[quote name='DanGull' post='52695' date='Dec 6 2009, 03:58 PM']If you don't have an all purpose cleaner - such as Megs' - then your best bet is - shock horror - Fairy Liquid. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse your buckets afterwards and get it all out of your wash mitts.

Claying will remove tar, but tardis is great stuff and I'm susprised it's not shifting it - could the spots be stone chips?[/quote]

I hope they aren't stone chips they are just little black spots all up the rear quarter panels, perhaps I'm not using the Tardis correctly? And I think I would prefer to use some Megs cleaner rather then the Tesco's washing up liquid!!!! lol. What Megs cleaner is it I need? What's the best clay to use?

I think I just need to aim to get it waxed as there just isn't enough dry hours or light hours at present to do the full procedure lol. Perhaps i should buy a car cover so at least I can do it over 2 or 3 day's?

Megs All Purpose Cleaner - it has a million uses so it's a great value product. I use it inside as an upholstery cleaner and for getting into details outside during a prewash.

If you make up a strong solution (say 1:4) it will strip wax - I use it in the foam lance but I see no reason why you can't use it for a bucket wash.

Getting the winter details in between the light and the rain is hard - that's why you really want all this done by late September at the latest. Next year - start earlier and everything will last over the winter.

Flic - don't wax every time, although if you only have one layer on you might want to put another on at the next wash. Your AG High Def will last around 3 months - more if you top it up with an Aquawax or Red Mist.

Thanks Dan

whats the diff between the dodo sour power and born to be mild?? xmas is coming and wife wants a list lol

[quote name='DanGull' post='52704' date='Dec 6 2009, 04:44 PM']Megs All Purpose Cleaner - it has a million uses so it's a great value product. I use it inside as an upholstery cleaner and for getting into details outside during a prewash.

If you make up a strong solution (say 1:4) it will strip wax - I use it in the foam lance but I see no reason why you can't use it for a bucket wash.

Getting the winter details in between the light and the rain is hard - that's why you really want all this done by late September at the latest. Next year - start earlier and everything will last over the winter.[/quote]

is this the stuff?

[url="http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Meguiars_All_Purpose_Cleaner_2.html"]http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Megu..._Cleaner_2.html[/url]

I have one more weekend off before Christmas, it's going to rain tomorrow so don't think I can do it then. If not then I may do it over Christmas providing we don't have a white one or it rains!

[quote name='MarkyR' post='52723' date='Dec 6 2009, 05:29 PM']is this the stuff?

[url="http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Meguiars_All_Purpose_Cleaner_2.html"]http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Megu..._Cleaner_2.html[/url]

I have one more weekend off before Christmas, it's going to rain tomorrow so don't think I can do it then. If not then I may do it over Christmas providing we don't have a white one or it rains![/quote]

Certainly is - get one of i4D's own spray bottle, they're just as good as the Megs ones and don't have the labels on, so you can swap products round and label them yourself. I think they're also cheaper.

Just ordered my first christmas present from my parents After having said I would like some detailing stuff, they gave me their credit card and said you can spend £35 on I4D
I went for some red mist, triple pack of I4D ultra plush MFs, and dodo supernatural waffle weave window MF... I can't use them til christmas but hey! It's rather nice of them to let me order them so early!!

[quote name='aph1101' post='52737' date='Dec 6 2009, 06:26 PM']Just ordered my first christmas present from my parents After having said I would like some detailing stuff, they gave me their credit card and said you can spend £35 on I4D
I went for some red mist, triple pack of I4D ultra plush MFs, and dodo supernatural waffle weave window MF... I can't use them til christmas but hey! It's rather nice of them to let me order them so early!![/quote]

I hope you used the discount code...

All good stuff. I'll be interested how you get on with Red Mist, it should go well with your Hard Candy.

[quote name='DanGull' post='52738' date='Dec 6 2009, 06:28 PM']I hope you used the [b]discount code...[/b]

All good stuff. I'll be interested how you get on with Red Mist, it should go well with your Hard Candy.[/quote]

Absolutely! Saved £1.81 courtesy of the FOC

I shall be useing it between crimbo and new year... should be good! I will take photos, of course!

