Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[DFB5.0]

Did we all get the Supercheap email today?

It's crazy to think anyone would pay almost as much as a Griot's BF302 or MTM 22.3 cannon for a Chemical Guys cannon.

I have no experience with any Chemical Guys product, and from what I have heard about their stupidly OTT range of rather ordinary stuff, don't intend to.

The thing with Chemical Guys is that they used to one of those sleeper brands that if you knew, you knew, similar to Poorboys and Ziano. This is an interesting situation because Ziano forgot to innovate and got left behind, and Poorboys still markets their products as if it's still 1999.......................as in not at all.

Chemical Guys however got bought out by a large company, then merged with Meguiar's. This took the brand mainstream, but they still leaned heavily on their niche brand look and feel when in fact the products became more and more average.

And that's the thing, the products are nothing more than "average". While the majority of the products don't do anything wrong, they don't do anything well either. The brands MO is to throw as many darts as possible at the board in the hope that maybe one of them gets close to the bullseye. And if that fails, they change the name and color and throw it at the dark board as well. Chemical Guys is a marketing company, not a detailing brand.

I took one for the team a few years ago, selecting a few products that I thought might fill a few gaps in my process (I stress the "years ago" part, before my product buying habit). The best product of those was the blue screw-on funnel and lug brush!

Of the chemicals, the Bare Bones was the worst, actually one THE worst detailing products I have ever tried. It's supposed to dress wheel wells, but being solvent bases, it just made a giant mess. I threw it in the trash in the end.

The Mat Renew is also a complete waste of time. Probably the most useless product I have used, it neither cleaned nor enhanced rubber floor mats. Lathered nicely though.

VRP is actually a very nice tyre dressing, looks great and smells lovely. But it had woeful durability. Like most Chemical Guys products, that is intentional to ensure you keep buying more and more.

I also later had a go with Honeydew Snow Foam, it was ok but thoroughly forgettable and nowhere near the excellence of Capro Reset, KCx GSF or NV Snow.

And the thing is, none of these Chemical Guys products are cost effective, both in purchase price and the fact you blow through so much per application. Knowing the Meguiar's link, the stupid pricing makes sense, why buy a substandard product for MORE money than a Carpro, ADS, Gyeon, NV, KCx or P&S product?

And perhaps Bowden's didn't get the memo about wide-mouth bottles being preferred these days?

In their defense, the Bowden's foam cannon predates the rush to wide mouth cannons. However, I've seen where the bottle on these crack around the threads, which Bowden's have been sending out replacement bottles free of charge. I'd expect they would be keen to remidy both issues at some point.

I guess the main SCA demographic of weekend warriors are oblivious to the offerings from MTM and Griots, and the better consumables from the likes of Carpro, KCx, ADS, etc. The divide between independent pro detailing suppliers vs ASX listed chain stores for the masses.

Have I become a detailing snob?

As an experienced Detailing Practitioner, my diagnosis is you are now at snob level. But its ok, snob-level detailing is an extremely common condition. Although easily treated, it can get expensive.......................................

Sponsored

 

[DFB5.0]

More glass cleaner talk, I grabbed a bottle of this at Repco today...................................................

Invisible Glass Hybrid Ceramic 473ml - 92183 - Windscreen & Glass Cleaner | Repco Australia

Stoner Invisible Glass Hybrid Ceramic is a newer product, a few steps ahead of their still available Clean & Repel. In both cases, these are combined cleaner and protectant products.

This was an impulse purchase, but knowing how good the base Invisible Glass is, I felt it was worth a punt considering my bottle of Opti-Coat Clean & Protect is running out. It's early days, but on first acquaintance, it seems to be very easy to use and doesn't require special technique to get a clear result from..............cough, ClarifyPhobic......................... cough, Trace-less. In that regard, it seems to be a suitable alternative to the Opti-Coat. Helping its cause is the lack of scent and coloring.

 

[DFB5.0]

My Most Used Products

The following products are the ones I gravitate toward the most. While I do like to mix and match, these are products that I know give the best performance, make the task quicker and easier, excel at the “user experience” and deliver me the end result I’m looking for. A nice scent plays a role as well. Important to note that this is not everything I use per wash, just the ones I instinctively go for.

In no particular order, these are my staples ………………………………..

P&S Brake Buster – I’ve been in love with this product from the moment I tried it. Back then, I didn’t have much use for wheel cleaners, and I still don’t to some degree. However, Brake Buster has become a staple due to its versatility and affordability.

I like how this product gives you options, as in it can be used neat or diluted, sprayed or foamed. When used neat, it’s a very capable tyre cleaner that lathers up beautifully under agitation. When required, undiluted Brake Buster can do some heavy lifting, I’ve found it quite effective as a follow up to an iron remover on neglected wheels. When diluted via a foam cannon, you also have a great maintenance wheel cleaner, the foam helping to increase your working time. Backing this up, Brake Buster is exceptionally slick and contains corrosion inhibitors.

I know there is a perception that Brake Buster is only suitable for light maintenance cleaning, but most people who say that have only ever used it diluted, which in turn removes some of its capabilities. When required, I haven’t been left wanting more out of Brake Buster when used neat.

Brake Buster’s only major drawback is its tendency to kill spray heads, a byproduct of its alkalinity, even with chemical resistant spray heads.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/collections/wheel-cleaners/products/p-s-brake-buster-wheel-cleaner

Carpro Reset – I’ve said this multiple times, but I keep trying new soaps wondering if Reset can be beaten, and while some come close, no other maintenance soap can tick all of the boxes like Carpro Reset. It’s easy to pour, foams like a champ, offers exceptional slickness, cleans well, rinses freely and smells amazing. Reset is also highly concentrated, which negates its price premium.

