Good beginning setup?

[loki993]

I just got a new can, 13 Focus, and Im looking for some stuff to keep it nice looking. I was recommended the full 2 bucket system and that looks good. I was wondering if maybe there were some other package deals , maybe something that includes was as well that may not be listed on the site?

 

If not what a good wax to add that won't break the bank? Anything else I need?

[Feets31]

The waxes are by cost:

 

Buttery

Americana mini

Americana

Patriot

 

You won't be disappointed with any of them. 

[BadRock]

I just bought a new Fusion Energi Ti and had the same dilemma.

I went with the 2 bucket wash, then picked up the clay and quick sealant.

I posted some photos and details here... http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/24430-a-visit-to-the-mothership/?p=388746

 

Hope it helps!

[loki993]

I shouldn't have to clay a new car should I? I wasn't planning on it

[BadRock]

Yes, you should always clay a new car. They are littered with contaminates from transport and manufacturing. It was probably delivered via rail thus it will pick up lots of contaminates over the commute. It probably also has over spray and other contaminates from when it was manufactured. I think they talk about it in this video.

 

 

Matt did tell me that you will want to wait 6-8 weeks to seal it after the car was manufactured to let the paint finish curing and breath a little. So you might want to take that into consideration as well.

[JHL88]

I shouldn't have to clay a new car should I? I wasn't planning on it

 

absolutely!  You will be suprised how much gunk you will find when you clay a brand new car for the first time.  You have to think some of these cars sit on lots for a while and accumulate all kind of environmental contaminants.  

 

I remember when I first ordered a 2010 camaro ss built to my specs and i picked it up the very first day the dealer received it in and i took it home and detailed it.  I was suprised myself to see all that came off the surface of the clear coat

[loki993]

Yes, you should always clay a new car. They are littered with contaminates from transport and manufacturing. It was probably delivered via rail thus it will pick up lots of contaminates over the commute. It probably also has over spray and other contaminates from when it was manufactured. I think they talk about it in this video.

 

 

 

Matt did tell me that you will want to wait 6-8 weeks to seal it after the car was manufactured to let the paint finish curing and breath a little. So you might want to take that into consideration as well.

 

 

I honestly thought it was more involved than that. So it basically just wiping the car down with the clay. Thais not too bad.  Well luckily, or maybe not, this car was on the showroom floor so it wasn't outside. However they did put some kind of protectant on it to keep it looking nice while it sat there. 

[Feets31]

Claying is easy but you do need to put some muscle in it.  I had to do mine twice and i wiped the car and let it slide on top of the detail spray too much.   So do a section and then test it to see if you were effective.  I learned the hard way.  

[egott_91]

My suggestion is to start out w/ the largest kit you can afford.

 

Essentials:

 

SVRT

DS

Clay

Wax (Your choice, I would choose Americana)

Glass Cleaner

Car Shampoo

2 Buckets

2 Grit guards

2 wash pads

 

You will be hooked and want to get more so you might as well go big in the beginning.  Ha.

 

I started out w/ the Essentials kit when I first started using Adams.  I now have all of their products and most of the accessories.

[loki993]

What I have in the cart so far is

 

2 grit guards

Clay bar kit

Shampoo

VRT

 

Buckets and microfibers I have

 

Id love to try the americana but 50 bucks on wax right now is a stretch for me. I was going to try the buttery wax but they are out of it right now.  

[BadRock]

If this is a daily driver you might consider a sealant over a wax. Sealants will remain effective for months vs. weeks and they are easy to apply. Just something to consider.

 

You might also include some Total Interior Detailer

[loki993]

It is a daily driver, will I get the same shine as a wax?

 

I was thinking about the interior detailer as it has leather. So I was thinking about the leather and interior care kit. .

[redneck08sierra]

i would also add a small wash pad or 2 (one for top and bottom)...they are great and some detail spray.

 

a sealant will add no shine, only protection.  

 

EDIT*  make sure you look at the kits....they have some with what you have in your cart

 

and one more thing, Great White drying towel!

Edited August 2, 2013 by redneck08sierra

[BadRock]

It is a daily driver, will I get the same shine as a wax?

 

I was thinking about the interior detailer as it has leather. So I was thinking about the leather and interior care kit. .

 

You will get great shine, you just won't get the depth. I am very satisfied with the overall look and shine after using the sealant. Dylan uses it on his truck, and admittedly said it was way past due for a re-seal and it looked great...still.

 

You could probably start a new thread or even find this debate within the forum but I think for a daily driver it's the way to go. The other thing to keep in mind is how the car is stored. If it's outside all the time then a sealant is definitely going to be better. Waxes have a very low melting point and will begin to break down around 160°F, sealants are much higher.

 

I also have the Ford's premium leather and the guys at Adam's recommended the Total Interior Detailer. I was thinking of getting the Adam's Leather & Interior Cleaner but they said the Total Interior Detailer was a better fit.

 

My 2¢

[loki993]

So no wax then just sealant? What if I did both or is that not a good idea?

[Chris@Adams]

Here is the best first step.........watch the videos!

 

 

• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 01 - Introduction & Tour
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 02 - Cleaning Wheels & Tires
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 03 - Cleaning the Engine Bay
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 04 - 2-Bucket Car Washing & Convertible Top Cleaning
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 05 - Drying After The Car Wash
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 06 - Drying with the Blaster Sidekick
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 07 - Metal Polishing
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 08 - Dressing Tires and Exterior Trim
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 09 - Interior Cleaning and Detailing
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 10 - Cleaning Carpets
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 11 - Waterless Car Wash
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 12 - Applying Adam's Quick Sealant
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 13 - Day 2 Filming Intro at Purifoy Chevrolet
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 14 - Removing Stubborn Bug Guts
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 15 - Drying with the Master Blaster Car Dryer
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 16 - Hand Glazing and Waxing
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 17 - Maintaining the shine with Detail Spray
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 18 - Engine Bay Dressing
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 19 - Cleaning and Sealing Exterior Glass
• Adam’s Detailing Video - Vol. 8 - Chapter 20 - Cleaning Detailing Accessories

 

 

[Masaharu]

Good luck and have fun!

[loki993]

So you can go, sealant then wax......what would happen if you went sealant, wax then sealant again? Or would be be unnecessary.....

[Feets31]

You would be wasting some sealant.   It would work and give you a little more protections but the top sealant would 'fail' as soon as the wax 'failed'. But try it and see if you like it.  

[Diggerdan11]

I would also look into buying a gallon of detail spray. The 16oz bottle that comes with the clay bar does not last that long

[13-Mustang-GT/CS]

I would also look into buying a gallon of detail spray. The 16oz bottle that comes with the clay bar does not last that long

[goheels]

You would be wasting some sealant.   It would work and give you a little more protections but the top sealant would 'fail' as soon as the wax 'failed'. But try it and see if you like it.  

 

While it certainly would be a waste, I think your reasoning is a bit flawed.  You shouldn't be putting sealant on top of wax because sealant needs to bond to bare paint in order to be most effective.