Beginner's detailing kit
Discussion
Hi all,
I have just picked up my first car (E46 M3) in the UK and I have zero washing equipment. I will be washing the car in the wash bay of my apartment complex, and have very limited storage space.
Can anyone recommend a basic / beginner's kit to take care of just the exterior (bucket, sponge / mit, drying, wheels)? The interior is mostly stripped (track car).
I'd like to spend less than 100 GBP including postage to London
Thanks!
I have just picked up my first car (E46 M3) in the UK and I have zero washing equipment. I will be washing the car in the wash bay of my apartment complex, and have very limited storage space.
Can anyone recommend a basic / beginner's kit to take care of just the exterior (bucket, sponge / mit, drying, wheels)? The interior is mostly stripped (track car).
I'd like to spend less than 100 GBP including postage to London
Thanks!
Just go to Halfords, of which there are many in London and have a browse. I also noticed today In a e-mail I received from Eurocarparts that they are doing a Meguires basic kit for about £50.
What you need is / are;
Stuff to wash and rinse the bodywork.
Stuff to de-scut the wheels if they are bad and a wheel brush or two.
Some clay to remove any embedded carp from the paint along with some quick detailer liquid for lube.
Some kind of paint restorer
Some kind of wax
You can spend as much or as little money as you like on all of the above. What really makes the difference is the amount of time you spend on the car getting it done.
If it is really bad, and due to your limitied facilities and especially if the paint is badly swirled, it might be worth splashing out and getting a pro to do an initial correction and get the car to a standard and then you focus on maintaining the car in that condition thereafter.
Time is the largest cost to anyone if they want a super clean car. I can quite easily lose a couple of weekends on a new (to me) car until I'm happy with it. This would include a fair bit of careful machine polishing to de-swirl. For me there is no point trying to hand polish over swirls, you'll only mask them.
What you need is / are;
Stuff to wash and rinse the bodywork.
Stuff to de-scut the wheels if they are bad and a wheel brush or two.
Some clay to remove any embedded carp from the paint along with some quick detailer liquid for lube.
Some kind of paint restorer
Some kind of wax
You can spend as much or as little money as you like on all of the above. What really makes the difference is the amount of time you spend on the car getting it done.
If it is really bad, and due to your limitied facilities and especially if the paint is badly swirled, it might be worth splashing out and getting a pro to do an initial correction and get the car to a standard and then you focus on maintaining the car in that condition thereafter.
Time is the largest cost to anyone if they want a super clean car. I can quite easily lose a couple of weekends on a new (to me) car until I'm happy with it. This would include a fair bit of careful machine polishing to de-swirl. For me there is no point trying to hand polish over swirls, you'll only mask them.
A great online resource is Tim at Envy. Give him a shout. He stocks major brands as well as his own products. He'd be able to put you a kit together. - http://www.envycarcare.co.uk
If you want to go to a shop then Halfords now stock Auto Finesse products on the shelf. Halfords will also sell an Autoglym starter kit. It's ok, but personally I prefer the Auto Finesse, Dodo products, Envy products etc. Another brand that's cheap and punches way above it's price range is the Poorboys range.
If you want to spend a little more then look at Mitchell & King. John will be able to put you a kit together.
But for £100 you should be able to put together something reasonable.
If you want to go to a shop then Halfords now stock Auto Finesse products on the shelf. Halfords will also sell an Autoglym starter kit. It's ok, but personally I prefer the Auto Finesse, Dodo products, Envy products etc. Another brand that's cheap and punches way above it's price range is the Poorboys range.
If you want to spend a little more then look at Mitchell & King. John will be able to put you a kit together.
But for £100 you should be able to put together something reasonable.
mneame said:
A great online resource is Tim at Envy. Give him a shout. He stocks major brands as well as his own products. He'd be able to put you a kit together. - http://www.envycarcare.co.uk
If you want to go to a shop then Halfords now stock Auto Finesse products on the shelf. Halfords will also sell an Autoglym starter kit. It's ok, but personally I prefer the Auto Finesse, Dodo products, Envy products etc. Another brand that's cheap and punches way above it's price range is the Poorboys range.
If you want to spend a little more then look at Mitchell & King. John will be able to put you a kit together.
But for £100 you should be able to put together something reasonable.
Thank you for the tips!If you want to go to a shop then Halfords now stock Auto Finesse products on the shelf. Halfords will also sell an Autoglym starter kit. It's ok, but personally I prefer the Auto Finesse, Dodo products, Envy products etc. Another brand that's cheap and punches way above it's price range is the Poorboys range.
If you want to spend a little more then look at Mitchell & King. John will be able to put you a kit together.
But for £100 you should be able to put together something reasonable.
colin_p said:
I also noticed today In a e-mail I received from Eurocarparts that they are doing a Meguires basic kit for about £50.
I saw the ECP deal as well, and whilst I don't like Meguiar's products (just a general rule), it does seem good value for money to start out with (car needs a wash ASAP!)Gassing Station | Bodywork & Detailing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff