Archives for April 2010

Spring Detailing

Now that May is nearly here, it’s safe to do your first Spring detail (if you haven’t already). Here’s a quick guide to rehabbing the paint after a long, cold winter.

  1. Clean wheels and tires using a water-based wheel/tire cleaner. A water-based formula is safe on all wheels. Use a soft brush on the wheel face and a stiffer brush on the rubber. Be sure to use a long brush to clean the wheel wells. Mud and road salt have no doubt accumulated there. Rinse well and dry the wheels to avoid water spots.
  2. Wash your vehicle, of course! Remove any road salt residue, dirt, and debris using a high lubricity car wash and a soft, clean wash mitt. Hose off the undercarriage to remove any salt or debris that has splashed on the underside of the vehicle. Dry the vehicle using a clean waffle weave towel, chamois, or a Metro Vac N Blo or Master Blaster.
  3. Clean up rubber trim using an exterior cleaner. Before applying a fresh coat of rubber protectant, it’s a good idea to remove the old dressing along with any dirt and oils.
  4. Now you can inspect the finish. There are likely quite a few water spots, swirls, and possibly some etching from a few months without a proper detail. The best way to remove them is with a polisher and a great set of swirl removers. One combination that has worked well for us is the FLEX XC 3401 VRG Orbital Polisher and Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0 and Wolfgang Finishing Polish 3.0. Read our complete polishing guide for tips and suggested products.
  5. Polish metal surfaces to clean and brighten them. Flitz Metal Polish contains a protectant as well, so its an excellent one-step product for all metals.
  6. Apply a wax or paint sealant. The sun is more intense in the Spring and Summer so prepare your paint with good UV protection.
  7. Apply a quality rubber protectant to exterior trim and tires. Remember, multiple thin coats will bond better to the rubber and provide a more even finish.
  8. Clean auto glass. If needed, use a glass polish to remove any water spots and etching. Once the glass is clean and clear, apply a glass sealant to prevent water spots and maintain the clarity of the glass.
  9. Inside your vehicle, give the carpet and upholstery a thorough vacuuming. Use a carpet cleaner to remove any spots or spills.
  10. Apply an interior protectant to vinyl and plastics, like the dashboard and door panels. The sun coming through the windows can dry out and fade these surfaces.

For detailed instructions and product recommendations, visit our Autogeek University for Auto Detailing Facts, Tips & Tricks.

What's Best: New Liquid Glass Legend or a Carnauba Wax?

We recently received the question, “Is the Liquid Glass Legend better than a carnauba wax?” The answer is the not-so-simple “It depends!”

It depends on your goals. If you are looking for supreme shine and longevity is no issue because you’re constantly detailing, go for a premium carnauba wax. It is the standard by which all paint enhancement products are measured. You’ll see paint sealants marketed as having a carnauba-like shine. Carnauba waxes are more typically used to prepare cars for car shows because the shine is warm, reflective, and deep.

Let’s say durability is your top priority. You prefer a glassy, slick shine and a low maintenance finish. Liquid Glass Legend is for you. This New-Age carbon/PTFE finish utilizes the hardest natural element on earth – carbon – to protect your vehicle’s paint and maintain its showroom luster. Liquid Glass Legend can withstand just about anything the environment can throw at it. After 25 coatings, the finish is even chip-resistant.?

Whereas carnauba wax seems to transform the paint itself, Liquid Glass Legend looks like liquid glass poured over the paint and hardened. It’s slick and mirror shiny. Liquid Glass Legend requires very little maintenance. Just wash your vehicle regularly.

So to answer the question, “Which is better?”…both carnauba waxes and Liquid Glass Legend have their place in a detailer’s garage. The better LSP (last step product) is in the eye of the beholder.

Learn more about Liquid Glass Legend at Autogeek.net.

New Products from 3M Marine

It’s boating season again and 3M has your boat care needs covered with outstanding new products. Make boat maintenance easier so you can spend more time on the water! The following boat cleaners and protectants are available at Autogeek.net just in time to prepare your boat for the summer.

3M Marine Mildew Block – 3M Mildew Block creates an invisible barrier that resists mildew and maintains the fresh, clean look of your boat.

3M Heavy Duty Hull and Deck Cleaner – 3M Heavy Duty Hull and Deck Cleaner makes boat maintenance easy with a built-in sprayer. The powerful fiberglass cleaner removes all the remnants of a day on the water, including algae, fish blood, and waterline stains.

