What's In ALM's Garage?

[5.0ALM]

What's going on in the garage?
Well, still waiting on the Mustang to be built, and shipped down under.

In the meantime...

Have you noticed how many vendors in the USA do not ship outside of the USA?
Very frustrating!
I know freight forwarding services exist to get around this, but some things just become cost prohibitive, and a need/want becomes a dream.

However, I took full advantage of a recent work trip to the USA, and had some orders delivered to a mates place in Dallas, whom I was catching up with enroute back home.

First up, Griot's Garage - doesn't ship to Australia.

And you'll have to excuse my very ordinary garage floor, not being up to the standard of some well equipped garages!

Highly praised, a BF302 Foam Cannon, two extra 33.8 oz bottles, a re-build kit, and some extra purple metering tips.
Given it's awkward to buy from Griot's it seemed wise to get the rebuild kit for a rainy day, and some spare purple metering tips that are suited to an electric pressure washer.
I would have preferred not six of the same tips, but two of each.
(Different tips are available to suit different flow rates)

Late Model Restorations (LMR) - doesn't ship to Australia.

2015 - 2024 Mustang SVE Jack Pad Kit and two 2024 Black 5.0 Fender Emblems.

The black emblems can be obtained from a variety of stores (CJs, AM, etc), but only LMR had the Jack pads, and they were cheaper than the rest.

I didn't order the "Black Pack" (known as the Nite Pony Pack in the US) on the Mustang, as I didn't like the front black pony becoming almost invisible in front of the black grille. Contrast and accents are your friend!
The black 5.0 emblems will give me a targeted "Black Pack", where I want it.

The Jack Pad packaging is a bit ordinary.
Loose in box (no bubble wrap etc), nor is the box taped down in any way.
This results in the jack pads spewing out and floating around inside the satchel.

Ignore the dust and "hairy cardboard" (hat tip to Sarah -n- Tuned there), but you'll see the dings in the aluminium. I know these are out-of-sight under the vehicle, but the lazy packaging is annoying all the same.

DIYvan - doesn't ship to Australia

Ford S650 Mustang fender liner hole cover panel kit.

Anyone who has been following the Front Inner Wheel Well Issue thread here on 7G will be aware of this kit and how good it is at solving this OEM "feature" of the Mustang.

And another reference for size, alongside a 50c piece.

The Griot's order came in a box that had some spare room inside, so other things were consolidated into this box to maximise packing density in the suitcase.

This image will give you an idea of how much space to allocate, should you want to bring a similar swag of goodies back home.

And there was still room for a few dirty socks 'n jocks.

After 20 years of it, I'm getting a bit tired of these work trips all over the place and being away from home for many months of the year, so it's about time I use them to my own advantage.

I'm sure Aussie-based vendors will eventually stock things like Jack pads, the various badges, etc, and add their markup onto the price.
But if you have the opportunity to visit the USA, seize the moment, and bring some toys back with you.


Looking forward to our Aussie RHD Mustangs arriving later this year.

Sponsored

 

[5.0ALM]

And waiting for me on the front door was an order from The Detailing Shed.

An MTM SGS28 Premium Kit 2, and bottle of Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam.

This kit includes the SGS28 Spray Gun, 20" Lance, 40° nozzle, and the QC fitting to suit my existing Gerni 5000 pressure washer hose.

Initially, to keep costs down, I'll be using the Gerni hose, and not a [most likely, much better] after market hose.

A lot can be learnt from DFB5.0s Little Black Book of Detailing over on 6G.
Highly recommended reading, if you care about your car(s).

Based on DFB's recommendations, I'm giving GSF a go as my first ever foam cannon wash soap. Also from DFB's list, already have a multitude of various microfibre towels, brushes and wash mitts from the Detailing Shed ready to start using.

Down the wabbit hole we go!

 

[5.0ALM]

OXO Mini Angled Measuring Cups.
Handy for measuring out small quantities of liquids.

I like how you can read the scale from a standing position, just a tad over 20mL of GSF in this case. (Photo doesn't really capture what the eye sees)

Two of these for the garage, one for the kitchen.


