I was on the ADS website looking around and I stumbled across Hyper-Wash and the Hyper-Dressing that is so popular here. What exactly are the differences between them? I searched some on the HD on the forums and y'all seem to use it on the engine bay, wheel wells, and under carriage but is it a "car wash?"

Also, would someone put together a list of items together for me? Here's what I need (All my car products are in Keller, TX while I live in Houston):

Car Wash
Window Cleaner
Wax
Exterior plastic cleaner (tonneau cover, running boards)
Interior Plastic cleaner
Leather cleaner (I've pretty much settled on the Meg's 2-step aloe)
Whatever else you recommend


Also, I've read that prior to waxing you should clay the vehicle. I've never done that, how do you go about it? And just as a side note, I use some sort of rotor deal to apply my wax. I've had it for years, bought it from Walmart or something on sale for 20 bucks. But that's also in Keller, so if you have a decently priced one that you'd recommend please do so. I can honestly say I miss losing my entire Saturday for detailing my car. I hadn't detailed my car in about two years but I sold that POS and bought a 08 FX2 which I want to keep spotless. Plus it's black and it looks like "poo" dirty.

 

As for claying, it's really easy. Get the Meguirs Clay Kit. It comes with simple instructions on how to go about. In a nutshell, wash your truck first and then clay it. Wash again and then move onto waxing. Use the search feature on this site. You will find out everything you need to know and more.

 

You should read the sticky threads. All your questions should be addressed in there, then you can ask for clarification on issues that you aren't sure about. All the basics are covered.

I will make one recommendation - Stoner's Invisible Glass is the best window cleaner out there and it's available everywhere in both aerosol and a pump sprayer. To do it right, use with paper towels to get the grunge off, then finish with a microfiber towel designed for glass.

 

I've glanced through the stickies, I must have missed the hyper-wash in there. I'm assuming the Stoner's Invisibile Glass is ammonia-free as to not ruin window tint?

 

Speaking to the subject-referenced questions about 'Hyper' (you kind of expanded on it into a full detailing-based question).

Hyper Wash is EXTREMELY concentrated and, in my opinion, probably isn't the best choice of chemicals for a drive-way enthusiast. Thta's not meant as a stab but, even as a guy that does this on the side 'semi-professionally', I don't trust myself in doing the metering. At 400:1, the ratio is pretty tough to calculate out and get 'right'. Keep in mind, an incorrect ratio/mixture will be caustic and thus, will have a much higher liklihood of stripping off any protection that you have on the paint.

Hyper Dressing, on the other hand, is a pretty easy beast to deal with and I highly recommend it. Dilution is simple using the 2ndary bottle (add water, add chem - presto).

As for Stoner's - yes, it's tint safe.

-RP-

 

Correct - it's safe for tint.

I don't believe hyper wash is addressed - I believe the one mentioned is Megs Gold Class. I use NXT wash, it's excellent.

Hyperdressing is not a wash, it's an all purpose dressing to use primarily on rubber and plastic surfaces, not paint. As mentioned, it's something that would be used where in the "old" days you would have used Armorall.

I'm not OCD and do not do this even semi-professionally - so far I have only used products available in retail stores such as Walmart and Autozone.

 

I was going to say the same thing. If you want a Detailer Line wash, you may be better with Shampoo Plus, or just stick with a Gallon of Gold Class Shampoo.

 

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the input, and yes I do realize my question went from "what's the difference" to , and so I apologize for my lack of staying focused, haha.

RockPick, no worries as I didn't take it as a stab. I rather have someone be blunt about the difficulty of getting the right concentration aka not tainting my paint.

Glc, your description of hyperdressing was exactly the wording I needed to understand it

 

Speaking of which, what's the device called that can do these ultra precise calculations? Or are they just expecting you to use a graduated cylinder? (wow, I just felt like an ultra-nerd saying that last part...)

I'll go ahead and put in my 2 cents here-- I prefer Gold Class wash. I have a gallon of it left right now. However, it hasnt been used in a LONG time. Why? RR gave me almost a full gallon of NXT wash, which I have used (and will until it's empty) for awhile. I like the smell, and it suds pretty good. A close second.

On the other hand, if you are trying to get REALLY great lubricity, you might try out PB Super Slick and Suds.

And on that note, RP, how did the "mixed beverages" go? (read: PB+GC wash)
I cant remember how effective that was...

 

3 button selector dial dispenses up to 6 different concentrates. Metered, accurate dilutions minimize waste and reduce labor costs by eliminating mixing. Faster fill 5 GPM flow rate for car wash product. Includes tubes, metering tips and label kit. Stainless steel case.

 

oooooohhhhhh.....fancy... I like it...too bad I will probably never have the need for one...

Well, I guess if I am ever filthy rich, I will get one so I can wash my truck with the coolest toys...then again, if I could afford one of those, I would probably be using a foam gun... Whatever...

anyway, back to the regularly scheduled programming...

 

My thoughts on it as well. If you're running a busy detailing business, then sure.

 

If you were filthy rich, you wouldn't be doing your own detailing - you would be paying someone else that's OCD to do it for you.

 

Hmmm...prolly not (not to sound argumentative, but true). I dont detail because of OCD, I got OCD because I liked detailing. Keep in mind that I havent cared about swirls and such (nor even washing my truck, except once) since the day I "gave up on the world"... When I got YET ANOTHER key mark to the metal...

If it wasnt for having more pressing matters to deal with, I would LOVE to detail more cars. This is for the same reason why I mow yards (especially my own): I like seeing the instant satisfaction of having worked hard and the problem is instantly solved. It's not due to pride or OCD, just a matter of liking to see where my hard work is going...