Hey Guys and Girls,

As much as I'd like to keep my S looking nice and clean, I'm not willing to spend an arm an a leg on a variety of expensive cleaning products. Because I've never owned a "nice" car like the S, I've never had the need to buy any car washing/detailing products. So as a first-time car washer on a budget, what should I buy? What are the essential car washing/detailing products I need for keeping my car looking sharp? What brands of soaps, waxes, brushes, mitts, water blades, tire shines, etc can you recommend? Are there any places where I can cut the corners? For example, can I just wash the wheels with simple green instead of with some fancy car product? Any recommendations and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch guys!

Jim

 

i realize the zaino line is an expensive initial investment but with it's durability and ease of application, it will cost less in the long run. just my .02

 

Thanks for the advice, fins. What products in the Zaino line should I buy?

 

Zaino is good, but not cheap.
I think you'd do well to invest in some good WASH materials and a good wash technique to keep from having to invest in a lot of hardware and polishes and such.

What color is the S2000? Is it new?

Learn about the two-bucket method of washing.
Don't rush it.
Get a natural sheepskin wash mitt (or two) and some quality car wash soap.
Get a couple of (not cheap) waffle-weave microfiber towels for drying.
Get a couple of MF towels (cheap) for the interior
Get a couple of good MF towels for buffing.
A decent wheel brush is nice.

As far as products, there's no need to stock up on boutique stuff - your local auto parts store likely has most things you need. They also have a lot of things I would not recommend, but there are some decent products on the shelf, too:

Meguiar's NXT paste wax (use it on the wheels, too, helps to keep brakedust and debris from sticking)
Clay - mothers, meguiars, clay magic
NevrDull metal polish wadding (exhaust tips!)
Meguiar's Gold Class wash (or NXT wash)
Stoner's Invisible Glass (or NXT, I hear that glass cleaner is good, but haven't used it)
Various tire shines (whichever you like)
Non-acid/Non-bleach/Clearcoat-safe wheel cleaner
Lexol for the leather
Vinylex for the vinyl
California Car Duster or equivilent (Rubbermaid, OXO)
Quick Detailer spray of your choice (mothers smells like cinnamon! mmm!)
A couple of 2.5 - 5 gallon buckets

For the convertible top, definitely get either Raggtop or 303 as a protectant. If you keep it clean, you shouldn't need a specific convertible top cleaner too often. 303 also works well on rubber (seals, sills, any vinyl).

There's no need to go and buy all this right now, but all of these products will do you well, if you have the right technique. A good wash technique and regular maintenance makes all the difference in making and keeping the car looking its best.

 

Poor Boy's stuff isn't too expensive

 

Thanks for the info Anime! Can most of this stuff be bought at any local auto supply store? Also, what do you think of the California Waterblade? Sounds like it would make drying easier.

Keep on posting people - this information is really helpful and much appreciated.

Jim

 

I've used the blade many times. When I still use it (less and less), I just follow up with a WW microfiber to get the rest of the water and a cheapie MF for the door jambs and trunk and hood seals.

The trick is soft, short strokes and a clean blade. After every swipe, I use my fingers to clean the blade, ensuring that no debris gets dragged by the blade. If it feels at all gritty, I rinse it with a hose. It's good when the car is absolutely clean, but the possibility for putting in some serious scratches exists.

Everything I listed above (minus the 303 and the better Microfiber) can be found at most decent-sized auto parts stores (Pep Boys, for example). I've found that Advance Auto Parts is not the detailer's paradise, though - very few products available.

www.pakshak.com
www.autopia-carcare.com

both these places carry high-quality microfiber towels.
pakshak has a wider selection and is more focused on the towels, but I've been extremely happy with their towels.

for cheapie MF's (door jambs, interior, glass, convertible top use), check out Costco or Target or a store along those lines.

 

zaino 'plane jane' starter kit should get you going:

Z2 pro
Z6 detail spray


Stuff to buy at auto parts store:

MF towels
Blade
Clay Magic
Wash (any name brand)
Stoners Invisible Glass
Vinylex
Lexol for leather
Armoral for tires

 

Zaino may be a bigger initial outlay of cash but I can usually get 16-20 applications out of the 8oz. bottle. If you factor in the longevity of Zaino, it is hard to beat.

 

my recommendations:

a cheap bucket
a hose
any soap
Meguiar's NXT liquid or Paste Wax..

why ? extremely easy to use , applying and removing.. and will give you quick bling without a lot of time..