Exterior & Interior Care

[TerryB]

As you can see by my number of postings I'm new to the world of Porsche. I have a new Boxster S and I want to start out right. This is the first quality auto I've owned in my life. I need advice on the best exterior and interior products to use. I'm wondering about caring for the following:

-wheels
- leather
-dash and rest of interior
-convertible top
-exterior: what is the best polish or wax to use? Is there a good product for just spot cleaning of the exterior
-Should I be careful of the type of cloth I use to wash or polish?

[deliriousga]

Originally Posted by TerryB

As you can see by my number of postings I'm new to the world of Porsche. I have a new Boxster S and I want to start out right. This is the first quality auto I've owned in my life. I need advice on the best exterior and interior products to use. I'm wondering about caring for the following:

-wheels
- leather
-dash and rest of interior
-convertible top
-exterior: what is the best polish or wax to use? Is there a good product for just spot cleaning of the exterior
-Should I be careful of the type of cloth I use to wash or polish?

Leather: Leatherique Pristine Clean & Rejuvenator.
Dash and other rubber/vinyl: Vinylex (Fantastic stuff that looks great but it dries, not greasy.)
Convertible Top: Renovo Cleaner/Sealer for cloth, Plexus for plastic window care, Renovo Plastic Cleaner for fog/scratches on window.

There's a good thread on here about waxes & methods. Just search for it and it should pop up.

[Perfectlap]

here's my list I try to use only the german products.
(lots of compliments)
I've used EVERYTHING once and these give the best stock look without
requiring allot of product.

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/CARE/POR_CARE_einszt-detail.htm

1Z leather care (clean)
Lexol (condition)
1Z cockpit premium (cleaning the dash)
1Z vinly/rubber care (protects dash and shines tires)
Klasse VLRP with microfiber sponge applicator on Black plastic.
Einmann Fabrik for the matts (mine are red so I have to clean often)
Klasse on paint with Sonus Acrylic Spritz for after wash buffing.
Meguiars NXT on wheels (lasts ridiculously long)
Raggtopp only on softop

p.s. I am one of the few people you will meet who will urge you NOT to use microfiber on your paint.
Particularly dark colored cars. Unless you use a new MF towel each time it will scratch/micro marr your paint. The split fibers are good at lifting debris but they are also stubborn at letting them go. I've washed my MF towel several times and and I could still see that there was debris in between the fibers. For a well maintained paint surface MF is really over kill. China has flooded the market with their cheap imitations of the quality Korean versions.
And MF towel's aren't all that cheap either.
Don't buff your car with MF, use a non-split fiber towel like a dedicated Concours buffing towel. Autopia-car care sells a nice one. MF is for cleaning not polishing.
In general I use the Sonus waffle weave towels with the tufted loop ends.

and remember, the less you touch the paint the less damage you do.

[Brucelee]

Klasse All in One and Sealant.

Lexol for seats.

[slogans7]

Bruce - next time 'round, try P21S polish and then P21S wax. I'm much happier with that combo than the Klasse products, which I used to swear by ("Klasse-hole!"). I think I'm getter a shinier shine with 1/4 the effort.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3413

[Brucelee]

I will give the new products a whirl!

[deliriousga]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Raggtopp only on softop

I'm going to have to try that next time. I like the Renovo, but you people seem to really like the Raggtopp so it must be pretty darn good.

Originally Posted by slogans7

Bruce - next time 'round, try P21S polish and then P21S wax. I'm much happier with that combo than the Klasse products, which I used to swear by ("Klasse-hole!"). I think I'm getter a shinier shine with 1/4 the effort.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3413

I think I'll give that a shot too. 1/4 work sounds nice!!! How long will it last?

[slogans7]

Originally Posted by deliriousga

How long will it last?

Not sure at this point. Probably not as long as other products but that's the trade off in using carnuba - looks great but doesn't last long. Which is what my wife says about me.

[Perfectlap]

trade in that p21S Carnauba for S100.
It's the exact same product at 1/3 the cost.
You can get it at Motorcycle shops if you want it localy as opposed to mail order.

[TerryB]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I getting ready to send off for some of these products. But since my car is brand new (less than 300 miles) is it really a good idea to use some of these polishes on the exterior. The descriptions of Klasse all in one and P21S describe them as cleaners to remove oxidation etc. At this point should I just be using the waxes and sealants from these companies?

Also, what is a good product to use "in between" washes to remove dirt splashes on the sides and maybe bird droppings etc? Is that what the detailing sprays are for? I see that S100 makes a product like that.

thanks again