It's a shame their larger 250mL, 500mL and 1L measuring cups do not have mL calibrations on the angle.

 

[DFB5.0]

OXO Mini Angled Measuring Cups.
Handy for measuring out small quantities of liquids.

I like how you can read the scale from a standing position, just a tad over 20mL of GSF in this case. (Photo doesn't really capture what the eye sees)

Two of these for the garage, one for the kitchen.


It's a shame their larger 250mL, 500mL and 1L measuring cups do not have mL calibrations on the angle.

How did you go with the 20ml dose rate of GSF?

 

[DFB5.0]

And waiting for me on the front door was an order from The Detailing Shed.

An MTM SGS28 Premium Kit 2, and bottle of Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam.

This kit includes the SGS28 Spray Gun, 20" Lance, 40° nozzle, and the QC fitting to suit my existing Gerni 5000 pressure washer hose.

Initially, to keep costs down, I'll be using the Gerni hose, and not a [most likely, much better] after market hose.

A lot can be learnt from DFB5.0s Little Black Book of Detailing over on 6G.
Highly recommended reading, if you care about your car(s).

Based on DFB's recommendations, I'm giving GSF a go as my first ever foam cannon wash soap. Also from DFB's list, already have a multitude of various microfibre towels, brushes and wash mitts from the Detailing Shed ready to start using.

Down the wabbit hole we go!

Brilliant choice!!

I hadn't seen this thread before replying to your hose question elsewhere. So, to upgrade the hose, you would do the following -
ProPulse Uberflex 1/4" Pressure Washer Hose – Waxit Car Care
Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - M21 Female - M22 14mm Male – Waxit Car Care


Or -
MTM Hydro Gray 4,000 PSI Non-Mark Kobrajet Hose for Car Wash (detailingshed.com.au)
Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - M21 Female - M22 14mm Male – Waxit Car Care

 

[5.0ALM]

How did you go with the 20ml dose rate of GSF?

Very underwhelming!
I didn't pre-rinse the car, and the foam was quite runny.
The cannon's detergent regulator was set to maximum.

Sorry, no pictures... I was too caught up in the moment of playing with a new toy!
I didn't think to adjust the nozzle, but the spread seemed ok.

I've just grabbed the GSF bottle...

Snow Foam: Pour approx 20ml Snow Foam into 1l water and...

So, I didn't bugger that up.

However, I did pour the GSF into the bottle first, and then topped it up with water.

Rookie mistake?

Got ~650ml of water in the bottle before it started foaming out the top.
I guess that translates to a dilution of ~30ml GSF per litre of water.
(1000/650) * 20

I found that the <700ml covered about 90% of my 2016 RAV4 Cruiser.

For my next wash I'll try 50ml of GSF after I pour 950ml of water in the bottle first.

I'm also keen to try the metering system of the BF302.
Seeing OG screw it straight onto a GSF bottle sealed the deal.

I'm not sure how common the neck thread is amongst the snow foam brands.

 

[5.0ALM]

Brilliant choice!!

I hadn't seen this thread before replying to your hose question elsewhere. So, to upgrade the hose, you would do the following -
ProPulse Uberflex 1/4" Pressure Washer Hose – Waxit Car Care
Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - M21 Female - M22 14mm Male – Waxit Car Care


Or -
MTM Hydro Gray 4,000 PSI Non-Mark Kobrajet Hose for Car Wash (detailingshed.com.au)
Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - M21 Female - M22 14mm Male – Waxit Car Care

Appreciate the homework and recommendations, D.
Things like this are being added to a wish list.

 

[DFB5.0]

Very underwhelming!
I didn't pre-rinse the car, and the foam was quite runny.
The cannon's detergent regulator was set to maximum.

Sorry, no pictures... I was too caught up in the moment of playing with a new toy!
I didn't think to adjust the nozzle, but the spread seemed ok.

I've just grabbed the GSF bottle...

So, I didn't bugger that up.

However, I did pour the GSF into the bottle first, and then topped it up with water.

Rookie mistake?

Got ~650ml of water in the bottle before it started foaming out the top.
I guess that translates to a dilution of ~30ml GSF per litre of water.
(1000/650) * 20

I found that the <700ml covered about 90% of my 2016 RAV4 Cruiser.