It’s biggest claim to fame comes from it registering pH neutral, but offers the cleaning ability of an alkaline soap. For that reason, there is some suggestion that Reset will degrade wax, but that’s not something I have noticed. In my opinion, the worst thing about Reset is the name, many mistakenly assume that it’s a strip wash. “Refresh” or “Revive” would have been more fitting.

If I could only pick the one soap, Reset would be my choice.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-reset?_pos=1&_sid=fc9b86108&_ss=r

Carpro Hydr02 Lite – I can’t remember where I learnt about this stuff, but what a discovery! Hydr02 put an end to using waxes or specific wheel sealants (Poorboys), a simple spray and rinse application was a revelation. Keep in mind this was before ceramic coatings became mainstream, and certainly before dedicated wheel coatings. So, for the average weekend warier, Hydr02 allows you to get something onto your wheels and calipers without having to do a full wheels-off detail.

Now, it's debatable as to how much “protection” is being provided here, especially next to a stout high-temp wheel coating. However, it does help make cleaning and drying your wheels much easier. I also use it as a topper on exhaust tips. While I don’t use Hydr02 on my own vehicles paint, for completely bare vehicles, using this product after a wash can drastically assist the drying process.

My initial use of Hydr02 was in concentrate form, which was diluted using demineralized water. However, I’ve found the pre-diluted Hydr02 Lite and its Gyeon Wet Coat cousin to be more stable and less likely to streak or spot. It is more expensive this way, but it's also more convenient as you don’t need to buy two different liquids. There is also a Hydr02 Foam, but its junk.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-hydrolite-1l-4l?_pos=2&_sid=f94a9b5ec&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/c...lant-50-100-500ml?_pos=3&_sid=f94a9b5ec&_ss=r

Bilt Hamber Atom Mac – I really only discovered the need for a product like this after taking delivery of a car with gloss black wheels. You see, as the brake rotors dried, a thin film of rust would develop on the surface of the rotor. So, as soon as you next apply the brakes, that rust was turned into orange dust that would undo your wheel cleaning efforts. And on gloss black wheels, this exaggerated the situation.

At some point I discovered Obsessed Garage and a product he was using to help prevent this flash rust, Hydes Serum Rustopper. But of course, it was off limits to Australia due to it being restricted to ground shipping. Actually, I ordered a bottle as an experiment and somehow this shipping restriction slipped through the cracks. Shortly after this, Detailing Shed started to carry Hydes, then Bilt Hamber Atom Mac became available. I chased a product like this for two years, then suddenly I had access to two options.

At its core, Atom Mac is a corrosion inhibitor with many applications. On cars, it helps prevent the flash rust from developing on rotors and won’t impede the safe operation of the brakes or affect the finish of the wheels. I apply this immediately after cleaning each wheel, then again after washing the rest of the vehicle and prior to using a leaf blower to dry. This double pronged application all but eliminates flash rust, nor do you need to do the old backwards and forwards antics to dry off the rotors.

Granted, a 500ml or 1-litre bottle of Atom Mac is very expensive. However, the dilution rate is high, so a bottle will last you for years. At the recommended 5% dilution, you are adding 25ml into 475ml of demineralized water.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...1&_sid=8b09de597&_ss=r&variant=43369685090519

Armour Detail Supply Amplify – I’m at the point now where I can tell if a product is good or not within the first 30-seconds of use. Well, I think Amplify was closer to 15-seconds! This has to be one of the easiest and best ceramic toppers/detail sprays on the market.

The first thing that gets you is the amazing scent. Yes I know, a scent doesn’t necessarily have a bearing on how a product works, but it contributes to the overall user experience. There are products on the market that are quite good at their intended role but are totally ruined by the scent or odour that I refuse to use them. That doesn’t apply to Amplify.

In use, Amplify is just so dam easy to apply. In my case, I use it as a drying aid after removing the bulk of the water with a blower. A few sprays into the towel, maybe one or two onto a section, wipe, flip, wipe, done! It’s this simplicity that wins me over as it significantly reduces towel work. And backing it all up is supreme gloss and slickness. There is literally nothing to hate with Amplify. In addition to drying aid, I also use it on door jambs, engine bays, exhaust tips and wheels.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...1&_sid=3bc96ec9d&_ss=r&variant=44857484050647

Armour Detail Supply Pilot – This has been another instant hit for me! While technically called an interior “detailer”, I’ve found Pilot to have plenty of cleaning ability beyond mild wipe overs or dusting. In most cases, I use this product in a spray and wipe manner, however it can be teamed with a brush and lathered up if needed. I use it on just about every interior surface including plastics, gloss trim, leather, fabric and screens. Pilot also has UV inhibitors and anti-static properties, and the final finish is completely matte, OEM look. And the spiced pear scent is to die for, I would use it for the scent alone!

Overall, I’ve found Pilot to be a very well-balanced product, easily one of ADS’s best! You can tell it’s a serious contender when I move a product into a good Kwazar or Pressol sprayer.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...interior-detailer?_pos=1&_sid=88d56ccfb&_ss=r

Stoner Invisible Glass –For me, glass cleaning is a necessary evil, it’s a job that needs to be done rather than something I look forward to or enjoy. For that reason, I want a product and towel that makes it as painless as possible.

After trying so many glass cleaners over the years, from cheap to expensive, the conclusion I’ve come to is to keep it simple, stupid! There is a definite correlation between heavily scented and coloured glass cleaners and a streaky, hazy finish. Invisible Glass on the other hand is as basic as it comes, a cheap bottle and sprayer, no fancy scent, no lurid colouring. It’s just a glass cleaner, nothing more, nothing less. The fact it it’s cheap and can be bought from any auto store are added bonuses.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...ass-cleaner-946ml?_pos=1&_sid=73620604a&_ss=r
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/invisible-glass-invisible-glass-glass-cleaner---946ml/365486.html#q=invisible glass&lang=en_AU&vid=m5mKgF5KVF+4W3zlSKwYBQ==&start=2

Optimum No Rinse – I was late to rinse-less washing, and ONR was my first attempt at the method. Ironically, I use ONR for jobs other than rinse-less washing. In my opinion, even if you don’t like rinse-less washing, having a product like ONR in your arsenal is essential. Why? Because it's so versatile; rinse-less washing, water-less washing, clay lubricant, glass cleaner, interior cleaner, quick detailer, water softener, household cleaning………………………..

For me, I always have a bottle of ONR mixed up at the quick detailer rate. This then gets used for wiping benches, dealing with bird bombs, cleaning tools, engine bay wipe downs. I also love it as an ultra-gentle interior cleaner, from plastics to gloss surfaces, leather to screens, even rubber floor mats. And as a rinse-less, I like ONR for its lubricated feel, and in the latest generation, its easy drying properties.

A staple everyone should have!

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...-3-8l-new-formula?_pos=1&_sid=a2a17de68&_ss=r

Carpro ECH20 – This product is here for similar reasons to the above ONR, as in cost effective usability. Originally designed as a water-less wash concentrate, many also like ECH20 for rinse-less washing and as a drying aid, however I don’t love it in either role.

I’m primarily using ECH20 at the water-less wash rate to wipe down door jambs, engine bays and the tray of my Ranger. In a technical sense, using ECH20 for this helps clean and dry these areas that don’t actively get “washed” with the rest of the vehicle. In that regard, the mild cleaning ability and high lubrication make it perfect for this role. ECH20 also leaves behind some mild protection and works so nicely on unpainted black plastics.

When used on paint, it adds high levels of gloss and slickness that is hard to beat. And to cap it all off, ECH20 smells amazing and is surprisingly cost effective. In some instances, ECH20 can be a little streaky, which is undoubtably due to the carnauba wax content. However, being a concentrate means you can play around with the dilution until you find the sweet spot. For water-less washing, I’m using it at 15:1, for quick detailer/drying aid duties I would move that to 25:1.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-ech20-concentrate?_pos=1&_psq=ech20&_ss=e&_v=1.0

 

[bfets]

P&S Brake Buster – I’ve been in love with this product from the moment I tried it. Back then, I didn’t have much use for wheel cleaners, and I still don’t to some degree. However, Brake Buster has become a staple due to its versatility and affordability.

I totally agree. I also use Brake Buster on mildly dirty engine bays. Just foam the engine bay using a foam cannon just like you would for wheels. Agitate with a brush and rinse. Follow up on the wet engine bay with a light mist of Hyper dressing and leave to let it dry on its own for an like new OEM finish.

 

[DFB5.0]

My Most Used Tools, Towels & Accessories –

Oh boy, where to begin here. See, what I’m using most now in terms of tools, towels and accessories is the result of buying and trying so many different options over the years. So, I now have a very defined list of likes and dislikes when it comes to the various towels, brushes and tools I use and recommend.

TRC Car Wash Towel – From the outset, this is NOT the best towel on the market. The 320gsm is on the lower side, and the 80/20 instead of 70/30 blend means this is a more cost-conscious option. However, don’t let that 80/20 blend fool you, this is an excellent towel.

Firstly, the 41cm x 69cm size is perfect for a wide range of jobs. Combined with the terry-weave construction, low bulk and short pile length makes it an excellent choice for interior cleaning. I liked it so much in that role that I went on to make it my engine bay towel (in red), general purpose towel (in grey), customer polish removal towel (in blue), I even have a set of orange and purple for the kitchen and household cleaning.

At $4.45 each or 10 for $41.45, the Car Wash Towel is very affordable, and I’ve found durable as well.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...2&_sid=5aff79db7&_ss=r&variant=44132055384279

TRC Dry Me A River – For some reason, I prefer these waffle weave towels over specific glass towels. For glass cleaning, this ultra dense and short pile towel is hard to beat. Those attributes reduce the likely hood of leaving lint behind, while also helping to provide a stable/consistent pressure across the surface. While offered in a few sizes, for glass I think you want the medium 40cm x 60cm.

I also have the medium 40cm x 60cm and large 50cm x 100cm in light blue for drying door jambs. In this role, the low pile and lack of bulk helps get into those tight spots of door jambs.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/tr...sq=dry+me&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=31490626027633

TRC Rip-n-Rag – I’ve used something similar for a while now, but these bulk quantity “disposable” towels are far superior to junk sold in chain stores. While only being 180 gsm, TRC went with the superior 70/30 blend, which means they are softer and more absorbent compared to the Repco Eclipse 200 gsm towels that are also sold in box form. And if you want an even higher gsm and size, TRC now sell the Ultra version.

These 30cm x 30cm towels are just so handy to have, both for car cleaning and general workshop or household duties. They are cheap enough to sacrifice for dirty jobs, but with enough quality to make them safe to use on any exterior or interior surface. I’m generally using these for metal polishing (exhaust tips), tyre dressing knock downs, Solution Finish, tar/adhesive removal, Tarminator tyre cleaning, I’ve also used them for leveling ceramic coatings (wheels).

At $69.95 for a roll of 80, this means a per towel cost of only 0.87c each.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...1&_sid=5aff79db7&_ss=r&variant=44392590672087

Detail Factory Tire Scrub Brush – Previous to this, I had been using the Maxshine knock-off Tuff Shine brush on tyres. And that brush worked fine, I really didn’t need another tyre brush. Then this Detail Factory brush arrived on the scene, and for some reason, I felt the need to give it a try.

Holding the two brushes side by side, I was a little puzzled at Detail Factory’s choice of a softer bristle, everything I had been told prior was that you NEEDED a stiff bristle for tyres. Those concerns evaporated within seconds of using the new brush. Turns out that a slightly softer, more flexible bristle is actually more effective as they better conform to the sidewall and offer superior contact with the various sidewall patterns. This might sound weird, but the DF brush seems to do the same job with less effort, while also helping to lather up the cleaner better too. And where the Tuff Shine is all hard black plastic, the DF has a soft cushioned hand grip and an anti-slip rubberised coating to make it easier to hold and use.

I loved this brush so much I went on to buy another for cleaning rubber floor mats, and the XL sized version for larger SUV/Truck tyres, and an even softer bristle version for interior/carpet cleaning………….………….although the original is the best. For years everyone said the Tuff Shine brushes simplicity is what made it so perfect for the role. But somehow, Detail Factory made it even better.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...1&_sid=b112b9dd1&_ss=r&variant=45795360374999

Maxshine XL Curved Grip Brush – Look, I know this is a knockoff of the Detail Factory Curveball and Screwball, but at half the price, even I can’t ignore that. The Curveball is a $55 brush, the Screwball is $68. The Maxshine equivalents are $27 each, or $44 for both. Having used both DF and Maxshine versions, the Maxshine is NOT half the quality.

So why these brushes? Originally, these were designed for cleaning large surfaces such as interior door panels and leather. However, someone influential started using them to apply tire dressing…………..much to the horror of those who created it. And at $55 - $68 a pop, yes, I understand the horror of subjecting such a nice brush to a dirty job like that. But at $26, well, it’s a more palatable proposition. Ok, so that is also a lot of money for a tyre applicator when a $3 foam block will do the same thing. But…………………that foam block will last a dozen or so times, then end up in landfill. These brushes can be used over and over, washed with APC, and used over and over.

What I love about these brushes for tyre dressing is they really help to level out a dressing. I use the soft synthetic version for larger side walls (40 and above) and the boars hair version for low profile (40 and below). The best part is you don’t end up with sticky tyre dressing all over your hands. I also have a separate synthetic version for cleaning wheel faces.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...ed-grip-xl-detailing-brush-ultra-soft-bristle
https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...ved-grip-xl-detailing-brush-mixed-bristle-red
https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...hine-curved-grip-xl-detailing-brush-twin-pack

EZ-Detail GO – (AKA - The Toilet Brush) I only bought this brush after seeing Sandro using one in a video. While you can technically use the GO for wheels, I only use it for wheel arches. With the round head of bristles, this is by far the best brush for cleaning wheel arches! The GO is just so ergonomic for this role because it negates the need to flip the brush or twist your wrist to conform to the shape of the arch.

A MUST HAVE!

https://autobuff.com.au/products/ez-detail-go-ez-wheel-brush?_pos=1&_psq=GO&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Great for engine bays too...............

EGO LB-765 – With a proper dedicated car drying blower, I resisted buying an EGO blower for quite a while. After using a Stihl battery powered blower, I felt like the concept was cumbersome and underwhelming. When I finally did cave, I determined that the EGO was good but not as effective as the Big Boi. And that mentally still applies, but……………………….

Being battery powered, there is a massive convenience factor to using a leaf blower compared to lugging a corded machine and hose around the vehicle. Compared to a lot of blowers on the market, EGO’s seem to be geared towards this role due to the way they have designed the lower frame section, which effectively gives you an extra set of handles. And now that they also sell a rubber tipped stubby nozzle, there is no need to purchase the poorer fitting 3D-printed nozzles or even the silicone rubber bands.

At the time of purchase, the LB-765 was the most powerful handheld leaf blower on the market, be that petrol or battery powered. EGO have since released an even more powerful LB-880 and LB-1000, but they seem to be bulkier and will not deliver the full potential on the smaller 2.5 Ah batteries. I’d also steer clear of the LB-530, its just too lean and has annoying throttle lag. Quite often the LB-765 is packaged with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a rapid charger, making it better value than buying a LB-615 or LB-650.

Detailing Seat – I once hated cleaning wheels as it meant being crouched down on my knees, which in my day job as a gardener I’m already doing that a lot each day. My knees have always been dodgy, so anything that gives them a rest is a bonus. And so, discovering seated wheel cleaning was another detailing revelation!

I started using one of those cheap rolling stools from an auto store. This worked ok, but was too high for wheel cleaning, even on the lowest setting. Waxit were the first in Australia to offer the universally recognised detailing seat, which is sold under a variety of different brands including Economax (the Waxit one), Maxshine, Griots, Adam’s, Chemical Guys. There are fancier seats, and I’d love one of those Vyper Chairs, but these detailing seats are just the right height for wheel cleaning, and the storage each side is very handy. I also fitted a foam cannon mount on mine. Being on wheels, it means you can skate from wheel to wheel without getting up and down multiple times. You will also find this seat handy for polishing and tyre dressing.

Which of these to buy? Considering they all come out of the same factory in China, its odd that prices vary widely (DO NOT pay the $240 asking price for the Adam's). Some of them don’t come with a padded seat, including the Economax I have, so I’d say shortlist the ones that are supplied with the padded seat overlay. I actually bought the Maxshine padded cover to fit on my Economax, and it certainly makes a huge difference to comfort.

Seated wheel cleaning is THE BOSS move!

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...with-soft-cushion?_pos=4&_sid=60959c90a&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/economax/products/economax-detailing-creeper-seat
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-p...G-H3DJpZv7n25UfNmhvQsSZUHTwKuvKsXuIYvrvbXPsCd
https://adamspolishes.com.au/produc...O3ONWqfdDYB3yrja0cpSf1gwMSEQ_L2GLS1NMEJlpGUQU

Buckets – Probably the most used accessory in a detailer’s arsenal! I use buckets for wheel cleaning, washing, rinse-less washing, soaking used polishing pads and excessively dirty towels, to collect the dust from polishing pad blow outs, and even as a laundry basket.

