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4cruizn · 11-07-07, 04:31

The 1991 Prelude Si 4WS (four-wheel-steering) I recently picked up was very clean -- everywhere except the engine. I'm a perfectionist and an obsessive-compulsive detailer, so there was no way I could stand to leave it looking anything less than showroom fresh!

Here's the process I took to bring my B21A1 back where it belongs. It has 121,000 miles on it.

- High pressure washed the entire engine bay, being careful not to direct the spray at any electrical components
- (Back at home) Wiped down everything within reach by hand, with a rag and a diluted car wash concentrate
- Rinsed, and wiped down everything with a dry towel
- Cleaned all vinyl and rubber trim with protectant
- Took a toothbrush and some glass cleaner to the hard-to-reach crevices
- Clay barred all visible paint areas with Mother's clay bar
- Waxed every square inch of paint I could get my hands on with Meguiar's Step 3 carnauba wax. I ended up with cuts and scratches all over my hands from trying to get into some difficult areas. I even waxed the underneath of the hood!
- Hand-buffed everything with a microfiber towel

All in all, probably 4-5 hours of work, over the course of several days. But I think you'll agree, the results are worth it.

Before (was removing nasty wheel well trim at the same time)

After

Before

After

Before

After (I need to duplicate the lighting for you to really appreciate the difference)

Before

After

And a couple more pics for your enjoyment while I'm at it.

This paint is SLICK after the clay bar and fresh wax.

The whole car, from a photoshoot last weekend in downtown Phoenix.

Four wheel steering action

A few more pics of the car here if you're interested:

Phoenix Red 4WS ... In Phoenix! (18 pics) - Preludepower.com

Thanks for looking and for all the inspiration!

- Tyson

11-07-07, 04:31	#1 (permalink)
4cruizn Six-Speeder 4cruizn is offline Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 108	1991 Prelude Si 4WS Engine Detail... The 1991 Prelude Si 4WS (four-wheel-steering) I recently picked up was very clean -- everywhere except the engine. I'm a perfectionist and an obsessive-compulsive detailer, so there was no way I could stand to leave it looking anything less than showroom fresh! Here's the process I took to bring my B21A1 back where it belongs. It has 121,000 miles on it. - High pressure washed the entire engine bay, being careful not to direct the spray at any electrical components - (Back at home) Wiped down everything within reach by hand, with a rag and a diluted car wash concentrate - Rinsed, and wiped down everything with a dry towel - Cleaned all vinyl and rubber trim with protectant - Took a toothbrush and some glass cleaner to the hard-to-reach crevices - Clay barred all visible paint areas with Mother's clay bar - Waxed every square inch of paint I could get my hands on with Meguiar's Step 3 carnauba wax. I ended up with cuts and scratches all over my hands from trying to get into some difficult areas. I even waxed the underneath of the hood! - Hand-buffed everything with a microfiber towel All in all, probably 4-5 hours of work, over the course of several days. But I think you'll agree, the results are worth it. Before (was removing nasty wheel well trim at the same time) After Before After Before After (I need to duplicate the lighting for you to really appreciate the difference) Before After And a couple more pics for your enjoyment while I'm at it. This paint is SLICK after the clay bar and fresh wax. The whole car, from a photoshoot last weekend in downtown Phoenix. Four wheel steering action A few more pics of the car here if you're interested: Phoenix Red 4WS ... In Phoenix! (18 pics) - Preludepower.com Thanks for looking and for all the inspiration! - Tyson Last edited by 4cruizn : 11-07-07 at 07:34.