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I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,155
25,258
Gotta be in it to win it
Oooh, me...me...(Raises hand vigorously)?

I could spend hours talking about car care products (No, I don’t care if others don’t understand that), as detailing is one of my favorite passions on the side. I take it very seriously. As a Matter of fact, I even installed new LED track lighting in my garage just to see the paint from a different spectrum when polishing.

Anyways....

Behold (This is just a few of my products)

View attachment 929890

Quick overview:

Carguys is by far my favorite and I see impressive results and any color of car I have owned. Pricey, but I purchase everything off Amazon usually in bundles.

Invisible Glass is from a company known as ‘Stoner’, based out of Pennsylvania. Excellent product thats been around for years and they don’t use any dies, ammonia’s and it’s ‘streak free‘ for cleaning glass. [Available at your local auto depot stores.]

Coverall is a tire shine product. It Doesn’t leave any greasy/oily residue on the tire. I also use it on my wheels as for a ‘higher gloss’ shine. [Available at auto depot stores.]

Chemical Guys scratch swirl remover and polishing compound. Excellent products, highly recommend. Again, pricey, but delivers results. [Amazon]

* Griots Polishing compound remover is another great alternative

Meguiars Plastix for headlight/taillights. This product has been around for at least 20 years. If you have any type of film residue on your headlights/taillights, this literally will restore and remove baseline scratches. Also, you can use it to remove scratches off various ‘plastic like’ surface trim pieces in your vehicle as well.

Oh, and I don’t use any orbital handtools, I do everything by hand with quality microfiber cloths (80% polyester-10% Polyamide/300 TC), that way I can control the pressure, movement and direction at my leisure.

[Yup, I told you I take detailing to another level.?]
I just bookmarked this post. I'm a nut when it comes to keeping my cars clean and pristine and want to try out some of the supplies in the picture you posted.
 

0388631

Cancelled
Sep 10, 2009
9,669
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@D.T. Did I read a few days ago that you had (have) a Corvette(s)?
I'm not @D.T. but I believe he's had two. A C4 and a C6, but I may be wrong here. I do remember he posted an old Polaroid photo of his first 'Vette in a driveway or on the side of a road.
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I just bookmarked this post. I'm a nut when it comes to keeping my cars clean and pristine and want to try out some of the supplies in the picture you posted.
I think @Relentless Power and myself will cause you to spend hundreds if not thousands in cleaning and detailing equipment and supplies. Is this a road you want to walk down?
 
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44267547

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I just bookmarked this post. I'm a nut when it comes to keeping my cars clean and pristine and want to try out some of the supplies in the picture you posted.

Those products I listed are expensive for and there’s a lot of great alternatives as well, Meguiars would be something that you can easily find locally in store for waxes and polishing. I just had really good results with Car guys specifically, (quite a few professional detailing shops in my area actually use Car guys on customer vehicles). But if there was one product I could recommend to you of all the items listed in that picture, would be ‘Invisible glass’. Really great product that doesn’t streak and it’s perfect for household/vehicle applications. [I just cleaned all the exterior windows of my house with Invisible glass and the results are impressive.]


I think @Relentless Power and myself will cause you to spend hundreds if not thousands in cleaning and detailing equipment and supplies. Is this a road you want to walk down?

It’s definitely a slippery slope for me. There’s a few things I obsessively purchase- tech, car cleaning products and tactical gear.

Speaking of cleaning-I cleaned my grill and power washed the grates!
 

D.T.

macrumors G4
Original poster
Sep 15, 2011
11,050
12,467
Vilano Beach, FL
I'm not super obsessive with detailing as much as I was in the past. I mean, my car stays very clean, I use a few different products, I'll give it a little wipedown with some quick detail product every few days. A few months ago I got rid of like 25-30 trophies for car shows, now when I used to do those, my prep was insane (quick lift, remove wheels for a full inner barrel detailing, etc.), but in the last several years I've just got to where I'm not quite as consumed by it. Even for like a C&C, I'm usually, Ok, this is good enough, hahaha ...


@D.T. Did I read a few days ago that you had (have) a Corvette(s)?

You rang? :cool:

Yeah, I had 4 of them, fun cars, modern Vettes are true sportscars in every sense of the word. One of them I got delivered through the NCM (museum) program out of Bowling Green where they're built, hahaha, I didn't really want to, the wife talked me into it, turned out to be a pretty awesome experience. We flew in, and drove it home ~850 miles back to Florida, through the mountains, just an amazing drive. Plus, all sorts of fun perks, they let you start a car on the line, you get "behind the scenes" type tour, show the delivery live streaming from the NCM, etc.

