Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[DFB5.0]

@bfets roughly how long did your order take? Did you get a tracking email?

My first one took about 3 weeks before it shipped. The second one 4 weeks. You will get an email with a tracking number once it ships. They are custom made so it takes a little while. I reckon they're probably a little under the pump at the moments after the sales.

The two I ordered took a similar time frame.

Depending on the cover, I suspect most of them are ordered from the USA and rebranded. I have a hunch that the covers for the locally made Commodore's and Falcon's are made here, but the Mustang ones are imported. This would be why its taking a while.

For context, Purfit used to be the Australian distributor for CoverCraft before he rebranded under his own company name. I have CoverCraft for both Falcon's and an S550, and a Purfit for the S650 and another for Falcon. Both are virtually identical and made using the same materials.

Sponsored

 

[bfets]

Well I was going to remove and coat the wheels on my car this long weekend. I had a bottle of ADS wheel coating ready to go and everything. I then discovered, much like @DFB5.0 's wheels , the barrels of my wheels are covered with that black crap paint Ford uses under our cars.

Mission aborted.... Koch Chemie Eulex M ordered to undo Ford's sloppy effort.

 

[xrs]

I have committed to ADS Amplify, fully converted lol, this arrived today, wheels yes at some point I need to remove them and coat them.

 

[bfets]

I have committed to ADS Amplify, fully converted lol, this arrived today, wheels yes at some point I need to remove them and coat them.

I wanted to try out Amplify when I ordered Eulex M, but the small bottles were sold out. I'll try it next time if they have some. Heard good things.

 

[DFB5.0]

I wanted to try out Amplify when I ordered Eulex M, but the small bottles were sold out. I'll try it next time if they have some. Heard good things.

I went looking for the 473ml bottle at each of the Australian distributors, all are sold out. I'd normally say buy small bottle first to see if you like it, but I can honestly say you are safe skipping straight to the gallon size.

Amplify be used on pretty much any surface; paint, black plastics, chrome, wheels of any finish, engine bays, door jambs, exterior glass, glossy trims, exhaust tips, headlights/taillights. It can be used as a drying aid, gloss enhancer, coating topper or even as standalone protection.

I'd also wouldn't rule out ADS Adapt either. This does everything Amplify can do, but will serve as an interior detailer as well. Ignore the "water-less wash" part of this product, it can be used as that, but not limited to it. I love it as a drying aid, and like Amplify, it smells divine.

This is an overview of their three spray-wipe products.........................

 

[Deano1978]

Hey @DFB5.0,

Do you have a recommendation for a small vacuum that comes with a set of detailing attachments/brushes for all the little nooks and cranny's?

Am I better off buying some detailing brushes and doing it manually then sucking up the debris?

I'm happy with my corded vacuum for the carpet and mats, but my Dyson doesn't have the right attachments for cup holders etc...

 

[DFB5.0]

Hey @DFB5.0,

Do you have a recommendation for a small vacuum that comes with a set of detailing attachments/brushes for all the little nooks and cranny's?

Am I better off buying some detailing brushes and doing it manually then sucking up the debris?

I'm happy with my corded vacuum for the carpet and mats, but my Dyson doesn't have the right attachments for cup holders etc...

Yeah, I tried a Dyson for car cleaning and it just doesn't work at all. Actually, I have a pet hatred for Dyson, overpriced and over marketed Chinese made JUNK.

I've been using a Milwaukee M18 vac for quick clean ups, and a larger Karcher wet/dry vac for when I need outright grunt. I hate getting the Karcher out, so this little portable vac is perfect and runs off batteries I already had.
MILWAUKEE 18V Vacuum Skin with Attachments M18CV-0 | Total Tools

I don't use it with the attachment directly on the vacuum as you are then back to the Dyson situation. Rather, the attachment goes on the hose.

I will say, don't expect Dyson levels of suction. However, I like how it comes with a small flexible hose, which means you can get into areas where the Dyson is just too bulky. I use it with a small brush attachment (aftermarket) or the supplied crevice tool, the hose then allows you to reach/stretch into areas, dust door panels and air vents ect. You will need to order a brush attachment separately though -
Horse Hair 32-35mm Round Dusting Brush Dust Tools Attachment For Vacuum Cleaner | eBay

Milwaukee also have something a little larger, which is apparently very good -
MILWAUKEE 18V 7.5L Wet/Dry Vacuum Skin M18WDV-0 | Total Tools

Depending on what battery system you are on, no doubt the likes of Makita and Ryobi have something similar. ShineMate also have a vac powered by their 18v polisher batteries. It comes as a skin or kit with battery and charger, which you could then add their polishers at some point too. It also comes with the required attachments.
ShineMate EC405 Wet & Dry Vacuum/Blower – Waxit Car Care

 

[DFB5.0]

Restocking some favorites..........................

