Quick wash after 6 months without cleaning..

[DSMu4ia]

This is my GF`s car. She got it at least 6-7 months ago, never washed it. It`s got about 6k miles on it and was FILTHY. Keep in mind most of the dirt you see is not really dirt, but some crazy tar-like crap that I had to scrub off.



It was a spur of the moment thing (I had enough of looking and riding in such a pigsty), so my time was very limited. The car realy needed a clay job, a quick run through of the PC with some light polishing compound, and a coating of NXT or the like. It would have REALLY looked nice.



Just wanted to show some of you guys that even a simple wash (thorough however) can really make a car stand out.



Steps:

1. Simple Green the whole car. Yes, this is how bad it was.

2. Wash 2x with Meguires Gold Class.

3. Windows with NXT with a MF towel.

4. Tires were done with the leftovers of 2 products, Armor-All and Black Magic Tire wet. Dumped them into a empty butter container and used the sponge on it.

5. Engine was hosed off, simple green`d, and then CD2 engine detailer spray was used 2x on it. Wiped off and dried.



Onto the pics:



Before!



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/before1.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/before2.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/before4.jpg

Yes, this was mostly TAR.



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/before3.jpg



After!



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/after1.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/after4.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/after5.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/after6.jpg





I`m happy with how it turned out. I just wish I had time to at least put on a coat of NXT or something for a little protection. Ohio has been unseasonably warm, so hopefully soon.

[DSMu4ia]

Engine!



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/engine_after1.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/engine_after2.jpg



http://www.doitbig.org/grandprix_detail/engine_after3.jpg

[White95Max]

Looks a whole lot better. That looks more like dried dirt though, not tar. If you leave dirt on the paint for 6 months, it will not just wipe off easily, especially with no wax on the car.

[ZaneO]

Good save ;)

[01bluecls]

Nice wetness to the white!

[twitch]

WOW! I am happy that you rescued it. The car certainly needed a little bit of TLC.



Good work. :spot

[pontman43]

Very nice, looked like someone wiped their a** with it. lol

[PerfectFinish1]

Looking good...



Nice to see some people from the Lot that detail their own cars, most dont` even wash them lol. This is SilvrLex from TLS

[DSMu4ia]

Looking good...



Nice to see some people from the Lot that detail their own cars, most dont` even wash them lol. This is SilvrLex from TLS



Ya I hear ya, I`d rather have a clean car than a beater with 50 extra horsepower any day!



Thanks guys, if the weather holds out, maybe I`ll get the chance to prep the paint like I would have wanted.

[BobD]

"Simple Green the whole car. Yes, this is how bad it was"

This is something I would NEVER even think about doing.

[Arved]

Steps:

1. Simple Green the whole car. Yes, this is how bad it was.

2. Wash 2x with Meguires Gold Class.

3. Windows with NXT with a MF towel.

4. Tires were done with the leftovers of 2 products, Armor-All and Black Magic Tire wet. Dumped them into a empty butter container and used the sponge on it.

5. Engine was hosed off, simple green`d, and then CD2 engine detailer spray was used 2x on it. Wiped off and dried.



Looks good in the pics. What did your GF think?



NXT on the windows? How does that work out? Longevity?



So, besides washing the paint, you didn`t put on anything? That`s the raw clear coat?



Nice job. Congrats! :up

[DSMu4ia]

"Simple Green the whole car. Yes, this is how bad it was"

This is something I would NEVER even think about doing.



Better than the equivilent of having to scrub at the paint to get the dirt/muck/tar off, which defniately would have caused micromarring and scratches.



I`ve used simple green in tons of applications without any adverse affects. It does have a bad rap on here, but I`m not sure why. It`s by far my favorite wheel cleaner, I usually use it around 10:1.

[DSMu4ia]

Looks good in the pics. What did your GF think?



NXT on the windows? How does that work out? Longevity?



So, besides washing the paint, you didn`t put on anything? That`s the raw clear coat?



Nice job. Congrats! :up



GF loved it. And it rained the next day, woohoo.



NXT on the windows is just their glass cleaner. One of my favorites, I still haven`t found a perfect glass cleaner.



No other products were used on the paint, just a good thorough wash, being careful with the amount of dirt that was on it. Because there were no products used I can only imagine how nice it`ll look once I finish it. Paint was surprisingly smooth however after the wash.

[15951]

Looks great! I wouldn`t have ever thought to use Simple Green on paint either. I used it on a really dirty dashboard once and almost had Autopians picket my house.



I appreciate that Pontiac numbered the spark plugs. Either they are helping out the DIY`ers, or they have very little faith in their mechanics. Either way, it`s a nice touch.

[Arved]

GF loved it. And it rained the next day, woohoo.



Let`s hope she`s seen the error of her ways. :nomore:




NXT on the windows is just their glass cleaner. One of my favorites, I still haven`t found a perfect glass cleaner.



Doh! I keep forgetting they have a glass cleaner under the NXT label. Have you tried Stoners? I like it, but it seems you need two different products to eliminate streaking. Any one won`t do it all. :wall



Good Job! :xyxthumbs