What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[50ALM]

The pH meter is indeed a cheapie from Amazon which I got along with a TDS meter.

PH Meter, 4 in 1 Water Quality Tester, Water Quality Test Kit, Water Quality Meter TDS PPM EC Meter and High Precision Drinking Water, Garden, Aquarium, Swimming Pool with 3 Powder PH Buffer Pack : Amazon.com.au: Kitchen & Dining
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I'm sure there are more accurate meters, but from my perspective, I have been using this to provide a baseline number so as to compare between products rather than providing a definitive number.

Thank you DFB.

Yes, there are more expensive pH meters out there, and I was keen on the Apera pH20, which retails ~ AUD $137.50, although you can pay towards AUD $1,000 for a serious instrument.

I like to download product manuals for things I'm considering, and have a peruse to make sure there will be no buyer's remorse. Due diligence!

Something I learnt from the Apera pH20 manual, applicable to all pH meters:

... and this little gem with the pH20:

Therefore, it makes absolutely no sense spending more on something that becomes equally useless in ~3 years time. Might as well get a cheapie, and consider it disposable. (As much as I hate this disposable society we've become).

Apera's next model up, the PH60 is just under AUD $200, and you can replace the probe. However a replacement probe is AUD $107, just over half the cost of the meter.

I think I'll stick to the cheap end of town.
The trick is finding a pH meter that displays temperature as well, like the expensive units do.
Can't get into the pool until my 27° threshold is met!

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[DFB5.0]

First up today, a quick wash of the Ranger.

This gave me a chance to try 3D Pink Car Soap...............

3D Pink Car Soap (473ml/3.78L/20L) (detailingshed.com.au)

As I sort of expected going by the information I got watching videos on this product, this is a workhorse soap. What I mean by that is designed with efficiency in mind and not a "snow show". As such, this is a lower foaming soap that rinses with ease from the paint at the end. That thinner foam consistency does cling to the paint quite well, it cleans great and its decently slick.

As I said, not a WOW product, but I can see why this is a favorite of professional users. Exceptionally well priced by the gallon too.

Moving to the drying, I had a hankering to try out Carpro Release again.

Carpro Release – Waxit Car Care

In terms of Release, this is basically a spray wax, as such it has a slightly different feel to Si02 type products, having a stickier feel initially, but leveling to a lovely slick finish. And the scent of Release is easily one of the best in the business. It's incredibly cheap as well! I NEED to use this product more often.

Mixing it up further, I wanted to try out the Creature Edgeless as a drying towel. I typically use the heavier Gauntlet and/or FTW, so using the Creature for this role was a pleasant change. It's more manageable than the Gauntlet, and less grabby than the FTW. Hmmmm, could there be a change in drying towel about to happen?

The Rag Company CREATURE EDGELESS 70/30 PLUSH DUAL PILE (detailingshed.com.au)

Next, onto a couple of new products, and a different car than usual. With the Wildtrak in for its new engine under warranty, the loan car is a new-gen Ranger XLS. (Meanwhile, the dealer said a week for the new engine to be installed, we are now approaching two weeks and no word when it will be back.)

Yes, I know, washing a service loan car! In my defense, I only washed the exterior. In any case, I wanted to try out a couple of products. The first being Gyeon Q2M Foam.................

Gyeon Q2M Snow Foam 1L/4L (detailingshed.com.au)

Gyeon do not quote a pH reading for this product, my test revealed about 11.95. As such, that leads me to thinking this is Gyeon's version of Carpro Lift. Supporting that theory, both foam very thickly and both have the ability to do some serious cleaning.

In this case, I used Q2M Foam as a pre-wash to soften down presumably months worth of road grime. (This car has about 11,000 km on it and likely never cleaned properly.)

After a rinse, it was then onto the contact wash using another new product, KCx Nano Magic Shampoo. In actual fact, I have had this product in the cabinet for a very long time now, I just never really knew what to use it for. It's been a very long time since I used a "wash n wax" type soap, and I've never used a Si02 infused soap either.