I finally used your wax dan, i like!

i didn't use the red mist, i'll save that for the fiesta and see if its worth getting any more.

the wheel stuff you sent me won't get any action for ages, i'm upset!

[quote name='Flic' post='52678' date='Dec 6 2009, 01:41 PM']Done a really quick jobby on him. AG HD wax is wicked, sooo shiny!! And silky smooth It kept clouding over and threatening rain so I probably could have left it on a bit longer, but I didn't want to risk it raining on me with wax still on the car. At least it's got one nice coat on it. Very pleased! Inside was so muddy too as I had 3 people on the back with muddy shoes on on Friday not impressed with the mess 2 of the girls left behind... ignorant whatsits! I'm going to check tyres pressures now as I've only done it once since I've had the car, whoops! But I'm so pleased I FINALLY got to wash him! Yaayy! [/quote]

How do you check your tyre pressures? I haven't actually done this since I bought the car...

[quote name='irononreverse' post='52825' date='Dec 7 2009, 12:06 AM']How do you check your tyre pressures? I haven't actually done this since I bought the car...[/quote]

Inside one of the door panels or fuel cap it will tell you the correct pressure settings for front and rear, depending on how many occupants in the car.
If you go to a petrol station usually you can set the pressure on the machine, then put the hose onto the cap and it will either add air if you are below the setting you entered, or let air out if you're over.

[quote name='irononreverse' post='52825' date='Dec 7 2009, 12:06 AM']How do you check your tyre pressures? I haven't actually done this since I bought the car...[/quote]

They're in the passenger side door on mine. The recommended pressures for my tyres and my average load (one person, usually ) is 32 front 26 back... Anyone else recommend a better pressure? I think DanGull may have started a thread on this some time ago, either that or I'm dreaming of Dan making tyre pressure threads

Edit - I wasn't dreaming afterall, the topic is [url="http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7906&hl=pressures"]HERE![/url]

Buy a pressure gauge from Halfords or the like, for around £10. Don't trust the ones at petrol stations, they are notorious for reading wrong.

[quote name='KeithC' post='53544' date='Dec 10 2009, 10:51 AM']Buy a pressure gauge from Halfords or the like, for around £10. Don't trust the ones at petrol stations, they are notorious for reading wrong.[/quote]

Can I use the weird thing that comes with the foam sealant to inflate the tyres? What does it do besides squirt creamy, delicious foam into your tyres?

[quote name='irononreverse' post='53583' date='Dec 10 2009, 04:12 PM']Can I use the weird thing that comes with the foam sealant to inflate the tyres? What does it do besides squirt creamy, delicious foam into your tyres?[/quote]
[size=5][b]
NO!!!![/b][/size]

That's for puncture repairs only, a one-time use and basically a 'get you home' or 'get to a tyre shop' type product!!

Actually i'm hoping you are joking, otherwise that's got to be one of the most stupid things i've ever read on the internet LMAO

As far as tyre pressures go I recommend buying a good quality powered inflator (Michelin make good ones) and keep it in the boot at all times. Also check pressures at least fortnightly if you drive regularly, and always before a long lourney!

Only check pressure and Inflate on [u]stone cold[/u] tires that havent been driven on for some hours!

This is even more essential if you have tyres like those on the 17" X-pack wheels, which are low-profile and bloody expensive!

under/over inflating tyres will knock literally [b]thousands[/b] of miles off of their lifespan and not only that it can be very dangerous to the point of life-threatening...

Need some help please!

Due to collect the new ZS next weekend (frozen white paint, worst time of year to get it - i know ) - and the dealer has had instructions not to valet the car whatsoever. They said it would need to be jetwashed at least, but i insisted they don't.

Then a mate reminded me of the protective wax that cover new cars from the factory - I presumed the dealer might want to remove that using the jetwash, or possibly (shock horror) a steam cleaner??

Question is what can i use to remove it if they don't bother touching it at all?? I have citrus degreaser, foam lance, usual mix of various products, but not sure if any of them will suffice.

I'm sorted for all other products and methods on first and protective winter detail, but i don't want to get a problem at stage one lol - Should i just let the dealer remove it?

Thanks in advance

[quote name='FMC' post='53614' date='Dec 10 2009, 06:25 PM'][size=5][b]
NO!!!![/b][/size]

That's for puncture repairs only, a one-time use and basically a 'get you home' or 'get to a tyre shop' type product!!

