How to detail a car.

[Daz]

First of all I want to say that I havn't done everything that I normally do in a detail, as I have allready done it on my car. But I will edit this post when I do them on someone elses car:)

This is what I do for a detail.

Wheels

For the wheels, tyres and arches I use APC(all purpose cleaner) diluted 4:1, in a spray bottle.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/001.jpg

I use two separate brushes, (one is for the alloys and the other is for the tyres and arches)

Spray APC onto alloy, tyre and arch.
Get the first brush and clean the alloy:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/003.jpg

Then use the second brush to clean the tyre arch:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/004.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/005.jpg

Rinse thoroughly.

Wash process

To remove the surface dirt, I foam the car using the Gilmour. If you have a foam lance that attaches to the PW then use that.
I have ran out of snow foam so I have used Megs shampoo.
Put a little bit in the bottom of the Gilmour:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/007.jpg

Fill it a quarter up:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/008.jpg

Spray onto car, when the solution has gone the car should be looking like this:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/009.jpg

While the foam is doing its job, go and fill the buckets up. First bucket is for the Megs shampoo, put a small amount at the bottom:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/010.jpg

Second bucket is for water(both together)
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/011.jpg

Rinse off the foam. Wash half of the roof, then put the lambs wool mitt in the wash bucket before putting it into the solution bucket and rinse the shampoo from the paint. Repeat this process all around the car. When complete the wash bucket should look like this:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/detail/012.jpg

Paint prep

Next is to clay the paint work. Nead the clay untill it is easy to fold. (put in a hot container on a cold day)

These pics are from when I clayed the car.

There is no need to dry the car as you can use the water as lube, aswell as speed detailer.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/015-3.jpg

Spray the lube on the paint and lightly run the clay bar across the paint. After:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/016-2.jpg

Do this all over the car. In some places there will be tar spots, use AG tar remover for these bits. (no pics)

Wash the car in the same way as before.

Drying

When drying the car, I use a micro fibre cloth. Place on paint then pull it towards you.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/burge_02/017-2.jpg

I use about 5/6 micro fibre cloths to do this.
Using seperate ones for;
Top of car.
Around windows and middle of car.
Around the bottom of car.
Bumpers and skits.
Wheels and tyres.

Polishing

You can either do it by hand or by a machine polisher.

Before polishing it is best to clean the paint using a paint cleanser, such as dodo lime prime. Apply it to an applicator pad and rub into paint, buffing off immediately.


By hand

Apply polish onto a terry cloth and work into paint, do a section about 6" by 6" until the polish has broken down. (goes clear) Buff off with a miro fibre cloth, repeat this until all of the car is fully polished.

By machine (UDM-paint correction)

Tape up all plastics, rubber and glass. Or any were that the buffer can touch any thing other than the paint.

When I put the polish on the pad, I put it in a circle then rub it on paint to ensure that there will be no splatter of product.

Set the speed controll to 5/6 and place onto car before turning on. Apply a small amount of pressure and work the polish in, side to side up and down, in an area of 12" by 12" until it breaks down. Buff off with a clean micro fibre cloth. Do this all around the car.

Waxing

To wax I use an applicator pad. Rub into the wax until a light coating is on the pad, place on paint and work it in small circles. Do this around the car and leave for about 10 mins depending on manufactures recommendations. Buff off with a clean micro fibre cloth.

Dressing

I apply dressing to the tyres, bump stips and any other parts that need it.

Tyres

Spray Megs hot tyre shine on to a small sponge, wipe over the tyre until all the tyre is covered. Repeat on all four.

Plastics

Same process as the tyres, but I use AG vynl and rubber care. Ensure that all plastics are treated with this.


I think I have put everything you need to know about doing the outside of car. As i said I will edit this post and put pics where they are needed.

Please comment on this, tell me if its informative or not.

Cheers

[Rallye James]

That's an excellent guide! I'd give you some rep, but it won't let me :p

[chiddy0407]

good guide mate, but have you any reccomendations for polish? ((im doing it by hand btw))

[Alexhood106]

thats a really good guide there mate. i'l remember this when i need to do my car :D
nice 1 mate. should of put some pics of your car when it was do :P

[Daz]

good guide mate, but have you any reccomendations for polish? ((im doing it by hand btw))

Just get some Megs DC1, DC2, DC3 I find that gives nice results:)

thats a really good guide there mate. i'l remember this when i need to do my car :D
nice 1 mate. should of put some pics of your car when it was do :P

http://www.106owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=16672

That was from when I did the paint correction a while ago.


Cheers guys for the nice replies:D

[ATFoxy 106]

thanx daz much appreciated!!

