Do it myself or leave it to professionals?

OOOh, that seems like so long to wait! But I can do it! I just love a sale!
 
CEE DOG said:
Welcome! I saw a lot of good advice already. I see your name is Maxima Mom which makes me ask the question how much time you have on your hands. If you have some time then absolutely go for it! You already have the interest!
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THE best advice given here so far!
 
I just realized the Mom part may be a blessing in disguise. You can easily train a child to use a PC. Then you can sit back and enjoy your shiny ride. Just make sure you inspect their work and make them redo any spots they missed. They will try to get over on ya.
 
Porsche Pilot said:
I just realized the Mom part may be a blessing in disguise. You can easily train a child to use a PC. Then you can sit back and enjoy your shiny ride. Just make sure you inspect their work and make them redo any spots they missed. They will try to get over on ya.
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Now that's the best advice I have received yet!:iagree: We have two lazy teenagers...one who is expecting a free ride through college next year and beyond! We can make her earn that tuition!!!!! The 2004 Mazda belongs to her after all. She can practice on that one and perfect her skills on our cars. I LIKE IT!!!!!!
 
I too live in Philadelphia,and a few years ago I used to take my car to a local detail shop that has been in business since I was a kid after they did my car the last time (with my own zymol)I looked at it and thought I can do just as good of a job,if not better.I googled auto detailing and eventually ended up here.Ive been doing my own car/limo ever since,you just have to take your time and work at your own pace you not going to be able to do everything at once and know your limitations.Theres nothing like the self satisfaction of know you made that shining car glow.:buffing:

Ive also noticed most of the car washes that do quick details use Ardex and have wondered how good that stuff is or is it just a product to keep you coming back after the same car wash swirls up your car.
 
Ok this is Maxima "Dad" again....with another newbie question...do we need a separate set of products or applicators for the black plastic parts of the car like the front and rear bumper covers? Related to this question is the max has pin stripes on her so I presume you can't go over those with the DA polisher?
Help set me straight you have all been great so far!

On the lighter side, I now realize that these detailing products are going to cost me $10,000.00 dollars ....$500 for detailing supplies and $9,500.00 to re-do my garage so I have some place nice to use all these amazing products!....hmmm lights, rubber floor mats....shelving....LCD TV.....stereo.....arr arr arr!!:laughing:
 
Maxima Mom said:
Ok this is Maxima "Dad" again....with another newbie question...do we need a separate set of products or applicators for the black plastic parts of the car like the front and rear bumper covers? Related to this question is the max has pin stripes on her so I presume you can't go over those with the DA polisher?
Help set me straight you have all been great so far!
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For black plastic parts like bumpers you'll need a trim dressing like Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant or equivalent. You can also get the Forever Black Trim Restorer Kit for a more permanent/ longer lasting solution.

Secondly, avoid going over pin stripes with the polisher, you'll run the risk of removing them. I'd tape around them.
 
I've been collecting detailing supplies for quite a while now, and if I had to start from scratch with the knowledge I have now, I'd probably purchase a kit that looks something like the following:

Griot's Garage 6-inch Random Orbital Polisher ------------------------------- $129.99

Wofgang Duo (16oz Bottles.) Includes TSR 3.0 and Finishing Glaze 3.0------ $59.99
Meguiar's M105/ M205 (32oz Bottles.)------------------------------------------ $51.98
Meguiar' Ultimate Compound and SwirlX (15.2oz Bottles.)---------------------$14.98

Grit Guard Insert (2 pack.)------------------------------------------------------ $17.99

Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel (3 pack)-------------------------- $6.99
I would at least purchase 4 packs for a total of twelve towels.

Lake Country's 5.5-inch Flat pads (3 Pack)------------------------------------$17.99
You'll at the very least need orange pads, white pads, and black pads. Get three of each.

Those are just some basics. The products I have listed were chosen for multiple reasons. I tried to account for cost, reliability, ease of use, and overall performance. They are products that I have personally used and would recommend to friends and family.

The GG polisher is a great tool with more than enough power to tackle most jobs. The lifetime warranty is also nice. I would couple it with the LC 5.5-inch pads to obtain excellent results. Smaller pads work best with a DA.

Grit Guards are a must have to maintain your results after polishing. All you'll need to add is two buckets, a quality wash media and wash solution of your choosing. Also get a good quality WW towel or Chamois.

Good quality microfibers like the Supreme Shines are a must to prevent scratching your finish. SS MFs provide a great performance to cost ratio.

The above polishes all work well with a DA, and all would be excellent choices. The biggest factor here would be cost. With good technique, all three selections can create stellar results. Just note that some will achieve results a bit quicker. You don't need all three, I just wanted to give you some options.
:dblthumb2:

You'll be looking at around 500 dollars worth of products.
 
Maxima Mom said:
Ok this is Maxima "Dad" again....with another newbie question...do we need a separate set of products or applicators for the black plastic parts of the car like the front and rear bumper covers? Related to this question is the max has pin stripes on her so I presume you can't go over those with the DA polisher?
Help set me straight you have all been great so far!

On the lighter side, I now realize that these detailing products are going to cost me $10,000.00 dollars ....$500 for detailing supplies and $9,500.00 to re-do my garage so I have some place nice to use all these amazing products!....hmmm lights, rubber floor mats....shelving....LCD TV.....stereo.....arr arr arr!!:laughing:
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Not sure what you mean when asking about the bumpers. I would guess you are asking about the painted plastic bumpers. If so, you can use the same products you use on the painted metal panels.

If you are truly talking about plastic trim bits, then for the exterior I like Poorboys Trim Restorer and 303 Aerospace protectant. For the interior I like 1Z gummi pfledge and 303.

Hope that helps.

If you want some serious garage envy, check out Dubbin1's (Dwayne's)! http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/25269-new-shop-getting-somewhere.html
 
mchess1 said:
Not sure what you mean when asking about the bumpers. I would guess you are asking about the painted plastic bumpers. If so, you can use the same products you use on the painted metal panels.

If you are truly talking about plastic trim bits, then for the exterior I like Poorboys Trim Restorer and 303 Aerospace protectant. For the interior I like 1Z gummi pfledge and 303.

Hope that helps.

If you want some serious garage envy, check out Dubbin1's (Dwayne's)! http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/25269-new-shop-getting-somewhere.html
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Jon thanks, yes I should have been clearer on the "plastic parts" I was referring to the painted bumper covers, not necessarily the plastic trim bits, but your answer was perfect and much appreciated!...I definitely need the trim restorer for my ML55 AMG!
 
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