Newbie saying hello

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Nullable

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Hi all,

Hope you all had a nice weekend, I'm sure most of you were glued to you cars =]

It's been a pleasure reading through the forums and watching the videos here on AG, and seeing the passion that you all have for auto detailing. I am pleased to of been recommended here.

While I am at it, I want to thank Mike Phillips for his well written e-book "The Art Of Detailing". I knew absolutely nothing about auto detailing, after reading this I think have a good grasp on the tools and effort required.

So, why am I here?... Well I just bought myself a car, and to me it's a nice car that I would like to keep clean. So far I have cleaned it each week (for 3 weeks) and I have just been using your typical car wash solution, which I dilute in water. The results are OK, but I can do better.

I would like to stick to weekly washes. The car has swirls, one or two minor scratches, and there is some pen on the interior leather. I am very confused about my first purchase, here's my thought process written out (as best as possible):

- PC or Flex??
- MasterBlower or Not???
- AIO or ???
- Rinseless ONR or Not???

I would like to keep my first order under $1000. I need everything from buckets to brushes for interior and exterior. I don't necessarily need to address the minor scratches at this point (they really are minor). Time is a big factor for me, as much as I enjoy cleaning the car - I will be doing a wash weekly under the California sun, I don't have a shady area to protect from the sun. Every month or two I will probably polish and give it a good detailing.

I like the sound of the Flex because it sounds like a time saver, as with the MasterBlower. I have been trying to find out if anyone has had success drying with the 4hp Vac'n'blo. The ONR solutions seem reputable. They seem like they save money more so than time.

Anyway, excuse my unclear and vague questions. I am thinking out loud more than anything. I just wanted to say hi. If you happen to have any useful feedback for a newbie like me, please do share. I'm sure most of you started out with nothing but erudition at one point.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
 
Welcome to AGO!!

Are you planning on taking on customers? Assuming not or not for a while:

- I'd go PC or Griot's. Not that Flex is bad (it is not) - just expensive.
- I love my MetroVac MasterBlaster. If your car is black/dark with soft paint, highly recommended.
- Depends on how much time you want to spend. If you go that way, BF TPnS and Megs D151 are awesome.
- BF WD Rinseless and CG HFEW are my current favs.
 
Welcome!

You might want to invest in a canopy. Maybe you will want to use rinseless wash media.
 
Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:




Nullable said:
Anyway, excuse my unclear and vague questions. I am thinking out loud more than anything. I just wanted to say hi. If you happen to have any useful feedback for a newbie like me, please do share. I'm sure most of you started out with nothing but erudition at one point.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Click to expand...


We certainly all started out in the same place and that's knowing nothing...

I think it's fair to say that the majority of people on this forum are always willing to help others just like we were all helped at one point in our detailing journey...


If you reply to the below thread I add you to the list... makes talking to one another easier...

Roll Call - What's your real first name?


:xyxthumbs:
 
Thanks everyone.

Michael... great advice, thanks. I think I'll go with the PC. It's just going to be for my baby. Maybe, one or two family cars here and there. It is black so I will probably get the MasterBlower too, though I still might consider the 4hp Vac n Blo.

Wayne, I actually considered this. I saw one at sport chalet 10' on sale for $100. One of the quick setup ones too (which I suppose most are nowadays). I will probably pick one up as I will be getting the 4hp van'n'blo.

Mike... roger that, I signed up.

Anyway, let's see if I can finally decide on my shopping cart. I'll likely be posting it up before I order, to make sure I haven't missed anything.

Thanks again everyone,

Kurt
 
:welcome:To Autogeek Online Kurt!

We all started exactly where you stand today....well except for Mike Phillips. Rumor has it that he was born with a polisher in one hand and a good product in the other! :laughing: Just kidding Mike!!

Many if not most of us here are either hobbyists or weekend warriors. There are a few here who detail as a livelihood and make a great living at it because they do terrific work and are priced reasonably.

Now, to answer your questions

- PC or Flex??
- MasterBlower or Not???
- AIO or ???
- Rinseless ONR or Not???

PC or Flex

The Flex 3401 is truly a great machine. I have both the Flex 3401 and the Porter Cable 7424 dual action polishers. I've had the Porter Cable 7424 for about 13 years now and it's still going strong. If I were to recommend a polisher for you it would be the Porter Cable 7424 for price, reliability, and ease of use.

Porter Cable 7424, backing plate, and pads


Working with a dual action polisher


Master Blower or Not


Master Blowers are a quality machine and their owners love them...except when the nozzle pops off and goes flying... They're rather expensive and if you want to save yourself a good chunk of change perhaps consider an inexpensive electric leaf blower.



3 years ago I bought this TroyBilt from Lowe;s for about $50.00 and it works great!!


Blower.jpg




Many of use have been using these type of units for years with great success so before you lay down some hard earned cash take a look at it...


All-In-One products


These products have come a long way through the years and you'll be shocked at how gorgeous the result can be achieved when using one...



Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes



Cleaner/Sealants


Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants

Rinseless ONR or Not???


Even though I was initially a skeptic, after trying a couple of rinseless washes I was impressed. I didn't replace my conventional soap and warm water wash but rather use these during the winter months or when I need something quick. I'm not implying that these are low quality because they're not at all. I much prefer the slippery soapy wash over them.....:props:
 
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