DFB's Garage
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Deyon and a nice thing to do.
DFB
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I often slag off where I live, known nationally as the drug capital of Australia...................but like anything, there is a flip side. A 10-minute drive from town and you are passing through the countries peak fruit growing area, and at this time of the year that means a landscape of bare, skeletalized fruit trees. An extra 10 minutes' drive and you are presented with fields of cropping land. Another 20 minutes and you have rolling hills and paddocks full of sheep and cattle.
Considering the atrocious weather today, there was nothing else to do but get in a car and go for a drive. Too wet for the garage queens, so the Ranger it was. The wonderful Table Manners Podcast playing on the radio.
There is a hill not long after the above photos that tests even the most stout of engines. Needless to say, the Ranger at full throttle in 2nd gear struggled significantly. :lol
The photos don't do the landscape justice, the greenery is simply beautiful.
Now compare that to photos taken in the same location nearly 8 months ago at the start of summer...................
The roads couldn't have been wetter today, with plenty of pooled puddles caught in the farmland roads that I traveled along. The precipitation varied from a gentle shower to driving, heavy rain. The Ranger took it in its stripe, only getting a little flighty when ponding through large puddles. She also moves around on those baggy tyres, but then they really helped on the patchy surface and potholes.
Considering the atrocious weather today, there was nothing else to do but get in a car and go for a drive. Too wet for the garage queens, so the Ranger it was. The wonderful Table Manners Podcast playing on the radio.
There is a hill not long after the above photos that tests even the most stout of engines. Needless to say, the Ranger at full throttle in 2nd gear struggled significantly. :lol
The photos don't do the landscape justice, the greenery is simply beautiful.
Now compare that to photos taken in the same location nearly 8 months ago at the start of summer...................
The roads couldn't have been wetter today, with plenty of pooled puddles caught in the farmland roads that I traveled along. The precipitation varied from a gentle shower to driving, heavy rain. The Ranger took it in its stripe, only getting a little flighty when ponding through large puddles. She also moves around on those baggy tyres, but then they really helped on the patchy surface and potholes.
Karl_in_Chicago
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- Jun 9, 2007
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DFB
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I noticed late last week that my original CTEK MXS 3.6 wasn't actually charging the battery it was connected to, the Mustang. I have two chargers, this and a newer MXS 5.0. I connected the new one to the Mustang and it began charging, then pulse cycling as they are designed to do rather than a continuous trickle. The old one wasn't doing this, so I guess it was time for replacement. Looking at my records, I bought this charger in November 2011, so I've had a decent run out of it.
I briefly entertained a switch to a different brand but quickly ruled that out as I already have whip lines fitted to each battery. These quick connect lines eliminate the need for the standard alligator clips, which I'm not a fan of as in some cases it doesn't provide a properly secure grip. The fittings also mean a single connection to the battery, not two separate attachments.
Standard alligator clips..................
At the moment, Amazon has the cheapest price for the MXS 5.0 by a considerable margin, free shipping as well. You can also get them from eBay, but Amazon have a much easier process to follow should a return be needed. Quite often, CTEK will be on sale at the likes of Repco and Autobarn, but I'm impatient and wanted one NOW. Ordered on Sunday night, here Tuesday morning. I paid less for this newer/better version than I did for the original one in 2011.
To be truthful, the old MXS 3.6 had been playing up for a while. After hooking it up, I had to "massage" the mode button to get it to select the correct setting, sometimes it would work instantly, other times it needed quite a number of attempts. The newer MXS 5.0 will automatically select the correct mode setting.
CTEK are probably overpriced for what they are, but I've stuck with the brand as it simplifies a process that I don't like dealing with, for some reason I get anxious working with batteries.
I briefly entertained a switch to a different brand but quickly ruled that out as I already have whip lines fitted to each battery. These quick connect lines eliminate the need for the standard alligator clips, which I'm not a fan of as in some cases it doesn't provide a properly secure grip. The fittings also mean a single connection to the battery, not two separate attachments.
Standard alligator clips..................
At the moment, Amazon has the cheapest price for the MXS 5.0 by a considerable margin, free shipping as well. You can also get them from eBay, but Amazon have a much easier process to follow should a return be needed. Quite often, CTEK will be on sale at the likes of Repco and Autobarn, but I'm impatient and wanted one NOW. Ordered on Sunday night, here Tuesday morning. I paid less for this newer/better version than I did for the original one in 2011.
CTEK MXS 5.0, Battery Charger 12V with Built in Temperature Compensation, Motorcycle and Car Charger, Smart Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer with Reconditioning Mode and Dedicated AGM Mode : Amazon.com.au: Automotive
CTEK MXS 5.0, Battery Charger 12V with Built in Temperature Compensation, Motorcycle and Car Charger, Smart Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer with Reconditioning Mode and Dedicated AGM Mode : Amazon.com.au: Automotive
www.amazon.com.au
To be truthful, the old MXS 3.6 had been playing up for a while. After hooking it up, I had to "massage" the mode button to get it to select the correct setting, sometimes it would work instantly, other times it needed quite a number of attempts. The newer MXS 5.0 will automatically select the correct mode setting.
CTEK are probably overpriced for what they are, but I've stuck with the brand as it simplifies a process that I don't like dealing with, for some reason I get anxious working with batteries.
DFB
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I've known about the FEYNLAB brand for a quite a while now. However, because they are heavily focused on ceramic coatings, I never really looked into the brand other than to see what they offer. What I didn't realize until now was how FEYNLAB were a pioneer in the ceramic coating industry, producing a range of coatings for automotive, marine, and aerospace, as well as the supporting maintenance products. Originally for professional use only, the brand has moved beyond that and now sells into the enthusiast market.
Researching this post, I came the following quotes -
Take note of the bolded part in the next quote................................
With the amount of trash-talk that is going on in the detailing circle at the moment regarding who makes their own products, and who simply white labels someone else's, I think this says a lot..................
Which leads me to FEYNLAB Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. Considering how much of a pioneer the brand has been, it's rather odd that this new product should be given such an unimaginative name..................how many other brands use the term "hybrid ceramic", in fact it makes me think of a whole range of products from Turtle Wax and Meguiar's and not of a high-end professional brand.
As with any of these detail sprays, I'm generally using these as a post wash drying aid topper. While the brand claims 3-months durability, I really have no interest in that when it comes to drying aids and toppers. Instead, I'm looking for ease of use, slickness and gloss..............in that order. And this product delivers!
First, the ease of use is off the scale. FEYNLAB put an emphasis on reducing the possibility of streaking, and in that regard, they nailed it. Applied heavy or light, it doesn't really matter, the product simply flashes away with the wipe of a towel. The only other product that flashes away so easily would be ADS Amplify, but this is even better. That means less towel work.
The gloss and slickness are there too, but probably not as class leading as the ease-of-use factor. I'd say Amplify has a slight advantage here, and products such as Bead Maker, Megs HCD or one of the Slipstream derivatives are slicker and glossier again. So, what do you prefer? Ease of use, or the highest possible gloss and slickness? I'll let you decide.
Despite appearances, the XR6 needs to be polished at some point in the near future. I last corrected the vehicle at the end of December 2020, so I guess its time for a refresh. I probably need to invest in a paint thickness gauge at some point as well, especially for the XR6 as it's been polished many times over its 17-year life and I'm worrying about how much grace I have left.
Researching this post, I came the following quotes -
Take note of the bolded part in the next quote................................
With the amount of trash-talk that is going on in the detailing circle at the moment regarding who makes their own products, and who simply white labels someone else's, I think this says a lot..................
Which leads me to FEYNLAB Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. Considering how much of a pioneer the brand has been, it's rather odd that this new product should be given such an unimaginative name..................how many other brands use the term "hybrid ceramic", in fact it makes me think of a whole range of products from Turtle Wax and Meguiar's and not of a high-end professional brand.
As with any of these detail sprays, I'm generally using these as a post wash drying aid topper. While the brand claims 3-months durability, I really have no interest in that when it comes to drying aids and toppers. Instead, I'm looking for ease of use, slickness and gloss..............in that order. And this product delivers!
First, the ease of use is off the scale. FEYNLAB put an emphasis on reducing the possibility of streaking, and in that regard, they nailed it. Applied heavy or light, it doesn't really matter, the product simply flashes away with the wipe of a towel. The only other product that flashes away so easily would be ADS Amplify, but this is even better. That means less towel work.
The gloss and slickness are there too, but probably not as class leading as the ease-of-use factor. I'd say Amplify has a slight advantage here, and products such as Bead Maker, Megs HCD or one of the Slipstream derivatives are slicker and glossier again. So, what do you prefer? Ease of use, or the highest possible gloss and slickness? I'll let you decide.
Despite appearances, the XR6 needs to be polished at some point in the near future. I last corrected the vehicle at the end of December 2020, so I guess its time for a refresh. I probably need to invest in a paint thickness gauge at some point as well, especially for the XR6 as it's been polished many times over its 17-year life and I'm worrying about how much grace I have left.
DFB
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As part of my testing today, I ran the FEYNLAB back-to-back with Amplify and OG Drying Aid. The FEYNLAB is much easy to work with, but the OG Drying Aid produced a slicker finish, with Amplify not far behind. The OG DA also has that wax-like warmth, whereas the other two are brighter/glassier.
Just keep in mind that the differences between these three are minute, all produce a nice result and user experience.
