[saikatmandal04]

Originally Posted by amitoj

Will the earbuds work on dried out wax? Aren't they a bit soft for the wax?

With the hard wax it might be difficult. Tooth-pick is another option for the dried out wax, but will need a lot of time to extract the wax.

I cant think of any other option at the moment. Anybody else can help??

[mobike008]

@Amitoj, you can even try using an old toothbrush whose bristles are hardened from age/usage etc.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by amitoj

Question to the experts. I have some dried up wax stuck in various gaps and cracks around the car, for example around the front side indicators and more commonly along the windows. What is the best way to get rid of this? I took a toothbrush to task and got partial success. Any other recommendations?

If it's possible to pass a thread (the sort that's used to wrap paper packets in grocery stores) through those gaps, you could use that to remove the dried wax with a to and fro motion.

Cheers,
Vikram

[sohail99]

Personally, I'd spray the area with a quick detailer to soften the wax and then remove it with a pointy rubber thing! Like a sharp edge of an eraser or something!

its non abrasive and wont scratch paint

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki

Can you throw some more light on the orbital diameter part?How does it affect polishing?And what do you mean by taking the center of pad closer to edge of panel?

^Check this out - Machine Stroke and How It Affects Sanding and Polishing Performance - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

Meguiars polisher has a orbital dia of 8mm, so it has a wider polishing action even if kept at one place.

With megs one, one can use the hefty orbital throw to polish the edges of panels without actually bringing the center of the pad close to the edge.

[sudipta]

I am on my way to the Bosch dealer to pickup the GEX 150. I checked but the price is no different at Bangalore. I will try to get some pads from Bosch also but incase it is not possible, the Kforce car detail center sells Meguair's pads. I will get a couple from there to start with.

[fine69]

Is WD40 more effective than using diesel to get rid of tar spots? (say a cheap alternative to claying)

I've used diesel a couple of times but its time consuming as I need to leave it on for at least 30-60 seconds and when its washed with car shampoo the wash mitt starts smelling of diesel and it needs to be washed separately not to mention I then need to wash my hands to get rid of diesel, just too much work.

Also, would WD40 be abrasive to the paint? Has anyone had any experience using it?

[Thad E Ginathom]

If you look at their site, it seems that there are very few things that WD40 has not been used for!

I don't know if it removes tar spots. I would have thought a solvent would be necessary. It is a lubricant; I don't think it could be abrasive.

Best to test any substance on a not-very-visible place before using elsewhere!

[pjbiju]

Originally Posted by fine69

Is WD40 more effective than using diesel to get rid of tar spots? (say a cheap alternative to claying)

I've used diesel a couple of times but its time consuming as I need to leave it on for at least 30-60 seconds and when its washed with car shampoo the wash mitt starts smelling of diesel and it needs to be washed separately not to mention I then need to wash my hands to get rid of diesel, just too much work.

Also, would WD40 be abrasive to the paint? Has anyone had any experience using it?

Yes. WD40 is very effective in removing tar spots. Spray on the tar spots and leave it for 15-20 seconds. Then wipe clean. No smell and other unwanted effects like when using diesel/kerosene etc. I have been using it for the past 2-3 years and also have not seen any adverse effect on the paint.

[fine69]

Originally Posted by pjbiju

Yes. WD40 is very effective in removing tar spots. Spray on the tar spots and leave it for 15-20 seconds. Then wipe clean. No smell and other unwanted effects like when using diesel/kerosene etc. I have been using it for the past 2-3 years and also have not seen any adverse effect on the paint.

That's great news!! Is this an ok price for WD40?

[pjbiju]

Originally Posted by fine69

That's great news!! Is this an ok price for WD40?

I need to check the price of the WD40 can that I picked up about a month ago (it is in the car) - will post the price tomorrow. Anyway do not buy it from ebay. Pick it up from any good hardwares store. Most of them store it and you will save on the shipping cost also.

[AvonA7]

Originally Posted by RemingtonSteele

Just finished with detailing of my taffeta white ANHC.
Guru's let me know your feedback

Process followed (All by hand):
0) Plain water wash.
1) Trutle Wax Platinum Series Performance Car wash.
2) Claying (meguiars clay kit).
3) Paint Sealent - Meguiars NXT TechWax2.0 (2 coats - in between curing time of 12 hours).
4) Insulator Wax - Collinite (2 coats - in between curing time of 12 hours).

@RemingtonSteele-Car looks great, thanks for sharing the steps.

I have one query -

After following all the above mentioned steps, is it ok to use Meguiar`s ' Quick Detailer ' , not immediately but say in a weeks time?

