Took the Flex to the Allroad yesterday (Pics)

[DJ_JonnyV]

Here is a quick write-up on the correction polish I did on my `04 Audi Allroad yesterday. The clear on it is pretty tough, so you can understand why I used the polishes that I did. This might be redundant for some folks who have seen this post somewhere else. The color on it is cobalt blue and has a tendency to show swril marks like any darker colored car does. I`ve been meaning to do this since October, but finally go a chance with the holiday break.



It was fairly dirty from the some of the bad weather we`ve had in St. Louis lately. It was warm enough to do a traditional wash, but I opted for an Optimum No Rinse (ONR) wash instead. I had done my A6 a couple of days earlier using a grout sponge, but didn`t care for it as a wash mitt too much. I know there are some die-hard fans out there, but I just don`t think it`s for me. Recently, I found a 3 pk bundle of MF wash mitts at Costco along with a large MF towel. The pack comes in 3 different colors and are pretty soft. I used 2 buckets (1 solution and 1 rinse with grit guards in both. Hey, I just noticed the text boxes to type posts are bigger...nice!!! Anyway, these wash mitts sreleased dirt pretty well after scrubbing on the grit guard after each panel. It didn`t start to get real gunky looking until the lower half, front bumper and rear bumper. Here`s a couple of shots from the ONR:



Little 50/50 action:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238150458-L.jpg



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238150642-L.jpg



Costco wash mitts:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238151072-L.jpg



Finished product after ONR:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238150254-L.jpg





My plan was to do a 2 step polish starting with Menzerna IP followed by 106FA. I was thinking Menzerna Micro Polish for the 2nd polish, but glad I went with 106FA instead...more on that later. I started with an orange pad, IP, and speed 5 on a test setion on the hood. It cleaned up quite a bit, but not to where I wanted it to be. So, went with same combination, but speed 6 second time. A little better, but not quite there yet. So, screw it, busted out the Menzerna PowerGloss on an orange pad on speed 6. Now, that`s better. I did most of the rest of the car with this combination. On a couple of panels I tried a yellow pad just to see if I could get some of the deeper scratches, but after a couple of panels, I noticed some micro-marring. Scared the crap out of me at first as I`ve never induced this before with the Flex. Quickly changed to a white pad and the 106FA, and it cleaned up nicely. Decided to play it safe and went back to the orange pad. I don`t know if the Micro Polish would`ve cleaned things up this nicely.



As for the the 106FA, I really like this stuff. It continued to clean up some swirling and scratches while leaving an extremely glossy shine on the paint. Here`s some pics with commentary...



This is the back left quarter panel which (for whatever reason) had some worse swirls than other areas:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238154859-L.jpg



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238155170-L.jpg



Afters:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238156147-L.jpg



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238157454-L.jpg



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238156978-L.jpg



Hood before:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238155376-L.jpg



After:

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238157634-L.jpg



I know it`s not the same part of the hood, but the entire hood pretty much looked like the before pic. Also, there was a little overcast in front of the sun. it was difficult getting good hood shots at that particular time of the day. Also, I had some nasty water spots on my hood that bugged the hell out of me eveerytime I walked out into the garage and saw them on the hood. They were very visible under the fluorescent lights in my garage, but they are about 90% gone now! I know, I know, should`ve taken some pics...



Here`s a favorite when I was laying the PowerGloss down. Now you see it:



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238164027-L.jpg



Now you don`t:



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238155783-L.jpg



Here are some finished product shots after applying FMJ. Still need to put a 2nd coat on though.



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238158093-L.jpg



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238153720-L.jpg



http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238154054-L.jpg



Hello

http://jonnypix.smugmug.com/photos/238154250-L.jpg



Not as glossy as I would`ve like to have shown, but the clouds were in front of the sun on this one.



Anyway, I`m very happy with the results. This is the first time that I`ve done a 2 step with the Flex. on previous details that I`ve done for folks, they either weren`t paying for the serious correction, or Menzerna IP worked like a champ. The PowerGloss + 106FA made a very good combination. I would`ve liked to have tried SIP but mine`s not coming until Wednesday from DD. Also, don`t think I`m neglecting the rest of the car. With 2 small kids I do what I can when I can. Last weekend I detailed the interior (including leather), and then probably in the next week or two, I`ll go to work on the wheels. Anyway, please let me know if there are any questions, and with all these folks getting their Flex, let`s see some pics!

