Tips on washing/waxing/detailing ???

[domer]

Hello everyone,
I just purschased a 1994 Fleetwood Brougham painted deep adriatic blue with 70,000 miles. Fully loaded even has the sunroof.
Anyways I was just hoping for some tips on the best possible way to preserve the paint and chrome  while washing the car.  What type of scrubbing materials will not scratch up the paint or chrome? Where are the best types of soaps to use? I think I may have heard of  waterless cleaning solutions. How well do they work?
What type of solutions are best for the leather seats? Would you recommend any type of seat covers?
Oh I forgot to ask about detailing the engine compartment.  Any suggestions? Is it safe to use a pressure washer at a local car wash?
Thanks
Dominique

[Chris Conklin]

Depending how fanatical you want to get, or how broke  , Griot's will have a lot of stuff for ya. Even if you don't purchase from them, it will give you an idea of what is out there and you can find similar type products off-the-shelf at the auto parts store. I started using their products just because I wanted the large clay bar they sell. It all has worked as advertised for me.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/

[domer]

Thanks for passing on the link.  I will definitely check it out.

[Bill Podany #19567]

I agree with the Griot's suggestion; in addition examine the breadth of products from Meguiar's.  I do all my own detailing and use both of these brands exclusively.  Contact their web sites and sign up for their catalogues and order the products from home.  I suggest you learn the detailing clay technique using an electric polisher (Griots is the best product).  Meguiar's provides a personal contact for you to help train you to keep your piece of iron looking sharp and staying clean and attractive. 

Bill Podany
Knoxville,TN

[domer]

Thanks for sharing  the link/website. I will check it out this weekend
Dominique

[jaxops]

Dom,

  Griot's has some nice products, but beware of their electric products which are made in communist China.  I had to return their battery charger and a flashlight because they were made cheaply.  On the good side, Griot's is very good about refunding your money on items returned.  I use Griot's paint sealer on my 1989 and 1990 Fords and my wife's daily driver.  I also use their best in show wax on my Buick and Cadillac.  I use Meguiar's paint scratch remover and their Gold Class car wash.

[domer]

Dom,

  Griot's has some nice products, but beware of their electric products which are made in communist China.  I had to return their battery charger and a flashlight because they were made cheaply.  On the good side, Griot's is very good about refunding your money on items returned.  I use Griot's paint sealer on my 1989 and 1990 Fords and my wife's daily driver.  I also use their best in show wax on my Buick and Cadillac.  I use Meguiar's paint scratch remover and their Gold Class car wash.

Thanks for the heads-up!! I will keep that in mind.  How well does the paint scratch remover work and the Gold Class car wash.
Again thanks very  much.
dom