Howdy from Texas

[AW82]

We've got two Hondas (a 2004 Accord sedan in Graphite Pearl and a 2009 CR-V in Alabaster Silver Metalic). I've generally ignored the exterior of the cars and have only been washing them a couple of times a year (oops!).

I joined the forum because I need to get my Accord in better shape, maintain the appearance of the CR-V, and all of the different procedures and products are making my head spin. The Accord is generally in good condition, though there are a few scratches and some clearcoat issues on the trunk lid (car had hail damage that was repaired at a traditional bodyshop [Service King] a couple of years ago...the repair has a warranty though).

I was thinking about taking pictures of the car and making a thread asking for recommended products and steps. Does this sound like a good idea? Should I do it here or the Ask the Expert section or elsewhere?

I'm not looking to win the concours...I want to figure out a fairly simple and straightforward process to get my car back in good shape.

Thanks!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:


If these are daily drivers, parked out side all or part of the day, (like when you're at work), then consider,

1. Washing
2. Claying
3. Machine apply a one-step cleaner/wax

See these threads...

Dodge Neon Extreme Makeover with Dodo Juice

KISS Detail - Extreme Makeover - Toyota Highlander <-----

 

[rbss]

:welcome:

 

[AW82]

Thanks for the links! These are daily drivers and the Accord lives outside (under a pecan tree which makes a mess in the spring). Luckily, my car is nowhere near as bad as either of those. Any advice if I choose do hand application instead of machine?

I am completely open to suggestions as to what will give me the best value, easiest application, and longest lasting protection. Based on surfing these forums, I've been thinking along these lines:
Wash: P21s Bodywork Shampoo
Wheels/Tires: P21s Wheel Gel
Claybar: Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit (already purchased)
Polish & Protectant: The Klasse AIO/Glaze kit sold by Autogeek
Finish: Collonite #845
Tire Dressing: Some Eagle One that I already have in the garage.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Any advice if I choose do hand application instead of machine?

Polish & Protectant: The Klasse AIO/Glaze kit sold by Autogeek

You can use the AIO by hand or machine but it's not going to offer a lot of defect removal ability, for that you really want to get a dedicated polish or even compound.

And working by machine will be faster and you'll get better results than working by hand...


Man versus Machine




Don't forget to swing by this thread... even though you posted your first name here, I'm compiling a list from the posts here...

Roll Call - What's your real first name?


:dblthumb2:

 

[dad07]

:welcome: you came to the right place to get those Hondas looking top notch!​

 

[cbsb]

Hiddy, fellow Texan.

Its a real friendly place here.

I've just started so not feed back results to give. Right now I'm trying products all over the map:

Wash: Duragloss (less expensive but said to have good results)
Wheels/Tires: Wolfgang kit (probably overkill for me, I bet)
Seats and carpet sealant: 303 High Tech Fabric Guard (help out when the kids spill gunk in the car)
Windows: Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner (I've used before - good stuff)
Exterior Trim: Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus (said not to run after a rain)
Claybar: Pinnacle Ultra kit (its a new car - wanted something gentle)
Sealant: Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant (said to be easy to apply and wipe off)
Wax: Collonite #845 (Said to be durable)

 

[AW82]

Thanks for the replies! I asked a similar question in the Auto Detailing 101 forum (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...3474-easy-long-lasting-good-value-detail.html) and based on those responses and more research, I decided to go with:

Wheels: P21s Gel
Wash: Duragloss 901
Claybar: Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Polish: P21s Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser
Wax: Collonite #845
Tire Dressing: Some Eagle One that I already have in the garage.
Free Sample: DP Krystal Vision Glass Cleaner

Everything arrived yesterday (along with a year's supply of styrofoam peanuts). Tomorrow morning I'm going to wash and clay (clay in the garage). If I get the clay done before my other saturday chores, I'll wash again. And if I really have enough time, I'll polish and wax the old gal.

 

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online, the hope of the detailing obsessed!! rops:

 

[Meghan]

:welcome: