Today I did some detailing...

randy hickey

Decent weather today for a spot of Spring cleaning.

Here's a before and after of a Mark IV Golf that's been parked up for about six months, complete with free gratis coating of Saharan sand.


BEFORE:

[IMG][/img]

[IMG][/img]

AFTER (a quick powerwash,2BM, and a quick going over with Autosmart Cherry Glaze.):
[IMG][/img]
[IMG][/img]

georgefalls

Had a go with this stuff:
http://www.cleancar.ie/gtechniq-c4-permanent-trim-restorer-15ml.html
Scuttle panel was very grey. Not too bad at all now. Expensive product for such a small bottle. Just hopes it lives up to its claim of lasting for two years.

Marty McFly

I think it does I used it based on a recommendation of Metzergeister about 6 or 7 months ago now and it is still holding up well imo.

MetzgerMeister

Marty McFly wrote: »

I think it does I used it based on a recommendation of Metzergeister about 6 or 7 months ago now and it is still holding up well imo.

I used it on my car when I got it over a year and a half ago and it's still perfect.

JAMES VTI S

Make sure the area is properly clean, if you wipe apc on a MF cloth and black comes off it's not clean.

MetzgerMeister

A good scrub with IPA wipes or something like that beforehand until no more black comes off is advised by Gtechniq to promote proper bonding.

Vegeta

Cleaning the car on Sunday I couldn't believe the amount of tar on it. I removed it all extensively last Summer for a DA polish but there is more on it now than last year. Can't wait to get at it end of next week.

Anyway, have a question, anyone got recommendations for removing annoying "no parking" stickers from windows??

I sprayed it heavily with glass cleaner and used my thumb nail to scrape the stubborn glue off. Took ages though.

MetzgerMeister

I use this stuff and I find it excellent:

Well I have to say that the Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer, aside from the annoying spelling of 'quick', seems to be pretty damn good in bringing up a polish-like finish on a 2BM'ed car.

I've only used it once or twice, very briefly, so my opinion may yet change drastically, but as it stands, I'm very much liking it.

I would imagine it really comes into it's own when you have actually clayed, polished, etc. and its being used as a 'top up' of sorts in the following days/washes.


I also bought a €1.99 Tyre Shine in Boyds in Drogheda. Curiousity. Used pretty much a full tin of it on the ould fella's wheels (Focus) yesterday, and took a look at them again today. They are noticeably darker, to be fair. They had a decent shine off them on day one, today they were much more 'matte' in appearance, but they were still dark. Id say the effects will be gone by Thursday.

Mind you, I'm still not overly impressed with any tyre shines I've used since whatever product my mechanic had ages ago. Nothings lasted as long or looked as good as whatever that was (mind you, i've only really used OAC's Glitz.. so.. But I do have some AutoGlym instant tyre shine that I'll try out in the coming day or two.

Well I went to work on the bonnet today. Stone chips still letting it down, but the following set of before and afters comprise 3.5 hours of my life


Before I start, I was using the Meguiar's replacement clay bar today (I 2BM'ed the bonnet, dried it an then clayed it before polishing, glazing and waxing). This is the Meguiar's replacement clay bar packaging:




This is the clay bar:




:rolleyes: What a crock. My own fault, I suppose.




Photo of car bonnet, for context:



Closer shots...

Before (only working on the left side of the 'groove'):




After:





Before:




After:




More central on the bonnet this time...

Before:




After:





Before:




After:

Now, for the part where I fcuk it all up:


Before:




After:






Hmm.. not too pleased with that mark on the left still being there. Better get my 1500 grit sandpaper..





Woops.. that wasn't 1500 grit.. it was 150 grit (they looked so similar, even though I knew something didn't quite feel right...)


Anyway, it'll polish out I'm sure....






Hmm.. maybe it won't. Lets try to lessen the 'strength' of the 150 grit marks by using 1500 to soften them up a bit, and then polish it again:






Seems to have worked! Let's go again:





And once more, for luck!






One scratch more than I'd like, but the repetitive polishing has made it an overall cleaner finish. Whodathunkit.

(After putting the camera away, I copped the minor scratches to the right, and went over them again. They're good as gone now, but that longer horizontal scratch is still there, but I know that 10 minutes will take it out).


Before:




After:





Those little white marks on the 'bump' of the groove on the bonnet didn't move much, so I 1500 grit sanded them and polished again:





That'll learn 'em! :P


Very, very quick, half-assed glaze, quick wax and she's better than ever:







Today I learned, that with the 1500 grit paper (I'll actually pick up something finer soon enough) and a shed load of Meguiar's ultimate cut compound, I can make pretty much every scratch vanish. The results were remarkable after a small bit of wet-sanding and a lengthy polishing.

