Detailing Beginner - some good advice required.

[MrBounce]

In about 6 weeks time I should be getting a 4-5 year old Bora and want to keep it looking good. I have never been into cleaning cars at all (always got someone else to do it  ) but have been reading this section with interest and am very impressed with the results people get. My current house does not have a hosepipe so I will be using the 2 bucket method. I don't want to spend silly amounts of money on products as I'm just gonna be cleaning my car, not starting a business! I'd like to know a good list of products that won't break the bank. And how often should I clean the car? I'll only be using it for SD&P & not commuting.

The Bora will have leather interior 

What are people's recommendations??

Thanks in advance 

[johnson6672]

Go to halfords, they got 3 for 2 on, i have always used autoglym, there wash and the red polish is good.

[Uruk Hai]

Have a look round this forum http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/index.php

[Guy]

right Dave

i think you will find all the information you want here and you don't have to stick to AG from halfords. in fact the reason I got into car cleaning was because I wasn't getting results with AG products.

what is your budget?

you will need.

2 buckets
1 wash mitt
1 drying waffle
1 watering can (as you don't have a hose use this instead - saves you just chucking buckets of water about)

chemical wise you will need the following

a decent car shampoo - bilt hamber car shampoo is excellent and lasts for ages... it is much more cost effective than AG
clay - sonus green is ok... but you could opt for the megs pack as that has some quick detailer & a microfibre included
a decent polish... AG SRP is the favour of the masses, but I prefer dodo juice lime prime, it is very good
a wax - collinite 915 represents very good shine and protection for the money

your first process on the bora will be

2bw
clay
2bw
dry
polish
wax
wax

the following week it will be

thorough 2bw
wax

for the following 3 months (or until it stops beading) it will be just a 2bw

for the interior - using a product like gliptone leather cleaner/protector will help... also get a cheap wire brush to agitate the carpet as you vacuum it

something like meguiars all purpose cleaner means you can wash and clean your interior fabrics and dash with a trigger spray

waxamomo should be able to help build a nice little package for you and they give discount! 

[waxamomo]

Yep as Guy has already you need a budget to work too. Here is what i'd go for:

2 Buckets, ideally with Grit Guards - These are quite an expensive purchase but worth every penny in my eyes.

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=43&idcategory=3

A decent Wash Mit - This is a Meg's one that last a good while

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=41&idcategory=3

Shampoo - You can go for what ever takes your fancy from the following page

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=3

Drying Towel - These are new in and probably the best drying towel I have ever used.

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=256&idcategory=16

Clay - The Meg's Kit has everything you need.

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=115&idcategory=4

Polish - I like the Dodo Juice Lime Prime as Guy mentioned.

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=184&idcategory=19

Wax - Well again this is just down to what takes your fancy. Any one of the following waxes will be fine

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=9

And then when you get the detailing bug you will be buying different waxes just to try, more microfibre cloths than you know what to do with, spray sealants because you can, and enough clay to last you a lifetime 

If you want to place an order, let me know and i'll see what I can do with the price 

[johnson6672]

The only reasone i said AG is cause he said he didn't want to spend a fortune, however after looking at some other stuff about i think i would say go for some different stuff.

[Guy]

The only reasone i said AG is cause he said he didn't want to spend a fortune, however after looking at some other stuff about i think i would say go for some different stuff.

AG is all most people know and they think it is good... it doesn't represent good value for money wrt the length of time they last and the quality of the products

[waxamomo]

I agree, the AG stuff in Halfords can be a good cheap way of getting your car clean. I still use some AG products  

[A7 UFO]

I've always pointed and laughed at people that do more than a shampoo and single coat of wax.  Now looking at it for the fist time it is baffling.

I have one sponge that the mice have got at, a chami that is about 5 years old and the same AG shampoo and wax for years. 

Waxamomo, if you were to offer a deal incorporating mitt, towels and the best shampoo, polish, wax and clay combo I would be interested.  I already have two buckets.

[waxamomo]

No problem, i'll sort you out a good deal