Buy Now - Koch Chemie Nano Magic Shampoo (750ml) - Ultimate Car Shampoo (detailingshed.com.au)

From what I can tell, this soap was not really meant for foaming, but I did anyway. It won't touch GSF for foam quality, but it does blanket the vehicle in a thin layer of soap that holds on quite nicely. Using the wash mitt and then rinsing activates that Si02 element. In use, the soap is decently slick, but again, not to GSF levels. The scent is that very distinctive and pleasant KCx aroma.

Before application, the paint was completely flat with not a hint of protection on it. Afterwards, the water behavior changed to a mild sheeting effect, which I then boosted with an application of Hydr02.

Not sure I love Nano Magic. I bought it on impulse, as such I really don't have a use for it in my regime. I wonder if it's of more use when teamed with an existing coating, rather than expecting it to transform flat, un-protected paint.

After a quick blow down, dried using Meg's HCD and some Perl on the tyres, I dare say my efforts won't be noticed when the car is returned. I don't care, I got my jollies from it.

As for the car itself, this is the second example of the new-gen Ranger I've spent time with, the first being an XLS as well. This version has the 2.0 Bi-Turbo and 10 speed that retails for just under $60,000 with no options. That 60K gets you a pretty plain interior, and the lack of a tub liner for that price is stingy. If you actually use the tray, it won't be looking new for very long.

 

[skinnyb]

First up today, a quick wash of the Ranger.

This gave me a chance to try 3D Pink Car Soap...............

3D Pink Car Soap (473ml/3.78L/20L) (detailingshed.com.au)

As I sort of expected going by the information I got watching videos on this product, this is a workhorse soap. What I mean by that is designed with efficiency in mind and not a "snow show". As such, this is a lower foaming soap that rinses with ease from the paint at the end. That thinner foam consistency does cling to the paint quite well, it cleans great and its decently slick.

As I said, not a WOW product, but I can see why this is a favorite of professional users. Exceptionally well priced by the gallon too.

Moving to the drying, I had a hankering to try out Carpro Release again.

Carpro Release – Waxit Car Care

In terms of Release, this is basically a spray wax, as such it has a slightly different feel to Si02 type products, having a stickier feel initially, but leveling to a lovely slick finish. And the scent of Release is easily one of the best in the business. It's incredibly cheap as well! I NEED to use this product more often.

Mixing it up further, I wanted to try out the Creature Edgeless as a drying towel. I typically use the heavier Gauntlet and/or FTW, so using the Creature for this role was a pleasant change. It's more manageable than the Gauntlet, and less grabby than the FTW. Hmmmm, could there be a change in drying towel about to happen?

The Rag Company CREATURE EDGELESS 70/30 PLUSH DUAL PILE (detailingshed.com.au)

Next, onto a couple of new products, and a different car than usual. With the Wildtrak in for its new engine under warranty, the loan car is a new-gen Ranger XLS. (Meanwhile, the dealer said a week for the new engine to be installed, we are now approaching two weeks and no word when it will be back.)

Yes, I know, washing a service loan car! In my defense, I only washed the exterior. In any case, I wanted to try out a couple of products. The first being Gyeon Q2M Foam.................

Gyeon Q2M Snow Foam 1L/4L (detailingshed.com.au)

Gyeon do not quote a pH reading for this product, my test revealed about 11.95. As such, that leads me to thinking this is Gyeon's version of Carpro Lift. Supporting that theory, both foam very thickly and both have the ability to do some serious cleaning.

In this case, I used Q2M Foam as a pre-wash to soften down presumably months worth of road grime. (This car has about 11,000 km on it and likely never cleaned properly.)

After a rinse, it was then onto the contact wash using another new product, KCx Nano Magic Shampoo. In actual fact, I have had this product in the cabinet for a very long time now, I just never really knew what to use it for. It's been a very long time since I used a "wash n wax" type soap, and I've never used a Si02 infused soap either.