I went overboard with the colour matching gamma seal, grit guard, bucket dolly and stickering. However, there is some practical considerations here beyond it also looking good. The gamma seals help keep the buckets clean between uses, the dollies also play a role in the seated wheel cleaning above. The grit guards are probably overkill for me, I guess I have them because that’s what everyone tells you to do.

At the bare minimum, I would have buckets in at least 15-litre capacity, ideally 20-litres. If you are not going to do gamma seals, at least keep the supplied lids to keep dust and debris out of them between uses.

Pressure Washer Setup – At one point, I found using a garden hose was quicker and more convenient that setting up a pressure washer. That’s because the Karcher K2 I had just didn’t produce enough flow, and was better for cleaning wheels than having to manage that long gun/lance setup. And because of the short hose, I had to move the machine as I worked around the vehicle. Well, that all went out the window when I bit the bullet and spent some money on a Kranzle K1152, then a wall mounted KHD10 later on.

Look, I know that these Kranzle machines and Mosmatic fittings are expensive, and putting it all on the wall………………..well, I purposely didn’t add it all up. I spent waaay too much money on my pressure washer setups, but its what I love doing and this makes me love it even more. Some people spend their money on holidays, booze, drugs, coffee, shoes, watches, handbags, cars………………….we all have that hole we pour money into in the name of a hobby.

Thing is, I could have adapted my Karcher with a better hose, gun and nozzles. And so can you, which means taking an existing machine and completely transform the useability for under $300.

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/kranzle-k1152tst?_pos=1&_sid=9cfa4f94c&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...10-l-m-new-model?_pos=1&_psq=khd&_ss=e&_v=1.0

 

[Deano1978]

My Most Used Tools, Towels & Accessories –

Oh boy, where to begin here. See, what I’m using most now in terms of tools, towels and accessories is the result of buying and trying so many different options over the years. So, I now have a very defined list of likes and dislikes when it comes to the various towels, brushes and tools I use and recommend.

TRC Car Wash Towel – From the outset, this is NOT the best towel on the market. The 320gsm is on the lower side, and the 80/20 instead of 70/30 blend means this is a more cost-conscious option. However, don’t let that 80/20 blend fool you, this is an excellent towel.

Firstly, the 41cm x 69cm size is perfect for a wide range of jobs. Combined with the terry-weave construction, low bulk and short pile length makes it an excellent choice for interior cleaning. I liked it so much in that role that I went on to make it my engine bay towel (in red), general purpose towel (in grey), customer polish removal towel (in blue), I even have a set of orange and purple for the kitchen and household cleaning.

At $4.45 each or 10 for $41.45, the Car Wash Towel is very affordable, and I’ve found durable as well.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...2&_sid=5aff79db7&_ss=r&variant=44132055384279

TRC Dry Me A River – For some reason, I prefer these waffle weave towels over specific glass towels. For glass cleaning, this ultra dense and short pile towel is hard to beat. Those attributes reduce the likely hood of leaving lint behind, while also helping to provide a stable/consistent pressure across the surface. While offered in a few sizes, for glass I think you want the medium 40cm x 60cm.

I also have the medium 40cm x 60cm and large 50cm x 100cm in light blue for drying door jambs. In this role, the low pile and lack of bulk helps get into those tight spots of door jambs.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/tr...sq=dry+me&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=31490626027633

TRC Rip-n-Rag – I’ve used something similar for a while now, but these bulk quantity “disposable” towels are far superior to junk sold in chain stores. While only being 180 gsm, TRC went with the superior 70/30 blend, which means they are softer and more absorbent compared to the Repco Eclipse 200 gsm towels that are also sold in box form. And if you want an even higher gsm and size, TRC now sell the Ultra version.

These 30cm x 30cm towels are just so handy to have, both for car cleaning and general workshop or household duties. They are cheap enough to sacrifice for dirty jobs, but with enough quality to make them safe to use on any exterior or interior surface. I’m generally using these for metal polishing (exhaust tips), tyre dressing knock downs, Solution Finish, tar/adhesive removal, Tarminator tyre cleaning, I’ve also used them for leveling ceramic coatings (wheels).

At $69.95 for a roll of 80, this means a per towel cost of only 0.87c each.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...1&_sid=5aff79db7&_ss=r&variant=44392590672087

Detail Factory Tire Scrub Brush – Previous to this, I had been using the Maxshine knock-off Tuff Shine brush on tyres. And that brush worked fine, I really didn’t need another tyre brush. Then this Detail Factory brush arrived on the scene, and for some reason, I felt the need to give it a try.

Holding the two brushes side by side, I was a little puzzled at Detail Factory’s choice of a softer bristle, everything I had been told prior was that you NEEDED a stiff bristle for tyres. Those concerns evaporated within seconds of using the new brush. Turns out that a slightly softer, more flexible bristle is actually more effective as they better conform to the sidewall and offer superior contact with the various sidewall patterns. This might sound weird, but the DF brush seems to do the same job with less effort, while also helping to lather up the cleaner better too. And where the Tuff Shine is all hard black plastic, the DF has a soft cushioned hand grip and an anti-slip rubberised coating to make it easier to hold and use.

I loved this brush so much I went on to buy another for cleaning rubber floor mats, and the XL sized version for larger SUV/Truck tyres, and an even softer bristle version for interior/carpet cleaning………….………….although the original is the best. For years everyone said the Tuff Shine brushes simplicity is what made it so perfect for the role. But somehow, Detail Factory made it even better.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...1&_sid=b112b9dd1&_ss=r&variant=45795360374999

Maxshine XL Curved Grip Brush – Look, I know this is a knockoff of the Detail Factory Curveball and Screwball, but at half the price, even I can’t ignore that. The Curveball is a $55 brush, the Screwball is $68. The Maxshine equivalents are $27 each, or $44 for both. Having used both DF and Maxshine versions, the Maxshine is NOT half the quality.