Actually i'm hoping you are joking, otherwise that's got to be one of the most stupid things i've ever read on the internet LMAO [/quote]

It's black and has a pressure gauge on it. What does it actually do? I can't use it to fix punctures because I've already eaten all the squirty, delicious foam.

double post

[quote name='irononreverse' post='53664' date='Dec 10 2009, 09:56 PM']It's black and has a pressure gauge on it. What does it actually do? I can't use it to fix punctures because I've already eaten all the squirty, delicious foam.[/quote]

OOPS, MY BAD - I MIS-READ YOUR POST!! (sorry caps on)

yeah, the "black thing" is indeed a tyre compressor

[quote name='FMC' post='53659' date='Dec 10 2009, 09:30 PM']Need some help please!

Due to collect the new ZS next weekend (frozen white paint, worst time of year to get it - i know ) - and the dealer has had instructions not to valet the car whatsoever. They said it would need to be jetwashed at least, but i insisted they don't.

Then a mate reminded me of the protective wax that cover new cars from the factory - I presumed the dealer might want to remove that using the jetwash, or possibly (shock horror) a steam cleaner??

Question is what can i use to remove it if they don't bother touching it at all?? I have citrus degreaser, foam lance, usual mix of various products, but not sure if any of them will suffice.

I'm sorted for all other products and methods on first and protective winter detail, but i don't want to get a problem at stage one lol - Should i just let the dealer remove it?

Thanks in advance [/quote]

As far as I'm aware - Ford don't use transporter wax. My car arrived with various bits of plastic fixed to the body, which I removed myself and was assured that the car had not been touched, no wax in sight.

You should be ok with them jet washing it, it's just their methods of contact washing that you need to keep away from your car!

[quote name='DanGull' post='53669' date='Dec 10 2009, 10:28 PM']As far as I'm aware - Ford don't use transporter wax. My car arrived with various bits of plastic fixed to the body, which I removed myself and was assured that the car had not been touched, no wax in sight.

You should be ok with them jet washing it, it's just their methods of contact washing that you need to keep away from your car![/quote]


Interesting about the wax, or lack of - what about any glue residue when you removed the plastic film Dan?

[quote name='FMC' post='53668' date='Dec 10 2009, 10:12 PM']OOPS, MY BAD - I MIS-READ YOUR POST!! (sorry caps on)

yeah, the "black thing" is indeed a tyre compressor [/quote]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
So I just plug it in right? I think I know how to inflate, but how do I release pressure?

[quote name='irononreverse' post='53726' date='Dec 11 2009, 01:52 PM']LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
So I just plug it in right? I think I know how to inflate, but how do I release pressure?[/quote]

Plug it it, make sure you fit the connector securely over the tyre valve, and switch the compressor on (not sure if there is a little lever to flip up or over to 'lock' the compressor connector onto the valve? If so, lock it down when inflating).

When you've reached the desired pressure, flip the locking lever (if there is one) to release the connector and pull it off the valve as quickly as possible to avoid releasing too much pressure (you'll always get a little bit of pressure released but it's nothing to worry about)

If you want to lower the pressure/let air out, just press the centre of the tyre valve with your fingertip or something small (you obviously never used to let car tyres down or mates' BMX tyres for fun when you were a kid then if you needed to ask? )

[quote name='FMC' post='53732' date='Dec 11 2009, 02:46 PM']Plug it it, make sure you fit the connector securely over the tyre valve, and switch the compressor on (not sure if there is a little lever to flip up or over to 'lock' the compressor connector onto the valve? If so, lock it down when inflating).

When you've reached the desired pressure, flip the locking lever (if there is one) to release the connector and pull it off the valve as quickly as possible to avoid releasing too much pressure (you'll always get a little bit of pressure released but it's nothing to worry about)

If you want to lower the pressure/let air out, just press the centre of the tyre valve with your fingertip or something small (you obviously never used to let car tyres down or mates' BMX tyres for fun when you were a kid then if you needed to ask? )[/quote]

Haha, no, I've never considered letting down car tyres to be fun. Isn't that like, vandalism?

I used to play in parks and tramp in the woods when I was a wee nipper. Wholesome, healthy activities; then computers appeared and stole my soul...

