Man, feels like I haven`t posted a detail in forever! To tell you the truth, the last two weeks have just been a blur. This one was done the week before Detail Fest. The owner is a real estate agent and finally decided to use me since 3 others do there. He was a hard sale. After finally coming to an agreement, I went to work.
Here`s the process:
Wash & Clay
Used NXT Tech Wash with wash ShMitt along with Meguiar`s Med. Clay. I almost used the entire container of clay on this one!
Engine Bay
This area got a soaking of Purple Power degreaser. I let it dwell on the engine and inner hood for about 5 minutes. I then took my Meguiar`s Versa-Angle wheel brush and scrubbed everything. I followed this up with a blasting from my pressures washer. While still wet, I covered the entire engine bay with Armor All Tire Foam. I then started the vehicle and let run while I cleaned the rest of the vehicle.
Tires and Wheels
The tires and wells were sprayed with Purple Power while the wheels got a soaking of Meguiar`s Wheel Brightener at 4:1. I broke out the rubber gloves and wheel ShMitt and scrubbed the heck out of each tire and wheel. This combo of chemical and tool has never failed me. I then sprayed each tire and well with Armor All Tire foam while wet. After drying and wipe down, the tires recieved a coat fo DP`s Tire Gel. Really easy stuff to apply and I love the matte look it leaves. Dried to the touch as well.
Paint Polishing
Pinnacle`s Advance Swirl Remover
(EDGE2K Yellow Pad at a #5 PC setting)
Tons of tree limb and dog nail scratches here. Swirls were everywhere. ASR did the job though. It removed 75% of all defects and muted out the larger ones. This chemical finished off ready for a final coat of wax. Also, there was no dusting and I had tons of work time even in full sun.
Paint Protection
Pinnacle`s Liquid Souveran Wax
(EDGE2K White Finishing Pad at a #4 PC setting and was removed by hand and MF towel)
I had left my jar of Souveran at home and decided to use the next best thing. This wax goes on so thin.......almost invisible. I use a dime sized amount per panel once my pad is loaded up. I let it dry for about 15 minutes and it came off easily. No dusting either. Just a deep, glossy finish.
Interior Carpets and Leather
(Cleaned carpets and leather with Meguiar`s APC 4:1. Leather was then treated with Wolfgang`s Leather conditioner. All plastic and vinyl was treated with DP`s Total Interior Protectant)
The carpet mats were destroyed and stained. The owner is replacing them Husky Liners so I didn`t spend a lot time on them. I had to wipe down the interior panels and dash 2-3 times to get all the grime out. It was just a dirty vehicle. The headliner and visor were also wiped down and all glass cleaned with DP`s Krystal Vision Glass Cleaner. I cannot get this stuff to streak or fog.
In closing, this was a tough ride to clean. With 120k+ miles on it, it was showing. It only got a bath every 2-3 months and that was a drive thru car wash. The interior, well, I have no idea when it was last cleaned. The good thing is I`m now doing this one every 2 weeks, in fact, I will be cleaning this Monday. Let`s hope it still looks somewhat clean!
Befores......
Bookmarks