*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***

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I've got a few free days so looking to start working on my van again. I've put about 30 hours into it in total, polishing by hand. I got the rear, one full side, the bonnet and the bottom 1/3rd of the remaining side all cleaned up. It was originally completely pitted with grime and tar so it was pretty well transformed.

In addition, all the swirl marks went, well.. They went for a month or three. They are back so I can only presume the product I was using (autoglym paint renovator and the polish) had fillers.

I presume the only way to get these out properly is to use a machine polisher? I was looking at this one as a starter, I'll probably only use the machine a few times then keep up with the cleaning by hand afterwards http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Kestrel_DAS-6_Menz_Kit_2_1.html . I'd like to re-do all the panels I have done to date, and finish the final side plus the roof, would the above machine be a good buy?
 
Thanks for the tip for dealing with the hard-ass southern water Gibbo, I used a chamois rather than a towel but it worked a treat:

shineyresized.jpg
 
just a couple of quick q's about the car..


i've noticed after cleaning it with a sponge and some wash etc.. it seems to leave very very fine hairline scratches on the paint, is this normal? (only viewable in certain light conditions i.e the sun)


also, i have to park next to a cherry blossom tree :rolleyes: and it seems to be leaving VERY small specs of what i can only describe as pollen? they come off with the finger nail, but not just normal washing.. is there anything i can use to get this crap off?
 
-Tauren- said:
just a couple of quick q's about the car..


i've noticed after cleaning it with a sponge and some wash etc.. it seems to leave very very fine hairline scratches on the paint, is this normal? (only viewable in certain light conditions i.e the sun)


also, i have to park next to a cherry blossom tree :rolleyes: and it seems to be leaving VERY small specs of what i can only describe as pollen? they come off with the finger nail, but not just normal washing.. is there anything i can use to get this crap off?
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Don't use a sponge, use a lambs wool wash mit. Secondly, use clay to remove surface contaminants.
 
With the weather getting better I've decided to start washing my car again instead of paying someone else to do a half arsed / good wash depending on how they feel!

Just wanted your opinions on what I bought and how to use the stuff:

Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo
Zymol Cleaner Wax
Autoglym Resin Polish

Any good?

Also how do I use the Zymol wax? Is it the same as polish, apply with cloth and then buff out with a cloth?

The autoglym polish is to be used interchangably with the Zymol wax, I presume. However are both these products safe to use for a fortnightly wash or are they too strong for that?

(I already have a vast array of various tyre shine, interior / leather / dashboard cleaner, glass cleaners, colour magic, t-cut etc)

Thanks in advance
 
Lakeland said:
Bit the bullet and bought a machine polisher. Might post some pictures near the end of next week if I get it finished.
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Buying myself a DA next week to give my 182 a going over (black gold) as it's a total 'swirl bus' at the moment!

First time with a machine polisher of any sort DA/rotary and fairly confident I'll do a decent job and won't cause any damage which I read is almost impossible with a DA providing you're not a total tool.
 
BennyC said:
Buying myself a DA next week to give my 182 a going over (black gold) as it's a total 'swirl bus' at the moment!

First time with a machine polisher of any sort DA/rotary and fairly confident I'll do a decent job and won't cause any damage which I read is almost impossible with a DA providing you're not a total tool.
Click to expand...

If you've not found these already, have a look:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/images/misc/dapolishing.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmVENAMMor0

Don't think you can go far wrong as long as you keep the working area fairly small (1-2 sq feet) and you don't let the edge of the pad dig in. Mine will be here tomorrow fingers crossed, if I pick up any tips as I'm doing mine I'll feedback in here.
 
Washed mine on Monday night, only for it to slightly rain Tuesday morning which left bloody dust all over it :(
 
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