What Products Should I Start With?

[LSX Maestro]

In interest of my wallet, I'm going to reach out to you guys to help me decide on which products I should pick up.  

 

First I'll tell you what I'm looking to accomplish...I have my daily driver (2014 GMC Sierra) and several summer vehicles (ZL1, Z06, and some classics) that I'm looking to maintain.  The summer vehicles don't go out on any but the nicest of days.  But the daily is out no matter the weather and here in MI we can get some nasty conditions of melting snow, salt, road grime, and lots of beat up roads.  I take as good of care as I knew how in the past, regular washing, spray wax on all surfaces with hand wax on main areas after every wash.  But as noted I'm looking to go further.  

 

My Sierra, ZL1 and Z06 are all white.  None of the summer vehicles have swirling worth noticing, but my Sierra has gone through a few dozen car wash tunnels and does have swirling/paint spiderwebs if you look at the paint in direct light.  I'm looking to strip, clay, correct, and seal my vehicles.  However I'm not sure if I need to do all of that at once (Would be looking at $400+ right off the bat).   I'm thinking I'll just get the clay and sealant for now and just wash the car as good as I can without an elaborate washing setup, clay it, and seal with LPS and maintain the seal after each wash with H2O G&G.  Next year I'll grab the pads and compounds needed to de-swirl the truck and will start from the bottom again by stripping and correcting before resealing.  

 

Basically:

Clay kit

Detail spray combo

H20 Combo

LPS Kit

 

Sound like a plan? What do you all recommend to get in the game and keep the daily safe as possible through the winter? 

 

Thanks guys 

Edited October 4, 2017 by LSX Maestro

[Chonke]

I think that sounds like a good plan. Buying little by little gives you a chance to try out what you have and really get your technique down. Im not sure if you also need any products for your interior. Now might be a good time to get those too. 

 

As far as exterior protection, I think youre covered with the sealant, but for a truck I recommend invisible undercarriage spray. It doesnt really have any benefits besides looks. 

[falcaineer]

Sounds like a good plan to me, too. Keeping the budget in mind, a great kit is the Winter Wash kit, currently on sale for $150. Add in the 10% off forum discount code "shineon", and it's a steal. http://adamspolishes.com/shop/kits/adam-s-winter-washing-detail-kit.html. Then, add in some PS and a MF applicator pad and you're nearly all set! (If you want to splurge and like to roll the dice a little, Mystery Boxes are a fun/great way to start...just sayin').

 

I have a white car, too, and will likely not do any correction until Spring, either. My process will be similar to yours. HGG looks great on white, by the way.

 

Check out this video for a how-to to get ready, noting the products Adam is using and how they may apply to your goals:

 

 

Then, watch this for how to maintain:

 

 

Post some pictures when you're done. Would love to see those rides!

[TexWalker]

If you're really concerned about price at the moment, just seal it. Skip the clay process entirely for now. You really would want to polish it after you clay anyway. Seal it for winter, pinch your pennies and in spring buy a swirl killer or portacable and the polishing materials and do a full correction. 

[LSX Maestro]

If you're really concerned about price at the moment, just seal it. Skip the clay process entirely for now. You really would want to polish it after you clay anyway. Seal it for winter, pinch your pennies and in spring buy a swirl killer or portacable and the polishing materials and do a full correction. 

 

I mean I'm not too worried about cost, just trying to keep it reasonable as we're going out of season.  

 

Yeah didn't think about that, correction mandatory after claying that is.  I already have a Portercable orbital.  Was planning on buying the 5.5" Complete kit (Heavy, Correcting, Polishing, with all 4 pads) next year but maybe I'll just get it all at once.  Question on that: It has the stock 5.8" backing plate, should I buy the 5" one that Adam's has? 

 

And as far as a strip wash, I was thinking just cleaning the entire truck with a solution of Water and Isopropyl Alcohol after a normal 2 bucket wash but wondering if throwing in a 16 oz of Strip wash would be a better solution...

Edited October 4, 2017 by LSX Maestro

[TexWalker]

Yes, but the Adams 5". Otherwise the backing plate will stick out further than the pads, and thats ALL BAD

[Chadley]

Buy this kit and a bottle of shampoo http://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-cant-touch-this-winter-kit.html

[Chonke]

I strongly suggest you do clay bar the car. Youll be surprised at the difference that alone does. Plus sealant needs a really clean surface for it to last anywhere near its advertised time. 

