Scotty

I'm posting this to follow up on severeal recent very interesting threads on cleaning ang polishing, especially Greg's waxology posts (I'm happy to find that there are at least a few people as anal as I about detailing their cars!). I thought I'd throw in my .02 on favored products, and hope that you guys will do the same.

I'm now using quite a bit of Meguiar's products, having switched from Zymol about 2 years ago. I like them better and they cost less. Here are some of my favorites:

Meguiar's #62 Shampoo.
Meguiar's #34 Final Inspection
Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover
Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze
Meguiar's #16 Wax -- Great wax and NO silicone.

The #34 is wonderful, and is espectially useful for black cars. My last car was a black NSX, which until I discovered #34, I felt compelled to wash before every drive! Even lint from a flannel cover was a problem. This product cuts static charge as well, and is useful between stages when polishing/waxing to repel dust. I also keep a small bottle and cloth in the car for fingerprints, bird poo, etc.

Simple Green: for degreasing and tire cleaning (removes oxidized rubber well)

303 Protectant: for tire dressing and exterior plastic trim, fender liners, plastic lens assemblies, engine hoses, etc. NO silicone. Protects against UV/ozone. It's not very shiny on tires (more of a natural rubber look).

Black again: cleans and renews neglected, oxidized or stained rubber/black plastic trim.

leather/interior care: I've used a number of products: lexol, zymol, Merc-Benz stuff (don't know manufacturer), etc. Not terribly impressed with any of it. What about you guys?

Washing Mitts: I ordered some wool mitts from Griot's, and am impressed. High quality plush real wool, and at a reasonable price.

BTW Greg: I've enjoyed your posts on waxing. In light of your comments, I think I'll try a Porter Cable orbital polisher -- I have trouble with shoulder impingement as well!