Some folks will _only_ recommend GM or Ford or BMW, but I suggest cars across a pretty wide range of manufacturers, especially if I've owned them - and I tend to shop models vs. manufacturers (if that makes sense ...). So while most of GMs lineup isn't my thing, Corvettes definitely are :D In fact, I'd definitely consider owning another one, I'm just into have 4 seats at the moment, it lets me do "car stuff" with the whole crew. Like several months ago I did a super fun cruise-in at the Ace Cafe in Orlando, but we also did Universal for a few days, that wouldn't have happened with a 2-seater :)
 

S.B.G

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 8, 2010
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Yeah, I had 4 of them, fun cars, modern Vettes are true sportscars in every sense of the word.
I bet you had fun cutting right angle donuts on a dime and stopping right at my Birkenstocks, and me yelping...
Holy ****ing ****!
;)
One of them I got delivered through the NCM (museum) program out of Bowling Green where they're built, hahaha, I didn't really want to, the wife talked me into it, turned out to be a pretty awesome experience. We flew in, and drove it home ~850 miles back to Florida, through the mountains, just an amazing drive. Plus, all sorts of fun perks, they let you start a car on the line, you get "behind the scenes" type tour, show the delivery live streaming from the NCM, etc.

Some folks will _only_ recommend GM or Ford or BMW, but I suggest cars across a pretty wide range of manufacturers, especially if I've owned them - and I tend to shop models vs. manufacturers (if that makes sense ...). So while most of GMs lineup isn't my thing, Corvettes definitely are :D In fact, I'd definitely consider owning another one, I'm just into have 4 seats at the moment, it lets me do "car stuff" with the whole crew. Like several months ago I did a super fun cruise-in at the Ace Cafe in Orlando, but we also did Universal for a few days, that wouldn't have happened with a 2-seater
I love Corvette's too.

Dad had a 1987 coupe until it was totaled in a crash (not dad's fault - another driver). Then he bought, and still has, a 1990 convertible with hard top.

He hasn't driven it since 1998, but does start it up once in a while. Though the last start was several years ago. We charged up the battery last week but aren't comfortable starting it up anymore. We want to pump the 22-year old fuel out and put fresh fuel in first.

Otherwise, it's in like-new condition with 40K miles on it. It could use some new tires as the ones on it are original.
 

D.T.

macrumors G4
Original poster
Sep 15, 2011
11,050
12,467
Vilano Beach, FL
Oh wow, yeah, you should get it running - it's in car purgatory :D A clean 1990 convertible? That would be a ton of fun.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
Speaking of considering all makes and models....

I know my reputation in this thread is being partial to GM. And that wouldn't be wrong. But I have grown more open to others. And while I have zero regret with the Camaro( besides maybe not opting for the stick), I have wondered what other vehicles I may have missed out on since I had a narrow list of what I wanted out of a vehicle. At the time, I was dead set on a vehicle with a V8. That instantly tossed out pretty much any automaker that wasn't GM, Ford, and FCA as any others that had V8's were outside of my price range. I was so dead set on a V8 engine simply because I was concerned/knew where the industry was heading where V8's would only be found in vehicles in the higher price ranges as time marched on. Let alone finding one that is still naturally aspirated. I cross shopped with the Mustang, but not the Challenger. Simply because my families experience with FCA products have been horrid and the Challenger was too old school in every sense of the word( all about the straight line, styling too retro, etc). I do somewhat regret not considering the Chevy SS sedan. But I ruled it out simply due to its impending doom and concerned about parts availability.

Though trying to recall what vehicles that may have interested me back in 2016/2017, I can't recall too much that would have been in the price range. Miata? Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86? Both great chassis, but Miata too impractical and the Suyota twins underpowered. Maybe used C6/C7? I still couldn't wrap myself buying a used sports car without really knowing how the previous owners treated it. Hence the zero regret with the Camaro.

But now that I have my sports/performance vehicle, I have browsing around for the more practical vehicle for when the time comes( should have the Camaro paid off by next year). I am not against sedans as I actually prefer the looks of them mostly over CUV's. But the reason why I would want a CUV is so I won't be plowing snow with the higher ground clearance. Volvo's have gained my attention. I would want to lease any of the German makes, but I am not completely sold on leasing simply because you always will have a car payment. Mazda is the only Japanese make that has anything that appeals to me with maybe giving Honda and Subaru a consideration. None of Ford's mainstream products really interest me and GM is starting to be the same way. Equinox is blah. I like the Blazer's styling, but the moment you load it with anything meaningful you might as well considering a lower trimmed XC40/XC60.