[LSX Maestro]

Alright everyone I just ordered:

 

H2O G&G Kit

LPS Sealant Kit

Detail Spray and 2 Towel Combo

Waterless Wash Kit

Visco Clay Bar Kit

 

Up next is going to be:
Complete 2 Bucket Wash kit

5.5" Complete Paint Correction/Polishing kit with PC backplate 

Tire Cleaner

Tire Shine

Super VRT

Eco APC

Maybe a Glaze for the Windows and show shine during car show season

 

And that should complete all that I'd need (Of course resupplying will be necessary eventually).  

I strongly suggest you do clay bar the car. Youll be surprised at the difference that alone does. Plus sealant needs a really clean surface for it to last anywhere near its advertised time. 

 

Yes I always plan(ed) on clay barring the car.  

[toua]

this is just my opinion but i would't clay if you weren't planning on at least polishing (even if it's just hand polishing), if you do be careful of marring.  nothing worst than a good looking car with marring marks here and there.  if it were me and i didn't have the polishing tools yet, since it's almost winter i would just do a good wash and use h20 guard and gloss until spring comes around.

[pirahnah3]

Congrats on the order, that should give you a great starting point. 

 

With winter coming up, I would not even worry about the clay for now. Get yourself used to washing and cleaning, get your steps in order, your methods in order, and your technique down. Any minor scratches you introduce learning will be quickly removed with a good polish in the spring. The winter is not a time to sit back and do nothing, with all the salt and other debris on the road its a time when protection is needed. Learn to use what you have and then keep watching the vids to see what you may need. 

 

Personally here is what I would do, 

 

Wash the car well, this might actually take you two runs to do to really get used to getting her perfect. 

Clay bar if you really wish, but personally I wouldn't worry much at this point. 

Get a coat of PS on 

Get a good coat of H2O on for the winter. 

Keep up with the waterless 

Dont neglect the wheels and Tires, to me a car can look great but having dirty or drab wheels really take away from it. 

Learn that rinseless made down to waterless is also a great money saver

Plan for a polisher over the winter to be used come spring. 

Buy most everything in the system before spring (you laugh just wait) 

Come spring put a shine on her like never before with all your new found knowledge and a great deal of confidence. 

Edited October 5, 2017 by pirahnah3

[LSX Maestro]

Cool, sounds like a plan guys.  Went out and verified I have a PC 7424 last night so a 5" backing plate is all I'll need to use the Adam's 5.5" pads.  The paint on the truck is clean but being a daily drive with wider tires it has a bit of a sand paper feel to it.  I'm thinking a careful clay job would be a good idea before sealing a bunch of crap onto the paint.  

 

As for washing, yeah I've got a few 5 gallon buckets and a grit guard.  I have wash mitts too but no where near what Adam's uses I'm sure.  Since it's a white truck I'm not going to worry about it too much but I'll probably end up buying the rest of the above listed list before spring.  (Addicted already). 

[mc2hill]

I did not see you mention it, but I would add at least one Grit Guard ASAP, without waiting on the bucket kit.  Any 4.25 to 5 gallon buckets will work, but the ones with the gamma seal lids are great if you do any mobile work.

[toua]

he said he got some 5 gallon buckets and grit gard

[falcaineer]

I mean I'm not too worried about cost, just trying to keep it reasonable as we're going out of season.  

 

Yeah didn't think about that, correction mandatory after claying that is.  I already have a Portercable orbital.  Was planning on buying the 5.5" Complete kit (Heavy, Correcting, Polishing, with all 4 pads) next year but maybe I'll just get it all at once.  Question on that: It has the stock 5.8" backing plate, should I buy the 5" one that Adam's has? 

 

And as far as a strip wash, I was thinking just cleaning the entire truck with a solution of Water and Isopropyl Alcohol after a normal 2 bucket wash but wondering if throwing in a 16 oz of Strip wash would be a better solution...

  

Alright everyone I just ordered:

 

H2O G&G Kit

LPS Sealant Kit

Detail Spray and 2 Towel Combo

Waterless Wash Kit

Visco Clay Bar Kit

 

Up next is going to be:

Complete 2 Bucket Wash kit

5.5" Complete Paint Correction/Polishing kit with PC backplate 

Tire Cleaner

Tire Shine

Super VRT

Eco APC

Maybe a Glaze for the Windows and show shine during car show season

 

And that should complete all that I'd need (Of course resupplying will be necessary eventually).  

