Detailing the Mk7 Golf GTI

[Booth11]

Like the sound of the C5.

Agree it doesn't take long to get used to a DA at all.  When I first got mine (Meguiars G220 v2), I did a practice run on my partner's van, to get used to it and because I was a bit scared of messing up on my car.  It was fine though.  The newer Kestrel power plus is more powerful but the Megs DA does the job well too. 

[seabrook132]

What pad and polish combos are you guys using?

Looking at the DAS6 Pro and my thinking at the min is to go with chemical guys hexlogic pads and sonus polishes, any recommendations? Will be using to correct the moderate swirling my car has and also to remove wet sanding marks when I get round to sorting my bumper scrape.

[Booth11]

I'm using Megs pads (normal size and spot pads) but fancy switching to CG Hex Logic pads next.  I use with Poorboys Super Swirl Remover which is available in varying cuts.  I've had my car from new and only ever 2 bucket hand washed so only have reasonably minor swirls.  SSR1 has been fine but you'd probably need SSR2 for anything other than light swirls.

Best to start with least abrasive pads and polish then step up pad/polish combo as required.  For moderate swirling/marring then a medium cutting pad and light/medium cut polish may yield better results.  Not used Sonus polish so can't comment.  Many on here swear by Autoglym Super Resin Polish. 

Loads of guides online such as this http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=63859

[seabrook132]

Cheers Rebecca

Yeah I've read loads of guides and advice on detailing world etc, just time to bite the bullet and get the wallet out really. Hearing good things about the hexlogic pads so will be interesting to see what they're like. Do you find having the smaller spot pads really useful?

I can imagine your car only ever needing the lightest swirl removal seeing the pics of it and how incredibly well you maintain it. Would prob be better with pics but my car has quite a bit of swirling from the previous owners wash practices plus a couple of areas of marring where something stubborn to remove has been scrubbed so will like you say probably require something with a bit more cut. Also once i touch up the front bumper scrape and a few chips and flat the paint back there will be sanding marks to remove.

So far then my shopping list looks like this:
DAS-6 Pro DA Polisher
http://http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/das-6-pro-dual-action-polisher/das-6-pro-dual-action-polisher/prod_673.html

Chemical Guys Orange Hex-Logic Pad
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/chemical-guys-hexlogic-pads/chemical-guys-orange-5-5-hex-logic-pad/prod_683.html

Chemical Guys White Hex-Logic Pad
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/chemical-guys-hexlogic-pads/chemical-guys-orange-5-5-hex-logic-pad/prod_683.html

Chemical Guys Black Hex-Logic Pad
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/chemical-guys-hexlogic-pads/chemical-guys-black-5-5-hex-logic-pad/prod_686.html

Menzerna Polish Sample Kit
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/menzerna-250ml/prod_220.html

3M 3434 Tape
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/3m-3434-masking-tape/prod_79.html

Plus a few other bits for the collection 

[Booth11]

Hi Dan

I do find the 4" spot pads very useful for bumpers and other fiddly contoured areas.  But as normal Megs pads are 7" they are better suited for the larger panels.  One of the reasons I want to switch to Hex pads is they are smaller at 5.5".  I already have the correct backing plate for that size, so just need the pads.  If your budget can stretch to it, I'd get spot pads too but you'll need the 3.5" backing plate as well, it all quickly adds up!

Looks like you've got all the basics covered with your choices, including the all important masking tape.  If you haven't already, I would consider adding panel wipe to remove all traces of polish prior to sealing / waxing.  Oh and maybe a decent sealant which you can top off with wax.  Hope you've got deep pockets 

[seabrook132]

Oh right I didn't realise that the Megs pads were that much bigger.

I'm already sorted for panel wipe as I have loads left from my C5 application. Got loads of LSPs to choose from too but gonna give the Sonax Xtreme BSD that everyone's raving about a go.

After doing some figures and what not here's the final shopping list:

DAS-6 Pro DA Polisher
3M 3434 Tape
CG Orange Hex-Logic 5.5" Pad
CG Green Hex-Logic 5.5" Pad
CG White Hex-Logic 5.5" Pad
Poorboys SSR2.5
Poorboys SSR2
Poorboys SSR1
CG Pad Conditioner
Meguiars Sanding Backing Pad
Meguiars 2000 and 3000 Grit Sheets
Sonax Xtreme Brilliant Shine Detailer
Dodo Juice Born To Be Mild
Zaino Z-16 Perfect Tire

£227.71 Good job it's pay day tomorrow

[Booth11]

Quite a list 

Let us know how you find the Zaino Z-16 and Sonax BSD.  I've still to find the perfect tyre dressing.  I recently started using Dodo Juice Red Mist Tropical quick detailer as an in-between waxes top up.  Must say I'm impressed with it.  I use it on top of wax to add extra gloss.  It's a wipe on, wipe off product but application takes a bit of practice as it has quite an oily consistency but it's worth it.

[seabrook132]

Haven't had the time or weather to try much out yet. Washed the car today in between rain showers and really liked Dodo Juice Born To Be Mild and the Basics Of Bling Wash Pad. Felt nice and slick and seemed to reduce waterspotting a lot compared to the Megs Gold Class I was using before. First attempt at Zaino Z-16 looked like this:




Really runny in consistency but applied easy enough with an Auto Finesse tyre and trim applicator. Only one layer put on for minimum gloss although instructions say you can add more layers for more shine. Personally like the new tyre look that just the one coat gives

[Booth11]

Really liking the look of the Zaino Dan 

Think you've sold me on it on the strength of the pics alone.  Let me know how long it lasts, and if you get much sling.  I sometimes use Blackfire total eclipse which gives a nice finish but find it slings a lot a lot 

DJ born to be mild is great shampoo, as is their supernatural shampoo.  I always have both in my supply cupboard, along with quite a lot of others.   Currently having a flirtation with Chemical Guys stuff - citrus wash n gloss, but bottle nearly finished and I'm quite fickle so I'll no doubt be seduced by something else when it's time to restock.  Hmm, feel a bit of an online detail shop is on the cards 

[KyleB]

What is "sling"? Seen a few people mention it on DW but can't figure out what it is. Is it when the tyre dressing runs?

PS. Both cars in here look very nice