Evening all...A couple of questions, if I may:

I am toying with the idea of buying something specifically for the door jambs, boot, bonnet, fuel filler areas...you know the ones I mean. I was thinking of a spray type APC. Am I barking up the wrong tree or is this a sensible choice, and is it worth it?

Second of all, to save asking later, I'm getting (amongst other things ) some red mist for christmas. Could someone tell me how to use it please?

Many Thanks

red mist is a straight spray and buff off in one motion, very simple to use.

for all the shuts and engine i use bilt hamber but most people use megs apc.

in the summer i also wax or seal the shuts to help. for the engine i wud use a plastic trim sealant like dodo or sonus

Great! Thanks for the quick reply Until I get some APC, would it be ok to do the door shuts with some dodo BTBM and a detailing brush and MF at the same time as washing the rest of the car?

Yes - but use a mitt, not a brush. I have a specific mitt for these areas. Brushes are for areas where you can't get to with a mitt - nowhere else in my opinion. Brushes hold on to dirt.

Okey dokey...mitt it is. Cheers Dan

APC ... can it be used for cleaning wax etc using the 2 bucket method, or only any good in foam lance?
I can only seem to find it in bulk also, is this the only way it can be purchased?

[quote name='Gazjs' post='54728' date='Dec 16 2009, 02:59 PM']APC ... can it be used for cleaning wax etc using the 2 bucket method, or only any good in foam lance?
I can only seem to find it in bulk also, is this the only way it can be purchased?[/quote]

Not sure i understand whether you are asking if it is safe to use so that it won't strip your wax, or if it will shift wax if intentionally desired? APC can be used to strip wax if used at a high enough concentration, but really it's meant to be diluted either 10:1 with water for general cleaning use or 4:1 to shift stronger stuff. Use it in a spray bottle and leave to dwell a few minutes, then agitate with a soft brush before rinsing off It's best used for the plastics such as inside the wheel arches, under the bonnet etc. I've also found it to be AWESOME at cleaning kitchen surfaces!!
Don't use APC in the foam lance - get either a dedicated snow foam, or Meguiar's Hyper Wash for use in the lance

I've only seen it in bulk too. I bought a gallon of Meguiar's APC last week from [url="http://www.glossmax.xo.uk"][b]Glossmax [/b][/url] (went to their shop in Porthcawl, friendly and knowledgeable guys there, who'll do 10% discounts for Detailing World members ) - i think the gallon will last me a few years!!! But the great thing is, as the name suggests, it can be used on anything, as i've already found uses for it around the house

APC is fantastic in a foam lance - and an excellent way to strip wax. Normal snow foam won't strip wax - unless made up into an unpleasantly high concentration.

I have never used APC without a lance to strip wax, but if you have a high enough concentration I don't see why it wouldn't work. Megs hyperwash should be called Megs over-hypedwash if you ask me other shampoos run rings around it.

If you're snowfoaming with APC - you're going to need a fair amount anyway, it's not that expensive to buy in bulk.

[quote name='DanGull' post='55368' date='Dec 19 2009, 09:40 AM']APC is fantastic in a foam lance - and an excellent way to strip wax. Normal snow foam won't strip wax - unless made up into an unpleasantly high concentration.

I have never used APC without a lance to strip wax, but if you have a high enough concentration I don't see why it wouldn't work. Megs hyperwash should be called Megs over-hypedwash if you ask me other shampoos run rings around it.

If you're snowfoaming with APC - you're going to need a fair amount anyway, it's not that expensive to buy in bulk.[/quote]

welll that's something new i've learned today!

Thanks,
Just getting prepared to remove wax in the spring (early i know )

By spring it'll probably be gone anyway if it's been applied now...a good bucket wash will probably shift the last of it. I only use APC to strip back if I'm doing a major detail ahead of schedule and know that the wax layers are still very much in tact.

When cleaning my car the hardest part for me is washing the bugs and insects off, I dont like to scrub the paintwork too much because it might leave marks. What is the easiest way to clean the bugs off?

This problem is mainly on the back of the wing mirrors and on the front of the car but also up the bonnet and on the roof

[quote name='Jonny87' post='55427' date='Dec 19 2009, 04:35 PM']When cleaning my car the hardest part for me is washing the bugs and insects off, I dont like to scrub the paintwork too much because it might leave marks. What is the easiest way to clean the bugs off?