3M Marine Restorer & Wax If 3M Marine Cleaner & Wax didn’t do the trick, step up to 3M Marine Restorer & Wax. This cleaner wax offers the same one-step performance but it has more cleaning power to remove heavy oxidation.

3M Marine Vinyl Cleaner, Conditioner & Protector – This all-in-one formula cleans and conditions vinyl while adding a layer of durable protection. Use it on interior and exterior vinyl surfaces.

Cyclo 4 Inch Hook and Loop Wool Pads

Give metal a showroom shine with Genuine Cyclo wool pads.

Cyclo 4 inch Wool Pads bring the superior leveling and polishing power of wool to the Cyclo Orbital Polisher! These pads work with your Cyclo pad holders for quick and easy pad changes. Cyclo 4 inch Wool Pads stay balanced, giving you even, smooth results every time.

Cyclo 4 inch Wool Pads are designed to be more durable and versatile than traditional wool pads. The wool is blended with acrylic to reduce linting and improve the wool’s durability. The ratio of wool to acrylic is directly related to each pad’s intended use. For example, the blue pad has less wool, which is better for gloss enhancement and general polishing.

These single-sided Cyclo 4 Inch Wool Pads work with the conventional Cyclo configuration with the pad holders, so there’s nothing else to buy. The hook and loop fasteners hold pads securely during operation and allow quick and easy pad changes.

Cyclo 4 inch Wool Buffing Pads are available in these varieties:

Yellow Medium Cut 50% Wool, 50% Wool Acrylic Pad
The yellow wool pad is moderately aggressive. It removes swirls and moderate scratches, and reduces significant pits and deeper scratches. Use a swirl remover with the yellow pad when aggressive cutting is not needed.

Blue Finishing 70% Acrylic, 30% Wool Pad
Use the blue pad for general polishing and gloss-enhancement. The blue pad can be used with any finishing polish to bring out a fine luster on any finish.

Cyclo 4 inch Wool Buffing Pads can be washed and reused. Soak the used pads in DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator diluted in water according to the directions. After 15 minutes, rinse the pads well and lay flat to dry.

Cyclo 4 inch Wool Pads work great on metal! Use Cyclo 4 inch Wool Buffing Pads on metal trailers, planes, and RVs with your Cyclo Polisher. They?ll remove light scratches and brighten aluminum to a mirror shine!

Cyclo 4 inch Wool Buffing Pads are another valuable tool in the mission to keep your vehicle looking smooth and swirl-free.

Pads are sold individually.

Buy Cyclo 4 Inch Wool Pads here!

New Meguiars Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit

Meguiars Pro Headlight and Spot Repair Kit

There’s no way around it – today’s plastic headlight lens covers will oxidize and yellow eventually. As a detailer, you’re in a great position to offer this valuable headlight restoration service that saves the customer potentially hundreds by avoiding lens cover replacement.

For professional headlight restoration, choose Meguiars Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit. This kit is designed to restore moderately to severely damaged headlights with a wide range of sanding discs, finishing discs, and pads. The inclusion of both a mini dual action sander and a mini rotary polisher enable you to start offering headlight and spot repair services immediately – there’s nothing else to buy. And you can be sure you’ll achieve professional results with Meguiars high performance tools and Mirror Glaze 105 Ultra-Cut Compound and Mirror Glaze 205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

The Meguiars Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit removes yellowing, cloudiness, oxidation, and scratches from plastic headlight lens covers. Keep in mind that this kit will remove any coating from the lens cover. Therefore the kit should only be used on moderately to heavily damaged headlights, where the coating is already compromised.

Kit includes:

  • Pneumatic Mini DA Sander – 1 ea
  • Pneumatic Mini Rotary Polisher – 1 ea
  • S3320 Unigrit 320 Grit Sanding Disc – 50 discs
  • S3500 Unigrit 500 Grit Sanding Disc – 50 discs
  • S3800 Unigrit 800 Grit Sanding Disc – 50 discs
  • S3F1000 Unigrit 1000 Grit Finishing Disc – 15 discs
  • S31500 Unigrit 1500 Grit Sanding Disc – 25 discs
  • S3F3000 Unigrit 3000 Grit Finishing Disc – 15 discs
  • S3FIS Unigrit Foam Interface – 1 ea
  • W4003 3 Easy Buff Knitted Wool Pad – 2 pad
  • W7204 4 Soft Buff Foam Cutting Pad – 2 pad
  • W8204 4 Soft Buff Foam Polishing Pad – 2 pad
  • W9204 4 Soft Buff Foam Finishing Pad – 2 pad
  • S3BP 3 Professional Backing Pad and Adaptor Kit – 2 ea
  • S3HP 3 Professional Hand Pad – 1 ea
  • W63 3 Professional Rotary Backing Plate – 1 ea
  • T18MM Professional Masking Tape .75in – 1 ea
  • M10508 – 1 ea
  • M20508 – 1 ea
  • Meguiars Black Canvas Bag – 1 ea
  • VMGHSRCHT Professional Headlight and Spot Repair Chart – 1 ea

For more information and instructions, go to Meguiars Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit.