There are two separate orders above. Most of it came from Detailing Shed, but I had to get the towels from CarCareCo. I tend to avoid buying from CarCareCo if I can help it, their website is woefully bad and contains a number of bugs and categorical errors. I've also found their customer service to be lacking. While Detailing Shed offers these particular towels, they don't carry the grey ones which I use as a "beater" towel.

Shop The Rag Company - Car Wash Microfiber Terry Towels - CarCareCo
The Rag Company "Car Wash” Microfibre Terry Towel - Detailing Shed

Car Wash Microfiber Towel | The Rag Company

The specs on this towel are pretty average, as in they are only 320 gsm, have the 80/20 and not the superior 70/30 blend, are Chinese not Korean made, and only have a basic terry weave. However, I like these Car Wash Towels because they are affordable and perfectly sized at 41cm x 69cm, making them ideal for a variety of detailing and general cleaning tasks. They also serve as my interior towel (green), engine bay towel (red) and multi-purpose towel (royal blue). I even have them as kitchen towels in orange and purple.

My current set of grey towels have been in service since September 2021, and they have been used HEAVILY in that time. Anything from bench cleaning, wiping down buckets after use, cleaning/drying tools, exhaust tips, applying exterior dressings, cleaning/protecting rubber floor mats, drying the tray of my Ranger, or any dirty job. I'm very impressed with their durability for such a cheap/basic towel.

With many miles under their belt, my trusty beater towels were starting to feel their age, hence 10 new ones. A lot of towels from TRC now come pre-packaged, but not the CWT. These are supplied to distributors in cases of 125 towels, which means they get exposed to a lot of dust while in warehouse storage. With that in mind, they really must be washed prior to use.

 

[Deano1978]

Yeah, I tried a Dyson for car cleaning and it just doesn't work at all. Actually, I have a pet hatred for Dyson, overpriced and over marketed Chinese made JUNK.

I've been using a Milwaukee M18 vac for quick clean ups, and a larger Karcher wet/dry vac for when I need outright grunt. I hate getting the Karcher out, so this little portable vac is perfect and runs off batteries I already had.
MILWAUKEE 18V Vacuum Skin with Attachments M18CV-0 | Total Tools

I don't use it with the attachment directly on the vacuum as you are then back to the Dyson situation. Rather, the attachment goes on the hose.

I will say, don't expect Dyson levels of suction. However, I like how it comes with a small flexible hose, which means you can get into areas where the Dyson is just too bulky. I use it with a small brush attachment (aftermarket) or the supplied crevice tool, the hose then allows you to reach/stretch into areas, dust door panels and air vents ect. You will need to order a brush attachment separately though -
Horse Hair 32-35mm Round Dusting Brush Dust Tools Attachment For Vacuum Cleaner | eBay

Milwaukee also have something a little larger, which is apparently very good -
MILWAUKEE 18V 7.5L Wet/Dry Vacuum Skin M18WDV-0 | Total Tools

Depending on what battery system you are on, no doubt the likes of Makita and Ryobi have something similar. ShineMate also have a vac powered by their 18v polisher batteries. It comes as a skin or kit with battery and charger, which you could then add their polishers at some point too. It also comes with the required attachments.
ShineMate EC405 Wet & Dry Vacuum/Blower – Waxit Car Care

Awesome thanks mate, I'm on the Ryobi platform but I suspect no matter what I buy I'll also be up for some after market attachments for car detailing which is good to know for budgeting purposes.

I've tried the Dyson a few times and I agree it's junk for doing the mats and carpet or anything else really - does our timber floors ok but that's about it.

I'm traditionally pretty hard on my cars and I'm determined not to let that happen to the Stang, given it's also my daily and I have teenage kids

 

[Deano1978]

Restocking some favorites..........................

There are two separate orders above. Most of it came from Detailing Shed, but I had to get the towels from CarCareCo. I tend to avoid buying from CarCareCo if I can help it, their website is woefully bad and contains a number of bugs and categorical errors. I've also found their customer service to be lacking. While Detailing Shed offers these particular towels, they don't carry the grey ones which I use as a "beater" towel.