So why these brushes? Originally, these were designed for cleaning large surfaces such as interior door panels and leather. However, someone influential started using them to apply tire dressing…………..much to the horror of those who created it. And at $55 - $68 a pop, yes, I understand the horror of subjecting such a nice brush to a dirty job like that. But at $26, well, it’s a more palatable proposition. Ok, so that is also a lot of money for a tyre applicator when a $3 foam block will do the same thing. But…………………that foam block will last a dozen or so times, then end up in landfill. These brushes can be used over and over, washed with APC, and used over and over.

What I love about these brushes for tyre dressing is they really help to level out a dressing. I use the soft synthetic version for larger side walls (40 and above) and the boars hair version for low profile (40 and below). The best part is you don’t end up with sticky tyre dressing all over your hands. I also have a separate synthetic version for cleaning wheel faces.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...ed-grip-xl-detailing-brush-ultra-soft-bristle
https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...ved-grip-xl-detailing-brush-mixed-bristle-red
https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...hine-curved-grip-xl-detailing-brush-twin-pack

EZ-Detail GO – (AKA - The Toilet Brush) I only bought this brush after seeing Sandro using one in a video. While you can technically use the GO for wheels, I only use it for wheel arches. With the round head of bristles, this is by far the best brush for cleaning wheel arches! The GO is just so ergonomic for this role because it negates the need to flip the brush or twist your wrist to conform to the shape of the arch.

A MUST HAVE!

https://autobuff.com.au/products/ez-detail-go-ez-wheel-brush?_pos=1&_psq=GO&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Great for engine bays too...............

EGO LB-765 – With a proper dedicated car drying blower, I resisted buying an EGO blower for quite a while. After using a Stihl battery powered blower, I felt like the concept was cumbersome and underwhelming. When I finally did cave, I determined that the EGO was good but not as effective as the Big Boi. And that mentally still applies, but……………………….

Being battery powered, there is a massive convenience factor to using a leaf blower compared to lugging a corded machine and hose around the vehicle. Compared to a lot of blowers on the market, EGO’s seem to be geared towards this role due to the way they have designed the lower frame section, which effectively gives you an extra set of handles. And now that they also sell a rubber tipped stubby nozzle, there is no need to purchase the poorer fitting 3D-printed nozzles or even the silicone rubber bands.

At the time of purchase, the LB-765 was the most powerful handheld leaf blower on the market, be that petrol or battery powered. EGO have since released an even more powerful LB-880 and LB-1000, but they seem to be bulkier and will not deliver the full potential on the smaller 2.5 Ah batteries. I’d also steer clear of the LB-530, its just too lean and has annoying throttle lag. Quite often the LB-765 is packaged with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a rapid charger, making it better value than buying a LB-615 or LB-650.

Detailing Seat – I once hated cleaning wheels as it meant being crouched down on my knees, which in my day job as a gardener I’m already doing that a lot each day. My knees have always been dodgy, so anything that gives them a rest is a bonus. And so, discovering seated wheel cleaning was another detailing revelation!

I started using one of those cheap rolling stools from an auto store. This worked ok, but was too high for wheel cleaning, even on the lowest setting. Waxit were the first in Australia to offer the universally recognised detailing seat, which is sold under a variety of different brands including Economax (the Waxit one), Maxshine, Griots, Adam’s, Chemical Guys. There are fancier seats, and I’d love one of those Vyper Chairs, but these detailing seats are just the right height for wheel cleaning, and the storage each side is very handy. I also fitted a foam cannon mount on mine. Being on wheels, it means you can skate from wheel to wheel without getting up and down multiple times. You will also find this seat handy for polishing and tyre dressing.

Which of these to buy? Considering they all come out of the same factory in China, its odd that prices vary widely (DO NOT pay the $240 asking price for the Adam's). Some of them don’t come with a padded seat, including the Economax I have, so I’d say shortlist the ones that are supplied with the padded seat overlay. I actually bought the Maxshine padded cover to fit on my Economax, and it certainly makes a huge difference to comfort.

Seated wheel cleaning is THE BOSS move!

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...with-soft-cushion?_pos=4&_sid=60959c90a&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/economax/products/economax-detailing-creeper-seat
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-p...G-H3DJpZv7n25UfNmhvQsSZUHTwKuvKsXuIYvrvbXPsCd
https://adamspolishes.com.au/produc...O3ONWqfdDYB3yrja0cpSf1gwMSEQ_L2GLS1NMEJlpGUQU

Buckets – Probably the most used accessory in a detailer’s arsenal! I use buckets for wheel cleaning, washing, rinse-less washing, soaking used polishing pads and excessively dirty towels, to collect the dust from polishing pad blow outs, and even as a laundry basket.

I went overboard with the colour matching gamma seal, grit guard, bucket dolly and stickering. However, there is some practical considerations here beyond it also looking good. The gamma seals help keep the buckets clean between uses, the dollies also play a role in the seated wheel cleaning above. The grit guards are probably overkill for me, I guess I have them because that’s what everyone tells you to do.

At the bare minimum, I would have buckets in at least 15-litre capacity, ideally 20-litres. If you are not going to do gamma seals, at least keep the supplied lids to keep dust and debris out of them between uses.

Pressure Washer Setup – At one point, I found using a garden hose was quicker and more convenient that setting up a pressure washer. That’s because the Karcher K2 I had just didn’t produce enough flow, and was better for cleaning wheels than having to manage that long gun/lance setup. And because of the short hose, I had to move the machine as I worked around the vehicle. Well, that all went out the window when I bit the bullet and spent some money on a Kranzle K1152, then a wall mounted KHD10 later on.

