X6StringerX

I just bought a black 2003 Mustang that I plan to use as a daily driver. As one might expect, the previous owner had absolutely no idea how to properly care for black paint. As soon as the weather breaks and it warms up a little outside, I'm going to task myself with correcting the paint. I've used a lot of different products in the past with varying degrees of success. Naturally, I've found that there can be a huge difference between many of your easily found parts store products and your higher end products. With that being said, some parts stores and even Walmart carry some pretty good stuff that can get you by in a pinch. Case in point, I use Meguiar's Gold Class and Surf City Garage car washes and I think they're both fantastic. You'll see that my list is both a mix of readily available and harder to find products.

So here is the challenge. If you had $200 and you needed pretty much everything, what would you buy? We'll assume the purchaser already owns a bucket, grit guard, wash mitt, assorted microfibers, pads, and a dual action tool (i.e. Porter Cable 7424XP). Let's keep this at or below $200 as I feel that is a realistic number that your average Joe would feel comfortable investing. You'll notice that some items such as the cleaners and dressings are combined. Feel free to separate these if you prefer two distinct products. I also opted for a sealer instead of a wax because my car will be driven each day and through all the elements. Also, Klasse rocks. If this thread is successful, maybe we can start another thread for higher end products.

The Necessities:

1 - Car Wash Concentrate
2 - Clay Bar
3 - Clay Bar Lubricant
4 - Cut Compound
5 - Swirl Polish
6 - Finish Polish
7 - Sealer/Wax
8 - Wheel Cleaner
9 - Tire Cleaner
10 - Tire/Trim Dressing
11 - Leather Cleaner/Conditioner
12 - Hard Surface Cleaner/Protectant
13 - Glass Cleaner


My List:

1 - Meguiar's Gold Class: $10
2 - Sonus SFX Ultra Fine Clay Bar: $20
3 - Sonus Glyde Clay Bar Lubricant: $12
4 - Prima Cut Compound: $19
5 - Prima Swirl Polish: $17
6 - Prima Finish Polish: $17
7 - Klasse High Gloss Sealant: $20
8 - Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner: $6
9 - Wesley's Bleach White - $3
10 - Optimum Tire Shine: $12
11 - Poorboys Leather Stuff: $18
12 - Poorboys World Natural Look: $12
13 - Surf City Garage Clearly Better Glass Cleaner: $8
Total: $174

Soldier GT

Any pics?? Post a before and after!

X6StringerX

Actually, I haven't had the chance to detail mine yet. We received about 2" of snow last night. We've had an unseasonbly mild winter so far with this being the first snow that has actually accumulated.

My list was just a $200 budget list. The products I use on the initial detail will likely differ. As it stands, I'm almost out of everything at the moment, so I need to make a pretty large purchase when I'm ready. I've been fairly intrigued by Poorboys products, so I may go that route. I'll be sure to post before and after pics.

mario23_15

I'll bump this back up from you and try to keep it as close to $200 as I can.
1 - Optimum No Rinse 32oz $16
2 - Pinnacle Ultra Poly clay $20
3 - Optimum No Rinse 32oz $-(Very versatile product)
4 - Meguiar’s 105 8oz $11
5 - Meguiar’s 205 8oz $9
6 - Menzerna PO85RD $40 (Had to throw a higher end product in the mix)
7 - Collinite 845 $15
8 - Iron X $20
9 - Optimum Power Clean $12
10 - Sonus Tire & Bumper Dressing $13
11 - Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner $25
12 - Poorboys World Natural Look: $12
13 - Diamondite Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner $12

Total $205
Sorry I'm going to have to bum a few dollars off of you since i went over lol

Topp64

1-P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo 500ml $10.99
2-DI Ultra Fine Clay Bar and Clay Lube Combo $15.99 (100g DI Ultra Fine Clay Bar + 16oz Poorboy's World Spray & Wipe)http://www.detailedimage.com/wax.php...be-combo-P481/
3-Included with clay bar combo $ 0
4-Meguiar's Ultimate Compound 105 8oz $9.99
5-Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish 205 8oz $9.99
6-Menzerna Super Finish Polish SF 4000 16oz $29.99
7-Chemical Guys Black Light $27.99
8&9-Blackfire Gel Wheel & Tire Cleaner 16oz $13.99
10-Chemical Guys Black on Black 11oz $12.99
11-Optimum Leather Protectant 17oz $11.99
12-303 Aerospace Protectant 16oz $12.99
13-Stoner Invisible Glass 19oz $5.99

Sub Total-$162.89

Additional products:
1-P21S Total Auto Wash 1000ml $17.99
2-Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine (ONR) 32oz $15.99

Total-$196.87

I agree with Mario23_15, Optimum No Rinse is very versatile. Use it during the winter to wash your car without the need for a hose (no rinse), or use as a quick detailer and clay bar lubricant. I even use it on interior surfaces. Just spray on a microfiber and wipe down door panels and dash board. Another versatile product is P21S Total Auto Wash. Use it on paint, trim, rubber, vinyl, carpets, plastic, glass, leather and many other surfaces. I like it for cleaning wheel wells and as a degreaser in the engine bay. I also use it to prep surfaces for polishing (clean and remove old wax and sealants). It can be used full strength on painted surfaces to safely remove stubborn contamination like bug splatters, tree sap, or tar. It will strip wax or sealant from paint when used at full strength, but can be diluted down to clean painted surfaces without the need to re-wax. I use it diluted to spray on lower body panels before washing, especially in the winter. It's great for breaking up the salt and road grime that accumulates behind the tires.