Which "Definitive Guide" Would YOU Like to See?

Nick McKees37

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The title of the thread says it all: Which "definitive how-to guide" would you like to see next?

I've already completed one for a forum favorite, Collinite #845, and it has been widely popular and helpful for those who are new to the wax.

Collinite #845: The Definitive How-To Guide For This Legendary Wax

I also made one that explains the differences and the intended use of spray waxes, quick detail sprays and waterless washes.

The Definitive How-To Guide for Spray Waxes, Quick Detail Sprays & Waterless Washes

I'm taking notes so don't be shy if there is something you would like to see a definitive how-to guide on. :dblthumb2:
 
Hi, Nick.
Thanks for asking us about this. There are many that come to mind, but just picking one, I'd like a guide covering the many different types and surfaces (smooth, pebbled, etc) of trim .... and how the various trim treatment products compare performance-wise.
 
Hi, Nick.
Thanks for asking us about this. There are many that come to mind, but just picking one, I'd like a guide covering the many different types and surfaces (smooth, pebbled, etc) of trim .... and how the various trim treatment products compare performance-wise.

:iagree:

I am always stuck between if I spend the money on a trim sealant for durability to put on customers cars. Or just have more of a dressing type.
 
You could team-up with Chris@Optimum and do a guide on Opti-Coat 2.0 :dblthumb2:
 
:iagree:......Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0.........:props:
 
How about a guide for which LSP to use for what colors. That would take out some trial and error.
 
How about a guide on what cars have hard and soft paint. Seems to be a common question "Working on car abc does it have soft or hard clear?"
 
M105/M205.

Took me quite some time to perfect my methods with 105 especially. I think it'd help alot of the newer members.
 
M105/M205.

Took me quite some time to perfect my methods with 105 especially. I think it'd help alot of the newer members.

YES! Another great idea!! :dblthumb2:

Such a popular combo and gives great results when used properly.
 
I would like to suggest something on the test methodology. How about enlisting forum members so each guide includes more than a sample of one? That would make it more "definitive."

For example, say the product category was exterior black plastic trim restoring products (prep, application, longevity), just for the sake of argument. Pick 4-6 products, e.g. alcohol+solution finish "brings back black", pre-WOW and Black WoW, Meguiars APC and ultimate black, Poor Boys World Trim restorer, Ultima tire and trim guard (or whatever else).

First do a poll with a list of candidate products and pick the top 4-6 vote-getters for the test. This would show what products people most want to see tested.

Next get forum members to sign on as testers. They have to agree to follow strict preperation and application instructions and have to agree to extensively photo-document (with high quality photos and/or videos) their results. In some (most) cases there would be initial results then results after 1-3-5 months (or whatever; varies for different product categories). They also have to document their driving conditions and weather exposure for longer term tests.

In return for these efforts, AG sends them a small sample of a couple of the products to test (on one car or multiple cars; their choice). That way you have multiple people testing more than one product each, and you know the product is fresh.

Then, as a "bonus," the forum members that do the best job at photo-documenting their results are on the short list for tester candidates for the next definitive guide topic. Wheel coatings, paint coating, and interior/leather coatings could be some other topics that probably have broad interest.

What do you guys think? Are there enough people interested in being testers and following the protocol set by AG?
 
Check the optimum forums, Chris just released a how to video today :)

A guide here would be nice.

M105/M205.

Took me quite some time to perfect my methods with 105 especially. I think it'd help alot of the newer members.

YES! Another great idea!! :dblthumb2:

Such a popular combo and gives great results when used properly.

Todd Helme has already done one on the sister site.
Finishing with Meguiar's M105 Ultra Cut Compound - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum

I would like to suggest something on the test methodology. How about enlisting forum members so each guide includes more than a sample of one? That would make it more "definitive."

For example, say the product category was exterior black plastic trim restoring products (prep, application, longevity), just for the sake of argument. Pick 4-6 products, e.g. alcohol+solution finish "brings back black", pre-WOW and Black WoW, Meguiars APC and ultimate black, Poor Boys World Trim restorer, Ultima tire and trim guard (or whatever else).

First do a poll with a list of candidate products and pick the top 4-6 vote-getters for the test. This would show what products people most want to see tested.

Next get forum members to sign on as testers. They have to agree to follow strict preperation and application instructions and have to agree to extensively photo-document (with high quality photos and/or videos) their results. In some (most) cases there would be initial results then results after 1-3-5 months (or whatever; varies for different product categories). They also have to document their driving conditions and weather exposure for longer term tests.

In return for these efforts, AG sends them a small sample of a couple of the products to test (on one car or multiple cars; their choice). That way you have multiple people testing more than one product each, and you know the product is fresh.

Then, as a "bonus," the forum members that do the best job at photo-documenting their results are on the short list for tester candidates for the next definitive guide topic. Wheel coatings, paint coating, and interior/leather coatings could be some other topics that probably have broad interest.

