Hey Wackos,
This will make my second year as a Wacko and I've learned a lot over the past year. Now I'm starting to see the same posts all over again, but with new faces. So maybe this might help some of the new folks out there.

First off my goal was not to spend a ton of time detailing my S2K and daily's (wishful thinking here). Also not to break the bank on products (so far not working well). In the end I came up with some easy to use and acquire mid range products I think. I'm still learning stuff here so Master Wackos please fill in.

Interior
Plastic/Vinyl: Hands down 303 is the way to go. I went through a lot of products in this area and I am most happy with 303. You should be able to find it locally at your marine supply place.

Leather: I have been using Lexol twins. It seems to be getting the job done, but it is sticky to me and my leather isn't as supple as I would have hoped. Its not too bad, but i might give Leather Masters I think its called a try this year.

Glass: Sprayway. Works like a champ. You can buy it at Sam's for like 3 cans for 10 bucks.


Exterior
Wheels: I've actually been using a diluted Megs Engine Degreaser, soap, water, and top it off with Megs Hyper Dressing. The shine lasts awhile and looks good.

Wheel Wells: Megs Engine Degreaser let it sit and wash off, then I hit it again with a long handle brush, soap, water. Done! I have no issues here.

I may go to a concentrate Simple Green here once my Megs is gone. Only because SG is a lil nicer to the environment and doesnt burn if you get any on ya.

Engine: Once again Megs engine degreaser and hyper dressing. Looks great.

Car Wash: Currently using Meg Gold Class and Adam's Auto Shampoo. I actually like the Megs over the Adam's because it stays foamy longer. I'm still looking for improvement in this area.

Washing Sponge: Right now I'm using a grout sponge cut in half for washing. It seems to do ok, but I really need to improve in this area. Any Advise Wackos?

Clay: Been using the Megs Clay kit. It works that's all I can say. If there is something better that wont break the bank let me know Wackos.

Convertible Top: Hands down Raggtopp Kit. no more, no less.

Wax: I have been using 1Z Einszett Glanz Wax on my S2K and applying by hand. Seems to be doing well. I'm moving to a Porter Cable this year and not sure if this will hold up on application. Any Wacko Advice here?

Polish: 1Z Einszett Paint Polish Lack-Politur has been the polish I have been using on the S2K. Once again I'm moving to a Porter Cable this year and not sure if this will hold up on application. Any Wacko Advice here?

MicroFiber: get some. Anything for now and take care of it. There are several threads about microfiber care. Read them and follow along. I picked up a couple bulk packs from Sam's and they seem to be doing well. I may get some better quality ones this year.

Drying MicroFiber: I picked up a waffle weave towel after watching a video by MickeyC. I love it and need to by some more. these help prevent spots from occurring in the drying process and help lower chance for swirls and scratches.

Terry Cloth towels: Get a pack of these someplace and use in those really dirty areas like wheels and engine compartment. You dont wanna use your good microfiber on the really nasty stuff.


I know I am missing something, but the Master Wackos will prolly point it out. Just have fun and try new things. You may find something that is better and easier for you.

 

nice job webfoot!!

products are all opinion, so i am not gonna comment other than to say that a good vinyl product can also be used on the top (for newbes who want simple). also i will mention that raggtopp makes 2 choices for the top- our cars have vinyl tops so we have to use the vinyl choice, not the cloth one (many questions on this have been posted in the past)-

again, good going and be sure to refer any newbe posts to this thread!!

 

When it comes to detailing it's 95% process, 5% product. While using a good product will certainly help the result the most important thing is knowing how to use the product properly.

 

Wash Sponge - I have heard good things about this
http://www.detailersdomain.com/ubery...ashsponge.aspx

If you don't go with that, I would get a lambs wool mitt.


Everything else is good. I just don't prefer 303 because of the finish it leaves.

 

has anyone used this? I am curious about it... not ready to trade in the lambs wool yet.

 

I was looking at that being in my next DD order. I was also thinking about picking up some wheel wax to cut down on the break dust on the wheels. My AP2 dusts really bad.

 

have been using wheel wax since they first came out... they sent me a can. my review was that it was nice, but i didnt really get it.

since then, i have found the use for wheel wax. my harley has chrome rims. nothing works like wheel wax in getting them clean and rust free. for my cars i have to say that wheel wax is not my first choice. for those, after they are clean my product of choice is just about any synthetic. i then top a coupla coats with carnauba. i admit that the carnauba does not last long, but it allows the synthetic to fully cure.
i also hit the wheels after every other drive or so with a quick detailer (i first dust them with a small duster that is dedicated to wheels).
my final secret to keeping wheels looking new at all times is that i rarely use the brakes. in our cars, brakes are really only needed in two situations:
1. emergencies- should be very rare if you are driving well
2. at the very end of a full stop- i downshift and can pretty much stop on a dime without brakes. however, every once in awhile i use the brakes to fully stop. usually i am hitting the brakes cause that is the only way to light up the rear so that folks behind me know that i am stopping (something i learned on the harley- same thing there... hardly use brakes, cause downshifting and engine braking will do almost all of the stoppinig but this doesnt light up the brake lights!