Make It Shine: 1992 Prelude, Inside & Out!

[kaval]

Hi everyone. Here is a really nice 1992 Honda Prelude with around 313,000 original KMs.



I'll break this down into exterior, and interior.



This detail took me longer than usual due to the fact that it was pouring rain outside and space inside the garage was tight. Luckily enough, he showed up early in the morning so I had just enough time to wash the body of the vehicle (no rims and tires) before it started to rain.



Here is the vehicle before the wash...

Upon rinsing, the vehicle showed signs of an LSP present. The owner said he had waxed the vehicle with Meguiar's #26 some time before. With that said, my choice of wash was CG Citrus Wash & Gloss, double bucket method, with sheepskin wool mitts.



After drying the body of the vehicle with WW MFs, I pulled the vehicle inside the garage as it started to rain.



Contamination was fairly light, but there was quite a bit of overspray present from being painted about 1 year ago. After claying with Riccardo Clay, using ONR diluted to clay bar lube, the surface was nice and smooth, except for the large amount of fish eyes.



So, while this was happening outside.......

.............the paintwork received Klasse AIO via PC on a Sonus 6" blue pad.



Here is a shot after the KAIO:

(don't mind the brown tires...they were cleaned later...)

After KAIO, the vehicle received 2 coats of Klasse SG.

Tires were cleaned with Grime Reaper 4:1 (awesome stuff), rims cleaned with remaining CWG, and sealed with Opti-Seal. Tires dressed with EO Tire Shine.

While detailing the vehicle, I noticed that entire body was literally covered in very deep marring that went from the left side of the vehicle, to the right side, in very consistent proportions. After talking with the owner about the washing and drying methods, we discovered the Absorber he was using may have been to blame. In any case, here is what I will polishing out after winter...

Please see next post for Interior......

 

[kaval]

The interior received a full overhaul, which included removing the seats to ensure proper coverage of as much as possible. Bearing in mind that this interior has about 313,000kms, it was in fairly good condition. The older cars definitely have much better-built interiors than vehicles today, and cars like this are a true testament to that.





The interior was vacuumed, and shampooed with DP Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (fantastic stuff). Vents and tiny crevices were steam cleaned.

Panels were thoroughly cleaned with citrus degreaser mixed with hot water @ 8:1. Some spots required 3 to 4 passes. The lettering on the shift knob was cleaned using a plastic toothpick, citrus cleaner and microfiber towels. Unfortunately I forgot to take after pictures, as it turned out really nice. Oh well!



Dash protected with 303, remaining plastic trims protected with TW Platinum dressing. I really enjoy using the TW Platinum dressing as it goes a long way and is very flexible in how much 'shine' you are after. Easy to buff off as well.



Pictures:

Thank you for taking the time look! Comments, questions, suggestions are welcome!



Kaval

 

[qwertydude]

The absorber is not what was leaving that marring that was poor washing and drying technique. I never got anything near that level of paint damage using the absorber. I think it's just from neglect and no polish or wax ever being used so dirt and grime stick to the paint instead of getting washed away and anything wiped or rubbed over the body even the plushest microfibers break the contaminants loose and they scratch.

 

[imported_User Name]

I once owned a '93 Prelude SR-V, same color (black interior) and you really did wonders with it, but definitely need to do a good paint correction.

 

[imported_dazzerjp]

Very nice, especially the interior



I also had a 03 prelude. A classic.

 

[kaval]

The absorber is not what was leaving that marring that was poor washing and drying technique. I never got anything near that level of paint damage using the absorber. I think it's just from neglect and no polish or wax ever being used so dirt and grime stick to the paint instead of getting washed away and anything wiped or rubbed over the body even the plushest microfibers break the contaminants loose and they scratch.

Using the Absorber was part of the poor wasing & drying technique. The fact that the scratches are in a very consistent direction, along with the fact that the owner drags the towel across the paint contributed more to the damage. If he used a WW MF, I don't believe the damage would have been as bad as it currently is.



The car had #26 on the paint already, so I don't believe neglect was a contributing factor. The overall damage could have been reduced by using better washing and drying products & techniques, but the actual damage (scratches going across the car) are definitely related to the what the car is dried with, along with the way it is used. Part of the reason we wipe left to right, or back and forth on paint is to ensure that if any damage is instilled, we know where it happened. The owner stated that washing was done in a circular motion, but drying was done by dragging the towel over the paint, side to side.



Perhaps if the client had used the blotting technique, the damage would not have been as severe.

I once owned a '93 Prelude SR-V, same color (black interior) and you really did wonders with it, but definitely need to do a good paint correction.

Thanks for the comment! They are solid cars, one of the best lines of Hondas made IMO. It could definitely use an overhaul though!

Very nice, especially the interior



I also had a 03 prelude. A classic.

Thanks for the comment! These cars are fantastic!

 

[Scottwax]

Much, much better.



Just wait until you really correct the paint! Make sure to post it. :up

 

[Dunbar42]

Brings back memories of my '93 Prelude VTEC. Great car.