Today I did some detailing...

Yep

It was in a museum in the US before being imported by a car dealer from Galway.
The wheels need a lot of cleaning and TBH what ever the owner was slapping on it was pure BLA it reminds me of some sort of oily sealant :rolleyes:

cena wrote: »

Civic came out very well

The civic was just resprayed and it came out :eek: for just a valet

dylbert

Uncle of mine had that model Trans Am back in the eighties, he picked me up from primary school in it one day, I thought I was the business.
He always had sweet cars, I used to love when he came home from Scotland to see what car he'd bring with him, Mustang, Sierra Cosworth, E190 Cosworth, 3000GT VR4, loads of mercs when owning a merc was something. Only problem was I wasn't old enough to drive them, he lives in America now

That must have been killer i remember my uncle was a car guy back when i was young he took me for a spin in his WRX once ... grinning BUT the spin was to the local car wash so thinking back its a bit bitter sweet

What kind of work did you do on those super cars?
Did you detail them or just quick washes pre-show? Serious machines to work on!!

Bentley Continental - Full Detail
Lamborghini Aventador & Maserati Granturismo - Wash, Dry and Hoover
Skoda Octavia VRS - Valet
Land Rover - Full valet
Bmw - Swirl Removal
Audi - Full Valet + Swirl Removal
Trans AM - Detail
Mini Cooper - Full Valet
Honda Civic - Full valet
Chrysler 400c - Swirl removal
The soft top is a picture of a restored soft top roof
The last four nasty pictures is odor removal

Sidewayslarry

JAMES VTI S wrote: »

What is your favorite Larry, mine is the Lamborghini Aventador LP-400

Its simple for me - it may not be the quickest or the most expensive, but for pure class and a beautiful design, the Maserati is the one that does it for me :cool::cool::cool:

Fair play

Keano

What did you use on the lights of the Audi?

Can't remember TBH Keano sorry.

opinionated3

Detailed my carbon steel grey gti today. Waiting till tomorrow evening to put on second coat of supernatural. Very grateful for a garage on a day like today. By the way bilt hamber cleanser polish is awesome!!

golfman

Today I took my Mercedes CLS 500 to get the middle resonator removed and replaced with straight pipes so I could hear that beautiful 5 litre V8 roar.

Best thing I've done yet (also added rear spolier and changed the grill to the single slat grill)

Getting front bumper re-sprayed on Monday and hopefully new 20" wheels in 4 weeks.

vectra

golfman wrote: »

Today I took my Mercedes CLS 500 to get the middle resonator removed and replaced with straight pipes so I could hear that beautiful 5 litre V8 roar.

Best thing I've done yet (also added rear spolier and changed the grill to the single slat grill)

Getting front bumper re-sprayed on Monday and hopefully new 20" wheels in 4 weeks.

Very good
But what detailing did you do?

CianRyan

vectra wrote: »

Very good
But what detailing did you do?

He obviously clicked on the wrong thread, easy mistake.

vectra

CianRyan wrote: »

He obviously clicked on the wrong thread, easy mistake.

I know.
I was only being Sarcy :P

golfman

Yep. Wrong thread. My bad.

I probably don't belong in here, but I cleaned my car today (well.. yesterday). Hooray. I'm happy with it, but I'm sure most of ye will be sitting staring blankly at the screen wondering 'when did that yoke last get cleaned. It's filthy' :P

5BE205301A6547709ADA1D1808304810-0000333410-0003436119-01024L-EE556B70BA254EB4BF17631D2836D7CE.jpg

5BE205301A6547709ADA1D1808304810-0000333410-0003436119-01024L-EE556B70BA254EB4BF17631D2836D7CE.jpg

684905D09C3348AC9C01381C85CF5CD6-0000333410-0003436118-01024L-81118C446ACA4078813DAB90F603A099.jpg

I picked up that Nilfisk C120 power washer that Curran posted in the other thread, from DID Electrical. Will have to figure out if i can turn it into a snow foaming machine (apparently thats all the rage these days). Might also consider picking up a buff bagwell to clean the car with too. I'd like to give it a good polishing too.

Apparently a bit of a polish will help cover up some of the small scratches that black paint loves to show off? Is that true (and if so, does it mean polishing every week? Second week, month, etc.? to keep it looking good)?

I also want to get some decent tyre shine. Shiny tyres really pull the whole car together in my opinion. Wet tyre look is impressive in my opinion, but hard to get a decent product. Have seen a meguiars(?) product mentioned a few times but havent bought anything yet (will likely wait a little while til i've a couple of Euro and pick up a few bits of Curran, if i can, at the same time, rather than picking up bits and bobs over time). Dull tyres do drive me mad though, and the sprays ive gotten in halfords, etc. have been crap to say the least.

Hopefully, over time I'll pick up a bit of knowledge and experience and be able to do a decent job of cleaning it without it taking all day (I spent about 4-5 hours on the fecking thing! Although in fairness, in person, it looked immaculate, aside from the scrapes/swirls that I couldnt hide).

^ What is the difference between wax and polish ^

Ded_Zebra

Looking Well

If you want a product to hide minor scratches and even some more major ones I would recommend THIS

It doesn't last very long so what I'm thinking of trying (whenever I get the time :rolleyes:) is a few coats of THIS over it.

For tyres I like Meguires endurance gel but others here think it's muck so we'll see what they say!

JAMES VTI S wrote: »

^ What is the difference between wax and polish ^

Couldn't tell you!

Far as I'm lead to believe, a polish will generally clean up the car, make it shiny, act as a cover-up/filler of sorts for the miniscule scratches and generally look nice.

Wax, whilst also looking shiny, will however, better serve as a bit of a protector from the elements of day to day driving (a thin shield, if you will, to protect the paint work).

I could be absolutely a million miles away from what they actually are, but that's what I've made up in my mind anyway :pac:

I don't use polish because I'm lead to believe it needs to be applied properly, with a buffer (or you spend hours and hours on end doing it by hand). I wouldn't have the patience to do it by hand.

Again though, could be wrong. I've only started to get an interest in cleaning my car recently (when I got the Rav4), so Im on the lowest rung of the ladder with regards to knowledge or experience.

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Looking Well

If you want a product to hide minor scratches and even some more major ones I would recommend THIS

It doesn't last very long so what I'm thinking of trying (whenever I get the time ) is a few coats of THIS over it.

For tyres I like Meguires endurance gel but others here think it's muck so we'll see what they say!

They look like interesting enough products. Is the first one like a filler of sorts (that you rub across the car's marks/scratches and 'rub in' to the scratches)? Or is a buff job to cover the entire car? (it looks like a shoe-polish type of box, so im genuinely curious).

Yes you are right it is like liquid sandpaper it cuts down paint

Some people don't know the difference between wax and polish

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm happy with it, but I'm sure most of ye will be sitting staring blankly at the screen 'when did that yoke last get cleaned. It's filthy' :P

Good job....looks very well. There's only one thing that lets it down slightly and thats the bumpers. If they were treated, it would have finished it off nicely. But a very good first effort!

JAMES VTI S wrote: »

^ What is the difference between wax and polish ^

Why did you ask that? You know the difference and no where in his post did he confuse them. In fact later he explained the difference pretty well for a newbie!

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

If you want a product to hide minor scratches and even some more major ones I would recommend THIS

It doesn't last very long so what I'm thinking of trying (whenever I get the time :rolleyes:) is a few coats of THIS over it.

For tyres I like Meguires endurance gel but others here think it's muck so we'll see what they say!

Deleted User wrote: »

They look like interesting enough products. Is the first one like a filler of sorts (that you rub across the car's marks/scratches and 'rub in' to the scratches)?

Yeah, Auto Balm is an excellent product for covering minor defects without the hassle of having to polish. Rather than the polish doing the filling, it does it for you. However, its not very durable. Approx 4-6 weeks is about all you'll get. Also, it's advised that it works best on its own, and not layered with another product to try make it more durable, as other products wont bond well to it.
Another thing to consider with Auto Balm would be a light hand polish, to help remove oxidation and restore some more shine and gloss. Obviously hand polish isnt going to give correction, but to get the gloss back, then wash out the polish, and allow Auto Balm do its thing covering the minor defects.
If you look at the post left corner of this picture below, you can see some dulling of the paintwork due to what looks to be quite a lot of superficial defects. The hand polish would help to rid these, obviously lots of deeper swirls will remain, but will return more gloss here. Its little things that make the difference, and once gloss is returned, its hard to see defects in the paintwork unless you get up close.

684905D09C3348AC9C01381C85CF5CD6-0000333410-0003436118-01024L-81118C446ACA4078813DAB90F603A099.jpg

On the tyres...I'd recommend that you look at Orchard Autocare's Glitz. Its a very nice product that gives a shine to tyres, but the beauty is that its non-greasy and non-sling, so dirty doesnt stick to it like some sticky dressings, nor will you see black oily looking spots up the side of the car and on the rear bumper....though with a black car, thats not a huge issue

All in all, a great first effort. Next time you spend a few hours on it, you'll have picked up a few more tips and tricks and it will look better for it. You'll have it looking superb in no time. Keeping on top of it, is the secret!

Mc Love

I like the AG Tyre Dressing (Spray) although the foam is good, it doesnt last very long

I appreciate the comments. I always thought I'd hate cleaning a car (I hate cleaning everything else) but I have to admit, there's great satisfaction to be had from doing it properly and having it looking well. Next time I'll have to do a before and after.

