Today I did some detailing...

I have a 2013 black car I usually get it washed in the shop but now want to start doing it myself .. What should I buy so that it has a nice shine after washing and that that it stays with the shine for a while and also where do you buy from online thanks

Mf310 wrote: »

I have a 2013 black car I usually get it washed in the shop but now want to start doing it myself .. What should I buy so that it has a nice shine after washing and that that it stays with the shine for a while and also where do you buy from online thanks

These guys are pretty good - www.detailingshed.com

Technically not my work but I though this was the best place for it.

Picked up this 02 E46 Cabrio via the Bangereconomics thread. 60k miles on the clock and purchased for e1,600. Unfortunately the car was suffering from peeling of the lacquer on the drivers side door and rear quarter.

I had this "fixed" by Car Cosmetix and then later arranged for a Stage 1 detail to be completed by Brian in Spirit Detailing.

While my experience of Car Cosmetix was far from enjoyable, Brian is an absolute gentleman and the experience of dealing with him was a pure joy.

His work in the pictures speaks for itself and was definitely worth the e250 spend. The car now looks a completely different vibrant color and has a lovely wet look.

Brian had his work cut out for him, particularly with the extremely shoddy respray job completed by Car Cosmetix which was one of the worst Brian said he had come across.

Anyway, over the moon with the results below.

What are the top products you all use regularly and also what does claying do to a car?

Wrong thread cough cough

Following on from Astra spent about day n half on exterior with some heavy cutting work done doors due to dog claws over last year, quick finish polish and sealant etc. This first time sat still long enough for me to actually have a spell, after handing out a fair few hints and sharp tongue quips about state of my car hahahaha

Plus Astra was cleaned Saturday and given a layer of wax on top of sealant for bit more shine.




Sunday morning bling before both got destroyed with bug splatter


I even used tyre dressing to, unusual for me that unless there a show involved.

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Ed, while i see the Burg, did I buy some OPC shocks off you before perhaps? About 5years ago maybe, from Blitz&griffin??

No but we did chat about Astra's for a while, only shocks I changed due to top mounts rusting solid and had to cut tops off shocks

:pac: :pac: :pac:

Another coat of 845 on this evening. After washing the car from the last coat tonight, very satisfying being able to dry the car almost with an open hose.

micks_address wrote: »

Is May bird **** month of the year? Car covered last few weeks

Sorry just ranting...

Have noticed the same - did both cars recently and there must be about 15 on, between both!

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Hmmm, must have been someone else so with a Burg down here! I didnt think you still had yours, looks as cool as ever

Cheers. Done to much with it to just sell it and start again with another car, plus it never let me down in 8 years.

I still have no clue on front shocks front and don't know who was around cork 5 years ago with a burg. I know couple around general area but they only owned in last 2 years. But wouldn't be surprised one hiding away down there.

Looks very well!

Looks nice and glossy

Me 1 month ago : Autoglym does the job
Me after reading all the threads in the detailing forum : must try this ...
Me today after 3 hours of elbow grease : Holly crap !

Decided to give my trusted M50 warrior some TLC today.
Started with wheels with IronX and was amazed with the amount of dirt that came out.
As the body work was reasonably clean, gave it a good IronX soak followed by a long rinse.
Then moved onto claying - I was a little nervous as I'd never done this before. Again amazed with the end result.
I then moved onto drying the car before applying a coat of chemical guys blacklight . 1hr later I applied a coat of wolfs chemicals blue moon ( that my neighbor had handy )

Really pleased with the end result , car has never looked so good ...
Will do glass work once the sun goes down
Still need to get a decent shampoo, a tar remover ( had a few remaining spots ) and probably more

A few pics .. pleased with the pillars and the boot

Looking for some advice from the pros.
I have a bit of an issue with tree sap. Unfortunately where I am parking is limited, and I often have no choice but to leave the car under a tree.
I picked up a bug and tar remover that also mentions tree sap on the back but it's not shifting it.
The sap is quite hard, so I need something that will help dissolve it, for want of a better expression.
Any ideas?

punisher5112 wrote: »

Tar remover would work.

Get a good wax and seal up the paint it will be much easier to remove then after with a wash.

Get a snow foam lance and spray before going at it with wash mitt.

Tar remover isn't removing it. Unless the brand I posted is sub standard.

I've sprayed them, left it soak and rubbed and rubbed with a soft cloth. If it's making any progress it's imperceivable.
I wash it at a self service power wash in a petrol station. A proper snow foam lance would obviously be better, but not an option, as I park on the street.

Mellor wrote: »

Tar remover isn't removing it. Unless the brand I posted is sub standard.

I've sprayed them, left it soak and rubbed and rubbed with a soft cloth. If it's making any progress it's imperceivable.
I wash it at a self service power wash in a petrol station. A proper snow foam lance would obviously be better, but not an option, as I park on the street.

You need the proper stuff.

Look up detailingshed.com