Still no where close to being in the market, but I like browsing. :)
 

0388631

Cancelled
Sep 10, 2009
9,669
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It’s definitely a slippery slope for me. There’s a few things I obsessively purchase- tech, car cleaning products and tactical gear.

Speaking of cleaning-I cleaned my grill and power washed the grates!
If I had to guess, between 2006 and 2010 I probably spent close to $5,000 or a bit more on detailing, cleaning and other car pampering gear including machinery.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
Ford is about to re-introduce the Bronco. Does that hold any appeal for you?

I am not that into the off roading scene. Though there is that casual interest in the back of my mind. If I wanted an off roader, would definitely cross shop it with the Colorado ZR2 as well. That may be a bit hypocritical because I obviously am not tracking the Camaro, but that is mostly not having the disposable income level where I am comfortable putting into the increased wear and tear items that tracks incur. I am also still a bit over protective of the car as well and don't want to damage the paint as well( though I have put xpel on the side rockers, would need to increase that for track protection).

Overall, I am mostly deciding between leasing a vehicle cause I sort of like @D.T. approach of where he owns his fun car and leases the practical vehicle so I wouldn't have to worry about the maintenance of two cars. Or going for a low trimmed premium vehicle, a lightly used premium vehicle, or a cheaper mainstream vehicle that will be lower cost to maintain.
 
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Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,003
56,027
Behind the Lens, UK
If I had to guess, between 2006 and 2010 I probably spent close to $5,000 or a bit more on detailing, cleaning and other car pampering gear including machinery.
I like a clean car, but I’m not in that league! Gave the interior a thorough going over today. All those trips to the tip had taken its toll. Fortunately no lasting damage. I’ll give it a good wash tomorrow weather permitting.
One question? The rubber on my windows and sunroof are looking worse for wear. Green and mouldy. Any tips? Difficult to access whatever product I use.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
Oh God, he's going to lease a Prius.

Hell no! :D

If I was to go electric, I would go all in with a Tesla. Or pick up a used Volt. I just can't understand how GM just killed the Volt and I get it cars are falling out of favor, so at least never transferred the technology to a CUV. The Volt was the best bridge between an ICE vehicle and completely electric. And GM just freaking blew it. But they are all in with electric vehicles right now.
 

D.T.

macrumors G4
Original poster
Sep 15, 2011
11,050
12,467
Vilano Beach, FL
But the reason why I would want a CUV is so I won't be plowing snow with the higher ground clearance. Volvo's have gained my attention. I would want to lease any of the German makes, but I am not completely sold on leasing simply because you always will have a car payment. Mazda is the only Japanese make that has anything that appeals to me with maybe giving Honda and Subaru a consideration. None of Ford's mainstream products really interest me and GM is starting to be the same way. Equinox is blah. I like the Blazer's styling, but the moment you load it with anything meaningful you might as well considering a lower trimmed XC40/XC60.

Yeah, I love the Explorer, specifically the ST flavor, but Ford (and GM's) CUVs are kind of ... bleah.

Have you considered a Subaru? People I know who own them are __nuts__ for them, including a couple of friends who have to deal with some pretty serious northern weather. Killer AWD system, decent clearance, and they've got a good "car feel", something like an Outback or a Forrester.
 

0388631

Cancelled
Sep 10, 2009
9,669
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I like a clean car, but I’m not in that league! Gave the interior a thorough going over today. All those trips to the tip had taken its toll. Fortunately no lasting damage. I’ll give it a good wash tomorrow weather permitting.
One question? The rubber on my windows and sunroof are looking worse for wear. Green and mouldy. Any tips? Difficult to access whatever product I use.

Warm soapy (car soap) water and a soft bristled brush. Ideally you'd use a toothbrush for this.
 

D.T.

macrumors G4
Original poster
Sep 15, 2011
11,050
12,467
Vilano Beach, FL
If I had to guess, between 2006 and 2010 I probably spent close to $5,000 or a bit more on detailing, cleaning and other car pampering gear including machinery.

I used to get a lot of products for free, I mean, I still do occasionally, but when I was doing major car shows every month, everyone wanted to stick a bottle of X on your ride. :D (or give you a set of tires for photos, etc.)
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
Yeah, I love the Explorer, specifically the ST flavor, but Ford (and GM's) CUVs are kind of ... bleah.

Have you considered a Subaru? People I know who own them are __nuts__ for them, including a couple of friends who have to deal with some pretty serious northern weather. Killer AWD system, decent clearance, and they've got a good "car feel", something like an Outback or a Forrester.

