Valeting Tips

[jimmy]

I have just returned from a weeks holiday touring Wales and my beloved car is rather dirty. This weekend I plan to spend a whole day giving my car the full works inside and out and make it shine again.

I have decided to try something different to Autoglym and Mer products for a change and have got some cleaning products from Meguiars.

I thought it would be good if we could share valeting or detailing tips with each other here. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

So, has any body got any top tips or wonder products we all should be using?

 

[Koolvin]

Zymol!!!!

 

[jimmy]

Is Zymol good then Koolvin?

I have heard of it, but never seen it anywhere to buy it.

Is it just one product like a wax or are there washes, polishes and waxes?

 

[Koolvin]

Zymol is exccellent imo - I used to be a Auto-glym fan (ask Shude) but since using Zymol I have never gone back!! however I only use Zymol wax (they have lots of other products)

I still use a variety of other products for detailing tho.....

see this site: http://www.sportscarworld.ltd.uk/

Ask anyone who's seen my car in real life - it's *always* shining - But im a maddo - I clean my wheels everyday, I used to make people dust my mats after they get out (but now I just do that myslef)

LOL

 

[Paul]

I've converted to Zymol.

I got mine from Halfords, it was about £12 for 500ml.
In the Zymol brouchure it's sold as SUV cleaner polish.

You only clean one panel/door at a time but it polishes up very easily.

Once you have done the whole car and it's all shiney you then spray a very fine mist of water all over the car and dry it with a bath towel.


This set's the polish and makes the shine even all over.

The result is a glass like finish.

You can also get the car shampoo from Halfords. Both contain all sorts of exotic oils and smells like coconut sun cream <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>


Koolvin failed to mention he polishes the inside of his exhaust with a tooth brush <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[fuzzer]

An electric toothbrush ? <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[Steve_Perry]

Yup electric toothbrush wired back to the fusebox <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Heh sorry couldn't resist that <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

S.

 

[fuzzer]

He even has an OEM switch for it  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[Steve_Perry]

LOL <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

I sure hope we don't get banned for our humour *grin*

Cool bit of photoshopping there <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

S.

 

[GrahamC230K]

<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>


HA HA HA HA HA HA


Koolvin, you have been stitched up, proper!

 

[Simon]

&quot;Us guys at the garage love that switch&quot;

 

[jimmy]

Wow!!!! <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Today I gave my car the full Meguiars treatment, and it looks fantastic. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

One of the products called ScratchX is excellent for getting rid of small marks and swirls from the paint, difficult to use but good results.

By far the best product is QuicK Clay, anybody ever clayed their car? Well worth going to the trouble of doing it, leaves the paint like new, smooth as glass ready for polishing and waxing.

I have to say the Meguiars wax is the best I have ever used, my car has never had such a deep shiny glossy finish, just hope it lasts. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

I don't know how it compares with Zymol but I am impressed.

Started at 10 this morning and finished at 8 this evening, my arms feel like lead!!

 

[Steve_Perry]

Jimmy,

Ouchy, that's one long valeting day. Good to hear that Meguiars kit performed well. Did it reverse the Langka effects on the Vivianite Green paintwork?

S.

 

[jimmy]

The stone chips are still there <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  They are a bit worse than normal stone chips, the lacquer has lifted and bubbled around the stone chips, three in total, one on drivers side front wing, two on drivers side rear wheel arch, all about the size of a thumbprint.

My dealer quoted £500 per panel..........ouch!, a local bodyshop quoted £300. One of the blokes who works at the bodyshop said he would do a PJ - Private Job <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  for £100. I am having Chips Away to come and have a look and quote me this week.

I will let you know what I decide to do. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[Paul]

I was speaking to a bloke from one these chip away type company's who was repairing a cracked bumper on a ML at my local Merc dealer.

I asked about having my stone chips done and his reply was not to bother unless I was selling the car <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> .

The reason he gave was that they are not allowed to use a 2 pack paint system outdoors and can only use it in a controlled enviroment.

Therefore the paint they use is not as tough as the original and over a period of a couple of months the chips will gradually re-appear . <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'> .

This he explained is why when you buy a second hand car it is without chips, then suddenly after a while you notice you've gots quite a few.

So it will be interesting to see what you man has to say.

Changing the subject slightly a mate had some small dent's repaired by those &quot;Dent away&quot; type people and the result was amazing <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[Steve_Perry]

When I &nbsp;bought my car, the garage paid for a visit by &quot;Dent Wizard&quot; to remove a small ding from the rear offside passenger door. As Paul said the results were amazing, even better when paid for by someone else <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> I did ask the guy how much it would have cost if I were using my own pockets and he reckoned between £70 and £90 squids.

S.

 

[Paul]

<!--QuoteBegin--jimmy+Sep. 22 2002,22<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jimmy @ Sep. 22 2002,22<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>6)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Wow!!!! <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Today I gave my car the full Meguiars treatment, and it looks fantastic. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Did you get your polish by mail order or from a Merc' dealer?

I noticed that the valeting stuff sold at main dealers is Merguirs <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> .

What products did you actually buy and if I may be so bold, how much?

I wonder if it's cheaper to buy it at a Merc' dealer than buy it direct?

I know the Zymol polish and shampoo I use is cheaper at Halfords than to buy it direct <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

 

[jimmy]

Paul,

I did not realise the dealers sold Meguiars, I keep away from my local dealer if I can. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

I bought mine direct, online at Meguiars.co.uk , prices seemed good and delivery was two days. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

I bought:

Soft Wash Gel - shampoo and conditioner - £ 3.39
Sratch X - Scratch and swirl remover - £ 7.65
Quik Clay - Removes contaminants - £ 10.20
Cleaner Wax - Combined polish and wax - £ 7.65
Gold Class Endurance - High gloss tyre treatment - £ 5.95
Natural Shine - Plastic and trim treatment - £ 5.95

All prices are ex VAT and delivery was £ 7. I know it seems expensive but I have done my car and the misses Mondeo and have used very little of any of the products, reckon it should last me at least a year.

As I have said the results are superb, lots of comments in the last few days from friends and customers most of which started &quot;WOW look at your car&quot; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

I just hope the glossy shine is long lasting.

Dont bother with the ultimate wipes or towels, I got some microfibre cloths from Poundstretcher 3 for £3.99 and some cotton hand towels from Rosebys for 99p each. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

My only gripe with any wax I have used, not just Meguiars or Autoglym, is the chalky white residue that gets in to all the nooks and crannies and takes hours to carefully remove!!!!

 

[Paul]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jimmy @ Sep. 24 2002,21:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I bought:

Soft Wash Gel - shampoo and conditioner - £ 3.39
Sratch X - Scratch and swirl remover - £ 7.65
Quik Clay - Removes contaminants - £ 10.20
Cleaner Wax - Combined polish and wax - £ 7.65
Gold Class Endurance - High gloss tyre treatment - £ 5.95
Natural Shine - Plastic and trim treatment - £ 5.95</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
So how comes you did'nt buy the £400 vintage wax?

Your not a tight a*s are you <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> ?

Only joking!

<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[jimmy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">So how comes you did'nt buy the £400 vintage wax?

Your not a tight a*s are you    ?

Only joking!
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Paul, Have we met?..................you seem to know me very well <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Yes I am a tight a*s, frightens me to think what I would spend it on if I did have some spare cash.....

New double garage....

Conservatory....

C43 AMG Estate.....

Widescreen TV...............

Something to look forward to <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>