I read some good reviews about QD from Meguiar`s in this forum, what is confusing me is - collinite, NXT TechWax2.0 are renowned product and they last some time, so if the QD is not going to come in contact (assuming the collinte etc would create a layer to protect the paint/body) with the paint/body, how QD is going to affect the shine/gloss?

* Some of the Meguiar's product are now available in Pune off the shelf. If you are already aware of this, please ignore this point.

[kaushik_s]

Have been going through this thread for last 3-4 days and even in my dreams I'm seeing detailing product and all . This thread has wealth of information but also get a bit confusing for new-comers like me. So I've the following questions in my mind. And all I want now is to keep the car clean and shining. Following is what I'm planning to adopt,
1. Daily dusting by using a Jopasu duster? Bought one from Reliance Auto Zone and it seems to be working great. But want to know if I just use this duster to dust off, will there be any scratches to the paint? I mean how safe is it?
2. Weekly once (or twice) I will wash the car (actually washing but only with water, I hope that I've not done much damage already). So what I'm planning is that I'll use the two bucket method. Currently using one bucket and another 5ltr water bottle. Just using water as of now but planning to buy Sonax Gloss shampoo and two proper buckets for the wash. Need to buy wash mitt and micro fiber towel for drying. Also will get a Quick detailer for the finishing touch. Should I use a quick detailer or just drying after wash is enough? Am I missing something or need to add something else to the process?
3. For glass cleaning I've bought an Armor-all glass cleaner. Is this a good product? I saw Sonax also but went for Armor-all just like that. Mistake?
4. For Interiors, as of now not sure. Have a Sonax interior spray kind of thing but heard that Armor-all Son of a gun is a better product for the plastic? Please advice.
5. When I bought the Jopasu duster I bought it as a package which comes with a magic wipe micro and a wax and polish liquid bottle. How good are these products? Can I use them without any issue? Also bought two yellow micro-fibers from 3M. Wanted a maguire QD but 3M didn't had stock at that time.
And if I need serious detailing stuff to be done(the car is a new one as now), i.e. when swirls will show it's ugly head then I hope I can get it done by our specialists i.e. mkh and nirmaljusdoit. Guys, please let us know normally how many day's prior notice you would require to get an appointment.
Looking forward for your help.
Regards,

[rk_sans]

@kaushik
I will try and answer some of your questions and the detailing gurus will add/correct my thoughts.
1. Daily dusting - Recommended. Provided the car is not so dirty to get wash.
2. 2 bucket method tested and proven method, please use it. Quick detailer is something to have in between your regular wash. Suppose, say one of the door got a splash of mud while driving on a day and that would not require a full wash, then you can use the quick detailer.
3. I have not tried this product, so no comments
4. I am using Megs UP and 303 products for interiors. No knowledge of Sonax/Armor
5. Test on small and hidden surface and then use it.

My 2 cents.

Here is what i am doing these days after i got glued(In fact, the day i get a courier at home, my wife tells it should be something to do with car detailing products) to this thread. I wash once a month, yes once a month. Before getting into this wash mode, i had prepped my car with washing, claying, UC, Swirlx,Tech Wax and finally 845. After using the car for the day, i dust it with the duster and go around to see if there is too much dirt on the car, if yes, i use the QD to clean it, it takes max 10 mins to clean the whole car. And then cover the car with 2 covers. This way, i am ending up washing the car almost once a month.

Something about QD, Megs QD is good but little expensive to have it for daily use. I would suggest ONR as an alternative and not expensive to use it daily also.

[sharath]

Originally Posted by sudipta

I am on my way to the Bosch dealer to pickup the GEX 150. I checked but the price is no different at Bangalore. I will try to get some pads from Bosch also but incase it is not possible, the Kforce car detail center sells Meguair's pads. I will get a couple from there to start with.

Please let me know the price.
Can we have a detailing meet @Hyd. Let me know.

[rk_sans]

Originally Posted by sudipta

I am on my way to the Bosch dealer to pickup the GEX 150. I checked but the price is no different at Bangalore. I will try to get some pads from Bosch also but incase it is not possible, the Kforce car detail center sells Meguair's pads. I will get a couple from there to start with.

Somehow missed your post in the morning. Please do post the pics and also the cost. I was actually planning to get Kestrel from UK but some folks suggested me to wait for the Megs DA which would be out by the end of April. If Bosch is good,then i would go for it as the servicing would not be an issue with it.

@mods,
If possible please merge this post with my previous post.