helped bring out the metallic as well. And I'll look up the other products and check out your thread as well.
I've been using 845 for over 30 years. It's a "bright" wax/hybrid that provides a high shine, especially on lighter colors. I've used it on all colors with exceptional results. It is extremely long-lasting, slick, super easy to use and is dirt cheap at around $13 a bottle OTC. I've got $100 waxes sitting in my cabinet and have followed the herd and tried this n that. And I always come back to 845. Why do I want to pay more for less, IMO?
Would you guys suggest getting the PC or would I be ok doing it by hand? The only wax I've ever used on it was NXT 2.0 from autozone.
People on Meguiar's Forum love NXT.
I have an earlier version PC, I found it vibrated a lot at high speed. I now use a Griot's Garage 6" DA as well as a rotary. The GG is my favorite and one key selling point was Griot's Lifetime warranty. Only drawback is the included backing plate is 6". Most will agree DAs are easier to handle and perform better with a 5.5" pad. I've gotten rid of almost all my larger pads and now use 5.5 as well as 4 & 3" for tighter spots. Many get great results on light defects and swirls by hand. It's a lot of work. A DA makes things a lot easier and faster. And like all the other products everyone has their favorite.... usually what
they bought.
You can collect polishes and different colored pads for every occasion until they're coming out of your ears. Been there, done that. For my money the best recommendation for the beginner is Meguiar's Microfiber DA System, regardless of which DA you choose. The compound is capable of removing serious defects or merely a light polishing, all contingent on pressure and how long you work it. The kit comes with a 5.5" BP, compound, finishing polish/wax and you're ready to go. Previously mentioned M205 works well with the MF pads, top with 845 if you're inclined.
Just wanting to spend my money wisely and do plenty of research before buying anything.
That is an excellent plan. You can spend a minimal amount and get excellent results or you can spend thousands chasing the carrot and get the same results. The more homework you do the easier it is to get confused by all the product descriptions and recommendations. Take your time, watch some videos, determine what results you'll be satisfied with. And don't throw out your current products. You might be surprised how good they really are.
TL