[Old Pirate]

Looks great DJ! i was wonder what is 106FA? i know 106FF but the one you were using i`m not sure of it. But like i say it was a great job with your Flex and looks awesome!......:up

[m4gician]

im sure he made a typo as 106fa doesn`t exist I don`t think.

[DJ_JonnyV]

No, it is 106FA. I got it from Detailer`s Domain a month or two ago. From everything I understand, it`s very similar to 106FF, but was maybe tweaked a little for a specific application by Menzerna. There is a gentleman from Menzerna USA (Jeff or Justin Silver) that posts here from time to time that said it`s extremely similar to 106FF.

[Old Pirate]

Thanks DJ!......

[Cleaning Fool]

Looks pretty darn glossy to me. Looks fabulous!..Excellent in my opinion. Gotta love how easy FMJ is to apply and remove. Plus its a very good product in my view, used it many times.

[frostydog]

Brilliant work Jonny...I`m in the market for an Audi and everything I`ve read says their clear is hard as heck and a PITA to correct. Looks like the Flex didn`t have any problems, which is good to know.



all is good with your Flex I take it??? no issues???

[imported_hockeyplaya13]

Wow that FMJ gives great depth to the paint! Surprising for a sealant.

[DJ_JonnyV]

Hey, guys, thanks for the kind words. Trust me, there are still some loaners out there on that paint, especially some deeper stuff on the hood. You have to know your limitations. You can kind of see a few stragglers here and there on my after pics, but now, the swrils are greatly reduced and you have to really look for them. But, overall, yes, the Flex was effective on Audi hard clearcoat. Thanks again.

[superchargedg]

Looks great jonny and as always the flex comes thru without the worry of paint damage(if used correctly).

[NavindraLR]

nice job.. that care came out really well.. just curious as to what dressing you used on the trim/bumpers? They look great. Thanks

[kkjv1]

Thanks DJ. Looks great.



Couple of questions:

1. What color of polishing pads did you use for which product?

2. What do you use to clean / detail your Audi dashboard? I don`t want my Audi A3 dash to have any shine.

[detaildoc]

Awesome work! Car looks amazing.:2thumbs:

[BigAl3]

thanks for the write-up and pics!

[DJ_JonnyV]

Again, thanks to everyone for the positive comments. NavindraLR, it`s funny you ask about that. In those pics, I really hadn`t applied anything yet to any of the trim - matte black bumper, roof, roof rails, tires, wheels, etc. They were all washed with ONR though. I`ve noticed that ONR does actually leave a pretty nice shine (after cleaning up) on the paint and seems to have a similar effect on the trim. I did the wheels and tires with a fresh batch of ONR after washing the car itself. Did 3 gallons warm water to 2 1/2 caps of ONR (I think that`s the mix) and a rinse bucket along with black wheel Schmitt and Boar`s Hair wheel brush. Used the wheel brush to hit the twin spokes and the wheel Schmitt for the surface of wheels and tires.



kkjv1 - as for your questions:



1. When starting out with Menzerna IP, I was using an orange pad from Excel Detailing and/or Detailer`s Paradise. Was looking for a little more @ss, so switched to PowerGloss on an orange pad. I tried a few panels with a yellow Erasure pad also from Excel, and noticed what seemed to be some micro-marring. Retreated to the orange pads again after that. For the 106FA, I used white light polishing pad from Excel / Detailer`s Paradise. One thing I did notice about the 106FA is that it doesn`t gunk up on the pads as bad as IP and PowerGloss seem to. With IP or PG, i almost have to change my pad every 2-3 panels. The 106FA let me use the pads longer.



2. My standard product for my 2 Audis, or anyone`s cars, is Einszett 1z Cockpit Premium. I really, really, really like this stuff. I think it does what you`re looking for. Leaves a nice matte finish on interior trim. Smells a little chemically (I think I just made that up) at first, but subsides after a day or two.



BTW, how do you like your A3. I`m looking to replace my A6 next year, and the A3 has me intrigued quite a bit.