Buy Now - Koch Chemie Nano Magic Shampoo (750ml) - Ultimate Car Shampoo (detailingshed.com.au)

From what I can tell, this soap was not really meant for foaming, but I did anyway. It won't touch GSF for foam quality, but it does blanket the vehicle in a thin layer of soap that holds on quite nicely. Using the wash mitt and then rinsing activates that Si02 element. In use, the soap is decently slick, but again, not to GSF levels. The scent is that very distinctive and pleasant KCx aroma.

Before application, the paint was completely flat with not a hint of protection on it. Afterwards, the water behavior changed to a mild sheeting effect, which I then boosted with an application of Hydr02.

Not sure I love Nano Magic. I bought it on impulse, as such I really don't have a use for it in my regime. I wonder if it's of more use when teamed with an existing coating, rather than expecting it to transform flat, un-protected paint.

After a quick blow down, dried using Meg's HCD and some Perl on the tyres, I dare say my efforts won't be noticed when the car is returned. I don't care, I got my jollies from it.

As for the car itself, this is the second example of the new-gen Ranger I've spent time with, the first being an XLS as well. This version has the 2.0 Bi-Turbo and 10 speed that retails for just under $60,000 with no options. That 60K gets you a pretty plain interior, and the lack of a tub liner for that price is stingy. If you actually use the tray, it won't be looking new for very long.

Good stuff. Thanks for the review of new products. I have used foam and I really like it, about the same as Lift. Have considered Nano magic but haven't bought any yet. I have used protector wax though and it applies very easy from the foam canon. I figure it's just the wax portion minus the soap element, PW has the same scent as GSF so the experience is consistent, I used them together the last wash of my Mazda and it worked well however my Mazda has Gyeon Can Coat on it . I use carpro hydro foam when I want to wash and protect in one step.

 

[DFB5.0]

The Wera magnetic socket rail arrived this morning..................




In this case, I removed a strip of the foam to slot it in neatly. They makes these in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch formats should I need to add more in the future.

The sight of that makes me so happy.

 

[GT 550]

You've got me down the rabbit hole.

Welcome to the rabbit hole, it only gets deeper from here!

Cool, we'll all be here to greet you at the bottom. Maybe bring some hearing protection as it gets pretty noisy when @DFB5.0 operates his tunnel boring machine, which is often.

Regarding said rabbit hole, I received some GSF and am itching to try it. However, dispensing such a gloopy fluid in 20ml amounts for the snow cannon with anything approaching reasonable accuracy appears to be a challenge. It's such a small amount that even the residue remaining in a measuring cup, given the viscosity, might amount to 10ml ie 50% of the dose and most of us don't have the time to let it drain for an hour. The wash bucket part is easy, fill to 50ml and rinse in the bucket, but you can't do that with a foam cannon. I was thinking of getting a hand wash pump and just working out how many pumps delivers 20ml but I can see the GSF drying in the nozzle...enter curse words.

So my question of the Chief Rabbit Hole Expander, who got me into this mess, is 'are there any hacks?'

 

[DFB5.0]

Cool, we'll all be here to greet you at the bottom. Maybe bring some hearing protection as it gets pretty noisy when @DFB5.0 operates his tunnel boring machine, which is often.

Regarding said rabbit hole, I received some GSF and am itching to try it. However, dispensing such a gloopy fluid in 20ml amounts for the snow cannon with anything approaching reasonable accuracy appears to be a challenge. It's such a small amount that even the residue remaining in a measuring cup, given the viscosity, might amount to 10ml ie 50% of the dose and most of us don't have the time to let it drain for an hour. The wash bucket part is easy, fill to 50ml and rinse in the bucket, but you can't do that with a foam cannon. I was thinking of getting a hand wash pump and just working out how many pumps delivers 20ml but I can see the GSF drying in the nozzle...enter curse words.

So my question of the Chief Rabbit Hole Expander, who got me into this mess, is 'are there any hacks?'

Hmmm, GSF is generally quite runny, so it shouldn't be gloopy.

For the foam cannon, ignore the 30ml recommendation, you need at least 80ml, preferably 100-120ml.

