Well, I'm going to be placing an ADS order to get a few things. I am using the Gold class soap right now, is there one that I should get that is better? I'm using the two-bucket hand wash method and it seems to be working pretty well. I also need a new wash mitt - how are the SM Arnold Lambswool? Basically, I need recommendations on the following items that I'm going to be buying:

Wash soap
Wash mitt
Drying towel
Leather cleaner/conditioner
Engine cleaner
Detailer for interior vinyl/plastic
Detailer for claying/in between washes
Wax (I like the NXT 2.0 a lot)
Clay Bar
Tire dressing


Anything else I need?

Any help is appreciated!

 

The gold class soap is probably the preferred soap by those that do not use a foam gun/cannon. As for the leather cleaner and conditioner, I've ordered the Meg's Aloe Leather Cleaner and Meg's Aloe Leather Conditioner. It's a two step process that I've been recommended by some of the OCD'ers here. A lot of members are also fans of Meg's Hyperdressing to dress plastic and rubber, including tires. You can buy a gallon of concentrate of it. Then make yourself a ratio of 1:1 to 4:1 for the appearance you're going for in a spray bottle and you're golden. The SM Arnolds wool wash mitts are a favorite here, however they were out of stock on ADS last I checked, maybe you'll have more luck with that. I bought Water Magnet drying towels, also from recommendations. They've been getting good reviews here. That's all I can recommend from my end, I'm sure others will pipe in shortly!

I get my order in tomorrow but I won't get to start on the truck until early saturday morning....I'm already getting giddy thinking about all the new stuff I get to play with!

 

I've only recently start experimenting with Meguiar's Professional Line products. Most of my experience has been with Tropi-Care, but there are plenty of guys on here that can offer more educated suggestions. Based off of the litte Meguiars experience that I have I would recommend:

Wash soap - I really like the Gold Class myself

Wash mitt - Last time I checked they didn't have any of the SM Arnold but I hear they are awesome. The concensus is that you should wait until they get more in.

Drying towel - My only experience is with Tropi-Care Waffle Weave towels. I don't know which would be better between the Water Magnet of the Soft Touch.

Leather cleaner/conditioner - Again, I've only used Tropi-Care and Lexol. A lot of guys seem to like the Gold Class Cleaner and Conditioner products.

Engine cleaner - All Purpose Cleaner

Detailer for interior vinyl/plastic - As far as Megs goes I really like the Gold Class wipes. I usually use Vinylex unless I'm just "touching up" the interior.

Detailer for claying/in between washes - I like the Ultimate Quick Detailer, but I'm going to try #34 next. Thumper really seems to like it...plus I like to buy in bulk sizes.

Wax (I like the NXT 2.0 a lot) - I used 2.0 for the first time Sunday and I also liked it. #26 is my favorite Megs wax, but then again I've never had the opportunity to try #16.

Clay Bar - I've always used Tropi-Care or the Meguiars Smooth Surface clay kit. I would really like to give the aggressive red and mild blue clay bars a shot.

Tire dressing - A lot of guys on here get great results with Hyper Dressing, which you'll want to get regardless. I can't get away from the Michelin tire spray.

Anything else I need? Don't skimp out on the MF Towels. You will use a lot more than you think during a detail. You may also want to get a number of Hi-Tech applicator pads and a Grit Gaurd if you don't already have one.

 

Hope this helps

 

Another really really great line after you have tried the megs products is the poorboys line! I have fell in love with that line..... They all smell great and are easy on and easy off products! But I will say nothing can touch megs HD IMHO for the trim.

 

Using the UQD as a clay lube is a waste - that stuff ain't cheap. I use regular old Megs QD with clay. I wax with NXT 2.0 so I use UQD after washing to help boost the polymer protection.

 

I agree. I still use distilled water with car wash soap. I know it requires a second wash, but it's what I'm used to.

 

I will answer in bold. I love ADS, but I will recommend my favorite, which is bought at more than one site.

 

My favorite soap by far is Duragloss 901. There are a lot of gold Class fans on here but I think DG901 is better. I picked up some really nice sheepskin mitts from Big Lots for $4. Better than the $12 ones I was buying elsewhere. Very thick and plush. I have a few sample packs of the Duragloss if anyone would like to try it out. I dont use soap much anymore. I use ONR unless my truck is really dirty and that is rare. My fave QD's right now are ONR diluted, Clearkote Quick Shine, FK425, Poorboys S&W and Duragloss Fast Clean & Shine

 

Answers in bold.



My favorite soap by far is DP Foam Gun Shampoo. It's got insane amounts of lubrication and suds. It's expensive though ...

 

Hmm - I think it's time for a trip over to Big Lots - my Walmart sheepskin mitt just self-destructed in the washing machine..........

 

Order the SM Arnold Lamb Wools. Trust me, they are amazing. Soon as you feel it and use it , you'll be in love !!

 

I completely agree. The Duragloss 901/902 is BY FAR the best OTC (Carquest only) shampoo that I've ever used (I've used Megs Gold Class as well as several of their "detailer" like shampoo's, and many others) The lubricity is fantastic, suds are plentiful, it cleans well without stripping the wax, and it smells great. I went through 2 small bottles of it before I splurged for the gallon container from Carquest. Also pick up a gallon of the Duragloss Aquawax while you're there. It costs about $30, but is excellent as a spray wax, and is great when used as a "wax as you dry" product.

 

I hear ya - but I just got back from Big Lots. If you pick through the rack, some of those Turtle mitts are really nice too. The quality looks to be VERY variable - I guess that's why they wound up at Big Lots. I found half a dozen that are nice and thick and plushy. Well worth 4 bucks a pop if you pick through them.

Big Lots has Megs QD in spray cans for 3 bucks and Megs Quik Wheel Detailer for 3.50 too. I didn't bother.

 

Yea you need to pick through the mitts at Big Lots. Some are very plush. It really is a nice wash mitt. I have about 4-5 and love them. They also have the NASCAR Tire Shine for $3. I've heard good things about it on Autopia but I have plenty of Hyper Dressing.