All Flitz Products On Sale This Week Only!

All Flitz products on sale through April 27, 2010!

Oley, the owner of Flitz, visited the Autogeek Show Car Garage last week to film a video featuring his complete product line of aluminum, chrome, brass, copper, stainless steel, and plastic products. Flitz will be the first company featured in an Autogeek Show Car Garage video. Every month a new company will appear in its own video filmed right here at the Autogeek Show Car Garage.

Flitz has been making highly effective polishing products for over 30 years. Flitz’s entire line of metal cleaners, polishes, and buffing balls simplifies detailing while giving you excellent results. Explore the Flitz line.

Oley and Mike Phillips
Oley from Flitz visited Mike Phillips in the Autogeek Show Car Garage.

Flitz polishing products

History of Autogeek.net

Autogeek.net has been a leading source of auto detailing products and accessories for more than 13 years. But the Autogeek story really starts in 1984 when owner and operator Bob “Max” McKee moved from Seaside Heights, New Jersey to South Florida and opened an auto accessory store.

After Max graduated college, he spent 15 years as a concessionaire on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, owning and operating six concession stands. When he relocated to Florida, Max took the opportunity to buy into an auto accessory store franchise called The Driver’s Seat. The Driver’s Seat had locations in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, and Max opened his store in Jupiter. Over the years, as his business grew, Max opened two more stores in Stuart and Boynton Beach. Max’s ownership at the Driver’s Seat helped him build the strong relationships with manufacturers that would later become the backbone of Autogeek.net.

Max owned and operated the Driver’s Seat stores until 1997 when he invited Jeff Berish to become the managing partner of day-to-day operations in the stores, while Max maintained ownership. Then in 2007, as the responsibilities with Palm Beach Motoring Accessories (PBMA) grew, Max sold all his interest in the Driver’s Seat to Jeff.

PBMA was founded in 1997 as a catalog company catering to car enthusiasts. Since Max had inventory and the vendor relationships already established, it was a natural transition into a mail order business. The first catalog featured some of the same products found at Autogeek.net today. An online version of the catalog, PBMA-FL.net, was launched in 1997. PBMA was then operated out of a 1000 sq. ft. retail space in Stuart, Florida.

PBMA struggled the first year. Max had to downsize to just 400 sq. ft. in the back of his Boynton Beach Driver’s Seat store. PBMA couldn’t yet sustain itself as a stand-alone business. It was there that Max met Jason, who was working across the street. Jason was computer-savvy and shared Max’s interest in cars. He came to work for Max in 1998.

2000 was the turning point for the company. Instead of PBMA-FL.net, the company website became Autogeek.net. The catalogs were printed under the Autogeek name starting in 2001, while the parent company retained the name Palm Beach Motoring. The Autogeek name caught on. From there, Autogeek accelerated quickly. Customers liked the ease of access and variety of products Autogeek carried thanks to Max’s connections made through The Driver’s Seat.

A few short years later, catalogs had been eclipsed by the Internet. The website allowed a virtually limitless inventory and the ultimate convenience for customers. But Max saw even greater potential. He wanted to combine the brick and mortar experience with the convenience of mail order. If he could provide customers with the same insight and care they receive in a store via the internet, Autogeek.net would offer the best of both worlds. The company was still operating out of the Boynton Beach store, but business was growing rapidly.

In 2002, Max and Jason moved to a 1,000 sq. ft. space in Stuart. Autogeek.net’s inventory was almost entirely on site, so order turnaround was fast. Jason pinpointed ways to expand the site’s presence online and make Autogeek a recognizable brand. Max was constantly building Autogeek’s selection of car care products. In 2003, Meghan was hired as the photographer and customer service representative.

Soon, it was time to expand. Max bought the space next door and joined the two to form a 2,000 sq. ft. office and warehouse. Four small rooms in the front housed all the administrative, creative and customer service departments. The back was entirely devoted to order fulfillment and shipping. Autogeek was completely run by a staff of five, including Max. In 2004, PBMA ceased printing catalogs and Autogeek became 100% internet-based.