Yeah Subbie's would make it on the consideration list. Only downside for me is their use of CVT's and the Forrester lost the 2.0T and has the 180 HP 2.5 as the only option.

I do not know if the whole ground clearance thing is overblown in my mind because most storms dump 1-4" most of the time. Maybe the occasional 5-8". The 1 ft+ blizzards are a rarity with I believe 2014 being our last one. Just the concern I have is the street I am on is one of the last to be plowed and not sure how my employer would react to the " I am snowed in" excuse of why I couldn't make it in. Maybe I am making it a bigger deal than it is and a sedan will still work for me, but I like to be prepared. :)
 

D.T.

macrumors G4
Original poster
Sep 15, 2011
11,050
12,467
Vilano Beach, FL
Hahaha, right, my buddy said the same thing, something to the effect of, "If I need a car that can traverse 3 feet of snow, I've got way bigger problems than not being able to pop out for a 6-pack ..."
 

S.B.G

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 8, 2010
26,678
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Detroit
@quagmire Well, there's always the Mustang Mach-E. :rolleyes:

I think the car is pretty cool and looks great. I just don't think it deserves the Mustang name plate. I think Lee Iaccoca is rolling over in his grave when he thinks about it.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
@quagmire Well, there's always the Mustang Mach-E. :rolleyes:

I think the car is pretty cool and looks great. I just don't think it deserves the Mustang name plate. I think Lee Iaccoca is rolling over in his grave when he thinks about it.

Nope! Nope! Nope!

That thing should absolutely not be wearing the Mustang name. I have no issues with an electric Mustang, Camaro, Corvette, etc. I think they are inevitable anyway, but they need to be what they are now which are cars. Now if Ford and GM want to spin off Mustang and Corvette into their own brands, could a CUV make sense and have room, but not when they are models under a brand.
 
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S.B.G

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Sep 8, 2010
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Nope! Nope! Nope!

That thing should absolutely not be wearing the Mustang name. I have no issues with an electric Mustang, Camaro, Corvette, etc. I think they are inevitable anyway, but they need to be what they are now which are cars. Now if Ford and GM want to spin off Mustang and Corvette into their own brands, could a CUV make sense and have room, but not when they are models under a brand.
I agree completely.

I had a thought that if I were to buy the car (not ever likely) that I would remove all the Mustang emblems and name plates, or add the words "Not a" in front of the "Mustang" name plate. :p
 
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44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
Just got back from a test drive. So, uhhh....this might actually happen. :cool: It’s either between this or a Terminator SVT Cobra.

‘Nova’ Resto-mod drag conversion. Completely custom with over 500 hours of work. Drag ready/street legal and is turn key ready.
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Few more.The Goal was (And still is to participate with Barrett Jackson), but I may pull the trigger a bit early on something else.

More to come!



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S.B.G

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Staff member
Sep 8, 2010
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Just got back from a test drive. So, uhhh....this might actually happen. :cool: It’s either between this or a Terminator SVT Cobra.

‘Nova’ Resto-mod drag conversion. Completely custom with over 500 hours of work. Drag ready/street legal and is turn key ready.
View attachment 931267

View attachment 931271
[automerge]1594069986[/automerge]
Few more.The Goal was (And still is to participate with Barrett Jackson), but I may pull the trigger a bit early on something else.

More to come!



View attachment 931279 View attachment 931280
Ok, well we need to see the SVT Cobra now. This way we can tell you which to get. :cool:
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
Ok, well we need to see the SVT Cobra now. This way we can tell you which to get. :cool:

The Cobra is actually out of state. So that would be a ‘blind buy’ (Which I normally wouldn’t do, but I do make exceptions depending how clean the vehicle is, Mileage, ownership records and maintenance.), But it’s essentially ‘factory new’ with less than 15,000 miles. There is that ‘fun factor‘ buying something without actually seeing it, kind of like Christmas day for example. I’m not sure which one I’m pulling the trigger on yet, hopefully I’ll have one of these two in the next few weeks to have it delivered.

I owned a ‘new edge’ Mustang GT in 2004, so the Cobra kind of hits home with me and they’re extremely rare to find that are maintained with low miles.

The Nova that you see above, the owner actually built that for his wife, but she developed ‘vertigo’, where she has restrictions on driving a motor vehicle, and that’s why he’s selling it. So he essentially invested 500 hours into a car Not intended for resale, until now for someone like myself.

It has a really unique color scheme, it’s flat base color known as ‘Pepsi white and dove gray’ for a two tone appearance.
 
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