MB The Body

Alright here it goes...

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<b>The Basket</b>:

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/basket.jpg">

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<b>Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash</b>:

This car wash soap makes you feel like the washing mitt is literally going to fall off of your hand and "slip" off the car. This stuff is great and it leaves the car shining like never before!

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/nxt_wash.jpg">

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<b>Pinnacle Microfiber Mitt</b>:

Every time I decide to buy a new mitt, the most recent old mitt is recycled to become the new rim/tire/exhaust mitt.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/pinnacle_mitt.jpg">

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<b>Water Sprite Plus</b>: (Synthetic Chamois)

Pretty straight forward here. The Water Sprite has held up very well and is able to pull a lot of water with it as it goes. Makes drying the car off very quick and easy and does so without streaking and leaving water spots behind.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/water_sprite.jpg">

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<b>Pinnacle Poly-Clay Clay Bar</b> and <b>Pinnacle Clay Lubricant</B>:

The next step is to clay bar the car if necessary. When using the clay bar, I will re-wash that section of the car after and re-dry the car. Some have stated that there are other clay's out there that are better (and cheaper), and I have experienced some of the concerns they had with the Pinnacle Clay. Main complaint being that it's a little too soft and easily falls apart. I really don't have a need to use the clay bar often enough to buy another. The Pinnacle Clay Bar set came with 3 pieces of clay, so when I finish them up I guess I will give another product a shot.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/clay_bar.gif"> <img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/clay_lube.jpg">

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<B>Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion</B>:

To remove any excess wax from the last application or any blemishes, restore paint condition, etc. There are better (more aggressive) products on the market, but this came with my Pinnacle Souveran Kit so I continue to use it. I have rarely come across a situation where this wasn't enough to pull a blemish off the paint such as: water spors, tree sap, etc.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/paint_cleanse.jpg">

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<b>Klasse Red Bottle "AIO" All-in-One</B>:

To bring out a deep and brilliant shine. Really makes a dark car look great. This product makes the use of a paint cleanser a little redundant, as it has a cleaner in it and is almost always enough for my needs.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/klasse.jpg">

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<B>Meguiar's NXT Generation Liquid Tech Wax</b>:

I use this as my first coat of wax. It actually has a decent ability at filling in and "leveling" off the paint/clear coat, which in turns helps to minimize swirls and other blemishes from appearing. Quick application and quick removal makes it very easy to work with.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/nxt_wax.jpg">

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<b>S100 Carnuba Paste Wax</b>:

I seal my work in with this wax. The S100 replaces the Pinnacle Souveran Wax I was previously using and it essentially leaves the car looking just as nice while it's easier to take off, leaves less dust and residue behind, and lasts longer, so it's a win-win situation all around and it's very fairly priced as well. <b>Hint</b>: S100 is P21S for less money because it's branded for motorcycles, however it's the same product

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/s100.gif">

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<b>Detailers Pride Gloss Tire Gel</B>:

Again a straight forward product, but I have liked this more than the multiple products I have tried before it. I apply the Tire Gel to an applicator pad and then apply 2 coats evenly to each tire.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/dp_tire.jpg">

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<b>Michelin Brake Dust Repellent</b>:

To help combat the rear brake dust issues our cars have I gave the Michelin Brake Dust Repellent a shot and while nothing is perfect I have noticed it at least helps a little bit. Application is pretty straight forward. You spray it on the rims, count to 15 or so (until it <i>fizzles</i> and then wipe off). This product is no permanent help as it only helps me to get the next weekend. I will still likely go for a brake pad this gives off little to no dust next time around.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/michelin_brake.jpg">

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<b>Stoner Invisible Glass</B>:

Leaves the windows perfectly clear without a greasy residue, all the while its tint safe!

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/invisible_glass.jpg">

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<b>Detailer's Pride Total Interior Cleaner</b>:

With Beige Leather interior I find its always incredibly dirty, and this stuff is simply amazing! It works on the dash, seats, headliner, and floormats. However, I don't touch any of the black "soft touch" material with any cleaning product.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/dp_interior.jpg">

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<b>Wolfgang Leather Care Conditioner</b>:

After cleaning the seats I follow up with the conditioner. Note: I apply the conditioner by hand, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off. This application method helps to not waste the leather conditioner and hey I can treat my car like my face if I want too

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/leather_conditioner.jpg">

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<b>Detailer's Pride Waterless Auto Wash</b>:

For situations where I have gone on a road trip and I don't want to do a full wash, but I want to get the bugs off the front end the Waterless Auto Wash and a microfiber towel come in handy.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/dp_waterless.jpg">

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<B>Pinnacle Crystal Mist Spray Wax</B>:

This is a nice product to use to restore the wax finish in between waxings and just a simple wash.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/pinnacle_mist.jpg">

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<b>Key Points</b>:

Make sure your mitt does not hit the ground and if it does make sure it has nothing on it before you use it on the car. I always examine the mitt before using it even though it never leaves the bucket when not in use. Same goes for the clay bar, but if that hits the ground it's time to throw it out and get a new one rather than trying to save it. I have also learned that my car comes out much better if I am constantly keeping it wet throughout the washing process. I start first with my rims, because those can take time to get in the grooves. After that I move to the top of the car and work my way down and like I said I am always trying to keep the car wet. The other products are fairly straight forward in their application process.

I bought a 20 pack of great, soft microfiber towels from Costco for like $8 and I use those to do the windows, interior, and remove the brake-dust repellent. I have Pinnacle microfiber towels that came with the Pinnacle Souveran kit and use those to remove the Paint Cleanser, Klasse, NXT Wax, and S100 Wax.

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<b>Where to Buy</b>:

I go to a store in Boca Raton called The Driver's Seat to buy all of the supplies I use that aren't otherwise available at Walmart, AutoZone, PepBoys, or Advanced Auto Parts. They have been very helpful over the years and I am always glad to recommend people to them. They also have a store in Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach. For those of you out of state they have a website as well. However, the owner of the store is different than the owner of the website, so I always buy in person because I like the store! Anyway here is the site: <a href="http://www.superiorcarcare.net/index.html">Superior Car Care</a>.

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/driver_seat.jpg">

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<b>The Wish List</b>:

Of course the number one thing on the wish list is a Porter Cable buffer (not sure yet which one). Unfortunately the money I had ready to purchase the buffer and pads went to the new In.Pro. Mirrors, so I'm gonna have to save up some money for the buffer one of these days. Also on the wish list will be a Swirl Remover + Polish (likely Menzerna), but not until I have the buffer as I likely can't get anywhere regarding swirls when working by hand.

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<b>The Results</b>: (besides forecasted rain)

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/dscn1806.jpg">

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/Detail/dscn3373_wide.jpg">

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<b>Disclaimer</b>:

I am not a professional detailer by any means and I am still learning as I go. If you think there is something I should do differently I am very open to picking up new products as I like to keep my car looking as nice as possible, which is difficult for a black car sometimes! I have been very pleased though with the results of these products plus a little energy and effort on the weekend

Don fvcking Juan

my only fear with buying MF towels or applicators at a store like Walmart is that they may only be MF in name. The same way towels can be listed as being composed of 100% cotton and then not be. Have you used them with no adverse effects in the past (i.e. no swirls or scratches)?

shadyraven

damn... your methods would put me in the poor house!

MB The Body

i still mainly use the 2 microfibers than came with the pinnacle souveran kit

the ones i got from walmart i use on the interior with leather cleaner and the windows

so i don't wanna say for sure as you're pointing out that they are "top notch" towels... because i don't use them on the paint

and yeah the stoners invisible glass is great... i just switched to it. i used to use plexus which left greasy streaks pretty much on the windows... but the stoners doensn't leave a mark at all other than perfectly clear and clean windows !

Slow Sport Sedan

I thought he was refering to how "concentrated and perfectionists" stoners are lol

MB The Body

streak free perfect windows...

im not sure i 100% trust the microfibers on the paint ... however they seem to be good and no different that any "expensive" microfiber towels

just as stoners invisible glass was 9.99 a can at the store i linked for the rest of the stuff
it was 3 bucks at walmart

its not a given walmart stuff won't be good in anyway

just that my pinnacle souveran kit came with 2 microfiber towels in it so i use thouse alongside the wax products

and bought the separate "extra" microfibers from walmart for the windows specifically

hehateme

Ha ha, true, I have around 300 bucks worth of detailing stuff.

MB The Body

its so hard to keep the black looking good

Slow Sport Sedan

i knew..i just found it funny first time through until i realized it was the brand lol

Slow Sport Sedan

You live in Boca right? I live in parkland, we should meet up before school starts..