tsuinami

Sorry for the rapid fire posts but I wanted to make sure I get everything right the first time. I am looking on autogeek.com so that I can probably buy everything at once. I notice that for stuff like the 303 aerospace cleaner, the minimum size is 128 ounces. That sounds like overkill. Then for some things like the Klasse, the sizes go down to around 10 ounces. 10 ounces doesnt sound enough to cover the whole exterior of a car. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Also stuff like the Klasse SG doesnt seem to come with any applicators. What do I need to use to apply that?

halestorm0

No prob.

That's a lot of 303, but once you use it you'll probably not go back.

The Klasse products last forever. I've got the 16 oz. and I'm at 2 years maintaining three cars, with 2/3 of each left. I doubt you use an ounce to cover.

Microfiber applicators or towels will do the trick to apply.

I use these folks often. It may be worth a look:

http://www.properautocare.com/index.html

They've got a kit with both products and applicators and a smaller 303.

Ubetit

Not true. Autogeek has 8, 16, 32 and 128oz of 303 for sale.

http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html




Add one more vote to stay away from Gold Class. It's a decent cleaner wax but nothing more.

tsuinami

Thats the protector though....I was speaking of the cleaner when I said I only saw 128 ounces there

halestorm0

Scrap the 303 cleaner and save the $$$. Soap and water on the top, unless you have some specific issues.

tsuinami

No issues with that. You mean only the 303 convertible top cleaner right? Soap and water? like just the car wash im going to use on the exterior?

halestorm0

Yep. Wash the top like the rest of the car, unless there's some other strange or stubborn contaminating sustance that won't come off (I've never encountered one myself).

Then apply 303 Protectant, let it sit a little while, and finsh with a quick wipe of the top. Lasts 3-4 weeks or washes.

superjimbo

Some fantastic advice so far. Here's my list of essential car wash supplies that you can model your kit after if you choose:

1 x wool wash mitt
1 x carwash shampoo (as long as it's formulated for car paint, anything will work)
1x wheel brush
1 x waffle weave drying towel (big blue is highly recommended)
1 x bottle of 303 for interior and exterior vinyl and rubber
2 x pack of microfiber towels (they're so cheap nowadays and I usually go through at least five towels everytime I wash my car - get as many as you can)
1 x bottle of tire shine (find something that suits your taste)
1 x leather condition/leather cleaner
1 x car wash bucket
1 x stoner's glass cleaner
1 x klasse AIO
1 x quick detailer (I use meguiars)
4 x foam applicator ( I use these guys to apply klass AIO, tire shine, and 303)

Those are the essentials. Here are a few more items that aren't essential that I like:
1 x leafblower to dry the car ( I know, this one is WAY overboard but it works)
1 x rubber water blade (helps me dry the car quicker - be careful you don't get a rock stuck on the rubber and scratch your paint)
1 x automotive degrease (I mix it 50/50 with water and use it for cleaning the engine bay or any other bits that get really greasy. Don't use it on your paint though)
1 x CD2 (this is great for use on your engine after you clean it. It will keep it protected and shiny)
1 x interior quick detailer ( meguiars makes one that smells great)

Anyhow, that's about it for now. I would highly recommend you buy all of your supplies online. It's easier and often cheaper. My favorite site is autopia. check them out! Good luck!

tsuinami

Thanks for all the great advice everyone.

Hmmm from your post it seems that that microfiber towels are not reuseable?

juice04

The mf towels are reusuable - just hand wash in warm water w/ mild detergent and hang dry like the care label says.

I also bought the 303 top cleaner, but really have good results w/ just car wash soap, then the 303 protectant.

If your car accumulates a lot of dust and not really dirty - I go over the exterior lightly with a california duster to extend my washings.