 

 

Yes I always plan(ed) on clay barring the car.

 

Some more thoughts...because as Jim/pirranah3 says, you think you've ordered enough and you laugh, but just wait!

 

- Save yourself some time/effort and don't bother with a 2-bucket wash right now. Its main purpose is to reduce potential for damage, but since you aren't going to corect the car anyway till spring, my guess is you can carefully wash it this time with a good wash pad and the grit guard.

 

- If you have it, and since you didn't order the SW, a few ounces of APC in your wash bucket will do well to strip wash the car before you begin your detail

 

- WW is awesome stuff, but it's not meant for much more than light dust, fingerprints, etc. Hopefully you aren't planning to use it for winter grime?

 

- RW can handle dirtier cars, but still won't and isn't meant to tackle caked on mud, winter road grime, etc.

[LSX Maestro]

  

Some more thoughts...because as Jim/pirranah3 says, you think you've ordered enough and you laugh, but just wait!

 

- Save yourself some time/effort and don't bother with a 2-bucket wash right now. Its main purpose is to reduce potential for damage, but since you aren't going to corect the car anyway till spring, my guess is you can carefully wash it this time with a good wash pad and the grit guard.

 

- If you have it, and since you didn't order the SW, a few ounces of APC in your wash bucket will do well to strip wash the car before you begin your detail

 

- WW is awesome stuff, but it's not meant for much more than light dust, fingerprints, etc. Hopefully you aren't planning to use it for winter grime?

 

- RW can handle dirtier cars, but still won't and isn't meant to tackle caked on mud, winter road grime, etc.

 

I definitely know I haven't ordered enough, LOL.  I already have $300 worth of stuff in my cart staring me down haha.  

 

- Yeah I figured the "damage was done" sort of speak from the tunnel washing, which is why I don't know about picking up the 2 bucket wash system before I correct it, but once I order the correction materials and correct it, she'll be hand wash babied. (I'll order the complete 2 bucket wash kit when I order the pads and compounds)

 

- I'm probably going to use a solution of isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the truck this time but my next order coming up will include some more stuff.  

 

- Yeah I got the impression that Waterless/Rinseless is for light stuff which I'm fine with.  I definitely will not be using it to try and wipe off anything past dust, fingerprints, and bird droppings.  I currently use something along the lines of a detail spray to do that but figured the Waterless/Rinseless would be a little safer and why not add some more Adam's bottles to the arsenal.  

[pirahnah3]

That is what I was saying, get some practice down and get used to things so that come spring you are ready to rock and roll. I have a white F250 that is a daily, and I keep her clean and shiny, while it is not the easiest thing to keep clean and it never shines like the dark colors do I do enjoy getting to see that shine come off her. 

[goheels]

"Yeah I figured the "damage was done" sort of speak from the tunnel washing, which is why I don't know about picking up the 2 bucket wash system before I correct it, but once I order the correction materials and correct it, she'll be hand wash babied. (I'll order the complete 2 bucket wash kit when I order the pads and compounds)"

 

Certainly your call on that one, but why create more damage by improper washing? The more damage you create by not using a 2-bucket system, the more aggressive you will have to be to correct the paint (i.e., more clearcoat needing to be removed via polish, etc). IMHO, you are better off leaving the car dirty waiting for the 2 bucket/grit guards than improper washing technique.

[Rb1274]

RINSELESS!!!

 

http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/32135-rinseless-love/

Edited October 9, 2017 by Rb1274

[LSX Maestro]

"Yeah I figured the "damage was done" sort of speak from the tunnel washing, which is why I don't know about picking up the 2 bucket wash system before I correct it, but once I order the correction materials and correct it, she'll be hand wash babied. (I'll order the complete 2 bucket wash kit when I order the pads and compounds)"

 

Certainly your call on that one, but why create more damage by improper washing? The more damage you create by not using a 2-bucket system, the more aggressive you will have to be to correct the paint (i.e., more clearcoat needing to be removed via polish, etc). IMHO, you are better off leaving the car dirty waiting for the 2 bucket/grit guards than improper washing technique.