Look, I know that these Kranzle machines and Mosmatic fittings are expensive, and putting it all on the wall………………..well, I purposely didn’t add it all up. I spent waaay too much money on my pressure washer setups, but its what I love doing and this makes me love it even more. Some people spend their money on holidays, booze, drugs, coffee, shoes, watches, handbags, cars………………….we all have that hole we pour money into in the name of a hobby.

Thing is, I could have adapted my Karcher with a better hose, gun and nozzles. And so can you, which means taking an existing machine and completely transform the useability for under $300.

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/kranzle-k1152tst?_pos=1&_sid=9cfa4f94c&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...10-l-m-new-model?_pos=1&_psq=khd&_ss=e&_v=1.0

I concur with the Ego power blower. My neighbour has one and I've borrowed it for use on the Stang, it does a great job.

 

[DFB5.0]

I concur with the Ego power blower. My neighbour has one and I've borrowed it for use on the Stang, it does a great job.

If you decide to get one, if this is your first EGO tool, then you are essentially buying a battery system first, tool second. EGO rarely discount, instead offering an extra battery or the like.

While the 2.5 ah battery is workable for car drying, blowers seem to drain a battery quicker than other tools. While I have a 2.5 ah battery, I never use it on the blower. However, many like weight saving by using the smaller 2.5 and 4.0 ah batteries. If you have larger vehicles (Ranger, F-150 ect), then the 5.0 ah battery is the one to go for due to sustained performance.

Machine wise, I'd recommend you start by looking at the LB650, with a preference for the LB765. The LB530 is too lean, and the throttle is not variable and has an annoying lag. The LB615 and LB650 are said to have a shrill sound frequency, although I will note you should be using ear protection with any of them. The LB765 was the previous top spec, and I think its still the one to go for due to the added bulk of the newer LB880 and LB1000.

This LB650 kit includes the Rapid Charger, a 5.0 ah battery. They are also including a bonus 2.5 ah battery, which is a $229 standalone proposition.
EGO POWER+ 56V Brushless 1 x 5.0Ah 1105m3 Blower Kit LB6504E-B | Total Tools

The LB765 kit also includes the Rapid Charger, but comes with two 5.0 ah batteries, which are $379 each. This is where I started with EGO, mainly because of the included two batteries. I've since added the power inverter and misting fan.
EGO 56V 2 x 5.0Ah 1300m³/h Blower Kit LB7654E-2 | Total Tools

You will also want a stubby nozzle. The standard long tube is workable, but not ideal. You get much more functionality and maneuverability from the stubby. Originally, your only option was the 3D printed nozzles sold on Etsy/eBay/Amazon. However, if you intend to use the blower for yard work, these nozzles don't have a release tab and can be a bear to remove and swap. You also need to buy the silicone protector band separately.

Long/OE tube -

Stubby Nozzle Co version, which is about $96 with the Blower Band -

Stubby Nozzle Co. STUBBY® Car Drying Nozzle for EGO Leaf Blowers (765, 670, 650, 615, 580, 575, & 530 CFM Models) - Etsy Australia

The argument would be to just use the blower without the nozzle attached, however you need some back pressure to speed up and properly direct the airflow.

EGO eventually cottoned on to what some of its customers were doing with these blowers, and have since came out with their own stubby nozzle. These have OEM level fit and finish, as well as the release tabs. For some reason, Total Tools don't offer it, hence not the matching links. Product code is AST2000.

EGO Blower Short Stubby Tube Nozzle Attachment - Suits LB5300E, LB5800E, LB6500E, LB7650E - AST2000 | TradeTools
EGO AST2000 Short Stubby Tube Nozzle Attachment Suits LB5300E, LB5800E, LB6500E

Just a few words on the rest of the EGO lineup, from someone who uses these type of tools for a living.

- I don't like the chainsaws, they have a silly battery placement and thus poorly balanced. I'm not sure why they orientated the battery that way, it would be far better running in parallel to the chain/bar.

- The line trimmers are pretty good, especially models with the electric powered line loading. The motor itself is at the end of the shaft, the battery is then up top. This is where using a 2.5 ah battery makes sense as it provides sufficient power and balances the machine better.

- I also like the hedge trimmers, again the 2.5 ah is ideal for weight balance without compromising power.

- The inverters are handy to have for emergency power.

- Please, please, please do NOT buy the mowers. I'm not being rude to our American friends here, but these mowers are just not suitable for Australian lawns. In that I mean the deck doesn't go low enough, and when used on the lowest setting, they drag and dig into the ground. The bar blade is not ideal for catching/bagging as they don't provide enough lift. And the narrow and too-high discharge chute will frequently block up on anything other than completely dry grass and only removing tip growth. Ask me how I know all this! And that's a shame because the battery and motor setup are very good.

- The zero-turn mowers just don't make financial sense.

- They also make a mini-bike.
EGO Power+ Mini Bikes | Total Tools

 

[DFB5.0]

Also on EGO blowers.....................

While I haven't got one, you can also get a clip to keep it in turbo mode rather than having to keep your thumb pinned to the button.

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1217...p-for-ego-leaf

 

[DFB5.0]

Still on blowers, I see Waxit are now selling the Stubby Nozzle Co to suit various blower brands on the market, Ego included.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collection...-nYGoD_MNv2Cub3VtIvjHVNAPcHF-Ta0UIOZgU.MeSg3g
https://www.waxit.com.au/collection.../stubby-nozzle-suit-ego-new-generation-blower

I will say though, if you have an EGO, you are better served with the genuine EGO stubby, especially considering the price, $42.95 and not $65 (or $92 with the blower band), which is a no brainer for a proper injection molded item rather than 3D printed.

Apart from the EGO, having these for other blower brands is a nice addition to the Waxit store.

