Auto Armour - what options / alternatives?

[JerryMungo]

Does anyone know what Auto Armour is about? I bought a second hand car that's in really good condition given the age (10 years). It was auto-armoured when it was new - I think they took the 3 in 1 option (bodywork, upholstery, anti-theft).
I want to take it in again but am wondering after reading what the various options are on thier site if it's really worth it...

- For example, how good is their paintwork protection really? How does it compare to a decent polish for the car? What about something like Diamond Guard - is that any good?

- There are some (very small) signs of rust under the rubber seals around the doors, etc. I'd like those to be properly removed and the area protected - will Auto Armour do this? I'm very tempted to DIY because then I will know about every one - what do you think?

- Does Auto Armour Tectyl inside the doors for example? It looks like the car has been tectyl'd before, so I assume they do.

- Are there alternatives to Auto Armour? Should I consider a body shop instead for what I want to achieve?

 

[xrapidx]

VPS?

 

[catman37]

If you ask the guys from Megiuars they will say that Auto Armour is a glorified wash and wax.....

 

[medicnick83]

I'd also like to know what AA is actually all about because my car had it all and it cost like R2000 or something!

 

[SauRoNZA]

- For example, how good is their paintwork protection really? How does it compare to a decent polish for the car? What about something like Diamond Guard - is that any good?

As far as I know Auto Armour paintwork protection is nothing but a glorified polish.

Diamond Guard is rubbish though. Go buy yourself a Meguiars kit and a Karcher buffing tool and do it all yourself, it will cost you a R1000 with a machine probably <R500 to do by hand.

However if the paint is already buggered as I expect at 10 years old (if it was living outside especially) then you can't magically repair it without actually respraying as the top coat is gone and with it the gloss finish.

- There are some (very small) signs of rust under the rubber seals around the doors, etc. I'd like those to be properly removed and the area protected - will Auto Armour do this? I'm very tempted to DIY because then I will know about every one - what do you think?

As far as I know Auto Armour doesn't do rust work but I might be wrong. You'll need a body shop or spray painter to fix that for you.

- Does Auto Armour Tectyl inside the doors for example? It looks like the car has been tectyl'd before, so I assume they do.

Something you'll need to ask them. In fact most of these questions would be best answered by Auto Armour themselves.

- Are there alternatives to Auto Armour? Should I consider a body shop instead for what I want to achieve?

Yes, body shop sounds like what you need.

 

[JerryMungo]

Thanks for the input. Body is in excellent condition actually. The only signs of issues are under some of the rubber seals where water collects, no doubt. Living at the coast means you have to pay special attention to rust. Anyway, I'll look into this kit you guys mention and consider a body shop to have the bits of rust sorted (very minor and surface).
Thanks again!

 

[catman37]

Lots of work and it will take a lot of time.

Wash,
Clay,
Paint Cleaner,
Polish
and Seal with a good Wax.

That will take the whole day.

Good luck.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Thanks for the input. Body is in excellent condition actually. The only signs of issues are under some of the rubber seals where water collects, no doubt. Living at the coast means you have to pay special attention to rust. Anyway, I'll look into this kit you guys mention and consider a body shop to have the bits of rust sorted (very minor and surface).
Thanks again!

http://www.meguiars.co.za

 

[catman37]

Has anyone tried Softs99 Fusso Coat yet?