marauder

8 hours ago, falcaineer said:

Wait a minute! You've had the same windshield for 17 years?!  Here in CO, I'm lucky to go year or two without replacing a windshield. For some reason the road crew likes to use rocks during the winter. Saves on salt issues, but man it tears up the front ends and windshields.

Anyway, I'd think insurance could/would replace it for you if the defects are causing visibility (read: safety) issues. May want to call them and ask.

As far as I know its the OEM glass on the car. The sad part is the glass on the miata with 160k miles on it is probably in just as good if not better shape than my 16 GTI with 20k on it. 

I bought a glass polish kit as it was nice and cheap. Going to give it a try on the miata and see how it goes. I'll try to do some before and afters.

yea i started doing some quick research on it, and doesn't seem like it's super easy to do. Might buy a kit and try it out on the miata over the winter. Not like the track car sees lots of use this time of year anyway. Just being a 17yr old car it's got some defects I'd like to try and remove.

Any recomendations on a glass polisher brand? 

THis is my car from a few weeks ago after a quick wash and brilliant glaze application. Used 1 coat and applied using the microfiber applicator pad. 

My windshield has little nics in it, and I was looking to try and polish some out. I don't see an Adams specific product for this. Would any of their paint polishes work? If not anyone have any recommendations other products to use with my SK. 

Looking to do it on 2 different cars, a 99 miata and 16 gti. My GTI has rain sensing wipers would polishing cause any issues to that?

1 hour ago, TheWolf said:

Downside to the drawers is that they are not sealed, so dust/dirt/pollen can get blown into the towels.

I would suggest bins with tight fitting lids, placed on a shelf unit for easy access. You could also use wire closet shelving that mounts on wall tracks,so you could customize the shelf height to the bins.

that's the issue i have now with them sitting in a box and bucket is the top towels would get dirty. As it sits in my garage where I do other work. 

I like the idea of a drawer better so you can stack them and not have to move other bins to get to the one you want.

3 minutes ago, Wy_detailing said:

Thanks! 

Now you’re just showing off lol 

1 hour ago, Wy_detailing said:

Here is my set up. I bough the bins at Fred Meyer (4 total) and they work great. Also a spot to store extra product and it keeps them organized 

That’s a pretty nice setup. Seems like you’ve got everything you need and then some lol. 

I’ll get to that point soon. 

I was thinking of moving to stackable plastic drawers. The ones I have right now that I use for other things I don't really like as the drawers are clunky and don't slide very well. Which is why I was thinking of a bin or something to hang from the wall. 

I've got piles of microfiber towels. Right now they're just in a big bucket all lumped together. Looking to organize them into different types. Like Drying, utility, Polishing, Wheels, etc. Looking for some storage ideas. Currently have around 40 towels.

Thanks guys for answering another one of my questions. I just finished checking out on the Swirl Killer mystery box. That looks like I get a 15mm SK plus $70+ in product for $200 seemed like a no brainer after looking at other polishers on the market and price.

The comfort of the Porter Cable was one of the issues, as It didn't look to be as comfortable to hold as the SK.

I might jump on the 12mm after christmas.

11 minutes ago, shane@detailedreflections said:

For your application I’d go with the Adams swirl killers. 

You can get a great deal on a kit that’s the 15 or 21 and a mini. The 15 being the more universal of the two. They’ll both give smooth operation for you and last a long time. You won’t regret the money spent. 

I've been looking at the 15mm swirl killer for some time. With the mystery box for one today it's every tempting. It would also work with my current pads. I was also looking at PORTER CABLE 7424XP

Thanks, I figured the trim kit couldn't be used as it's a totally different material it's trying to bond to. So the paint coating would work, but just wouldn't be as effective or last as long because it can't withstand the abuse that wheels see.

What are the advantages of a nicer polisher? I'm fairly new to detailing. Been doing washing etc for ages, but very little paint correction, scratch removal.  I've got a random orbital from harbor freight just wondering what benefits I'd get to bumping up to something nicer. Price range would be low to mid 200s. 

Jason, if you're selling let me know. I'm in NoVa(northern Virginia assuming your acronym is what i think it is)

I have a set of HRE wheels I was thinking of Ceramic coating as they're off the car for the winter. I have Adams Paint Ceramic kit and Trim ceramic kit. I was wondering if I could use either of those on my wheels instead of having to buy another Ceramic kit. I know I don't need to buy the full kit again, and can just get the ceramic coating. 

Could it cause damage to my wheels, or would it just me not as effective.

thanks guys

I have my trim ceramic coated. The paint wasn't done because the detailer didn't feel comfortable applying it with the paint condition and didn't have the time to correct if fully(friend detailing, not shop). My question is, if my trim has a ceramic coating if I use strip wash to do a paint correction, will it pull off the ceramic coating on my trim?

Is it safe to use on the inside of glass that has tint applied? I have a tint on my front windshield.

Brilliant glaze came out great. Really wish I had the extra time to do a wax as well.

Thanks. To clarify I was referring to the rectangular microfiber pads that are grey.

I just got brilliant glaze on my MB and really wanting to try it out. Do I have to clay bar or wax the car before application? Can I apply it using the microfiber applicator pads?

 

As for the wash pad, I much prefer the regular 10" wash pad over the wash mitt. I know a lot of people prefer the mitt, but i feel like the wash pad carries more suds and feels softer. However, I also feel like the wash mitt is better for the extra dirty parts like the front bumper where bugs accumulate. Plus it doesnt get tangled with sharp cornered badges, so thats another plus. 

 

And are you sure you mean the great white drying towel and not the ultra plush? The ultra plush is the one with different sides, and I use both sides randomly. I havent noticed a difference yet. I gave up on the great white drying towel or any other waffle weave to dry the whole car. 

You might be right on the towel. I've had it for a while, and as it's a large towel probably just assumed it was the GWDT. I haven't noticed a difference switching sides.

I've got lots of waffle weaves and they seem to sometimes work great getting the water off and other times not so much. I tend to use them on areas that hold a lot of water like the hood and roof. Then go over with a single soft or something. Then use the singles on the sides.

I've been using the 10" wash pad as I like how much water and suds it can hold. It does get annoying with my GTI side badges as they are pointy and always catches. The mitt I've yet to use, but might start to use that as the 'lower' half of the car sponge and keep the pad for the top. They're nice and easy to tell apart.

I also don't tend to notice much of a difference with Wash and Wax vs Shampoo. I figured the effects were being masked because of the drying aids I was using. 

Wash and Wax Vs Car Shampoo. I tend to wash my car about once a week and then try with Detail Spray or Guard and Gloss. I've been using Wash and Wax each week, is that a waste? Will I cause build up? When should I use each?

Glass cleaner I have the spray bottle version, what is the advantage of the aerosol? Any differences in how they work?

Great White Drying Towel: Which side should I be driving with. One is softer and fluffier while the other has shorter fibers?

Wash Mitt vs Wash Pad. I have both, Is one better in certain locations than the other? Is one better all round?

Thanks

Thanks for the welcome. Definitely looking to use the forum to help me get the best out of my Adam's Polishes and usage tricks.