For my next wash I'll try 50ml of GSF after I pour 950ml of water in the bottle first.

Firstly, yes, add the water first, then the soap. Alternatively, you can add the soap and then submerge the bottle in you rince bucket to fill with water. I do the former.

Secondly, ignore Koch Chemie's dosage rate. I have no idea why they have it at such a low rate, you would think they'd prefer you use more soap.

For GSF, go up to about 100 - 120 ml. Matt from OG uses 150ml to 750 ml of water, but I find that excessive. Start with 100ml to 900 ml of water, then up the soap if needed. If you have hard water, this can also effect foam production.

This is what GSF should look like..................................

 

[5.0ALM]

A few goodies from Waxit Car Care arrived during the week.

On DFB's suggestion, I now have a ProPulse Uberflex 1/4" Pressure Washer Hose - 50ft Blue which now replaces the original Gerni hose.

This hose has standard M22 fittings at both ends.

To be honest, my plan was to keep using the Gerni hose for some time, until it really annoyed me.
It annoyed me on first use of the SGS 28 and Boss foam cannon!
So, I took advantage of the EOFY sale that Waxit were having.

To connect this hose to the Gerni, an Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - M21 Female - M22 14mm Male. This converts the Gerni's 21mm output to a standard M22 fitting.

Be aware of M22 14mm fittings and M22 15mm fittings.

For the gun end of the hose an Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - 3/8" Female QC - M22 Male - 3/8" Female QC - M22 14mm.

It was straightforward screwing the hose onto the QC adapter with a shifter.
(As much as I hate using shifters!)


And for the MTM SGS 28 gun, Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - 3/8” Male QC - 3/8 Male Thread - 3/8” Male QC - 3/8 Male NPT

What an absolute bastard getting the 3/8" to M22 adapter off the SGS 28 was!
That sucker was fastened tight with the gunk sealer that was used.

Once that was removed, a straightforward matter applying some plumbers tape to the 3/8" to QC (F) adapter, and bolting that in.

Bonus - no leaks with everything on and running!

Very pleased with this hose, thanks DFB for the advice!

I'll keep the M21-M22 arrangement at the Gerni end for now, as I'll need to use the Gerni patio cleaner attachment with the Gerni hose and gun (uggh).

For anyone following, do yourself a favor, just get a better hose and QC connectors on the gun from the start. I would have saved $20 by ordering the SGS 28 with the 1/4" QC, instead of with the Gerni fitting.... and now have redundant 3/8" to M22 & M22 to Gerni adapters.


And some CarPro Bug Out | Insect Remover - 500mL to try out.

 

[5.0ALM]

For GSF, go up to about 100 - 120 ml. Matt from OG uses 150ml to 750 ml of water, but I find that excessive. Start with 100ml to 900 ml of water, then up the soap if needed. If you have hard water, this can also effect foam production.

Yes, I did this, 100mL of GSF to 900mL of water.
Much better.

Brisbane water is relatively hard too.

 

[DFB5.0]

A few goodies from Waxit Car Care arrived during the week.

On DFB's suggestion, I now have a ProPulse Uberflex 1/4" Pressure Washer Hose - 50ft Blue which now replaces the original Gerni hose.

This hose has standard M22 fittings at both ends.

To be honest, my plan was to keep using the Gerni hose for some time, until it really annoyed me.
It annoyed me on first use of the SGS 28 and Boss foam cannon!
So, I took advantage of the EOFY sale that Waxit were having.

To connect this hose to the Gerni, an Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - M21 Female - M22 14mm Male. This converts the Gerni's 21mm output to a standard M22 fitting.

Be aware of M22 14mm fittings and M22 15mm fittings.

For the gun end of the hose an Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - 3/8" Female QC - M22 Male - 3/8" Female QC - M22 14mm.

It was straightforward screwing the hose onto the QC adapter with a shifter.
(As much as I hate using shifters!)


