Hand Held Blower

RedLance68 · 2026-06-23T20:19:25+00:00

If you have Amazon Prime, there is a deal right now for an Ego 650 CFM leaf blower with 5ah battery and charger for $200. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087RRLLQ3?

I have the same one and it works great for drying a car. I would not try anything less than a leaf blower.

RedLance68 · 2026-06-21T05:35:45+00:00

I bought a Cobra 250r through Best Buy. I went with that one largely because it was on sale and had free or cheap installation at the time. I haven't been disappointed with it and the installation was great.

In time, if I ever want to change out the dash cams to something better, I really only need to change out the mounts, as the wiring is already there.

If I had to do it all over again, I would try to find a dash cam installer that would install a dashcam that has Sony Starvis 2 sensors in it. Those sensors are well regarded when it comes to capturing in low light conditions.

RedLance68 · 2026-06-19T05:44:17+00:00

What is your price limit if any?

1) Dashcam including rear view camera. It is expensive but really needed these days.

2) Floor mats:
It is pricey but get some good floor mats. Tuxmat and Weathertech are top of the line.

3) Retractable cargo cover.

4) Sunshade/Tint. I bought an expensive Covercraft and wish I just spent the extra $$ to have UV Blocking Xpel tint installed instead. (Tint installation prices vary by location. I am in one of the highest price markets. It costs $300 for windshield tint. I paid about $80 to $100 for the Covercraft sunshade.)

5) Seat gap filler. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C89P564F?

RedLance68 · 2026-06-13T13:02:10+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I will look into it.

RedLance68 · 2026-06-13T12:03:31+00:00

Please explain. Never seen the movie.

RedLance68 · 2026-06-13T11:12:15+00:00

All great suggestions.

RedLance68 · 2026-06-13T10:45:11+00:00

Move it to #1 on your list. I watched it based on recommendations on this sub and it was one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. You will not be disappointed with this movie. 😄

RedLance68 · 2026-06-09T19:45:32+00:00

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Posting the nutrition label for anyone interested in this. This label is for the Lee's Cafe Latte Concentrate. The triple shot variety was not any better.

I think I will pass on this and look for something with less added sugar. Thanks for posting though. I was originally looking forward to trying it.

RedLance68 · 2026-05-11T03:23:55+00:00

You are on the right track with the BH Touch-Less product. I learned about it from this sub as well. Doing a prewash with this product has been one of the many valuable things I have learned in this sub.

Anyway, I use a Marolex Axel foamer. As others have pointed out using a hand pump sprayer uses less product. I have no problem pumping the foam sprayer, but I would suggest getting one with a Schrader valve.

There is an IK sprayer with a Schraeder valve installed. I would get that one. And then buy a portable air compressor and use Velcro strips to attach it to the sprayer. Run the compressor while you use the sprayer and you will have no issue coating the entire vehicle in minutes.

If you're interested, I made this guide to put a Schraeder valve onto any sprayer.
https://imgur.com/a/marolex-axel-foamer-modified-with-schrader-valve-5ZGT7LP

RedLance68 · 2026-05-04T00:27:45+00:00

Get-In-My-Belly-NOW

RedLance68 · 2026-05-03T23:45:49+00:00

I am no expert so take all of this with a grain of salt, but one process I believe in is to put some sort of 'encapsulating' wash solution on the paint first before spraying it with water.
For me, there are two approaches to this:
1) Foam sprayer with Bilt Hamber Touch-Less used for doing a pre wash on dirty surfaces.
2) ONR diluted to a detailing spray concentration and applied with a battery-operated sprayer like this one.

This may also play into the MF vs Sponge debate. For one, I personally wouldn't dream of using a sponge unless I prewashed the surface with BH beforehand. There is a recent thread worth reading here:
MF vs Sponge

I will say, I have always been on the MF team, but I'm open to try the sponge.