[Daz]

thanx daz much appreciated!!


No problem:)

I can do an interior and engine bay if you want aswell.

[Alexhood106]

http://www.106owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=16672

That was from when I did the paint correction a while ago.


Cheers guys for the nice replies:D[/quote]


the car looks amazing :) lol
can you do me a list of everything you need to do the outside of the car. if you dont mind. gave you some rep aswel man :D

[Daz]

You want all the products that I use?

[Chris S]

Thats a decent guide mate =]
I'd love an engine bay one at some point as mine looks awful at the moment :P

[Ryanmc]

Thats a good guide cheers mate

I can do an interior and engine bay if you want aswell.

yea i think you should as i would be great for me to be able to do it properly:)

[Alexhood106]

yeah if you dont mind :D :P

[Alexhood106]

yah if you dont mind :P:D

[Daz]

Heres what I use and links/places on where to get them:) mostly halfrauds:p

APC- From tesco
Wheel brushes- www.raceglaze.co.uk (http://www.raceglaze.co.uk)
AG clean wheels- halfrauds
AG vynl and rubber car- halfrauds
AG fast glass- halfrauds
Megs nxt car wash- halfrauds
Megs DC1, DC2, DC3- halfrauds
Megs clay kit- halfrauds
Megs tyre shine- halfrauds
Megs applicator pads- halfrauds
Gilmour foam gun- www.autobritedirect.co.uk (http://www.autobritedirect.co.uk)
Dodo wax- www.dodojuice.com (http://www.dodojuice.com)
Micro fibres- www.cleanyourcar.co.uk (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk)
UDM and accessories- www.autopia-carcare.com (http://www.autopia-carcare.com)

I think thats everything. There might be some that I have missed out though:o

[Alexhood106]

cheerz mate. :D

[Scotts_106gti]

so once you polish the car, you apply wax on top of that?

[Daz]

yeah or you can apply seal then wax :)

[unreal]

wiked guide mate just in time for new years clean! so i can leave the car wet n then clay it sprtaying the detailer in the area to be clayed? not too thick though? should i feel it gettin easier to pul along (the clay) ?

[Daz]

Yeah just mist it on, then wipe dry:)

And yeah should be gliding over with no hesitance after a few passes. Just remember to keep kneading the clay to a clean side:)

[Easty-5]

Not bad mate, you really should use some grit guards, will help prevent swirls. When waxing i find the best way to do it is panel at a time as you get a good even coverage and you dont go over the same bit twice. You should use quick detailer as lube also when drying, and a megs aqua dry towel will give better results than MF colths, no smears. As for claying, i find you get better results if you dry the car first, then clay with quick detailer, as when i wash my car, the water beads a lot as the Swisswax treatment i gave it 4 months ago is still holding out, so the water doesnt let the clay get a good grip. So others may come across the same problem.

These are just things that i would do differently but in no way am i saying you are doing anything wrong.

[Daz]

For drying I use sonus der wonder drying towels:)

And I know about the grit gaurds need to get some :o

[Easty-5]

Orite ok, how do you find them?

I was toying over getting them but was told good things about the megs towel, also the one towel will do the whole car.

[Daz]

I have two and use them both. But you can ring them out and keep using them :)

There good.

[Bale]

engine bay detail guide please :D

great guide btw man!

[stoker]

Good guide mate, engine bay guide would be mint!

[GTi Andy]

When i clay my car i wash it then rinse it, then soap it back up. The soap acts as a very good lubricant ;)

[joe106gti]

nice work pal. Rep given. been waiting for this thread!!lol
will give you a bell early Jan if thats cool.

[rich106quiksilver]

Great guide Daz, will certainly follow your advice :)

Would give you rep but it wont let me!! grr

[joe106gti]

stuck in the Car Care section matey, speak soon

[Daz]

Cheers bud:)

[joe106gti]

get your work into your guide mate.
Sya this out loud in a really enthusiastic way...

''too lazy / cold to clean your car yourself!?? tired of using soap and water and Asda smart price polish? then let me do the hard work so you don't have to.''

Check website:
http://www.pristine-valet.com/ (http://www.pristine-valet.com/)
To see the results of Daz's work:
http://www.106owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18208 (http://www.106owners.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18208)

[Rob_0]

do you not wash the car again after clay barring it? due to some of the dirt particles loose on the car?

do you not leave the wax on the car for longer than 10 mins? letting it cure more?

and how many layers do you use?

good guide, a more detailed version of mine.

[Daz]

do you not wash the car again after clay barring it? due to some of the dirt particles loose on the car?

do you not leave the wax on the car for longer than 10 mins? letting it cure more?

and how many layers do you use?

good guide, a more detailed version of mine.