ALSO, to anyone using Chemical Guyz Hex-Logic pads, do yourself a favour and never go near them again. I was using a Microfibre pad for my D/A there tonight, and it was doing the same work in a fraction of the time. I think (stress, think) I was using an Orchard Auto Care Microfibre pad, but I'm open to correction (Curran might know.. :P )


EDIT: Just for clarification, cos I realise it can be confusing - the paintwork on the rav is scratched, but not at all blotchy. The 'blotchy' looking paint on the rav, is actually a reflection of the half-assed and given-up-on-halfway-through painted ceiling, which was neglected for so long that the MDF ceiling started going mouldy, and has white marks from the lads pressing paintbrushes against it to 'dry them out' when they were doing DIY bits and pieces years ago.

Just thought I'd point it out as I obviously know what Im looking at, as I've been in the shed, but for ye guys, ye might think the paint is blotched to ****e and the DA is only making it worse.

RandomAccess

@KKV how the heck did the car get all those scratches? Do you drive through a hedge often?

Ps I wouldn't be keen on being that aggressive on the paint without a paint thickness gauge, even though they are mad expensive.

RandomAccess

RandomAccess wrote: »

@KKV how the heck did the car get all those scratches? Do you drive through a hedge often?

Ps I wouldn't be keen on being that aggressive on the paint without a paint thickness gauge, even though they are mad expensive.

Well I didn't buy it new, so it came to me like that.


But it is amazing. The whole thing from tire to spoiler is covered in swirls. So I don't think it's from driving, as the people who had it that I bought it off seemed to have taken care of it.

I think it could've been from someone 'cleaning' it. The entire thing is swirled out of it.


As for damaging the paint, having to get a panel resprayed isn't a big deal to me, so I'm just gonna keep ploughing away as I am. If I tear the paint off it somewhere that's noticeable or that annoys me, I'll just get it sprayed.

There is a bit of paint scratched off the bonnet, but to be honest, my plan for later on in the year, when i get the time, money, etc and can be without the car for a day, I plan to go and get a new bonnet, but the one belong to the Diesel version of the Rav, as it has a pretty decent looking hood 'scoop' on it, that I would like:




So that'll ultimately be the way I go, I'd say (assuming it'll fit my Rav, and wont cost an arm and a leg).

Noccy_Mondy

How do you have the balls to take sandpaper to the car like that, I'd go spa if I put all them marks on it :eek: Turned out well in the end though!

Noccy_Mondy

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

How do you have the balls to take sandpaper to the car like that, I'd go spa if I put all them marks on it :eek: Turned out well in the end though!

Ah, I'd consider it a last resort on a new car or a car in great shape, but there's just too many imperfections on the paintwork of the Rav, so I reckon a light bit of wetsanding will be needed all-round to try and clean it up a bit.

I'm used to making a mess of things by now anyway, so it's not (as) scary any more.

Curran

Deleted User wrote: »

I was using a Microfibre pad for my D/A there tonight, and it was doing the same work in a fraction of the time. I think (stress, think) I was using an Orchard Auto Care Microfibre pad, but I'm open to correction (Curran might know.. :P )

They were the Autobrite Microfibre Pads

IK09

KKV what compound are you using, you seem to be doing alot of work (im mean applying...then re-applying). You need an aggressive compound to cut that paint properly. Are you breaking the compound down completely?

Curran

It does seem like his technique needs some refinement - but its a learning process. Initially I thought he was applying too much polish on the pad and as a result it was having no effect due to not breaking down. I spoke with him when he picked up the MF pads and adviced him to use less and to make sure its breaking down so it becomes clear, and to work it a bit more. Not really sure what has happened this time, as I would have thought improvement to be a bit better, given the soft paint, with each pass than was can be seen in the pictures!

Oh, I should probably clarify - the pad was CAKED in polish. So much so I'm on the lookout for some more meguiars ultimate cut. I have an upholstery brush there that i was using, after every panel to scrub the polish out of it. I went way overboard. But I was doing so to try and compensate for the MF pad supposed increased cutting power (incase i accidentally polished the paint away).

But much like the hex pads, the "be careful using these, they can do damage" warnings turned out to be a bit false, so I do plan to re-do the bonnet again (properly, and probably using CG's Pro-Polish 3N) but Im still happy enough with the difference in the bonnet.

Paddy@CIRL

Fair play to you KKV, really enjoy reading your learning process. You're certainly a braver man than me!

After last week's disaster and only getting to enjoy (Larry's) hard work for less than 18 hours before destroying it up Sally Gap, it got worse over the weekend thanks to the Saharan dust. I didn't bother doing anything with it all week as I wanted to wait until it had passed.

I went through my usual wash routine today of Bilt-Hamber Autowheels sprayed onto wheels, left to dwell and power washed off. I foamed the car with CleanCar's own foam and whilst it was dwelling, agitated the wheels with a wheel brush. Rinsed, then two bucket washed using a lamb's wool mitt and Chemical Guys Glossworks shampoo. Rinsed again and the water was absolutely glued to the paint. I'm not sure why as there was a coat of Black wax put on only last week, but the combination of bad weather and Saharan dust done a number on it. Dried the car off and got a coat of Chemical Guys Black Light on, left it for 15 minutes then buffed it off. I left it for around an hour to cure (they say another 15 minutes is plenty but it was lunch time) and then got a nice thin coat of CG Black Wax on again using a damp applicator. Whilst this was bonding, I dried the wheels, applied a dressing to the tyres and a coat of ArmorAll Wheel Shield (magic stuff). I buffed the wax off after 15-20 minutes but will leave it over night before giving it another coat tomorrow.

Result so far:



I noticed when waxing that the car is covered in tar, despite only being de-tarred and clayed before Christmas. Thankfully you can't see it but knowing it's there is driving me nuts. Another thing to add to the list for when the good weather returns...

vectra

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

Rinsed again and the water was absolutely glued to the paint. I'm not sure why as there was a coat of Black wax put on only last week, but the combination of bad weather and Saharan dust done a number on it..

Funny you should say that.
I haveput 3 coats of Britemex extreme elements on mine over the past 2 weeks and was delighted with the result.
Washed it last friday and the beading/sheeting was excellent as expected.

Like you'r car, mine got covered in that dust so decided to leave it pass as well. Washed the car today and the water was glued to the car as well.
Dried it off and put a coat of Britemax Max Shine on it.
Happy days again

Can anyone tell me, is the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound in Halfords, the same thing as the Meguiar's Ultimate Cut Compound (M105)" that Im using on the Rav at the moment, in 'simpler' packaging?


In other words, are these the same thing?

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_804743_langId_-1_categoryId_212511#tab4

VS

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Ultra-Compound-MICROFIBRE-POLISHING/dp/B0073CLXA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396570428&sr=8-1&keywords=m105

Vexorg

Third post here might have the answer ... http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?47226-Ultimate-Compound-Ultimate-Polish-vs-M105-M205

Vexorg

Vexorg wrote: »

Third post here might have the answer ... http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?47226-Ultimate-Compound-Ultimate-Polish-vs-M105-M205

Hmm, seems 105 is the better 'cutter' of the two. But then it seems to be a fairly marginal difference, too (according to those posts).

Vexorg

Yup the M105 seems to be designed for professional use with a rotary and wools pad, so will probably will cut fast as a result of using a rotary with a wool pad. This would work well for an experienced detailer and is an aggressiveish cut to remove sanding marks quickly

The Ultimate compound is designed for use with a DA and has a longer buffing cycle, so you can take a little longer to get the desired result with less liklihood of doing any paint damage.

Tried out some AutoGlym Rapid Detailer today. Did the brothers bonnet (which hadn't been cleaned since I detailed it a while back)





The image doesn't do it half enough justice. It's feckin' great! The shine off the car was something else. Now, this isn't something I'd be in a mad rush to do to my own car (the idea of rubbing dust and dirt around the surface with a MF cloth is a bit cringey) but, despite all logic working against it, it seems to have done a scratch-free job on the brothers car. It looks really, really well.

Definitely be picking up some more.

Also, it's about a fiver cheaper per 500ml bottle (VS Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer... in Halfords, anyway), and it's just as good. May aswell be the same product.

Just googling around. Turns out Rapid Detailer is the consumer name, and "No. 54 - Fast Shine and Lube" is the trade name. So to buy a 5ltr of it, I need to find a rep. Meh.

Anyone know who the local rep is for Louth? AutoGlym's site suggested Leinster something (Leinster Car Care or something I think?) but they don't seem to exist anymore.

I reckon, with 3 for 2 in Halfords, I'll pay €22 for 1.5 litres, whereas it's £30 (sterling) for 5 litres in the UK, so would like to get a price for it for over here. I'd say there'd be a nice saving, and not having a dozen bottles lying around would be handy, too.


EDIT: Turns out postage from that site is only £11 anyway. So not too shabby. Not something I'll be buying in the immediate future, but when Im low on my rapid detailer I'll certainly be taking a mooch..

Anyone used this yet?

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/autoglym-bullsh***it-repellent.php?cPath=78


Note: link contains a swear word, you need to remove the three ***'s from the link above

randy hickey

That link doesn't work for me KKV - I'm guessing it's this stuff though?;

focus_mad

Gave the car a good wash yesterday..

Snow foam
iron cleanse
Chemical guys wheel clean
chemical guys shampoo (red one)
chemical guys alloy seal
chemical guys black light

Hopefully get a wax on it in the next day or two..

Delighted with the finish as it had been looking rough!!!