Hey all,
Well, after being on the boards for almost a year, I finally got up enough guts to do a C&B on my personal daily driver which also serves double duty as my autocross ride. I've had the car for the last 3 years. It was a two owner. For the most part it was pretty well taken care of. A good portion of the rear was replaced two years ago when I was hit by a '95 Neon being piloted by an intoxicated illegal. But that's a story for another time.
Anyway, here was the process this time around:
Washed with Z-7 (two-bucket method).
Clayed with Z-18.
Polished with SIP and yellow pad using a porter cable - Oddly enough, I didn't seem to have any hazing. I probably could have finished it down more, but can't really tell a big difference on silver.
ISO wipedown.
Cleaned with ZAIO.
Sealed with Z2.
Topped with Z8.
The wheels\tires were all removed and washed front and back. Infamous BMW brakedust! I had been using Werkstatt Prime, Acrylic Jett and Glos to care for the wheels, so they cleaned up pretty easily.
Used some Meg's APC on the tires and wheelwells.
Applied Hi-Temp Grape Tire Dressing to tires and wheelwells.
Sealed wheels with Aquawax
Also, removed all front and back bumper trim.
Cleaned with vinegar and GR-40.
Dressed rear bumper with Black Wow.
Dressed front bumper with Hi-Temp molding and bumper renew.
Remaining rubber seals treated with 303 Aerospace Protectant.
Windows cleaned with Stoners Invisible Glass.
Now, on to the results:
A few obligatory reflection shots:
I sprayed the engine bay with Meg's Degreaser, brushed and rinsed.
Topped with CD-2 Engine Detailer. Waited a bit and used a paper towel to wipe it down and clean up the excess.
Here are a couple of befores (YUCK!):
Sprayed with CD-2:
And afters (wiped):
I think that about does it. Let me know what you think. If you see anything that could be improved, I'd welcome the feedback. All in all, I figure not too bad for an almost 10 year old car.
Well, after being on the boards for almost a year, I finally got up enough guts to do a C&B on my personal daily driver which also serves double duty as my autocross ride. I've had the car for the last 3 years. It was a two owner. For the most part it was pretty well taken care of. A good portion of the rear was replaced two years ago when I was hit by a '95 Neon being piloted by an intoxicated illegal. But that's a story for another time.
Anyway, here was the process this time around:
Washed with Z-7 (two-bucket method).
Clayed with Z-18.
Polished with SIP and yellow pad using a porter cable - Oddly enough, I didn't seem to have any hazing. I probably could have finished it down more, but can't really tell a big difference on silver.
ISO wipedown.
Cleaned with ZAIO.
Sealed with Z2.
Topped with Z8.
The wheels\tires were all removed and washed front and back. Infamous BMW brakedust! I had been using Werkstatt Prime, Acrylic Jett and Glos to care for the wheels, so they cleaned up pretty easily.
Used some Meg's APC on the tires and wheelwells.
Applied Hi-Temp Grape Tire Dressing to tires and wheelwells.
Sealed wheels with Aquawax
Also, removed all front and back bumper trim.
Cleaned with vinegar and GR-40.
Dressed rear bumper with Black Wow.
Dressed front bumper with Hi-Temp molding and bumper renew.
Remaining rubber seals treated with 303 Aerospace Protectant.
Windows cleaned with Stoners Invisible Glass.
Now, on to the results:
A few obligatory reflection shots:
I sprayed the engine bay with Meg's Degreaser, brushed and rinsed.
Topped with CD-2 Engine Detailer. Waited a bit and used a paper towel to wipe it down and clean up the excess.
Here are a couple of befores (YUCK!):
Sprayed with CD-2:
And afters (wiped):
I think that about does it. Let me know what you think. If you see anything that could be improved, I'd welcome the feedback. All in all, I figure not too bad for an almost 10 year old car.