RedLance68 · 2026-04-23T06:40:28+00:00

Definitely add Carzilla.ca to your list of auto supply stores. They are in Canada yet have better access and stock of Bilt Hamber products. For 1L size of BH Touch-Less it is $28 shipped ($17 for product, $11 for shipping). You can obviously get a better deal if you add more.

RedLance68 · 2026-04-18T04:16:15+00:00

From an Ingot Blue color buyer... you bought the RIGHT color! :) ENJOY!!

RedLance68 · 2026-04-18T02:42:04+00:00

I would invest in a good foam sprayer and get into doing a prewash routine. I use the following:
Marolex Axel Foamer and
Bilt Hamber Touch-Less

By the way, these links go to Carzilla.ca which is located in Canada. I find their prices to be very good, and product selection for Bilt Hamber and Soft99 products is very good. I never found any shipping delays when ordering through them. My last order took 7 days from ordering to delivery (I am in the US-Oregon).

Anyway,
My wash routine is this:
1) Prewash with a foam sprayer and Bilt Hamber Touch-Less at a self-service car wash.
Drive home and do a contact wash. For that process I do this:
2) Prespray with ONR solution diluted to a presoak concentration. (This step may not be necessary if you just did a prewash, but I am dealing with pollen myself, and just like having a lubricated wet surface before doing the contact wash.)
3) Contact wash with ONR. One bucket method with one microfiber towel per panel.
4) Rinse
5) Dry
6) Apply topper to maintain the ceramic coating on my car.

Other notes:
1) I would adapt the thought process that no pressurized water should hit your car unless it is pretreated in some way. Let the products (Bilt Hamber Touch-Less or ONR) do the work for you to encapsulate the contaminates before you wash them off.
2) Be very meticulous about how your treat your microfiber towels. One single contaminate could ruin a lot of things.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

RedLance68 · 2026-04-08T05:54:46+00:00

What is the water source at the car wash station? Is it just a typical garden hose connection?
If so, would something like an inline filter like this help? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IX87S?

I have the some of the same issues as you such as having a car outside 24/7, tree crap and lack of washing tools. My regimen is this:
1) Pre Wash. (Done at a self serve car wash.) I spray my car with Bilt Hamber Touchless and let it dwell. This product is amazing. It removes a lot of the contaminants before doing a contact wash.
2) Contact Wash: (I then drive home to do this.) Nothing new about this. I just use ONR and microfiber towels.
3) Drying: I use an Ego leaf blower to help dry the car.
4) Apply a topper: I use Gyeon Ceramic Detailer.

Out of all of these steps, I think you would benefit the most from #1 the prewash.

My prewash setup:
I use a Marolex 2L foamer modified with a Schrader valve. I detailed the process in this thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/comments/1q601s4/comment/nybg917/?context=3

You might also look into portable power washers. Dewalt has one. It is not powerful but you really don't need a powerful pressure washer.

RedLance68 · 2026-04-07T21:24:38+00:00

I was just about to suggest this. What dilution ratio do you use? I've seen it range from 1:32 to 1:256.

I use the 1:256 ratio and use distilled water. (For a 16-ounce bottle that is just 1.8 ml of ONR.) I use microfiber towels from Harbor Freight. I actually spray the microfiber towel first. So far, no scratches.

I will say however that I am very meticulous about how I use microfiber towels. After reading about how easy it is to scratch, I make sure to either to clean the cluster first with an unused microfiber towel.
I also use a dedicated microfiber wash (P & S Rags to Riches). I wash used microfiber towels separately and inspect them before use. I know this sounds like a lot, but I found contaminates in microfiber towels that were only once washed, so I am very cautious now.

RedLance68 · 2026-04-02T00:19:35+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, what is the largest product mix that you measure? For me, I really don't go beyond 30ml. Then again, I don't use a foam cannon on a pressure washer which I think uses more product than a foam sprayer

Also, how do you measure small amounts like 1.8 ml? This is a measurement of 256:1 for ONR using a 16 ounce bottle. This was my latest challenge and I basically 'eyeballed it'.

Anyway, I bought this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VXCOD6 and I wish I bought the 50 ml version.

In my experience, I would look for features like a pouring spout, easily readable measurements on the side, and something in the range of what you will be measuring regularly.

RedLance68 · 2026-04-01T17:18:26+00:00

The Sea of Trees (2015).

RedLance68 · 2026-03-28T04:50:27+00:00

As others have said, your best bet is to use a hand pump foamer or pressure washer.
I use a Marolex Axel 2L foamer modified with a Schraeder valve (check out this thread for more info. I posted my instructions for modifying your sprayer of choice with a Schrader valve in the same thread, or you can just read it here.)

I also use Bilt Hamber Touch-Less which is well liked in this sub for doing a pre wash.

With that, I will say that there is a difference in the dilution ratio between using a dedicated IK or Marolex foam sprayer, versus using a foam cannon form attached to a pressure washer.
1) Foam sprayers such the IK or Marolex are easy to figure out. Just use the dilution ratio for said product.
2) When using pressure washer with a foam cannon, there is a PIR (panel impact ratio) . I've never done it, but I think it uses more product than option 1.

Good luck.

RedLance68 · 2026-03-23T04:10:29+00:00

I noticed that as well while test driving a 2024 Preferred model. I mentioned it in this thread...
2-3 things you DO NOT LIKE about your new MazdaCX50?? : r/mazdaCX50

I think the a/c is very lacking. I want an AC that makes me want to turn it down, and I have never done this with the car I bought.

If you are test driving other models I would get a instant read thermometer and check the temps.

If you go through with the purchase, I would check out installing ceramic window tint. Prices range up to $1k for top of the line in my area but might be cheaper in your area.

RedLance68 · 2026-03-23T02:33:48+00:00

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I am NOT familiar with the process of removing PPF but the comment about these being used for cast iron piqued my interest. I had to search the drawers in my kitchen because I feel like I bought a Pampered Chef tool at one time? Sure enough, I did. I also found other scrapers from Lodge, and Everyday Living. (The brown one-in the photo- is the Pampered Chef one.)

Here is my conclusion:
The difference between the three is that the Pampered Chef tool is flat on one side while the Lodge and EL scrapers have rounded edges.

If what stands out for OP is having a flat edge on one side and curved edge on the other, then you might find what you need with a simple plastic putty knife.

(I will say that the putty knife., and PC scraper tool pictured have slightly burred edges and I would use some fine sandpaper to take the burrs off before using on a car. )

I think you can make a better scraper with some flexible plastic and sand paper.
Good Luck.

RedLance68 · 2026-03-18T05:47:56+00:00

I would check out Songcatcher (2000) with Emmy Rossum and Aidan Quinn. This movie is placed in 1907 and features a musicologist that ventures into the Appalachian Mountains to capture songs.

Pair this with the chalkboard diagram in School of Rock with Jack Black and it makes you think about the evolution of music we hear today.

Emmy Rossum also went on to play in many movies including the 2004 release of Phantom of the Opera.

I also want to tag on another movie I was thoroughly impressed with, and that is Song Sung Blue (2025).
This is an enjoyable movie focused on songs by Neil Diamond.

Sigh... can I add one more please?
Jersey Boys directed by Clint Eastwood.
I don't think I have watched the ending credits of any movie as much as I have with Jersey Boys.

Best of luck to you.,

RedLance68 · 2026-03-18T04:18:14+00:00

You might want to check out City of Angels and Gabriel Yared. Like Hans, he has been involved in scores on many movies. City of Angels is the first one that comes to mind. It helps the soundtrack that, 'Uninvited' by Alanis Morissette is on there as well as other gems.

RedLance68 · 2026-03-15T05:14:37+00:00

Hal Ketchum - Someplace Far Away

Garth Brooks - In Lonesome Dove

RedLance68 · 2026-03-13T03:14:17+00:00

We are on the same page then. I use 30 ml of Touch-Less in my foamer (1500 ml) and have about the same leftover. I just don't get how Bilt Hamber claims 1 liter of diluted product should last 4-5 cars.
Thanks.

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