This problem is mainly on the back of the wing mirrors and on the front of the car but also up the bonnet and on the roof[/quote]

Three ways to solve this problem - one is a prewash, be it a snow foam or a citrus wash or a mix of both. Get this on the car, leave for 10/15 minutes then rinse off. It won't remove much in it self, but when you come to bucket wash everything will shift more easily.

2 - clay, really stubborn contamination can be removed with medium grade clay bar and plenty of lube.

3 - wax/sealant/final stage product. If the car has been well treated on the previous wash, everything will come off more easily this time around. I'm LOVING FK1000P at present - good value, amazing shine, amazing beading and the dirt falls off in the rain let alone after a snowfoam!

[quote name='DanGull' post='55432' date='Dec 19 2009, 04:56 PM']Three ways to solve this problem - one is a prewash, be it a snow foam or a citrus wash or a mix of both. Get this on the car, leave for 10/15 minutes then rinse off. It won't remove much in it self, but when you come to bucket wash everything will shift more easily.

2 - clay, really stubborn contamination can be removed with medium grade clay bar and plenty of lube.

3 - wax/sealant/final stage product. If the car has been well treated on the previous wash, everything will come off more easily this time around. I'm LOVING FK1000P at present - good value, amazing shine, amazing beading and the dirt falls off in the rain let alone after a snowfoam![/quote]


Sounds like some damn good advice there Dan, so thanks

I dont really have the option of completing a full detail at present so I will have to leave claying and waxing for a few months. I have no pressure washer so I reckon that removes the option of the snow foam (is that right?)

Currently at best all I can do is a bucket wash and hosepipe rinse, with some aqua wax to complete. Could I still use a citrus wash? if so which do you think is best or which would you recommend?

Also what would you recommend for actally washing the car with? Sentiment seems to be that sponges are bad, but what do you think is the best product / item (within a reasonable price range)?

Thanks for your help

I use b&q grout sponges, they had good feedback over on the detailing world forums and they've kept my car swirl free! There also cheap which is a bonus!

[quote name='Fraser.' post='55445' date='Dec 19 2009, 05:34 PM']I use b&q grout sponges, they had good feedback over on the detailing world forums and they've kept my car swirl free! There also cheap which is a bonus![/quote]


Like this : [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9706844&fh_view_size=150&fh_start_index=0&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=grout+sponge&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1261244444216&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?acti...p;isSearch=true[/url]

For my contact washing i use 2 Meguiar's Synthetic Microfibre wash mitts - a different one for the lower half and doorshuts to the rest of the car.

I've bought a new lambswool mitt for the Fiesta (from Glossmax) cos i fancied trying one out. It's a non-branded one but super soft and plush!

Does anyone else buy stuff from:

[url="http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/"]http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/[/url]

I bought my microfibre car towel from them, and it works wonders. They stock a huge amount of great products, so might be useful for others here.

CYC are great - however, we get a 7.5% discount at i4D using the discount code FOCX

I can vouch for the Megs mirofibre washmit.
£9.99 at my local car store.
That with the 2BM works wonders.

quick update for everyone that reads this thread.

Dodo are making their own online shop early next year, I have been speaking to dom at dodo about getting us a code for saving monies.

After getting an email this morning dom has confirmed that everything will be fine once it up and running and our code will give us between 10-15% off all products.

HAPPY XMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

[quote name='greenymk7' post='55732' date='Dec 21 2009, 01:35 PM']quick update for everyone that reads this thread.

Dodo are making their own online shop early next year, I have been speaking to dom at dodo about getting us a code for saving monies.

After getting an email this morning dom has confirmed that everything will be fine once it up and running and our code will give us between 10-15% off all products.

HAPPY XMAS EVERYONE!!!!! [/quote]


Excellent news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

merry xmas to you 'n' all greeny!!

nice one greeny, on a side note, no cleaning the car for me today, theres about an inch of ice on it!!!!!!!!!!

Don't bother trying to clean in the cold. I eventually managed to machine polish my father's scratched Focus, but the polishing compound (Dodo Lime Prime), kept freezing solid on the pad!