Shop The Rag Company - Car Wash Microfiber Terry Towels - CarCareCo
The Rag Company "Car Wash” Microfibre Terry Towel - Detailing Shed

Car Wash Microfiber Towel | The Rag Company

The specs on this towel are pretty average, as in they are only 320 gsm, have the 80/20 and not the superior 70/30 blend, are Chinese not Korean made, and only have a basic terry weave. However, I like these Car Wash Towels because they are affordable and perfectly sized at 41cm x 69cm, making them ideal for a variety of detailing and general cleaning tasks. They also serve as my interior towel (green), engine bay towel (red) and multi-purpose towel (royal blue). I even have them as kitchen towels in orange and purple.

My current set of grey towels have been in service since September 2021, and they have been used HEAVILY in that time. Anything from bench cleaning, wiping down buckets after use, cleaning/drying tools, exhaust tips, applying exterior dressings, cleaning/protecting rubber floor mats, drying the tray of my Ranger, or any dirty job. I'm very impressed with their durability for such a cheap/basic towel.

With many miles under their belt, my trusty beater towels were starting to feel their age, hence 10 new ones. A lot of towels from TRC now come pre-packaged, but not the CWT. These are supplied to distributors in cases of 125 towels, which means they get exposed to a lot of dust while in warehouse storage. With that in mind, they really must be washed prior to use.

These guys recently did a video on Ego power tools as well.

It's an Ad with an Ego rep in the vid but it at least showcases what they have available and what they can do.

 

[DFB5.0]

These guys recently did a video on Ego power tools as well.

It's an Ad with an Ego rep in the vid but it at least showcases what they have available and what they can do.

EGO's battery technology is second to none, both the battery itself but also the chargers.

I rate the blowers, the work light, misting fan, power inverters, hedge and grass trimmers. The pressure washers are supposed to be a decent option for those without access to power and water. I'm also keen to check out the pressure spray packs. However, I don't rate the chainsaws as they are badly designed battery location, and the mowers are pure junk.

 

[PKs]

EGO's battery technology is second to none, both the battery itself but also the chargers.

I rate the blowers, the work light, misting fan, power inverters, hedge and grass trimmers. The pressure washers are supposed to be a decent option for those without access to power and water. I'm also keen to check out the pressure spray packs. However, I don't rate the chainsaws as they are badly designed battery location, and the mowers are pure junk.

I have to disagree with you on this one. I have two of their chainsaws and find them a dream compared to my Stilhl saws I have owned. As is the 52cm 10AH Ego mower that I have. Half the weight of my 56 kilo Honda push mower and cuts nicely. Probably just as powerful if not more so.
Also in my Ego stable is the carbon fibre brush cutter, the mister fan, the 4 light light and the high capacity blower.
What I really enjoy about these tools is the fact that there are no pull cords for starting and no carburettors.

 

[DFB5.0]

I have to disagree with you on this one. I have two of their chainsaws and find them a dream compared to my Stilhl saws I have owned. As is the 52cm 10AH Ego mower that I have. Half the weight of my 56 kilo Honda push mower and cuts nicely. Probably just as powerful if not more so.
Also in my Ego stable is the carbon fibre brush cutter, the mister fan, the 4 light light and the high capacity blower.
What I really enjoy about these tools is the fact that there are no pull cords for starting and no carburettors.

The mowers are fine if you cut frequently, but if the grass is damp or longer than ideal, the bar blade and narrow discharge chute will struggle to process that grass into the catcher. Same applies to all American mowers, I went that way once and ended up having to get rid of it as stopping every 15-seconds to clear the chute is not efficient use of my time (I'm a lawn contractor, time is money). And in most cases, they won't cut low enough. This comes from testing most of the mowers on the market. I took a bath on that American-style mower, hence why I get quite animated when talking about bar blades and narrow discharge chutes, it comes from sheer frustration I experienced.

The chainsaws, yes, the lack of a two stroke engine is highly desirable from a noise and reliability point of view. They also have instant torque. However, the way EGO located the battery on their saws makes it unbalanced. In that I mean it makes the tool rear heavy, which is awkward and fatiguing to use. If you look at the Stihl and Husqvarna battery saws, they mimic the petrol powered saws in how they balance the weight towards the middle/front.






Please don't take this a pot shot towards you or EGO, the brand has great products. But from someone with extensive experience with these tools, I know what works and what is less than ideal. The annoying thing here is that its far more expensive buying the best of each tool as it often means buying several separate battery systems.