For dispensing, I have soap bottles fitted with pop-top lids, which all you need to do is squirt the soap into the foam cannon bottle. (Some soaps come with one as standard, most don't.)

White Pop Top 28mm for 1Ltr bottle Wholesale Cleaning Supplies

You could also look at a screw-on funnel.

adamspolishes.com.au/products/adams-ez-fill-threaded-funnel?_pos=2&_sid=d4d5ad7c6&_ss=r
Threaded Screw On Funnel – AusPro Automotive Detailing & Car Care Products (ausprodetailing.com.au)

 

[GT 550]

For the foam cannon, ignore the 30ml recommendation, you need at least 80ml, preferably 100-120ml.

Excellent the cannon has a 100ml gradation, problem solved. On that note, rec dose for GSF as a soap is 50ml in 10l, are you ok with that or would you suggest something different?

For dispensing, I have soap bottles fitted with pop-top lids, which all you need to do is squirt the soap into the foam cannon bottle.

Did this with Bowden's Snow Foam after seeing one of your previous posts, helped hugely and now I don't need to manoeuvre treakle out of a 35mm orifice into a 28mm one .

You could also look at a screw-on funnel.

This also overcomes the problem of suds coming out of the reservoir and interfering with the dispensing process. Bravo!

(Holy sheet $20 for a funnel)

 

[DFB5.0]

Excellent the cannon has a 100ml gradation, problem solved. On that note, rec dose for GSF as a soap is 50ml in 10l, are you ok with that or would you suggest something different?



Did this with Bowden's Snow Foam after seeing one of your previous posts, helped hugely and now I don't need to manoeuvre treakle out of a 35mm orifice into a 28mm one .



This also overcomes the problem of suds coming out of the reservoir and interfering with the dispensing process. Bravo!

I always fill the foam cannon with water before adding soap, much easier than having it foam up and spilling. You can also fill it from your bucket of water.

For the bucket, I don't really measure it out, mainly because I apply the soap to the car with the foam cannon and wash with the foam still on the car. I do add a small amount to the wash mitt, then after I have foamed the car, any remaining in the bottle is emptied into the wash bucket.

I have covered this before, but I don't do the "two-bucket-method" wash. Because the soap is applied directly to the paint, the bucket is only used to rinse out the wash pad. Adding soap to this bucket is probably overkill, but why not?

My method involves rinsing the car, applying the foam and then doing the contact wash. For a "clean-dirty" car, this is a completely safe, but efficient wash method. If the car was actually dirty, I would foam from dry and allow to soak, rinse, and then re-foaming and contact washing.

 

[DFB5.0]

My sister took delivery of her new car two weeks ago, a Volvo XC60 B6 Mild Hybrid in Silver Dawn.

Got sent these pics tonight after she picked it up after having Carpro Cquartz Profession applied by Prime Finish.

Despite not seeing it in the metal, you can see the depth and clarity the mild correction and coating has achieved after 3 days work. Apparently, it looks completely different in person.

 

[skinnyb]

Cool, we'll all be here to greet you at the bottom. Maybe bring some hearing protection as it gets pretty noisy when @DFB5.0 operates his tunnel boring machine, which is often.

Regarding said rabbit hole, I received some GSF and am itching to try it. However, dispensing such a gloopy fluid in 20ml amounts for the snow cannon with anything approaching reasonable accuracy appears to be a challenge. It's such a small amount that even the residue remaining in a measuring cup, given the viscosity, might amount to 10ml ie 50% of the dose and most of us don't have the time to let it drain for an hour. The wash bucket part is easy, fill to 50ml and rinse in the bucket, but you can't do that with a foam cannon. I was thinking of getting a hand wash pump and just working out how many pumps delivers 20ml but I can see the GSF drying in the nozzle...enter curse words.

So my question of the Chief Rabbit Hole Expander, who got me into this mess, is 'are there any hacks?'

I agree with above. 20ML is a little light on the soap. I myself have a shot glass in my garage used just for this purpose. It holds 50mil or about 1.5 oz. I pour myself a shot of GSF and put in the foam canon on top of probably 750-800 mil water. I then pour myself a shot for the wash bucket and put the shot glass in the bottom of the bucket. Fill bucket with about 3 gallon of water and rinse the shot glass thoroughly as I do so and put back on the shelf. I find this amount works good for me, the foam is a little runny from the canon but clingy which is what you want. I use the exact same procedure regardless of the soap I am using. I find Reset and NV Snow foams better with this amount, Gyeon bathe doesn't foam as much but is incredibly slick and gets the job done. The wash bucket foams up nicely regardless of the soap used when I hit with pressure washer briefly before I start the contact wash.. Also I do find GSF and Reset quite a bit thicker than Bathe, unless you get the Bathe Essentials version. I have that too, it is REALLY thick but only requires 1/4 as much product.

Welcome to the rabbit hole my friend I am having tons of fun, my wallet not so much LOL.

 

[DFB5.0]

Screwdrivers this week..........................

I'm not entirely satisfied with the Stanley arrangement, but they are at least accessible now rather than hidden in a case at the back of a cabinet.

 

[DFB5.0]

Counting down the days to a week off in October. Already have my next "project" nailed down...................

https://armourdetailsupply.com/colle...eramic-coating

 

[DFB5.0]

Just when you thought you had the ultimate..................

...............your muse goes and does something even more elaborate............

Dual Kranzle K1322TS Custom Install Solution | Obsessed Garage
Dual AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS Custom Install Solution – Obsessed Garage











Tandem dual pressure washers, the result being double the flow. The pressure is then dialed down to around 1000psi by opening up the nozzle orifice. More flow, more work being done.

Frankly, I don't see the point, I have never wished for more by slumming it just one Kranzle. And that's before considering the cost to do this, be that adding another machine and shelf, or to do the whole setup from scratch. You then need to have another dedicated 20amp power outlet installed.

Even still, I love the completely over-the-top thinking here.

 

[DFB5.0]

Mustang's turn this week. Nothing new, although I finally tried something I have had for a while.

Buy Now - Detail Factory Curveball Large Area Detailing Brush (detailingshed.com.au)
Detail Factory - Curveball XL Synthetic Brush | The Rag Company

I have had this brush since it was released, but have hesitated with what I intended to use it for. You see, at $75, that is a lot of coin to subject such a nice brush to the messy job of dressing tires.

To be clear, The Detail Factory never intended for the brush to be used this way, rather a certain influencer who doesn't really like brushes decided to dress his tires with it. Now, the brush didn't cost him $75, in fact it retails for only $30 in the US. So, taking the plunge to screw it up with tire dressing is a more complex mindset for us in Aussie-Tax-Ville. But, letting $75 just sit un-used in the cabinet didn't compute, so I just went for it.

And.............yes, this thing is brilliant for dressing tires. The ultra soft, ultra fine bristles allow you to deliver an even, thin application without overusing product.

But I get it, this is a lot of money for a tire applicator. Since the Curveball was launched, the usual Chinese-Copy phenomenon has done its thing and you can get similar things for half the price on Amazon or Ebay.

While I typically just throw away a foam tire applicator when it get's too grotty, something like this could be washed with some tyre cleaner or APC to refresh it, somewhat negating the cost.

Either way, I wish I had tried this brush sooner.

 

[DFB5.0]

My first Pressol failure................

In this case, teamed with Brake Buster, I got about 10 months out of the Pressol "Industrial" spray head.

To be fair on Pressol, it was still spraying, but it had lost the double action functionality. Brake Buster tends to kill all sprayers eventually, even the chemical resistant versions, expensive or inexpensive.

I still think the Kwazar Mercury 360 are the better sprayers, be that the bottle quality or the superior spray head design. Even the pickup tube with the metal weighted filter is of higher quality than the hard plastic Pressol items.

But............I really, really like the OG labels and the clear bottle allows for easier product identification and level.

I actually have visions of creating a custom label for the Kwazar's, something that would team in with the blue/red/yellow/green colorings and cover up the standard brand lettering.

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