 

I agree with you.  I have 2 generic 5 gallon buckets as well as a grit guard for one of them with a wash pad that's pretty new.  At this point I'm going to try to get my daily as clean as possible with what I have, seal and maintain it what what I ordered.  Next spring or over the winter I'll start compiling paint correcting, 2 bucket wash kit, and some other miscellaneous detailing products from Adam's. 

[falcaineer]

"Yeah I figured the "damage was done" sort of speak from the tunnel washing, which is why I don't know about picking up the 2 bucket wash system before I correct it, but once I order the correction materials and correct it, she'll be hand wash babied. (I'll order the complete 2 bucket wash kit when I order the pads and compounds)"

Certainly your call on that one, but why create more damage by improper washing? The more damage you create by not using a 2-bucket system, the more aggressive you will have to be to correct the paint (i.e., more clearcoat needing to be removed via polish, etc). IMHO, you are better off leaving the car dirty waiting for the 2 bucket/grit guards than improper washing technique.

At the risk of starting a heated debate, which I really don't intend to do, I think stating it's "improper" to not use a 2-bucket wash method is a bit misleading. It's certainly ideal for garage queens and the like, but for those of us with daily drivers only, myself included, we can get by just fine with one bucket, a grit guard, a high quality soap like Adam's shampoo, and a high quality wash pad or two. Bottom line, the technique used will vary person to person, car to car, and maybe even day to day. It all depends on the results you're after.

[LSX Maestro]

I've been gradually compiling a list of stuff I'm going to start to "need"  

 

Washing:

• Adam’s Complete 2 Bucket Car Wash Kit - $150

1. Two 5 Gallon Buckets with Gamma Seal and Grit Guards
2. One Gallon of Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo
3. Two 10” Car Wash Pads
4. One 16oz Adam’s Detail Spray
5. Two Great White Microfiber Drying Towels 

• Adam’s Strip Wash - $15

Wheels, Tires, and Trim:

• Adam’s Wheel Cleaner (Cleaning the Wheels) - $15
• Adam’s Tire Shine (Shine the Tires) - $15
• Adam’s Super VRT (Shine and Protect Black Trim) - $15
• Adam’s Eco All Purpose Cleaner (Cleaning everything, natural degreaser, strip wash) - $15
• Adam’s Wheel and Tire Brush Kit - $45
• Adam’s Invisible Undercarriage Spray - $13

Polishing: 

• Adam’s 5.5” Pad and Polish Combo - $99

1. Adam’s Blue Microfiber
2. Adam’s Blue Foam
3. Adam’s Orange Foam
4. Adam’s White Foam
5. Adam’s Heavy Correcting Compound
6. Adam’s Correcting Polish
7. Adam’s Finishing Polish
8. Adam’s Pad Conditioning Brush

• Adam’s 5” Porter Cable Backing Plate - $18 

Waxes and Sealants:

• Adam’s Buttery Wax - $20 (Short Term Shine and Protection)
• Adam’s Brilliant Glaze - $25 (Detail Clean and Shine)

 Interior and Glass:

• Adam’s Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner and Sealant Combo

1. Glass Sealant
2. Microfiber Applicators (2)
3. Glass Cleaner
4. Glass Cleaning Towels (2)

Towels, Pads, and Applicators:

• Adam’s 6-Pack of Single or Double Soft Microfiber Towels - $40-$60
• Adam’s 5.5” Gray Pad (For Sealants and Waxes) - $13

 

Oh brother, looks like I'm pushing $500 now.  

 

*Sidenote* Looks like the 10%, 15%, and 20% discount is no longer applying to my cart.  Applying "shineon" only gets me 10%.  Is the promotion over even though it still has the advertising banner for it at the top of the site? 

[mc2hill]

At the risk of starting a heated debate, which I really don't intend to do, I think stating it's "improper" to not use a 2-bucket wash method is a bit misleading. It's certainly ideal for garage queens and the like, but for those of us with daily drivers only, myself included, we can get by just fine with one bucket, a grit guard, a high quality soap like Adam's shampoo, and a high quality wash pad or two. Bottom line, the technique used will vary person to person, car to car, and maybe even day to day. It all depends on the results you're after.

 

If you only have one Grit Guard why not put that in the Rinse bucket and keep the Wash water cleaner?