Before I washed it that time, I hadn't cleaned it in about 3 weeks and had been 'off road' a couple of times (not 'off road' in the "advertisement for a Landcruiser" sense, but off road in the "a few sandy dunes and mucky grass" sense). Either way the car was filthy and the sides destroyed (apparently you cant fit front mudguards to a Rav4 with sidebars or sidesteps).

I think I said this before, but my mechanic had a tyre shine before. It was in a DIY bottle he made for it. He said a sales rep called around and sold it to him regularly, but has since disappeared and he can't remember what the name of the tyre shine is. It was an excellent product. It just looked like water and you applied it with a paint brush. Lasted about two weeks and looked fantastic while it was on. Can't seem to find anything on Google though. So I'll give the products mentioned here a shot. Tyres are the only real thing letting me down (in my opinion, though as soon as i get a tyre shine I'll notice another area to improve upon).

Curran, you mention the bumpers not being treated.. can I ask what you mean? I know they're plastic so probably another product I could be using on them, but is there anything in particular you're referring to?

I was considering getting the nudge bar on the front sprayed. According to a panel beater I know, I could get it sprayed to match the rest of the car (darker/shinier). Strongly considering it, but not sure if i like it as it is or not.

For what its worth.. and I'll probably get lambasted for this.. the tyres are shiny in the above photos cos I sprayed them with an alloy wheel cleaner and rubbed it in. I'm not sure if that will deteriorate the rubber on the tyre or not. It looked good at the time when I did it so i figured "sure may aswell, see how long it lasts", but it was back to dull and dreary the next morning when i seen it again.

Deleted User wrote: »

I think I said this before, but my mechanic had a tyre shine before. It was in a DIY bottle he made for it. He said a sales rep called around and sold it to him regularly, but has since disappeared and he can't remember what the name of the tyre shine is. It was an excellent product. It just looked like water and you applied it with a paint brush. Lasted about two weeks and looked fantastic while it was on. Can't seem to find anything on Google though. So I'll give the products mentioned here a shot. Tyres are the only real thing letting me down (in my opinion, though as soon as i get a tyre shine I'll notice another area to improve upon).

I'd say the product he is using is supplied from the likes of Autosmart or Autoglym's Trade Range.
I had meant to say earlier that Orchard Autocare's Glitz is a very durable product, way more than two weeks durability. I find having to do the tyres after a regular weekly wash a pain, so I like something durable.

Deleted User wrote: »

Curran, you mention the bumpers not being treated.. can I ask what you mean? I know they're plastic so probably another product I could be using on them, but is there anything in particular you're referring to?

I was considering getting the nudge bar on the front sprayed. According to a panel beater I know, I could get it sprayed to match the rest of the car (darker/shinier). Strongly considering it, but not sure if i like it as it is or not.

To quote yourself, the plastics on the front are "dull and dreary" and not how they would have looked back in 04 when it left the factory. They have grey'd over time and need a bit of treatment to give them a much deeper appearance.
If the panel beater would spray it, to a finish the same as the rest of the paint work, so they are colour coded bumpers, and for a reasonable cost, its something Id definitely do. Save you having to treat them repeatedly like the tyres, and it will really give it a fresher appearance. May also be worth considering getting the whole front bumper done if its badly stone chipped, as it shouldnt cost too much extra given he'll be mixing the paint anyways.

Deleted User wrote: »

For what its worth.. and I'll probably get lambasted for this.. the tyres are shiny in the above photos cos I sprayed them with an alloy wheel cleaner and rubbed it in. I'm not sure if that will deteriorate the rubber on the tyre or not. It looked good at the time when I did it so i figured "sure may aswell, see how long it lasts", but it was back to dull and dreary the next morning when i seen it again.

Its not ideal, but if you think about it, when you use wheel cleaner on the alloys, it will get on the tyres anyways. You should however choose pH neutral wheel cleaner, for the sake of your alloys and tyres...something acidic or base is far from ideal.
As with anything to do with detailing, preparation is key. Tyres should be cleaned before applying any dressing, so a medium to strong APC mixture, sprayed onto the tyre and agitate with a stiff bristle brush, such as below, being careful not to get the alloys with the bristle, give them a good scrub and rinse down. You'd be surprised the amount of who dont do it and the amount of drit that will come off, and this hinders bonding of dressing.

pete4130

Didn't you say you would probably never go off road and not need the AWD version?

Sure most stuff you can get away with 2WD once its not serious.

Last time I got stuck, 4WD didn't make a difference. when you're buried up to the chassis rails in mud soup.....its going to take a long time to dig yourself out.

I was gutted I let the Hilux down and bogged her

Thankfully a 1993 Landcruiser 70 series was on hand to snatch me out.

Curran wrote: »

I'd say the product he is using is supplied from the likes of Autosmart or Autoglym's Trade Range.
I had meant to say earlier that Orchard Autocare's Glitz is a very durable product, way more than two weeks durability. I find having to do the tyres after a regular weekly wash a pain, so I like something durable.

I think you did mention it.. the name sounds familiar, anyway. I'll give it a shot. Do you know of any online retailer (perhaps who interact with boards users :P ) who sells it? And if so could you link to it? (even in PM if need be?)

To quote yourself, the plastics on the front are "dull and dreary" and not how they would have looked back in 04 when it left the factory. They have grey'd over time and need a bit of treatment to give them a much deeper appearance.
If the panel beater would spray it, to a finish the same as the rest of the paint work, so they are colour coded bumpers, and for a reasonable cost, its something Id definitely do. Save you having to treat them repeatedly like the tyres, and it will really give it a fresher appearance. May also be worth considering getting the whole front bumper done if its badly stone chipped, as it shouldnt cost too much extra given he'll be mixing the paint anyways.

I had a Ford Focus (2000, 1.4 hatchback) in 'Ford Aquamarine Frost' (a greeny/blue-ish colour), and panel beater said front bumper on that would be in and around €80-100 to get resprayed. I decided against it as the car wasn't worth spending money on (if I fixed it up to an 'as new' condition, i'd certainly have spent more than the car was worth).

So I'd hazard that the Rav4 bumper would be about twice the price (as the nudge bar is a second piece altogether, so would probably be the price of getting two bumpers) if not a bit more expensive as the fella has gotten a bit busier as of late (so im sure his prices have increased, too).

Just to ask you though, when you talk about the plastics being dull and dreary, are you referring to the nudge bar on the front, or the actual bumper itself? (i just ask because i think the bumper looks okay, personally? But you'd have a better eye than I would for this)?

Its not ideal, but if you think about it, when you use wheel cleaner on the alloys, it will get on the tyres anyways. You should however choose pH neutral wheel cleaner, for the sake of your alloys and tyres...something acidic or base is far from ideal.
As with anything to do with detailing, preparation is key. Tyres should be cleaned before applying any dressing, so a medium to strong APC mixture, sprayed onto the tyre and agitate with a stiff bristle brush, such as below, being careful not to get the alloys with the bristle, give them a good scrub and rinse down. You'd be surprised the amount of who dont do it and the amount of drit that will come off, and this hinders bonding of dressing.

When I did it, I used a bucket of warm water and a run of the mill kitchen sponge (you know the yellow ones, with a green rougher area on one side.. cant think of the name of them) and i used that to clean the tyres before spraying them. So the tyres themselves were relatively clean.

That said, When i'm washing the car, after i powerhosed it down (more for the novelty of using a powerhose than anything else, really, haha) I went at the car with a warm bucket of water (2 bucket method) with one of those microfibre wash mit things (like a glove) and I mixed the water with a fair dose of Tesco's very own 'wash and wax'. I assume there are many better 'wash and wax' products out there than tesco's one though. But it was just convenient

I do end up using a lot of it, though.

Then I used the wax (i cant recall the name of the product.. i got it in halfords, came in a bottle, its a white liquid) and applied that using another microfibre wash mit glove.

I'd imagine I'm doing a lot wrong, but i get average/decent results. I'd like to better it though (But dont want to spend an arm and a leg on products and have no idea how to use them). I'd like to polish it.

Fella that was pricing to spray the bumper said he'd give the Rav4 a buffing/polish for €60. Im not sure if thats great or terrible, but I'd like to get the satisfaction of doing it myself. So not sure if i'll let him at it or not.

pete4130 wrote: »

Didn't you say you would probably never go off road and not need the AWD version?

Sure most stuff you can get away with 2WD once its not serious.

Last time I got stuck, 4WD didn't make a difference. when you're buried up to the chassis rails in mud soup.....its going to take a long time to dig yourself out.

I was gutted I let the Hilux down and bogged her
Thankfully a 1993 Landcruiser 70 series was on hand to snatch me out.

If I had the money (or means of taxing it commercially) I'd be driving a Hilux tomorrow. Absolutely gorgeous machine (Though completely impractical for me).

I don't really go off road, but had two photo jobs in the last couple of days that lead me into the wilderness. It'd be very rare that I'd venture off the tarmac otherwise. I was in a mucky/messy situation, but nothing that'd need 4WD. No hills and no swimming pools like in your photo above. All fairly flat-ish land, but with muck/grass/sand spraying onto the side of the the car (and underneath/wheel wells, obviously).

I find the wheel wells (if thats what they're actually called) a pain in the ass. Hardest part to clean. All the dirt...