What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[Evolvd]

Advance Auto sells Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions soap which I’ve read is pretty good for a budget soap.

Sponsored

 

[MAGS1]

I know everyone talks about Carpro reset for washing but what would be a good go to soap for maintenance washing that is budget friendly? I have 4 cars to maintain and go through soap pretty quickly. Iv been using the CG Mr. Pink.

Adams Car Shampoo (blue) is really good. Stay away from Chemical Guys. They’re more marketing than quality IMO.

 

[MAGS1]

Advance Auto sells Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions soap which I’ve read is pretty good for a budget soap.

Forgot about that one. Yes, the Hybrid Solutions line is actually quite good for the price.

 

[50ALM]

Well, I guess this was inevitable.....................

I looked at both GoPro and DJI, consensus on which is better seems divided....

Ahhh!
As I work in TV production, you've touched on another subject that is close to me.

I was in this exact boat several months ago, but went with the DJI Action 4.
IIRC the low light performance is marginally better with the DJI, but we're splitting hairs here, as both are very good excellent choices.

Aside from a medium sized case (which wasn't really big enough, in hindsight), and an underwater housing (we snorkeled with manta rays whilst on the big island of Hawaii in May), various attachments were obtained. The mounts are common to both later model DJIs and GoPros.

I cannot speak highly enough of Ulanzi, whom you can purchase directly from.
Of Chinese origin, but at the upper end, very affordable, and not the cheap plasticy crap found on ebay etc.

In addition to the OEM plastic accessory mounts that came with the camera, this is what I have, so far, in my arsenal;

Ulanzi OA-12 Magnetic QR base

Ulanzi U-180 Magnetic QR Ball Head

Ulanzi R094 Multi-Functional Super Clamp

Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount Clip
Obviously for use with a phone.
Most of my videos (not car related) I shoot with 2 - 4 cameras for editing purposes.
(Don't get me started about seeing "jump-cuts" on Youtube videos.)

Note the aluminium components and knurled knob just ooze quality, but aren't stupid expensive either.

A Joby tripod is always handy.
I've had this for a while and can't remember where I got this from, but they're widely available.

SmallRig Portable Suction Cup Mount Support for Action Cameras SC-1K 4193

Ideal for action camera shooting within the vehicle cabin ONLY.
Even with the double-articulated arm, a mini-ball head is virtually mandatory.

Aside from getting a second Action 4, I'm looking at getting the Ulanzi C006 Magic Arm for Suction Cup Camera Car Mount for exterior shooting.

These come in twin suction cup and triple suction cup variants.
I particularly like the Nato rails, again oozing quality.

Triple suction cups are mandatory for heavier cameras (dSLR, mirrorless), but I think a twin suction cup should be more than adequate for a moving vehicle with a lite weight action camera.

And if you plan of doing any "stand-ups" or "pieces-to-camera", don't forget about the audio.

There are too many dickhead Youtuber attention seekers out there who prance around with their phone (making viewers nauseous in the process), especially outside where wind noise oftens renders the audio useless.

For years I've been using a Sony radio mic system with a traditional camcorder type camera.

As I shoot more with the phone these days and the Action 4, I need to look at a wireless mic system with USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, most likely the DJI Mic 2. I'm sure GoPro have something similar.

 

[DFB5.0]

I know everyone talks about Carpro reset for washing but what would be a good go to soap for maintenance washing that is budget friendly? I have 4 cars to maintain and go through soap pretty quickly. Iv been using the CG Mr. Pink.

Off the shelf options for me locally (like Oreillys, Auto Zone, etc) are soaps by Adams and Griots garage. Adams blue car shampoo is excellent, and their Mega foam makes awesome foam and cleans well too. You can get larger bottles if you like from Amazon.

Adams Car Shampoo (blue) is really good. Stay away from Chemical Guys. They’re more marketing than quality IMO.

As mentioned, Adam's Car Shampoo (the blue one) all day long! If you are happy to spend a couple of dollars more, Adam's Mega Foam (the red one) is worth it for the superior foam and easier to pour consistency. Both are exceptionally well priced, exceptionally capable, smell great, foam great, have great lubrication..............................

 

[DFB5.0]

The Final Polish

This is something I have had on the list for a while now, one could say for about two years. As time with the Mustang runs out, now is the time to give it a final polish before it leaves the garage. Does it need to be polished? Probably not. Do I need to polish it? Absolutely. Why? Because it just feels right, my way of saying goodbye to a car that changed my life…………more on that at a later date.

In this case, we are not at all talking about a multi-step paint correction here, more so a gloss enhancement in preparation for the application of Can Coat EVO. I also won't be doing a multi-step decontamination process, it just doesn’t need it.

Prep –

The Mustang was washed last week before being put back under its cover. So, with the car already clean, I simply wiped the car down with a liberal amount of P&S panel prep, not the best of its kind, but I wanted to use this up. Applied heavy, I allowed each section a minute or two to dwell before wiping with a Platinum Pluffle towel. I then followed up with the stronger Gtechniq Panel Wipe, which was applied into the towel and not directly to the paint.

From here, I then taped up the rubber and plastic trims with the red Carpro masking tape. Same for 5.0 badges.

Polishing -

Polish of choice today was Carpro Essence. This is the perfect choice for a general enhancement polish, while also laying down a layer of Si02 for the Can Coat to bond to. Pad choice the new Rupes D-A Intermediate foam, the Rupes D-A Fine (iBrid Nano) and ShineMate Blue (Rupes 3-inch LHR75). For the S550, with the exception of the roof, each body panel needs to be split into different sections. This is due to the heavy contouring Ford went with, meaning you often need to use 3 and 5-inch machines, and occasionally the Nano too.

Today was my first go at using the new Rupes HLR15 battery powered polisher.

Rupes HLR15 15mm Kit | Dual Action Cordless Polisher – Waxit Car Care

First impressions are of smoothness and refinement. Other than the air powered LHR75, this is the smoothest polisher I have used, possessing none of that grinding wind-down of my ShineMates. There were early complaints about the odd battery placement Rupes chose, but to me it seems totally natural as I've always supported a polisher from the battery with my left hand and guided the head with my right hand.

A couple of things to note so far -

- Early reports of this machine seemed mixed, in particular being quite sensitive to pad choice and a tendency to "walk" aggressively. The consensus seems to be that they work best with the new thicker Rupes pads. This is likely due to the wafer-thin backing plate needing that extra cushion of the thicker pad.

- Used with the Rupes pad, I found the machine butter smooth and easy to control.

- To me, the speed control is backwards in direction, but the actual response is brilliant, offering more modulation than the ShineMate.

- The trigger lock is a mixed bag. Sometimes it snicks into place with a satisfying click. Other times it baulks and requires multiple stabs to get right. A typical Italian quirk.

A quick demo of the machine, my first using the GoPro. Initial movements are speedy to spread the polish, then slower to work the section.



Essence is a joy to work with, producing no dust and possessing a butter smooth wipe off. No, it doesn't have much corrective ability, but as I said earlier, I wasn't chasing defect removal. I did spot treat a couple of sections with firmer pressure on some very light scratches, which it removed easily. That's why I chose a firmer intermediate pad.

No editing with this picture, Race Red showing off its natural candy-like gloss.................

With the tape removed and the trim wiped with Gyeon Prep, I left it at that for today. Technically, you can apply a coating within an hour of using Essence, but I prefer to leave it overnight. I will then give the car a very light wipe over with Prep and apply the coating in the morning.

 

[DFB5.0]

Ahhh!
As I work in TV production, you've touched on another subject that is close to me.

I was in this exact boat several months ago, but went with the DJI Action 4.
IIRC the low light performance is marginally better with the DJI, but we're splitting hairs here, as both are very good excellent choices.

Aside from a medium sized case (which wasn't really big enough, in hindsight), and an underwater housing (we snorkeled with manta rays whilst on the big island of Hawaii in May), various attachments were obtained. The mounts are common to both later model DJIs and GoPros.

I cannot speak highly enough of Ulanzi, whom you can purchase directly from.
Of Chinese origin, but at the upper end, very affordable, and not the cheap plasticy crap found on ebay etc.

In addition to the OEM plastic accessory mounts that came with the camera, this is what I have, so far, in my arsenal;

Ulanzi OA-12 Magnetic QR base

Ulanzi U-180 Magnetic QR Ball Head

Ulanzi R094 Multi-Functional Super Clamp

Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount Clip
Obviously for use with a phone.
Most of my videos (not car related) I shoot with 2 - 4 cameras for editing purposes.
(Don't get me started about seeing "jump-cuts" on Youtube videos.)

Note the aluminium components and knurled knob just ooze quality, but aren't stupid expensive either.

A Joby tripod is always handy.
I've had this for a while and can't remember where I got this from, but they're widely available.

SmallRig Portable Suction Cup Mount Support for Action Cameras SC-1K 4193

Ideal for action camera shooting within the vehicle cabin ONLY.
Even with the double-articulated arm, a mini-ball head is virtually mandatory.

Aside from getting a second Action 4, I'm looking at getting the Ulanzi C006 Magic Arm for Suction Cup Camera Car Mount for exterior shooting.

These come in twin suction cup and triple suction cup variants.
I particularly like the Nato rails, again oozing quality.

Triple suction cups are mandatory for heavier cameras (dSLR, mirrorless), but I think a twin suction cup should be more than adequate for a moving vehicle with a lite weight action camera.

And if you plan of doing any "stand-ups" or "pieces-to-camera", don't forget about the audio.

There are too many dickhead Youtuber attention seekers out there who prance around with their phone (making viewers nauseous in the process), especially outside where wind noise oftens renders the audio useless.

For years I've been using a Sony radio mic system with a traditional camcorder type camera.

As I shoot more with the phone these days and the Action 4, I need to look at a wireless mic system with USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, most likely the DJI Mic 2. I'm sure GoPro have something similar.

Bugger, I didn't think to reach out and ask your opinion regarding camera gear.

I had been using a combination of my iPhone and a Cannon G7X MK III. The iPhone takes great videos, but the auto-formatting and a distinct reluctance to talk to a Windows PC makes it a pain in the ass. The G7X MK III is ok, but I never liked it for stills, and it was not great for image stability.

I already had some camera mounts, one for handle bars and a suction cup mount for in-car videos. I've also ordered a POV clamp mount. I recently bought a Rode external mic for the Cannon, which will transfer to the GoPro if I find it wanting, initial videos using the Media Mod external mic seemed quite good. As for a "stand-ups" or "pieces-to-camera", I'm far too shy to appear or speak on camera. But if I wanted, I would also be looking at the DJI Mic 2.

 

[skinnyb]

The Final Polish

This is something I have had on the list for a while now, one could say for about two years. As time with the Mustang runs out, now is the time to give it a final polish before it leaves the garage. Does it need to be polished? Probably not. Do I need to polish it? Absolutely. Why? Because it just feels right, my way of saying goodbye to a car that changed my life…………more on that at a later date.

In this case, we are not at all talking about a multi-step paint correction here, more so a gloss enhancement in preparation for the application of Can Coat EVO. I also won't be doing a multi-step decontamination process, it just doesn’t need it.

Prep –

The Mustang was washed last week before being put back under its cover. So, with the car already clean, I simply wiped the car down with a liberal amount of P&S panel prep, not the best of its kind, but I wanted to use this up. Applied heavy, I allowed each section a minute or two to dwell before wiping with a Platinum Pluffle towel. I then followed up with the stronger Gtechniq Panel Wipe, which was applied into the towel and not directly to the paint.

From here, I then taped up the rubber and plastic trims with the red Carpro masking tape. Same for 5.0 badges.

Polishing -

Polish of choice today was Carpro Essence. This is the perfect choice for a general enhancement polish, while also laying down a layer of Si02 for the Can Coat to bond to. Pad choice the new Rupes D-A Intermediate foam, the Rupes D-A Fine (iBrid Nano) and ShineMate Blue (Rupes 3-inch LHR75). For the S550, with the exception of the roof, each body panel needs to be split into different sections. This is due to the heavy contouring Ford went with, meaning you often need to use 3 and 5-inch machines, and occasionally the Nano too.

Today was my first go at using the new Rupes HLR15 battery powered polisher.

Rupes HLR15 15mm Kit | Dual Action Cordless Polisher – Waxit Car Care

First impressions are of smoothness and refinement. Other than the air powered LHR75, this is the smoothest polisher I have used, possessing none of that grinding wind-down of my ShineMates. There were early complaints about the odd battery placement Rupes chose, but to me it seems totally natural as I've always supported a polisher from the battery with my left hand and guided the head with my right hand.

A couple of things to note so far -

- Early reports of this machine seemed mixed, in particular being quite sensitive to pad choice and a tendency to "walk" aggressively. The consensus seems to be that they work best with the new thicker Rupes pads. This is likely due to the wafer-thin backing plate needing that extra cushion of the thicker pad.

- Used with the Rupes pad, I found the machine butter smooth and easy to control.

- To me, the speed control is backwards in direction, but the actual response is brilliant, offering more modulation than the ShineMate.

- The trigger lock is a mixed bag. Sometimes it snicks into place with a satisfying click. Other times it baulks and requires multiple stabs to get right. A typical Italian quirk.

A quick demo of the machine, my first using the GoPro. Initial movements are speedy to spread the polish, then slower to work the section.



Essence is a joy to work with, producing no dust and possessing a butter smooth wipe off. No, it doesn't have much corrective ability, but as I said earlier, I wasn't chasing defect removal. I did spot treat a couple of sections with firmer pressure on some very light scratches, which it removed easily. That's why I chose a firmer intermediate pad.

No editing with this picture, Race Red showing off its natural candy-like gloss.................

With the tape removed and the trim wiped with Gyeon Prep, I left it at that for today. Technically, you can apply a coating within an hour of using Essence, but I prefer to leave it overnight. I will then give the car a very light wipe over with Prep and apply the coating in the morning.

Very nice, the new polisher looks like it is wonderful to use , and I marvel at the differences between your car and our US spec cars. I have a second gen S550 but even your car has body differences between our US spec first gen S550 variants, most noticed in the hood (bonnet), our cars have a different contour and vents (albeit fake) built in...

 

[DFB5.0]

Very nice, the new polisher looks like it is wonderful to use , and I marvel at the differences between your car and our US spec cars. I have a second gen S550 but even your car has body differences between our US spec first gen S550 variants, most noticed in the hood (bonnet), our cars have a different contour and vents (albeit fake) built in...

The first S550's delivered into Australia had notable differences to the US-spec cars, mainly to meet differing vehicle standards. This included the following -

- No tri-bar DRL's, they were simply reflectors. Instead, the fog lights became the DRL's. From memory, this was due to a specific law regarding the height of the light?

- Clear rear lamps, which again was due to laws regarding the turn signals needing to be orange. I hate the clear lights and always wince when one of the US guys puts them onto a US spec car. On certain colors, they look ok, but on most they are hideous.

- In both cases above, the remedy is to turn the lights on, which lights up the rear cherry red, and lights up the tri-bar reflectors.

- No hood vents. Not sure why though.

- Despite having the Performance Pack as standard across all models, we didn't get the strut brace.

- Rear valance with faux gas cap GT badge.

- No Line Lock......................fun police the cause. Same reason for the standard exhaust being too quiet.

- Virtually no customization. No choice of wheels, seats, interior colors.


From the 2018-on facelift, some of the above reverted to US-spec, in particular the hood vents and DRL's within the headlight. However, the tacky white tail lamps remained, and we still didn't get the strut brace.

 

[Brisvegas]

Virtually no customization. No choice of wheels, seats, interior colors.

The clear lights i can live with and i actually dont mind them on my very dark car . The dorkiest thing we got was that horrific dogbowl badge on the trunk and that was the first thing i got rid of .

 

[DFB5.0]

The clear lights i can live with and i actually dont mind them on my very dark car . The dorkiest thing we got was that horrific dogbowl badge on the boot and that was the first thing i got rid of .

I'm the opposite, I've always liked the rear GT badge/faux gas cap.

 

[WD Pro]

I just wish they had given us the Torsen ...

WD

 

[DFB5.0]

I just wish they had given us the Torsen ...

WD

I was under the impression that the Torsen is nosier and somewhat disconcerting when compared to a standard LSD.

 

[kilobravo]

Well, I guess this was inevitable.

Uh oh.. :=)

but went with the DJI Action 4.

I have the original DJI Pocket. Had a ball with it for a couple years but haven't pulled it out in a long time. Didn't know about the Action 4 but it seems DJI realized they needed a larger unit.

Also have an old GoPro and enjoyed that as well but again, it hasn't come out of the drawer in years.

I cannot speak highly enough of Ulanzi

Hadn't heard of that outfit, Adam but it looks like they make some excellent gear.

A Joby tripod is always handy.

Love 'em and have two sizes.

I'm looking at getting the Ulanzi C006 Magic Arm for Suction Cup Camera Car Mount for exterior shooting.

Roger that Adam. It only took one attempt with an old GoPro and their suction mount for me to discover that the vibration from the vehicle renders the video useless. I hope that double suction cup rig works more better.

Do I need to polish it? Absolutely. Why? Because it just feels right, my way of saying goodbye to a car that changed my life

<smiling> We are birds of a feather amigo and I think I know just how you felt. However, I would like to know the story behind that statement one day if you feel like sharing it. ;=)

Other than the air powered LHR75, this is the smoothest polisher I have used

Have one of those but never use it any more although..watching you use the cordless, I almost ordered one. Almost. <grin>

A quick demo of the machine, my first using the GoPro

Good job on the videography dude but funny thing, I went to download it to check out the numbers in Premiere and for whatever reason, it failed to download and I don't have a clue why.

Anyway, without the help of Adobe software, I presume you shot at 1920 although I'm sure that camera will do 4k or possibly even 8k. I know dealing with 4k is a pain but for your channel and your interests, I'm wondering if you've tried a similar test as the one you posted with good views of the panels and gloss? I ask because I am curious about whether it would be worth the time and effort to shoot at the higher rez to really accentuate detail and gloss?

Good job on the clip and I think you have a YT future..IF you can get over the shyness. <smile>

The iPhone takes great videos, but the auto-formatting and a distinct reluctance to talk to a Windows PC makes it a pain in the ass.

I honestly don't know what you were talking about with "auto formatting" and a reluctance to play nice with Windoze. Regarding the latter, I just connect the phone, Explorer jumps to the "Internal Storage" folder, and I save the .MP4 to my drive and pull it right into Premiere.

What difficulty were you referring to?

I'm far too shy to appear or speak on camera.

<smiling again> I wondered about that as well but if you're gonna be the next Matt Moreman, you'll have to get over that little issue. <BSEG>

Virtually no customization. No choice of wheels, seats, interior colors.

I had no idea but that is UFB!

I'm the opposite, I've always liked the rear GT badge/faux gas cap.

Me too.

 

[50ALM]

Roger that Adam. It only took one attempt with an old GoPro and their suction mount for me to discover that the vibration from the vehicle renders the video useless. I hope that double suction cup rig works more better.

KB, I just had an epiphany!
I'll have to take the Action 4 & suction cup mount for a drive in the RAV4 tomorrow.
The stabilisation is superb with low frequency hand held type movement and walking around, but have never thought to try it with higher frequency vibrations like you'd get in a moving vehicle.
Thanks for the prompt.

Anyway, without the help of Adobe software, I presume you shot at 1920 although I'm sure that camera will do 4k or possibly even 8k. I know dealing with 4k is a pain but for your channel and your interests, I'm wondering if you've tried a similar test as the one you posted with good views of the panels and gloss? I ask because I am curious about whether it would be worth the time and effort to shoot at the higher rez to really accentuate detail and gloss?

A fellow PP user?
I'm still using CS6, as I refuse to "rent" software, and CS6 does everything I need it to do.
Cloud software - bah hum bug!

Good job on the clip and I think you have a YT future..IF you can get over the shyness.

We're organising a posse and heading down to Victoria to sort him out!
The Detailing For Bro's Youtube channel needs a host.

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