 

[DFB5.0]

So, Bunnings (think Home Depot for US readers) have joined the car care and automotive sector. I noticed a few Meguiar's products creeping onto the shelves earlier this year, but they now have an entire isle dedicated to automotive, with several shelves of that on car care. This will undoubtably shake things up a little, which I will explain shortly.

Naturally, with only an isle to work with, they are just stocking the basics, be that lubricants and service fluids, batteries, chargers and jump starters, wiper blades, seat covers, jacks, electrical, air fresheners.....................and car care.

The question is, which of it is worth buying? On the shelves, there is a basic range of products from Meguiar's, Turtle Wax, Mothers, Armor All, Polyglaze, Oakwood, and Machanix. Let's break this down a little, starting with what to avoid.................

Don't Bother -

Let me preface this by saying that the following brands and their products will do the intended job. The sticking point is how well do they do that job? To make these products approachable for all users, ie idiot proof, the chemical formulas account for the lowest common denominator. So, you have to work harder to achieve the desired result. Most notable for me was when I compared a tar remover from Polyglaze to Carpro TarX. Where the cheap product was virtually useless, TarX melts tar before your eyes. Naturally, there is risk to that, which is not a gamble the entry level brands want to take. So, keep this in mind with my comments below.

Turtle Wax - These are all the very bottom of the TW range. Depending on how this pans out, some of the newer and admittedly decent Hybrid-Ceramic Turtle Wax stuff could end up on the shelves. But as it stands, a firm no.

Polyglaze - I know I'm a brand snob, but I just do not see why you would buy these products when much better options exist for similar money, not to mention better performing.

Machanix - Again, why buy these when better exists?

Armor All - I know I probably ruffled feathers with a post I made recently, but I'm sorry, I just don't see a single product worth buying here. If I had to pick one, it would be the blue Car Wash, which at least cleans well.

Worth A Look -

Here are a few items that caught my eye, and this is where the shake up begins........................

Oakwood - There are so many terrible leather care products on the market that are virtually useless on automotive leather/vinyl. However, I was surprised to see this brand has a separate line of for cars. My go to recommendation for leather care via an auto store has been Bowden's Leather Love and Leather Guard. But the Oakwood Leather Foam Cleaner and Leather Cream might be worth looking at. Australian made too.

Meguiar's - Again, Bunning's are only offering the entry level products, but few stand out for me. Gold Class is not my favorite shampoo, but its the best on these shelves and has always excelled at suds and slickness. It will also foam reasonably well. But it's the price that caught my eye, $32.50 for a 1.9 Lt bottle. That same bottle a Repco and Autobarn is $47.00 and $44.99 respectively. In true Bunning's fashion, they have the buying power and ability to undercut everyone!

Secondly, I have aways liked Quick Interior Detailer. This has a nice balance between cleaning power and some very mild dressing potential. Available in the Detailer range, this consumer bottle is the one to buy as the larger size has a strange odor to it. Bunnings are asking $24.80, Repco and Autobahn want $39 and $37 respectively.

The Meguiar's microfiber is also very good, but overpriced for what it is. Even though the Bunning's prices undercut other retailers by $10 - $15, this is an expensive way to buy towels. But, if you are in a bind, they are a worthy option. If you do buy them, I would 1000% be washing them a couple of times before use, they are in effect sitting unpackaged in a dusty hardware store after all.

Mothers - I once used a lot of Mothers products, and I even have a few key products that are still in rotation. For example, their metal polish is a classic. At $6.03, the same tub will set you back $24.99 at Supercheap.

Another product that caught my eye, the Mothers Shaggy Wash Mitt is nicely priced and suitably soft and fluffy. At $12.80, its more than half the price sold elsewhere. I'm not a fan of wash mitts, but this is far from a bad option. Again, be sure to wash before use.

Now, some of the prices I have quoted for the same products sold at Repco, Supercheap and Autobarn are relative. Quite often, those retailers have rolling discounts, often between 20 - 30%, in turn narrowing the price gap. I've been highly critical of Meguiars approach to RRP's in Australia, especially when a comparable Carpro product costs the same price, or even less. It's a no brainer in that situation. However, the Meguiar's RRP prices are purposely inflated to make the sale price seem more impressive that it really is. So, I suspect the prices that Bunning's are putting on these products are where they SHOULD have been priced all along.

The big question is, will other retailers follow? Probably not, Bunning's have the ability to name their wholesale prices, then charge whatever they like, in turn running others out of business. So, their foray into automotive is following true to type. The real question is, how far do they take it?

 

[5.0ALM]

Bunnings and bogans go hand in hand.

All the dual-cab utes should be a bit cleaner now.

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