If you read my post mate I have put
Wash the car in the same way as before.

Again if you read my post
Do this around the car and leave for about 10 mins depending on manufactures recommendations

One layer, because it is best to leave 24hrs between layers.

[Rob_0]

yeh ive read the back of my dodo juice and it says 5 mins and 2nd layer after 24 hours but ive read that people leave 30mins before buffing off.

[ben_21]

great guide. some gd tips in here. have u done/going to do an engine bay guide?

[Daz]

All in good time mate :)

[ben_21]

nice one! is it just me or does anyone else find themselves continuosly buying more and more stuff for cleaning? i fink u can just never have enough cleaning stuff for your car.

[Woob]

No problem:)

I can do an interior and engine bay if you want aswell.

ooo do do do do do do (engine bay)

i will rep you once a day for a week if you do this

[ZestDeux]

sweet guide mate

[sheppyk]

Quality guide mate will be following when i get my car back from the garage;)

[hodgey1989]

used this yesterday and the paint work now looks and feels amazing :)

[chiddy0407]

tip i found out on the meguires forum

after washing your car (if your not going to wax it) lightly mist every panel with quik detailer then dry with a microfiber - leaves a quality just waxed deep shine

[KStew17]

Dont dry with a microfibre.. Use a drying towel...

[--Frenchie4--]

wheres this engine bay guide?:(

[chiddy0407]

why?

microfiber seems to dry alot better than my megs drying towel so i use that

[Smiler-106GTI]

wheres this engine bay guide?:(

i hear mr muscle and a jet wash does good things

[--Frenchie4--]

i hear mr muscle and a jet wash does good things


lol i found the guide and thats pretty much what it says :P

[KStew17]

why?

microfiber seems to dry alot better than my megs drying towel so i use that

Microfibre towel is best used for buffing off waxes, Sonus Der Wunder is the way to go for drying bud ;)

[chiddy0407]

i have a billion mf's so i use two for drying (one upper and one lower) still buff off wax ect.. with mf's, but i find them better than my water magnet for drying

may have to try a sonus der wunder lol

[KStew17]

Yeah mate please do i used to have a megs water magnet and seriously it doesnt hold a quarter of what the sonus der wonder does :)

[tomm]

top thread fella!

i have recently been reading on Detailing world about car detailing but some of it is so advanced it goes right over my head with all of this micronmeter mesuring and whatever else!

I have come to the conclusion that i am fed up for stripped out brush painted crocks of shit and want to have something nice and presentable now! and this seems to be a pretty spot on write up!

A few questions i have!

Is that Megs APC you was useing at the start?

How many MF cloths are you using on a average detail? I read you used like 6 to dry the car, one after polishing and another after waxing! so how many are you using of these?

How are you cleaning the MF cloths? Do you just wack them in the washing machine and that?

What would i do if I had a car with faded areas? I mean i have head about this wet and dry and then G3'ing but i am not to keen on this sort of thing. I read up on detailing world and damn its so confusing, Would i use a mop and a harsher polish to get down to the decent paint? I assume that this is where i would use a paint reader?

Is Dodo juice products any good?

I think i will fork out on some decent products for the next car i get!

[Daz]

top thread fella!

i have recently been reading on Detailing world about car detailing but some of it is so advanced it goes right over my head with all of this micronmeter mesuring and whatever else!

I have come to the conclusion that i am fed up for stripped out brush painted crocks of shit and want to have something nice and presentable now! and this seems to be a pretty spot on write up!

A few questions i have!

Is that Megs APC you was useing at the start?

How many MF cloths are you using on a average detail? I read you used like 6 to dry the car, one after polishing and another after waxing! so how many are you using of these?

How are you cleaning the MF cloths? Do you just wack them in the washing machine and that?

What would i do if I had a car with faded areas? I mean i have head about this wet and dry and then G3'ing but i am not to keen on this sort of thing. I read up on detailing world and damn its so confusing, Would i use a mop and a harsher polish to get down to the decent paint? I assume that this is where i would use a paint reader?

Is Dodo juice products any good?

I think i will fork out on some decent products for the next car i get!

First of all thanks :)

It was tesco APC works in the same way but without the price tag. I bought a sonus der wonder drying towel (2 of) then I use one for the wheels one for body (for buffing) To clean then put them in the washing machine with no comfort just powder. If you were to wet sand you deffentley need a PTG. You also need to practice using a machine polisher before any attempt at doing a car. Yeah Dodo Juice is a very good brand, they don't just do wax, they do other stuff too :)

Hope that helps, feel free to ask any more questions. Although I am no pro but I will do my best to answer them :)