By the end of 2004, Autogeek.net was in full swing. A designated order fulfillment staff had been hired, as well as a bookkeeper, a copywriter, marketing director, graphic artist, and more customer service representatives. Max’s philosophy was to build a talented in-house staff to foster a spirit of teamwork and maintain a high level of quality in everything we do. Autogeek continued at a steady pace of building inventory and developing its position on the web as a resource for car enthusiasts. Max’s idea of more information and exceptional customer service was proving to be successful.

Along the way, Max expanded PBMA’s umbrella to include import, export, wholesale, and manufacturing divisions. PBMA’s brands include Pinnacle Natural Brilliance, Wolfgang Concours Series, Detailer’s Pride, Diamondite Glass & Plastic Care Systems, and Cobra, our premium imported microfiber.

In 2006, we undertook two projects that would define Autogeek. AutogeekOnline.net, our own car detailing forum, was launched in March 2006. It was a new way to answer customers’ questions about our products and facilitate conversations between people who share a common hobby. With Meghan moderating, AGO became a thriving online community.

The other first in 2006 was Detail Fest. Autogeek’s first Detail Fest drew 12 people, mostly longtime customers and forum members. Max ordered pizza and our guests spent the afternoon detailing their cars. It gave little indication of what Detail Fest would become.

In late 2006, Autogeek.net moved to a 5,000 sq. ft. warehouse on Ellipse Way in Stuart, just down the street from the site of Autogeek’s current home. For the next year and a half, Autogeek’s new building was constructed while the company grew into and then out of the temporary space. Max had to rent an additional 3,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space while construction was delayed.

Finally in 2008, Max took ownership of Autogeek’s new 15,000 sq. ft. building just in time for the 3rd Annual Detail Fest. The empty building housed all the vendors and displays while the car show took place outside. Detail Fest had turned a corner.

2009 was another year of growth for Autogeek.net. Following a biggest-ever Detail Fest, Mike Phillips, formerly of Meguiars, joined the Autogeek team. Mike’s talent for teaching played a key role in expanding Autogeek’s detailing library to include videos. Autogeek now offers customers a full multi-media experience with online videos, articles, the Autogeek iPhone application, the AutogeekOnline.net forum, Twitter, and Facebook.

In a few short years, Autogeek’s staff has grown from just Max to 25 to 30 employees at any one time. Max has purchased a permanent home for the company overlooking the Florida Turnpike. The distribution side of PBMA continues to flourish with distributors in 17 countries around the world.

In 2010, Autogeek is expanding into a 5,000 sq. ft. addition, bringing our total space up to 20,000 sq. ft. The new space includes the 1,600 sq. ft. Autogeek’s Show Car Garage, complete with state-of-the-art video equipment, and classroom space for up to 30. The fully equipped garage is where Autogeek’s Show Car Garage how-to videos are filmed. These instructional segments are currently airing on the Speed Channel.

On March 27-28, 2010, Autogeek held its 5th Annual Detail Fest & Car Show. Detail Fest is our opportunity to bring together our vendors and our customers – all the people who have become part of the Autogeek family. To all who attended Detail Fest and to all our customers, your support and input over the years have made us the company we are today. Thank you for being a part of Autogeek’s story.

The Best Way to Remove Old Wax

Some detailers will say that Dawn dish-washing liquid is the best way to remove old car wax or paint sealant. While it is true that it removes paint protection, it’s not the best method. Here we’ll tell you why and what to use instead.

Dish detergent in general has a high pH, meaning it’s alkaline. An alkaline soap, while effective, really dries out surfaces. You know the term “dishpan hands” – that comes from the intense drying effect repeated dish-washing has on your skin. This alkalinity makes Dawn and other soaps like it great dish soaps. They really cut through grease and get dishes clean. BUT that’s not what you want for your vehicle. The rubber and plastic surfaces on the exterior of your vehicle (the soft materials) will dry out and fade with repeated use of dish soap. You might think the occasional wash with dish soap won’t make a big difference and you’d be right, but there are many factors working against those rubber and plastic surfaces. Every day, it’s bombarded by UV rays, accosted by dirt, and then there’s just the natural process of aging that any material undergoes. Add to all that a super-drying wash with an alkaline dish soap and you’re accelerating the aging process of your vehicle’s rubber and plastics. It’s the combined effect of the environment and the occasional shortcuts we take with our cars that make them look older, dingier, and faded long before their time. Always use a car shampoo for your vehicle and leave the dish soap to the dishes.

