I have a black on black 2002 996TT, just got it 2 days ago. I would like to know what you would list for the ideal contents for a Detailing War Chest. Paint and interior are in great shape so I'm not looking to fix anything, I just want to keep it looking great.

There are a lot of products out there and I'd rather learn from the experiences of others than make any avoidable mistakes.

Moe, your thoughts here would certainly be appreciated?

Thanks in advance,

Alex

 

I haven't heard of the term war chest before...

For detailing products, I have had good results with Zaino. Zaino is a great protectant that lasts for months but doesn't improve the shine as much. If you want a wet look, Meguire Hand Glaze is good. It's different than the regular Meguire stuff though.

I use Zaino every 6-12 mo. followed by "Wax as U Dry" at every wash.

 

Depending on your location, have a clay bar or something on hand. My sprinklers spray the most horrible hard water you've ever seen and if I let it go even for a day, I get water spots.

 

Any other ideas?

 

i'm an amatuer detailer but here's what i have

porter cable DA
medium, light, waxing foam pads
3m rubbing compound
3m polish (perfect it)
ziano 1,2,5, 6
some microfiber towels

that should keep the exterior paint looking pretty good

 

What about interior, wheels and tires

 

Well Alex...you've opened Pandoras Box with this thread Having a war chest, as you put it, depends on the battle you're going to fight. You'll need an infantry of compounds and polishes if you have deep swirls and scratches. You'll need a platoon of different towels, drying cloths, brushes, etc. to clean the inside and out. You get the point. For the first detail, keep it simple: Clay, polish, wax. For my clients, I use Zymol. I'll use their clay and lube, HD-Cleanse, their polish, and the wax of client's choice. I'd recommend Titanium or Concours for you. You can PM me if you want more info on Zymol products. As for the interior, start by CLEANING....I use Autoglym Interior cleaner. Excellent multi-purpose cleaner for leather, vinyl, and upphulstry. Then you condition the leather and vinyl. I'll use either Meguair's detailer line or Zymol depending on the level of detail. As for tires and wheels, I'll use Meguiar's All-Season dressing or Zymol Tyre. For the wheels, I clean them with the Zymol wheel cleaner. It's a natural gel that foams up and does an excellent job of cleaning the wheels. Then I'll apply Zymol wheel coat, a spray on wax that you simply mist on and walk away. It adds a nice shine and protection to the wheels. Hope this helps....let me know if you have any more questions. By the way guys, there are tons of other products that work and are great...I just suggested what I use because it achieves the look I want.

 

Moe- Is this your recommendation regardless of car color? For example, I have a speed yellow car. Would you use exactly the same thing?

Thanks.

 

Yes. Zymol estate glazes are designed for all colors and paint types. You'll be happy with Titanium and even more thrilled with Concours; it's got better quality carnauba. More white carnauba than yellow. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

A Porter Cable or dual action polisher (we use a rotary... but for the enthusiast, a dual action polisher is enough)
Several foam pads varying in abrasiveness
Good Microfiber towels
Good pH balance soap
Good products.... my vote.. the full Menzerna line.
several buckets (each dedicated to it's own job)
Boar's hair wheel brush
Sprayaway or Stoner's Invisible glass cleaner
Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner.. or leathermasters
Water softener (if you can.. griot's has one for maybe $30)


I run a detail business in Seattle....

some of the cars we've done:

 

I LOVE poorboys products. I have yet to be dissapointed by one of their products (and I try a LOt of different stuff). bit bonus is being able to apply/remove it in the sun!! (although i still apply in shade as much as i can)However, like moe said, there are a lot of brands/products out there that will yield similar results. You have to really find products that you like and work well for you. I'd suggest 303 products for the interior. Their aerospace protectant is phenominal. stoners glass cleaner is great, but even better if you're using a glass specific cleaning towel. Otherwise, since you have black, shoot for some pinnacle souveran or poorboys natty blue. I think you'll be very impressed w/ either on black. I can go a lot further into product selection, but I think the others covered that. I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents