Some Of The Best Car Money I Have Ever Spent

golf_234 · 01-06-2015, 02:56 PM

I just wanted to share my experience. "Santa" brought me the Griot's Garage Random Orbital Kit this year, and it s absolutely, one of the best gifts I have ever received. For any car lover, this is an absolute must to have in the garage and will pay for itself at ~$210 time and time again. I have only had enough time to do the trunk lid and hood fully, but the results are beyond anything I had expected. I knew it would be good, and have used a random orbital before, but the level of perfection it achieves up close and personal defintely blew me away. Every product included from the clay to the polish and wax, and the machine itself, is of world class quality and is made by their company in the US.

This is the kit I used:

Had fairly significant scratching on the trunk lid and did a full shampoo of the car, followed by a detailed claying, and then did two passes at speed 6 with the Machine Polish 3, followed by waxing at speed 3, and the depth is amazing. The dynamic of the paint completely changes, almost a glowing effect. I would even recommend this for the new car owners that have moving debris, and factory oils etc on their car, a good clay polish and wax or seal, just does wonders and is such a great feeling. Best $200 ever spent on car supplies, bar none. And it will comes with a lifetime warranty so I am very happy. Will update with photos when the car is completely done. Reading through the manual, the man is very very passionate about it, and you can tell it is pretty much his life. I reallly couldn't find anything not amazing about it, at all.

Their site:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/

Vervain · 01-06-2015, 03:01 PM

Looking forward to seeing the end result..

How often will you perform all these steps on your car?

golf_234 · 01-06-2015, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vervain

Looking forward to seeing the end result..

How often will you perform all these steps on your car?

I think I will probably go with a bi-annual approach, a full top to bottom clay polish and wax in the spring, and in the fall. If you want to go a full year, you can use the sealant as well. The manual is really good and goes over all different regimens people might want to use depending on lifestyle etc.

Vervain · 01-06-2015, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golf_234

I think I will probably go with a bi-annual approach, a full top to bottom clay polish and wax in the spring, and in the fall. If you want to go a full year, you can use the sealant as well. The manual is really good and goes over all different regimens people might want to use depending on lifestyle etc.

Oh that's not so bad doing a full detail then. I will look out for this online. Thanks!

golf_234 · 01-06-2015, 03:23 PM

Basic iPhone Photos from first test.

huma · 01-06-2015, 03:30 PM

Looks like it comes with a user guide?

I've been researching Groit for a little bit and the people on Amazon who purchased it love it. Was considering opticoat or cquartz, but they seem like scams for the price installers are charging. Better off buying a better product and learning how to do everything myself imo.

golf_234 · 01-06-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huma

Looks like it comes with a user guide?

I've been researching Groit for a little bit and the people on Amazon who purchased it love it. Was considering opticoat or cquartz, but they seem like scams for the price installers are charging. Better off buying a better product and learning how to do everything myself imo.

Yes, that manual is really, really good. I read the detailed image forum a fair amount so do know the basics pretty well, but the manual included is phenomenal. He wrote it himself and it covers A-Z for just about any question you might have. Everything is designed for a beginner up to pro level pretty much. You can go any direction with it really. He even includes all of the small details that they personally prefer to do as they go for cleanup, setup, simple FAQs that come up, etc.

Mark's M · 01-06-2015, 04:59 PM

Thanks for the review. Gonna pull the plug and get it this year, tired of doing 2 cars by hand.

dmboone25 · 01-06-2015, 05:02 PM

I have never tried Griot's, but have heard good things about it.

Always been a Zaino guy on the sealant side, and use Poboy's and my random orbital buffer for the lovely swirls that you get on BSM. Looking forward to seeing the final results!

midwest 340xi 6sp · 01-06-2015, 09:24 PM

Griots is nice...

But I prefer Zaino.

Xiaoxi · 01-06-2015, 10:29 PM

Looks excellent!

However, I don't think wax lasts half a year. In fact, sealant doesn't even last that long. I seal about every 4-5 months and wax every 2-3. I do everything by hand. When the need for compounding / restoring paint, then I'll spring for a Rupes. Hopefully with good care that will not be necessary for a long time.

Anyone watch /Drive Clean? It satisfies my OCD

CreativeFuel · 01-07-2015, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xiaoxi

Anyone watch /Drive Clean? It satisfies my OCD

Yes. Larry's videos are great. New season of /Drive Clean coming out soon.

golf_234 · 01-07-2015, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midwest X6

Griots is nice...

But I prefer Zaino.

I have heard good things, I guess the allure to Griot's is that it all comes in a nice package and is of good quality. Probably not the best in the world, but definitely doesn't really leave much to be desired for me at least I am really happy with it. I will probably try a few different brand liquid products once the kit runs out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xiaoxi

Looks excellent!

However, I don't think wax lasts half a year. In fact, sealant doesn't even last that long. I seal about every 4-5 months and wax every 2-3. I do everything by hand. When the need for compounding / restoring paint, then I'll spring for a Rupes. Hopefully with good care that will not be necessary for a long time.

Anyone watch /Drive Clean? It satisfies my OCD

true, might have to step it up a bit, it will be a lot easier when I get back to Orange County

mvallido · 01-07-2015, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark's M

Thanks for the review. Gonna pull the plug and get it this year, tired of doing 2 cars by hand.

Thanks. Me too.

MrBucket · 01-07-2015, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huma

Looks like it comes with a user guide?

I've been researching Groit for a little bit and the people on Amazon who purchased it love it. Was considering opticoat or cquartz, but they seem like scams for the price installers are charging. Better off buying a better product and learning how to do everything myself imo.

Opticoat is definitely not a scam, I have it on my car and its really quite amazing how it is.

huma · 01-07-2015, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBucket

Opticoat is definitely not a scam, I have it on my car and its really quite amazing how it is.

I said the what the installers charge is a scam, not the product itself. For example, my local opticoat dealer wants $1,000 to opticoat a 2 series.

MrBucket · 01-07-2015, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huma

I said the what the installers charge is a scam, not the product itself. For example, my local opticoat dealer wants $1,000 to opticoat a 2 series.

I paid a couple hundred less for mine done with Opti-coat Pro from my detailer but I've been going to him for years.

golf_234 · 01-07-2015, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBucket

Opticoat is definitely not a scam, I have it on my car and its really quite amazing how it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by huma

I said the what the installers charge is a scam, not the product itself. For example, my local opticoat dealer wants $1,000 to opticoat a 2 series.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBucket

I paid a couple hundred less for mine done with Opti-coat Pro from my detailer but I've been going to him for years.

I think I would rather pay for a clear bra and DIY with just a normal polish wax and sealant, I mean the normal paint and clear themselves can only withstand so much anyway. I know it is an amazing product but I just like DIY work, and $800-$1,000 is not chump change. Is there anything inherently difficult about applying opti coat?

zkeeper · 01-07-2015, 12:22 PM

Am also a Griots user, and have used many fine products. Love their DA and yes I like the guarantee behind things. Am a big fan now of the paste in the can. Works well and lasts. But most fine waxes will do what you wish, and something I add:

When finished with the whole clay, waxing process, I add a couple sacrifice barriers of the Spray on Wax to take the abuse. Actually do this on a regular weekend basis for fun. It keeps base wax layers intact a bit longer. Also when coming in from a rainy day, I hit with SprayWax, walk around, dry it off and added another layer while getting water spots off. This method has kept the car protected a bit more from elements and allows occasional wipe downs.

overcoil · 01-07-2015, 01:11 PM

Another thumbs up for Griot's tools Garage, I buy my detailing towels from them plus all kinds little tools - they used to carry the excellent Facom tools - anyone know why they stopped with the Facom?

topcat · 01-20-2015, 10:00 PM

I'm a big fan of Griot's products and I owe it all to this man, Rick! He inspired me to clean my garage up and has taught me a lot about detailing. As you can see from his blog he is passionate about good quality products and has an amazing garage to boot! Oh and the SQ5 isn't bad either. :/

http://www.ricksaudidouble.com/detailing.html

01-06-2015, 02:56 PM	#1
golf_234 Captain 319 Rep 905 Posts Drives: E46, E90, F30 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Santa Monica iTrader: (0)	Some Of The Best Car Money I Have Ever Spent - Detailing Content I just wanted to share my experience. "Santa" brought me the Griot's Garage Random Orbital Kit this year, and it s absolutely, one of the best gifts I have ever received. For any car lover, this is an absolute must to have in the garage and will pay for itself at ~$210 time and time again. I have only had enough time to do the trunk lid and hood fully, but the results are beyond anything I had expected. I knew it would be good, and have used a random orbital before, but the level of perfection it achieves up close and personal defintely blew me away. Every product included from the clay to the polish and wax, and the machine itself, is of world class quality and is made by their company in the US. This is the kit I used: Had fairly significant scratching on the trunk lid and did a full shampoo of the car, followed by a detailed claying, and then did two passes at speed 6 with the Machine Polish 3, followed by waxing at speed 3, and the depth is amazing. The dynamic of the paint completely changes, almost a glowing effect. I would even recommend this for the new car owners that have moving debris, and factory oils etc on their car, a good clay polish and wax or seal, just does wonders and is such a great feeling. Best $200 ever spent on car supplies, bar none. And it will comes with a lifetime warranty so I am very happy. Will update with photos when the car is completely done. Reading through the manual, the man is very very passionate about it, and you can tell it is pretty much his life. I reallly couldn't find anything not amazing about it, at all. Their site: http://www.griotsgarage.com/ __________________
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01-06-2015, 03:01 PM	#2
Vervain Colonel 398 Rep 2,181 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: - iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Audi RSQ3 (8U) [0.00] 2022 BMW X3 xDrive3 ... [10.00] 2015 BMW M235i (F22) [10.00] 2017 Mini Cooper S ... [0.00]	Looking forward to seeing the end result.. How often will you perform all these steps on your car?
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01-06-2015, 03:23 PM	#5
golf_234 Captain 319 Rep 905 Posts Drives: E46, E90, F30 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Santa Monica iTrader: (0)	Basic iPhone Photos from first test. Attached Images __________________
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01-06-2015, 03:30 PM	#6
huma First Lieutenant 93 Rep 356 Posts Drives: U11 one day Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mars iTrader: (0)	Looks like it comes with a user guide? I've been researching Groit for a little bit and the people on Amazon who purchased it love it. Was considering opticoat or cquartz, but they seem like scams for the price installers are charging. Better off buying a better product and learning how to do everything myself imo.
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01-06-2015, 04:59 PM	#8
Mark's M Lieutenant Colonel 617 Rep 1,820 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Individual Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stoney Creek, ON iTrader: (3)	Thanks for the review. Gonna pull the plug and get it this year, tired of doing 2 cars by hand. __________________ 2016 Individual Silverlake/Amaro M3 Conceived by ///M
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01-06-2015, 05:02 PM	#9
dmboone25 Lieutenant General 4972 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2024 Golf R / 2022 718 Spyder Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 328i [10.00] 2007 328i [10.00]	I have never tried Griot's, but have heard good things about it. Always been a Zaino guy on the sealant side, and use Poboy's and my random orbital buffer for the lovely swirls that you get on BSM. Looking forward to seeing the final results! __________________ Past rides: 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)
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01-06-2015, 09:24 PM	#10
midwest 340xi 6sp Lieutenant Colonel 359 Rep 1,797 Posts Drives: 2018 340xi Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Great Midwest iTrader: (6)	Griots is nice... But I prefer Zaino. __________________ Previous Rides: 535xi, M235xi, X3, E92 M3, E70 X5 35d, X6 50i, X6 35i, E60 550i, E46 M3 Cabriolet, E39 540i, E36 328i
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01-06-2015, 10:29 PM	#11
Xiaoxi Lieutenant 269 Rep 470 Posts Drives: a Miata Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: DC metro iTrader: (0)	Looks excellent! However, I don't think wax lasts half a year. In fact, sealant doesn't even last that long. I seal about every 4-5 months and wax every 2-3. I do everything by hand. When the need for compounding / restoring paint, then I'll spring for a Rupes. Hopefully with good care that will not be necessary for a long time. Anyone watch /Drive Clean? It satisfies my OCD __________________ 2015 M235i \| AW \| 6MT \| Tech \| Heated Seat \| Parking Assist \| Fabspeed DP & Muffler Delete \| Apex PS7s 1999 MX5 NB \| Emerald Mica \| 5MT \| Sport Edition \| Kosei K5Rs \| Heated Rear Glass ig: @bee2ven
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01-07-2015, 12:22 PM	#19
zkeeper Captain 208 Rep 602 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 & 08 Z4 si Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: BimmerHaven iTrader: (0)	Am also a Griots user, and have used many fine products. Love their DA and yes I like the guarantee behind things. Am a big fan now of the paste in the can. Works well and lasts. But most fine waxes will do what you wish, and something I add: When finished with the whole clay, waxing process, I add a couple sacrifice barriers of the Spray on Wax to take the abuse. Actually do this on a regular weekend basis for fun. It keeps base wax layers intact a bit longer. Also when coming in from a rainy day, I hit with SprayWax, walk around, dry it off and added another layer while getting water spots off. This method has kept the car protected a bit more from elements and allows occasional wipe downs.
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01-07-2015, 01:11 PM	#20
overcoil Major General 3074 Rep 5,577 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	Another thumbs up for Griot's tools Garage, I buy my detailing towels from them plus all kinds little tools - they used to carry the excellent Facom tools - anyone know why they stopped with the Facom?
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01-20-2015, 10:00 PM	#21
topcat Enlisted Member 26 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 06 4 Runner Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Rocklin CA iTrader: (0)	I'm a big fan of Griot's products and I owe it all to this man, Rick! He inspired me to clean my garage up and has taught me a lot about detailing. As you can see from his blog he is passionate about good quality products and has an amazing garage to boot! Oh and the SQ5 isn't bad either. :/ http://www.ricksaudidouble.com/detailing.html
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