The best way to remove old layers of wax and paint sealants is a pre-wax cleaner or detailing clay. They’re not going to affect rubber and plastics because you’re not even using them on rubber and plastics! Detailing clay is a mechanical way of removing whatever is on the paint. You’re rubbing the clay bar over the paint and it’s taking in any coating or debris to leave the paint perfectly clean. A pre-wax cleaner or cleansing lotion has chemical cleaners that lift old wax and embedded dirt from the paint. (The cleaners could discolor plastics or rubber but you’re using a pre-wax cleaner only on the paint, whereas a dish soap is going to get on everything.) A pre-wax cleaner can even remove mild oxidation. Your vehicle will actually look and feel better after using a detailing clay or pre-wax cleaner. No dish soap can do that!

New At Autogeek: Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt "Yeti's Fist"

How would you like a blonde to wash your car?

Then get the?Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt “Yeti’s Fist”! This lighter version of the Supernatural Wash Mitt has the same ultra deep pile and long, soft Merino wool strands as the Wookie’s Fist. The mitt is handmade of genuine Merino wool, regarded as the finest and softest wool of any sheep. You’ve never felt a wool car wash mitt like this!

The Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt “Yeti’s Fist” is softer and thicker than any other wool wash mitt! The mitt has this deep pile for a reason: when washing a vehicle, loose dirt gets lost in the wool strands and it does not rub against the paint. Plus, the long, shaggy wool has an extra large capacity for soapy water. More soapy water equals more paint-protecting lubrication for your vehicle. In fact, you might need a bigger wash bucket!

The Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt is a rare breed indeed. The wool mitt is handmade of the finest Merino wool. Wool from this sheep is prized for its softness. In fact, fine Merino wool is often blended with silk and cashmere to make garments. 

The makers of Dodo Juice recommend using a 5 gallon wash bucket with the Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt “Yeti’s Fist” because it soaks up a lot of water. Put a Grit Guard Insert in the bucket to further protect the paint against wash-induced swirls. Pour in a small amount of Dodo Juice Supernatural Shampoo and blend with water until sufficiently frothy. Then use the Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt to lather your vehicle. Rest assured that the long wool fibers are providing excellent protection against swirls.

The Dodo Juice Supernatural Wash Mitt? “Yeti’s Fist” is produced in limited batches! Don’t miss your chance to pamper your vehicle with the Yeti’s Fist wool wash mitt, only from Dodo Juice.

Meguiars Unigrit Sanding and Finishing Discs

Compare Unigrit technology to conventional grit sandpaper.New 3 inch and 6 inch Meguiars Unigrit Sanding and Finishing Discs have arrived this week! Meguiar’s discs are excellent for removing imperfections from fresh paint and for spot repair. Unigrit technology creates a uniform sanding pattern that buffs out more easily compared to the deep pattern left by lesser quality sanding discs.

Below you can see the difference between Meguiars sanding and finishing discs. The finishing discs have a foam backing to better enable them to conform to the paint and render the smoothest finish.

Meguiars Unigrit Finishing Disc and Sanding Disc

Meguiar’s Unigrit Discs in stock at Autogeek.net

Meguiars Unigrit 3 Inch Professional Backing Plate and Adapter Kit

Meguiars Unigrit Professional Hand Pad

Meguiars Unigrit 6 Inch Sanding Discs

Meguiars Unigrit 6 inch Finishing Discs

  • Meguiars Unigrit? 1500 6 inch Finishing Discs, 15 per box – MG-S6F1500
  • Meguiars Unigrit? 3000 6 Inch Finishing Discs, 15 per box – MG-S6F3000

Meguiars Unigrit 3 Inch Sanding Discs

  • Meguiars Unigrit 320 3 Inch Sanding Discs, 50 per box – MG-S3320
  • Meguiars Unigrit 500 3 inch Sanding Discs, 50 per box – MG-S3500
  • Meguiars Unigrit 800 3 Inch Sanding Discs, 50 per box – MG-S3800
  • Meguiars Unigrit 1500 3 Inch Sanding Discs, 25 per box – MG-S31500

Meguiars Unigrit 3 Inch Finishing Discs

  • Meguiars Unigrit 1000 3 Inch Finishing Discs, 15 per box – MG-S3F1000
  • Meguiars Unigrit 3000 3 Inch Finishing Discs, 15 per box – MG-S3F3000