What do you guys think? Are there enough people interested in being testers and following the protocol set by AG?

:whs::iagree:
 
How about a definitive guide on metal polishing? I do not think the CG video was it.
 
Hi Nick...

IMHO:
The "Definitive Guides", that you have so far posted on the AGO forum, have been illustrative
of your (as well as 'AGO's management') willingness to highlight car-care products that,
even though are available for purchase through AGO, may not
always be among the top-rung of: the car-care products' price-ladder.

And from what I've also gleaned, you're welcome-to/tolerant-of AGO forum members
input regarding the products/processes in these "Definitive Guides".

For the above observations of mine...
I say: Thanks Nick!!


If I may...
Interesting suggestions proposed by AGO forum member SR99:

I would like to suggest something on the test methodology. How about enlisting forum members so each guide includes more than a sample of one? That would make it more "definitive."

Are there enough people interested in being testers and following the protocol set by AG?


@Nick:
Perhaps I was remiss...But I've never seen/read of the: AGO-specific "testing-protocols", if any.
(I realize that many OEM's do require the enlistment of ASTM/SAE engineering recognized protocols...
which are quite expensive/time-consuming...in the testing of car-care products.
Not sure if AGO has so enlisted such testing-protocols, or not.)

If you don't mind...Please advise. Thanks!


.../leather...could be some other topics that probably have broad interest.
^^^:iagree:^^^

I bet a non-controversial [:D] subject, such as the:
"Definitive Guide to/for Leather-Care"...would definitely be of broad interest.
I say: "Go For It"!!

Anyway...Keep Up the Good Work Nick

Later.

:)

Bob
 
My vote would go for Engine Detail !!!!!!!!!!

:buffing: Darn Spot !!!
 
Hi FUNX725, I think you read too much formality into my suggestion that test need to be done consistently. For the most part, it is just following the manufacturers directions.

But for some products the surface preparation is very important. Just saying "thoroughly clean" the surface is not enough to be sure everyone does it thoroughly. Some additional instructions might be needed, or the results will be inconclusive (which we'd want to avoid).

For example, some rubber and plastic treatments require you to clean and re-clean the surface multiple times until no more of the "dead layer" on the surface shows up on your wiping towel. If you don't keep re-applying the cleaner until your rag no longer shows any black color (and it may take anywhere from 2 to 6 or more applications of pre-cleaner), the final coating product will not have the maximum longevity.

So the suggestion of following "AG testing protocols" was just for certain cases where the product results are very sensitive to either the surface prep and/or the product application (for example, wait times before removing). Many products are fairly forgiving and don't need any special instructions. That's all I was getting at. Sorry if it was confusing.

PS, sticking with the black trim products example, if you read reviews on these products, you find some people think the product is wonderful and others that didn't like the results. How can there be so much range of results? Applying the protectant product itself is fairly straightforward (with the possible exception of needing a minimum cure time before wiping off) so my guess is the poor results are due to inadequate surface prep. I mean, if a product doesn't work, it should always not work. If there is a mix of results, that points to some difference in the way the product is used. We'd want to eliminate that variable by describing the application process with enough detail so there won't be variations that lead to mixed results.
 
Hi SR99...

-Thanks for your reply/response (post #16)...I appreciate it!

I intended no affrontery towards you, or your posting (#11).
I hope none was taken.

-In hindsight...Along with this statement I made in post #14:
If I may...
Interesting suggestions proposed by AGO forum member SR99:

...I should have included: "of which he (SR99)
is well-deserving of my, and other AGO forum members, encomiums"!!


I apologize for not doing so in the first place.


-As to:
Hi FUNX725, I think you read too much formality into my suggestion that test need to be done consistently.

This is very much a distinct possibility...I am, more than likely, often guilty of the above charge...

(Sometimes the "wheels" just start aturning...Going off on some tangential subject, it may seem)


-I will admit, that at least in my way of thinking, that some of your guidelines (protocols?) in post #11,
that potential testing-candidates were to abide by were, if not formal, seemed stringent.
That's part of the reasoning in my inquiring of any: AGO testing-protocols. Nothing more.

-IMHO, and as I believe you have astutely pointed out in the "rubber/plastic scenarios":
Controls (protocols) would be an absolute necessity.


-I'm with you, as to the mixed-results from usages of the same, identical car-care products, so experienced by AGO members.
It's a real enigma!!

:)

Bob
 

Ok, I'm going to go a little old School with my suggestion.


How about doing one on the Klasse twins: KAIO & KSG
 
Here is a question that I read often on here - How to properly clean micro fiber pads?

While some people have been using the pads since release and have adopted their own way of care/cleaning, a lot of new users seem to need some guidance.

As stated above as well, some type of definitive guide on trim prep prior to application of dressing/protectant appears to be in order. So far the best guidance I have received on this topic came from RSurfer. Thankfully I pay attention to his posts!
 
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