 

[Deano1978]

If you decide to get one, if this is your first EGO tool, then you are essentially buying a battery system first, tool second. EGO rarely discount, instead offering an extra battery or the like.

While the 2.5 ah battery is workable for car drying, blowers seem to drain a battery quicker than other tools. While I have a 2.5 ah battery, I never use it on the blower. However, many like weight saving by using the smaller 2.5 and 4.0 ah batteries. If you have larger vehicles (Ranger, F-150 ect), then the 5.0 ah battery is the one to go for due to sustained performance.

Machine wise, I'd recommend you start by looking at the LB650, with a preference for the LB765. The LB530 is too lean, and the throttle is not variable and has an annoying lag. The LB615 and LB650 are said to have a shrill sound frequency, although I will note you should be using ear protection with any of them. The LB765 was the previous top spec, and I think its still the one to go for due to the added bulk of the newer LB880 and LB1000.

This LB650 kit includes the Rapid Charger, a 5.0 ah battery. They are also including a bonus 2.5 ah battery, which is a $229 standalone proposition.
EGO POWER+ 56V Brushless 1 x 5.0Ah 1105m3 Blower Kit LB6504E-B | Total Tools

The LB765 kit also includes the Rapid Charger, but comes with two 5.0 ah batteries, which are $379 each. This is where I started with EGO, mainly because of the included two batteries. I've since added the power inverter and misting fan.
EGO 56V 2 x 5.0Ah 1300m³/h Blower Kit LB7654E-2 | Total Tools

You will also want a stubby nozzle. The standard long tube is workable, but not ideal. You get much more functionality and maneuverability from the stubby. Originally, your only option was the 3D printed nozzles sold on Etsy/eBay/Amazon. However, if you intend to use the blower for yard work, these nozzles don't have a release tab and can be a bear to remove and swap. You also need to buy the silicone protector band separately.

Long/OE tube -

Stubby Nozzle Co version, which is about $96 with the Blower Band -

Stubby Nozzle Co. STUBBY® Car Drying Nozzle for EGO Leaf Blowers (765, 670, 650, 615, 580, 575, & 530 CFM Models) - Etsy Australia

The argument would be to just use the blower without the nozzle attached, however you need some back pressure to speed up and properly direct the airflow.

EGO eventually cottoned on to what some of its customers were doing with these blowers, and have since came out with their own stubby nozzle. These have OEM level fit and finish, as well as the release tabs. For some reason, Total Tools don't offer it, hence not the matching links. Product code is AST2000.

EGO Blower Short Stubby Tube Nozzle Attachment - Suits LB5300E, LB5800E, LB6500E, LB7650E - AST2000 | TradeTools
EGO AST2000 Short Stubby Tube Nozzle Attachment Suits LB5300E, LB5800E, LB6500E

Just a few words on the rest of the EGO lineup, from someone who uses these type of tools for a living.

- I don't like the chainsaws, they have a silly battery placement and thus poorly balanced. I'm not sure why they orientated the battery that way, it would be far better running in parallel to the chain/bar.

- The line trimmers are pretty good, especially models with the electric powered line loading. The motor itself is at the end of the shaft, the battery is then up top. This is where using a 2.5 ah battery makes sense as it provides sufficient power and balances the machine better.

- I also like the hedge trimmers, again the 2.5 ah is ideal for weight balance without compromising power.

- The inverters are handy to have for emergency power.

- Please, please, please do NOT buy the mowers. I'm not being rude to our American friends here, but these mowers are just not suitable for Australian lawns. In that I mean the deck doesn't go low enough, and when used on the lowest setting, they drag and dig into the ground. The bar blade is not ideal for catching/bagging as they don't provide enough lift. And the narrow and too-high discharge chute will frequently block up on anything other than completely dry grass and only removing tip growth. Ask me how I know all this! And that's a shame because the battery and motor setup are very good.

- The zero-turn mowers just don't make financial sense.

- They also make a mini-bike.
EGO Power+ Mini Bikes | Total Tools

The LB650 was the one I had saved in my bookmarks.

Having used my neighbours on with the long nose, the first thing I wanted was a stubby one - the first and only time I'll ever say that

It'll came in handy around the yard, but it's primarily for drying the car (i.e. a luxury).

The Blower/Vac I current have on the 18V Ryobi platform does all it needs to around the yard so I'm trying to convince myself that $700 is worth it when I have 2 x super soaker towels @ $35 each that do a decent job already.

(Caveat: The car is fully filmed with ceramic on top and gets a dose of Gyeon wet coat each wash)

 

[DFB5.0]

I knew Mosmatic were working on a foam cannon, one that would be different from the norm and priced accordingly. However, seeing it today and reading some feedback on it, something just isn't right.

I really like the quick connect feature, which has that lovely snick-snick sound when connected/disconnected. I can also appreciate the decision to make it look different rather than being just another MTM knock off.

But......................the non-adjustable nozzle is silly, not to mention being too long for the overall dimensions of the body and bottle arrangement. The nozzle completely ruins the coolness of the stainless-steel outer frame. And watching the above video, it doesn't look to produce great foam, actually the spray pattern is all broken up.

Then you look at the price......................................................$626!!!!

Mosmatic Foam Cannon 29.212 – 1.2 GPM, 2300 PSI, Pro Pre-Wash Tool – Clean Direct Inc.

From what I've been told, its aimed at industrial applications where the stainless-steel sheath provides superior durability. For car detailing, both professional and the weekend warrior, it appears to be poorly suited to this task. I'd also think it's a pretty weighty thing to be hanging off your gun, which then puts strain on the quick connect fittings.

Quite a missed opportunity for Mosmatic.

 

[prestj1]

No problems at all. The cover fits like a glove. I actually just ordered a second cover for another car of ours.

Just ordered the Purfit 1 as well, thanks for the info

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