And for the MTM SGS 28 gun, Aquatouch Pressure Washer Adapters - 3/8” Male QC - 3/8 Male Thread - 3/8” Male QC - 3/8 Male NPT

What an absolute bastard getting the 3/8" to M22 adapter off the SGS 28 was!
That sucker was fastened tight with the gunk sealer that was used.

Once that was removed, a straightforward matter applying some plumbers tape to the 3/8" to QC (F) adapter, and bolting that in.

Bonus - no leaks with everything on and running!

Very pleased with this hose, thanks DFB for the advice!

I'll keep the M21-M22 arrangement at the Gerni end for now, as I'll need to use the Gerni patio cleaner attachment with the Gerni hose and gun (uggh).

For anyone following, do yourself a favor, just get a better hose and QC connectors on the gun from the start. I would have saved $20 by ordering the SGS 28 with the 1/4" QC, instead of with the Gerni fitting.... and now have redundant 3/8" to M22 & M22 to Gerni adapters.


And some CarPro Bug Out | Insect Remover - 500mL to try out.

Love it!

They use locktite on those fittings, hence it being very hard to remove.

 

[5.0ALM]

A large dull thud at the front door this morning, and just what I was expecting!

The 20" DriveSava spare from Pony Parts.
Having a suitable spare wheel was a high priority.

Here's what you get:

I'm not sure about the supplied brace & jack handle.
I've always used a 4-way brace, and will feel more comfortable with one of those.

Tri-ace 155/60R20 tire tyre fitted.
This Chinese brand doesn't appear to be widely available here in Oz.

The black matte finish is showing up the finger prints already!

Even though this is on a 20" rim, the 60% aspect ratio tyre means its overall diameter is actually 6mm less than the 19" DriveSava spare which comes with a 155/70R19 tyre.
Even better for a tight squeeze into the wheel well.

One less thing to worry about!

... just need the damn car now!

 

[Eremyjay]

Very underwhelming!
I didn't pre-rinse the car, and the foam was quite runny.
The cannon's detergent regulator was set to maximum.

Sorry, no pictures... I was too caught up in the moment of playing with a new toy!
I didn't think to adjust the nozzle, but the spread seemed ok.

I've just grabbed the GSF bottle...

So, I didn't bugger that up.

However, I did pour the GSF into the bottle first, and then topped it up with water.

Rookie mistake?

Got ~650ml of water in the bottle before it started foaming out the top.
I guess that translates to a dilution of ~30ml GSF per litre of water.
(1000/650) * 20

I found that the <700ml covered about 90% of my 2016 RAV4 Cruiser.

For my next wash I'll try 50ml of GSF after I pour 950ml of water in the bottle first.

I'm also keen to try the metering system of the BF302.
Seeing OG screw it straight onto a GSF bottle sealed the deal.

I'm not sure how common the neck thread is amongst the snow foam brands.

GSF can be thick if diluted well,
It’s always hard at first to get a perfect dilution ratio,
As every foam gun has a different dilution ratio of the pre mix solution.

 

[5.0ALM]

Not quite home in the garage yet!
Another work trip to the US this week, and one more S650 "accessory" in the to-be-fitted collection.
(Postage to Australia is hideously expensive, so I'm taking advantage of being here.)

As we know, our Aussie S650 GTs now come with a strut tower brace, unlike the S550.
But, they look a little plain without a plate.
(Great job Ford for your shareholders, you probably saved 50 cents per car by not fitting a plate)

Inspired by this topic about strut tower brace plates, and from Anchor Room, I now have a strut tower plate to fit.

Arrives in a sturdy mailing tube to prevent any bends.

I forgot to pack a ruler (!) but my hand as a reference.

There are quite a few designs to choose from, but I wanted to keep it clean and simple.

Double-sided tape along the rear face.

I thought heat might be an issue for the double-sided tape, but if you read through the topic linked above, others have had no issues.

Yes, it will sit there unseen 99.9% of the time, but it's nice to know the brace will look complete.... like it should have been out of the factory, Jim.

Hurry up Titania!

 

[Deano1978]

Nice, wonder if there is someone locally around the capital cities who could laser etch a design into the paint. The brace seems pretty easy to remove and transport around. Might check it out once my car arrives or just pay the high postage to get a plate from the US.

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