* The Car Cleaning Thread *

Tinders · 3 Sep 2010 at 22:41

Anyone got any tips for faded red paintwork,ive got a rotary and am confident with it, but my mates old MR2 is a bit ropey and needs rejuvenating, a quick going over with SRP, seems to bring the finish back but it fades again, would a sealant help?

RussZS · 3 Sep 2010 at 22:50

After how long does it fade again?

Something with good UV protection should help, such as:

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/britemax_extreme_elements_1.html

MikeHiow · 4 Sep 2010 at 19:59

Finally a chance to do my own car - no correction unfortunately as I didn't have time for it.

Products used:
Autobrite Snowfoam
Tesco APC

Z7
ONR
AG SRP
PBW Blackhole
Z2P (2 layers over ~18 hours)
AG Fastglass
Meguiars tyre dressing
PBW Natural look dressing
Autosol metal polish
Meguiars Gold Class leather care

No progress pictures unfortunately.

DM · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:10

Very nice, came up a treat.

RussZS · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:11

Looks great.

Have you noticed how slick the paintwork feels after Zaino?

MikeHiow · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:13

Yes, its beautiful Russ - and I thought Natty's blue made it feel slick, this is on another level.

I've definitely been converted - I much prefer the sealant look. My only criticism of Z2 is that its difficult to see, even once cured - but in a way, this is a good thing, because I tend to go over more thoroughly - far fewer 'missed bits' than I usually get after the first buff with wax.

RussZS · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:15

Definitely add Z6 and Z8 to your collection Mike. I believe CYC has stock again now too. Z6 is the QD, and Z8 a top up sealant. Alternate them after each wash.

I always use Z6 when removing Z2, as it can be tough if done on a hot panel, for example.

RussZS · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:17

This is a good read too, if you haven't seen it already.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=30674

Sealants don't bead like Wax, but Z2 will easily outlast most waxes, and will keep your car cleaner, for longer.

Did you try it on yours wheels?

MikeHiow · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:31

Thanks. After reading that, I'm not sure if I'll bother with Z7 again - or perhaps just leave it for my own car - I could see it wasn't going to last long when I read the doses. That said, I also want to give ONR a go for when the car isn't really that dirty.

I will certainly grab some Z6 as well as the Z8.

I did try it on the wheels - not sure how well I got the coverage, but I'll be sure to top it up next time I wash the car.

Thanks for all the Zaino advice - I'm well and truly sold on it

RussZS · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:43

Agree on the shampoo. I'd go for Optimum Car Shampoo (not ONR, the other one). It's £28 for a US Gallon, but is very concentrated. Should keep you going a while.

The only issue with Zaino is curing times when it's cold - it's designed for the US's much warmer climate. There's rumoured to be a 'Euro' version on the way next year, which addresses this.

redeye_uk · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:50

Focus ST looking nice and :cool:

How long it take you Mike? Oh, and whats with the coke bottle?

MikeHiow · 4 Sep 2010 at 20:56

About 3 hours last night, and a further 3 this morning.

Last night was Foam, wash, clay, re-foam, rinse, dry, SRP (by machine) and Z2.

This morning was a light brush off of dust that accumulated over night, another layer of Z2 followed by windows, door shuts cleaned and sealed, wheels sealed, tyres and exterior plastics dressed, interior hoovered and plastics dressed.

ScoobyDoo69 · 5 Sep 2010 at 12:27

Cleaned the car and polished the headlights as they didn't seem to be all that clear recently! Nice and clear now though

MikeHiow · 5 Sep 2010 at 18:33

Went to do a friends X6 today - as usual, I completely forgot any progress pics other than a quick snow foam shot.

Products used;
Autobrite snow foam
Z7
Flash APC
Megs hot wheels
SRP
Z2P
Megs endurance tyre dressing
PBW Natural look dressing
AG Fast Glass
and various brushes etc. as usual

On with the pictures;

Ended up giving this a very quick foam and wash in the middle, but dried by its owner;

Back to the X6 - Sorry for the terrible pictures, forgot about taking them until it was put away;

Oh, and throughout the day, the owner sought my guidance (and borrowed some of my products) with cleaning his GTR. He foamed, clayed, washed and dried it in preparation for a very quick polish with SRP and seal up with Z2P. This should keep it going until it has a proper detail in October.

Afters;

Thanks for reading

shifty_uk · 5 Sep 2010 at 18:37

What does your friend do?

Both cars look excellent, immaculate cleaning.

ironman · 5 Sep 2010 at 21:57

ScoobyDoo69 said:
Cleaned the car and polished the headlights as they didn't seem to be all that clear recently! Nice and clear now though

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/821/59268433098404248505254.jpg

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6466/58839433098459248505254.jpg

Looks lovely mate, are you using the empty foglights as cold air feed? Also i'd get a smaller plate on that and htauto splitter pronto.

ScoobyDoo69 · 5 Sep 2010 at 22:27

Thanks Gurdas. The drivers side is massive air feed to the induction kit which sits in a custom heatshield which I made, and the passenger side is to the oil cooler.
Yup the plan is a front splitter and small reg plate, maybe some mesh grille to match the bit above the reg plate. Don't know yet, it's only £35 from B&Q so might try it

RussZS · 5 Sep 2010 at 23:43

Bet you're glad I mentioned Zaino now - perfect product for both of those cars, they look superb

MikeHiow · 6 Sep 2010 at 09:17

Yep, its the best new product I've ever had

Irish_Tom · 7 Sep 2010 at 19:00

Does anyone know if Collinite 915 and Poor Boy's Black Hole or Blackfire Deep Gloss Spray Sealant are compatible?

I'm not sure if I can justify £54 on the Blackfire Midnight Sun and I'm not sure if the Natty Blue is durable enough, especially for the coming winter.

Cheers.

*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***

* The Car Cleaning Thread *