Drying Towel

[Hootie]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good drying towel? I have on (Meguire's I think) but the shape of the car leaves lots of 'puddles' and it gets saturated very quickly. I can only wipe a small section down before it's leaving streaks everywhere.
I've seen lots of positive reviews for the Revived Flare Deluxe towel, but wondering what you guys are using. Or maybe I'm just doing this all wrong? Maybe just use regular microfiber to splash off all the bulk water then hit it with a drying towel?

And along with the drying topic, anyone else wrap the mirrors with a microfiber to absorb the water that drips out for days?

Edit: The Griot's towel recommended below looks great. I did get the Revived Flare one as well. Please don't buy it. It's a joke. Incredibly small. I didn't realize it shipped from China when I bought it, so over a month to get it and I laughed as I opened the bag. Maybe I'll use it to dry my wheels.

[Devix]

I have always had this problem. Maybe it's me and not the towel :(

I ended up using the Meguire's quick detailer after having dried the car. It's a 15 minute process and it's worth.

[Hootie]

That's where I'm currently at. Wipe it down, streaks everywhere. Get out the detailer spray and do the whole car, using another ten microfiber cloths as they keep getting wet, especially before door jambs and rear hatch. Looks great. Come back in two minutes, water dripping from mirrors and rear fascia. Remember to open the hatch and dry around there. Looks good! Come back in ten minutes water dripping out mirror. Sills have drips. Oh yeah I forgot to open the doors and dry the sills! Looks great. Mirrors again. Etc. It takes me twice as long to dry the car as it does to wash it.
I feel like I must be doing something wrong!

[01sapphirebob]

If its in the budget id recommend an air force master baster for drying the car. The best model is 8hp and has heated air. There is a smaller handheld version. Think that one is only 4 hp.

[capevettes]

Check out Griot's Garage PFM edgeless drying towel $44.95. It's the largest, thirstiest drying towel in the industry. You will like it. I usually use my backpack leaf blower to dry the car but have used this as well. It works.

[Steve M]

If its in the budget id recommend an air force master baster for drying the car. The best model is 8hp and has heated air. There is a smaller handheld version. Think that one is only 4 hp.

I've used one of these for years. For the OP's benefit, keep in mind that the 8HP model requires a 20-amp circuit, and not everyone has those in their garage (I had to install my own). Also, the heat that is generated is from the motors themselves; there is no separate heating element in there that I'm aware of. And yes, the air (and hose) does get quite warm after running it for a while. Another fun fact: they use the same type of blower for drying livestock (yes, like cattle).

It also takes me twice as long to dry the car as to wash it, but I think that's par for the course if you really care about how it looks (and water spots look horrible). It takes a substantial amount of time to get the water out of all the possible places it can hide, which is pretty much everywhere on a Viper. If you aren't using a leaf blower or master blaster of some sort, you are pretty much wasting your time. Even with the proper equipment, I'll still find water spots after taking it out for a spin. Whatever you don't get with one of those will become quite evident on your first drive after a wash, and it's always around the mirrors and on the rear bumper.

So while not perfect, the Master Blaster does at least let me get by with only using one drying towel, and it doesn't get all that wet. I also use a separate, older microfiber towel to dry the door jambs and the channels around the hatch.

I've also slowly switched my towels out for ones from The Rag Company. They are very nicely made towels.

[Hootie]

The master blaster thing is not going to be in the cards for me. I'll try the leaf blower next time to get most of it off. I have a decent backpack blower. Maybe that'll minimize the work the towel has to do. I'll also look into the Griot's towel. Maybe I just need to accept that any one towel isn't going to get the job done, and just have a few on hand?

[BlknBlu]

Electric Leaf blower only and Eagle edgeless blue towels from the rag company.

Bruce

[Steve M]

The master blaster thing is not going to be in the cards for me. I'll try the leaf blower next time to get most of it off. I have a decent backpack blower. Maybe that'll minimize the work the towel has to do. I'll also look into the Griot's towel. Maybe I just need to accept that any one towel isn't going to get the job done, and just have a few on hand?

I used a cheap, corded electric leaf blower for years with great success. You just have to be careful with the tip to make sure you don't ding it into the paint.

And yes, in general, one towel isn't going to get the job done.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

100 mph 1.8 -mile run down to the fish hatchery does it for me.....then soak up the residual spots with my hankie.

{ Does leave an embarrassing wet-spot in my pocket from the hankie...}

[98intrigue]

Electric Leaf blower only and Eagle edgeless blue towels from the rag company.

Bruce

+1 for The Rag Company

https://www.theragcompany.com/microfiber-towels/exterior-detailing/drying/

[Bill W]

Griot’s garage. They have an excellent drying towel that I’ve been using. Item 55586 PFM terry weave

[blknblubkrdude]

So far the only towel I've been able to dry an entire car with is the Sucker. https://luxurymicrofiberstore.com/products/moses

[Junkman2008]

I know this sounds like I'm being stupid but why don't you dry the car with water FIRST, and then the towel you use will be a TON more effective.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAmb9DWdnFc

[HOLLYWOOD]

Milwaukee, mini blower with a big azz 9 amp hour rechargable battery. Drying towels only add to swirl marks. Forced air from the blower is the only way to go.

[quickster2]

Chemical Guys MIC_781_01 Waffle Weave Gray Matter 70/30 Blend Microfiber Drying Towel with Silk Edging, 25" x 36"

These are great. I have an assortment (Meguiar's, Rag Co,. no name brands, etc.) but these are my go to.

[Hootie]

Thanks for all the tips. When she's uncovered again in the spring I'll give it a go. Going to try drying with water Junkman tip with the Griot's towel afterward. If anything, by then time I am happy with my process I'll have a few towels on hand which will likely be the final solution. What one towel won't do, 5 will.

[ViperJon]

I use this. It has the power of a gas blower but is clean electric. The air volume and force is incredible and will drive the water out of anywhere. Oh.....works great for leaves too.
No need for $300.00 air blowers. This thing is awesome. Looks temporarily out of stock but they'll get more.

https://www.worx.com/turbine-800-electric-leaf-blower.html

[Hootie]

Not sure I get why a gas blower would be a problem. It's not exhaust that's getting blown down the tube. Should just be ambient air? Am I missing something?

[Steve M]

I think it is more that the exhaust from the blower is still present, and could be getting sucked in to the system. It would be a small amount, but non-zero, and it's a gas-oil mix.

To me, the bigger issue with using a backpack style leaf blower would be the lack of fine control to really get the air blowing into the cracks and crevices exactly where you want it. You'll get a lot of it, but it might leave a little to be desired. Certainly still worth trying though.

[Junkman2008]

Not sure I get why a gas blower would be a problem. It's not exhaust that's getting blown down the tube. Should just be ambient air? Am I missing something?

Gas blowers emit crap that settles all over your car. You don't want that exhaust floating around the car when you're cleaning it. That's EXACTLY why you don't use a gas powered leaf blower to dry your car. Even at the drive through car washes, they use DC motor driver dryers. A buddy of mine owns a car wash and I fixed one for him. Hellacious little blowers those things are.

[Junkman2008]

If I had to use a towel, I would use this one.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO1P25sfZhU

[RacerJRP]

Just picked up a new drying towel from Adam's Polishes on their Black Friday sale. Hoping it's decent. Has to be better than the terrible beach towel I have been using!

[Grcforce327]

I'm with Junkman on the water trick!46251

[Junkman2008]

:D:D:D ... but we are going to have to get that girl a cheeseburger! :D

[Bill W]

I often use a Kobalt battery powered leaf blower. Claimed 110 mph with a 140 mph turbo switch. Bought it for leaf blowing but it will dry off your Viper too.

[Junkman2008]

You can use a leaf blower as I did for some time until I bought my Master Blaster. When it comes to blow drying a car, the Master Blaster is the way us ballers roll. :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhOjfB7Sl2Y

One of the nice things about the Air Force Master Blaster is that you can use it to unstick your car's frozen doors during the winter time. Not that you guys down south would know anything about that...:(

[Grcforce327]

Get the "BIG DOG"!!!46253

[Junkman2008]

Yea, that's the one I have and the ONLY one I would get to do a car. The Sidekick (smaller version) is okay for bikes but the Master Blaster is the way to go.

[PatrickB]

I hate putting towels on my cars to dry. I have a Master Blaster that I've used for a few years, but it takes FOREVER to dry the Vipers. I'm limited to 4HP as my garage isn't currently wired to handle the MB running at the full 8HP. I recently purchased a Kobalt electric blower, likely the same one Bill W mentioned, for the sole purpose of drying vehicles but I haven't had a chance to test it yet.

[ViperSRT]

I hate putting towels on my cars to dry. I have a Master Blaster that I've used for a few years, but it takes FOREVER to dry the Vipers. I'm limited to 4HP as my garage isn't currently wired to handle the MB running at the full 8HP. I recently purchased a Kobalt electric blower, likely the same one Bill W mentioned, for the sole purpose of drying vehicles but I haven't had a chance to test it yet.

8 hp! Really? At 745 watts/hp that is a 50 amp draw.

[Steve M]

8 hp! Really? At 745 watts/hp that is a 50 amp draw.

As you can see from the sticker, it is 8 "Peak" HP.

Running at steady state with both motors, I think it is in the 18-19 amp range, which is right in line with the 12 gauge power cord that feeds it.

[Junkman2008]

... I have a Master Blaster that I've used for a few years, but it takes FOREVER to dry the Vipers...

Two words: POOLING RINSE.

[Fisher]

Great towel GREENWAY AQUAMAGIC LUXE

[Hootie]

When I'm uncovered in the Spring I'm going with the water to dry. Picked up the Griot's towel for any remaining water. Thanks for the tips!

[Fisher]

When I'm uncovered in the Spring I'm going with the water to dry. Picked up the Griot's towel for any remaining water. Thanks for the tips!

Wonderful, good luck to you!

[ssgsnake]

Master Blaster Air Dryer works awesome

[Corse]

You can use a leaf blower as I did for some time until I bought my Master Blaster. When it comes to blow drying a car, the Master Blaster is the way us ballers roll. :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhOjfB7Sl2Y

One of the nice things about the Air Force Master Blaster is that you can use it to unstick your car's frozen doors during the winter time. Not that you guys down south would know anything about that...:(

Completely random... did that car get sold to SP Engineering at some point? That Murci looks almost entirely identical to the one my friend just sold, although the wheels are different.

[labtec]

I know all about it while stationed at Malmstrom Air Force base in Montana years ago. Decided my Z28 was too dirty, but at 19 degrees below zero, the faucets were frozen (along with everything else). Drove into town and what do you know, the car wash/drive-in theater was still open...score! Well the car wash had hot water so I washed it, probably a record for the coldest car wash and certainly the dumbest. The problem was by the time I got done one section, the other was frozen including the doors. Simple, when done add more coins, cut ice from around door and open very quickly. Sorry to say, did not wipe it down that day, but it was still the cleanest car for a few days until it snowed again :o

[Junkman2008]

Completely random... did that car get sold to SP Engineering at some point? That Murci looks almost entirely identical to the one my friend just sold, although the wheels are different.

Was your friend's name Dave?

[Hootie]

I used the Griot's towel for the first time the other day. GREAT RECOMMENDATION! That towel got the entire car dry, quickly, in one pass. Absolutely blew the other towels I had out of the water. The water to dry worked great as well, but the towel got all nooks and crannies after. Very happy with the results. Appreciate the tips!

[capevettes]

I used the Griot's towel for the first time the other day. GREAT RECOMMENDATION! That towel got the entire car dry, quickly, in one pass. Absolutely blew the other towels I had out of the water. The water to dry worked great as well, but the towel got all nooks and crannies after. Very happy with the results. Appreciate the tips!

Glad you liked it Hootie. It is thirsty!

[Fisher]

I wonder how much power the Master Blaster has...

[Junkman2008]

Let's put it this way. If you don't plug it into a 20-amp outlet, you'll be resetting the breaker in your fuse box every 5-seconds.

[Steve M]

Let's put it this way. If you don't plug it into a 20-amp outlet, you'll be resetting the breaker in your fuse box every 5-seconds.

*if you use both motors.

If you only have a 15-amp outlet, you can still run 1 of the 2 motors, but it is a bit anemic. I've used it that way in the past...it does get the job done, just a bit more slowly.

[Junkman2008]

Exactly, which makes using only one switch good for drying a bicycle, if that. I specifically had a 20-amp breaker put in for my AFMB. I like to call the first switch, yea. But I call BOTH switches.... HELL YEA!

48249

[Fatboy 18]

I dry my towels, Jeans and Jackets using the Viper Engine and the Hood up, they dry out really fast :D

https://live.staticflickr.com/7739/27857156645_5bd78ef568_b.jpg

[Matt Dillon]

Fatboy YOU are the Man & Always has been! :)

[Matt Dillon]

Junkman, buddy I'm glad to see you're still rockin' & rollin' my friend! I haven't been on here in awhile but I still have my 2 Vipers & Junkman I Hope you're still married & ya'll are HAPPY buddy! :)

[Junkman2008]

Junkman, buddy I'm glad to see you're still rockin' & rollin' my friend! I haven't been on here in awhile but I still have my 2 Vipers & Junkman I Hope you're still married & ya'll are HAPPY buddy! :)

Bro'! Married life has limited all that fun free time I use to have when I was single but I couldn't be happier. Corona gave me more work than I could do but of course, I'm not complaining! As for the wife and I, happy as two peas in a pod. Thanks for asking. I actually went out and bought myself a Porsche. I have never been a Porsche guy but this thing has a MONSTER twin turbo V8 and my Lord.... it's a beast! This is one of only a few forums that I still post on. Kinda feels like home. :anonymous::anonymous::anonymous::anonymous::anony mous:

[Viper GTS-R]

I dry my towels, Jeans and Jackets using the Viper Engine and the Hood up, they dry out really fast

Don’t see any underwear there? Real Viper drivers go commando? :cool:

[Junkman2008]

TMI, TMI! :lol2:

[Fisher]

Let's put it this way. If you don't plug it into a 20-amp outlet, you'll be resetting the breaker in your fuse box every 5-seconds.

Wow, this machine has some serious demands!

[Junkman2008]

Well let's face it... owning a nice car is like being married. The demands never stop.:lol2:

[Fisher]

Well let's face it... owning a nice car is like being married. The demands never stop.:lol2:

I agree 100%:dude3:

[Hootie]

Just a quick tip, if anyone was on the fence about the Master Blaster, you can snag one right now for what I think is the best price I've seen.
https://www.chemicalguys.com/metro-master-industrial-dryer-and-blower/MB-3CD.html?gtmListValue=Category%3A%20dryers-and-blowers
If you haven't bought stuff from that site when you go you'll get a pop-up for a 20% off one item coupon for giving up your email address. It gives it to you instantly, and let me apply it to the master blaster knocking another $78 off. Final cost was $312 plus tax, free shipping.
Seems like an error on their end, as the coupon is not valid on kits or bundles. I think they wanted you to get 20% off a bottle of soap, but, I went with $78 off the dryer

[Junkman2008]

Looks like a good deal. :)

[ssgsnake]

Air Force Blaster works great and they are made in USA.