You're right ... the MetroVac is the full-size unit that sells for $450-$500. The DataVac, made by the same company (I think), is the very powerful hand-held unit that sells for $59. For my purposes, the DataVac does everything I want or need it to do. But I'd still love to have one like yours!

 

My point of view, ......
My three classics, (67 E Type, 64.5 Mustang CVT, and '08 XK-R Portfolio) almost never see rain and are garaged 100%. When they do see the sunshine, I hose them off and micro towel them with help from compressed air for the bitty cracks.
I may be a deemed a heretic in my process, but, I really I don't see a deterioration in the cosmetics of my stuff" to the point when I choose to sell anyone of three, is going to deter any given buyer.
I maintain them, I love them, but, not to the point, I'm consumed by them.......
This goes for my 8 vintage 2 wheelers, as well. ......

 

I guess I am a bit old school, I don't like to dust by blowing as it simply moves around. I have my full size shop vac in the garage and with my brush attachment gently run it over vents and crevices to vacuum out any dust or debris. With my shop vac I would guess that I am moving just as much air over the surface just in the opposite direction!

 

yep. It's all about what result you are satisfied with and how much effort you want to put in. I like the water wash and detail spray for touch up method. I try to avoid making swirls if I can but I don't go crazy with it. My main cars are white, silver and gray and only the gray shows marks so I have it pretty easy. My D/A polisher and some Meguiars 205 takes care of any issues in a jiffy. Just sold a Black car, now that took a little more effort

And call me nuts but I actually enjoy waxing. Gives me a chance to get a good look at the entire car surface and makes me smile when I make it look so damn awesome

 

AVMiii:

I have switched to Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Ceramic Paint Coating for all of my vehicles.

I will be detailing my Jaguar XKR once again within the next few weeks as I have passed the 3-year mark with the Opti-Coat. Since the XKR is garaged and covered, the Opti-Coat, the shine, and reflective qualities remain outstanding.

I will nano skin the XKR using the new Eagle Prep Wash Mitt. This replaces the old school "clay bar". I will prep polish with a DA Buffer, and then apply the Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Paint Coating. I used this product on my Porsche 981 and Corvette C7.

The wash soap I use now is Duragloss 901 in a foam sprayer.

Here are few links to what I use. With these products, you can detail about 5 to 8 cars. The Eagle glove if maintained will last quite a long time. I am always seeking new detailing products and methods.

For washing:

https://www.amazon.com/Duragloss-901...=duragloss+902

For removing contaminants from the paint surface:

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-One-850...prep+wash+mitt

For Polishing before applying ceramic paint coating:

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...s=meguiars+205

Pinnacle Black Diamond Paint Coating:

Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Paint Coating

Waffle weave towels for drying:

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys...e+weave+towels

These are all the products anyone needs to achieve superior results and a superior finish to any vehicle. Proper paint prep is the key to the application of the ceramic coatings. Once the coating is applied, future maintenance of the car is extremely quick and simple.

My DA Buffer that I use (I have had this for about 6 years):

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-MT30...iars+da+buffer

Time to complete this detail work is about 5 to 6 hours as a single person. Get the wife to assist and it will cut the time. This makes for a great weekend project and results are superior hydrophobic water beading, superior shine, and reflective qualities. This will last 3 years under normal conditons. Of course keeping your XK/XKR out in the environment instead of parked in a garage will cut the durability of the coating down in time.

What would cost over $1000 in a detail shop, can be done for about $100 to $125.00 with lots of product remaining for other vehicle applications.

Happy detailing Jaguar XK/XKR owners.

 

These microfiber towels are awesome:
Super Plush 16 x 16 Eagle Edgeless Microfiber Towel | The Rag Company

Thick, soft and edgeless. I have a few that I use to remove wax with.

They have waffle weaves too. I like those as well to dry.

 

My unit is the more powerful with two 4hp motors for 8hp peak.

 

mosesbotbol ... what's the best 0-60 you've had on that thing?

 

For the dryer? 0 to the basement to flip a circuit a couple of times. Now I have direct 20 amp outlets in the garage!

 

Moses:

That is why these are called Air Force Master Blasters.

I know my 4HP blaster blows hard, but can't imagine an 8HP. That's a lot of forced air.

They are great machines, and no one can realize how good these work until they have owned one.

 

The 8hp is crazy. Good to blow any dirt out of the garage too.. They are real machines. Hose nearly blew out of my friend's hands last week when he first tried it.