Big Dave
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- Jan 7, 2018
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I've been playing eenie meenie miney moe with all these ceramic detailers for the last couple of months. I mean, I must have gone online and looked at Amplify 10 times in the last couple of months, looking at what else I could get from DS to offset the freight cost, but I never found anything I really needed. Then Meg's HCD went on special and made the decision easy, no freight, no waiting.
But I will get Amplify next, or maybe Feynlab HCD, I might have to toss a coin.
But I am happy with Meg's HCD, I'm thinking of trying it out on my shower screen next, I have been using Ech2o on it for a while.
But I will get Amplify next, or maybe Feynlab HCD, I might have to toss a coin.
But I am happy with Meg's HCD, I'm thinking of trying it out on my shower screen next, I have been using Ech2o on it for a while.
Klasse Act
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- Feb 21, 2012
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Beadcoat will need to hit the gym before the fightCollinite Beadcoat vs FEYNLAB HCD by DFB coming soon....
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
DFB
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Got the chance to try out some new Koch Chemie products today, all but the Perfect Finish Sealant was used on the Ranger.
After cleaning the wheels and tyres, the first of these products I grabbed was WG Wet Gloss. This is a water activated spray and rinse touch-less sealant, basically Koch Chemie's take on Carpro Hydr02, Gyeon Wet Coat and ADS Beads. Unlike those competitors, Wet Gloss has a slight fragrance to it.
Application is the same, apply to a clean but still wet surface, then rinse immediately. Now, these wheels are coated so the before and after wasn't dramatic, in this case it's about maintaining that coating. For un-coated wheels, this product improves gloss and slickness, while also adding hydrophobic properties to help with drying. A quick and easy way to add protection and enhance your wheels without having to do an intensive wheels off detail. I also like to use these products for plastic wheel arch liners.
Next, SCF Spotless Ceramic Finish, which is a different take on a water-spot and limescale remover. Where most products in this category are acidic to dissolve mineral deposits that cause water-spots, SCF is actually pH neutral. Now, results from water-spot removers can be hit and miss, but from what I had been told, SCF is one of the most effective yet.
In this case, I used SCF to remove a few light water-spots on the roof, probably created when I had parked the car outdoors for a week. When sprayed onto a clean surface, you then allow SCF to briefly dwell, then wipe with a towel. From here, KCx suggest rinsing with water to remove any residue. Pleasingly, SCF did the trick on those water-spots. Amazingly, it also removed some stubborn water spots from my stainless-steel sink and chromed tap.
After cleaning the interior, the finishing touch was a spritz of Fruit Fusion scent. Nothing revolutionary here, although I've found these last a little longer than some, as in not just an hour. Fruity Fusion joins the Cozy Cotton I got last week.
Lucky I didn't have those bottles around the other way! I wonder if the Germans realize what they are putting on some of their product labels?
I also continued using FEYNLAB Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, which was called on for drying aid duties.
Finishing things off, I grabbed an old favorite for the tyres, NV Onyx.
After cleaning the wheels and tyres, the first of these products I grabbed was WG Wet Gloss. This is a water activated spray and rinse touch-less sealant, basically Koch Chemie's take on Carpro Hydr02, Gyeon Wet Coat and ADS Beads. Unlike those competitors, Wet Gloss has a slight fragrance to it.
Application is the same, apply to a clean but still wet surface, then rinse immediately. Now, these wheels are coated so the before and after wasn't dramatic, in this case it's about maintaining that coating. For un-coated wheels, this product improves gloss and slickness, while also adding hydrophobic properties to help with drying. A quick and easy way to add protection and enhance your wheels without having to do an intensive wheels off detail. I also like to use these products for plastic wheel arch liners.
Next, SCF Spotless Ceramic Finish, which is a different take on a water-spot and limescale remover. Where most products in this category are acidic to dissolve mineral deposits that cause water-spots, SCF is actually pH neutral. Now, results from water-spot removers can be hit and miss, but from what I had been told, SCF is one of the most effective yet.
In this case, I used SCF to remove a few light water-spots on the roof, probably created when I had parked the car outdoors for a week. When sprayed onto a clean surface, you then allow SCF to briefly dwell, then wipe with a towel. From here, KCx suggest rinsing with water to remove any residue. Pleasingly, SCF did the trick on those water-spots. Amazingly, it also removed some stubborn water spots from my stainless-steel sink and chromed tap.
After cleaning the interior, the finishing touch was a spritz of Fruit Fusion scent. Nothing revolutionary here, although I've found these last a little longer than some, as in not just an hour. Fruity Fusion joins the Cozy Cotton I got last week.
Lucky I didn't have those bottles around the other way! I wonder if the Germans realize what they are putting on some of their product labels?
I also continued using FEYNLAB Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, which was called on for drying aid duties.
Finishing things off, I grabbed an old favorite for the tyres, NV Onyx.