any input??

[sunir]

(a) just got the racecar back from the shop...want to know if there is anything I can clean it with that would not require water/hose etc (car doesn't have windows)...need to "wash" it with something I can apply to the surface,

(b) then I think I need to apply some wax to keep the paint looking nice...any thoughts on what to do with this "non-water" wash and wax/protect & shine stuff? what about quick wax or quick detailer or one of those products?

(c) also...any good & quick chemical to use on wheels (these are polished aluminum mesh racing wheels...Forgeline LS Comp to be exact...these are the same mesh center sections as say a BBS RG-R or LM), again, not looking for something I would have to apply and then rinse off, just looking for something I can apply with a rag relatively quickly around the lip and in the mesh spokes of the wheel....since these wheels are a pain to keep clean and the pads I am using are highly abrasive Hawke BLue 9012 racing compound...

[Greg]

Let's see if I can help:
a. For a wash, you might want to consider 2 options. One is a product called Protectall QEW, which basically is a rinseless wash. All you need is a bucket for a wash, then a rinse bucket. Then you just dry your car. It would let you control where the water goes. If you don't want water at all, I would suggest Poorboys Spray and Wipe. I personally wouldn't use it on a car that is very dirty as I would fear micromarring. However, for a race car, you might not care as much.
http://protectall.com/qelg.htm
www.poorboysworld.net

b. Since you probably don't want to wax often, I would suggest a sealant that is going to offer better durability. Common sealants are Klasse, Zaino, Platinum, Meguiars #20. Some very durable waxes are Meguiars #16 and Collinite.

c. This is a tough one because they are expensive wheels, yet subjected to very tough conditions. I would suggest using a dilute solution of something like Eagle One A2Z, but first make sure in an inconspicuous area that it doesn't stain or etch. Then after you get them cleaned, apply a sealant or wax to them which will prevent the brake dust from accumulating so quickly.

[sunir]

thanks Greg...what a well thought out response ...very helpful! You're right, as it is a racecar I am not too concerned with "show quality" however, a nice clean racecar is always nice, just take a look at all the pro teams, they always wipe the car down when it comes off the track...but your response was right on to the level of commitment I want to give to my detailing routine on my racecar...I want something that is fast, hassle free, and still does a great job at the three points I mentioned in my post...

Can I get most or all of these products at Advance, Auto Zone, Pep Boys or the like?


C'mon guys, any other thoughts on this ...I know I've seen some DAMN nice and VERY clean bimmers out there on the streets and highways so there's more of you detailing experts out there I'm sure!

[Greg]

Most of your Meguiars products are going to be available locally. I am not sure if this is close to you, but SCHAFFER AUTO SUPPLY 14 S. SUMMIT AVE. GAITHERSBURG MD 20877 carries Meguiars professional products, which IMO are much better than their consmer line. You can find probably their #20 Polymer Sealant there, some Autozones etc might carry it as well. Its a product that I think would work out very well for you. It has some cleaning ability so it will clean and protect the paint for probably around 3 months.