Detailing a Neglected 1996 Volvo 760 Wagon

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LOTA OT

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Well, I guess being a little more educted by autopia is both a blessing and a curse. Seems like now all my family/friends want me to detail their cars.



My mom is first on the list (for obvious reasons), but her car easilly ranks the last in terms of condition. It's a 1996 Volvo 760 wagon in silver (not sure of the color's name). I need to get some supplies ordered before I tackle this, so I thought I'd run it all past you before I order.



PAINT - It's been sorely neglected, sitting outside 24/7 probably getting washed 3-4 times a year at the local carwash (not touchless) and only seen a coat of wax once or twice. The paint is pretty oxidized and there are some decent scratches (not through the paint though). I'm not sure if it's clear coated or not (I think not), any one know for sure? Here is my plan for the paint:



1. Wash

2. Clay

3. Hit scratches with Megs ScratchX

4. DACP with PC and yellow pad

5. Polish (Einszett Metallic or SEPC) with PC and white pad

6. Sealant or wax (Einszett Glanz or S100, not sure)



I'm leaning toward a using the Einszett sealant for the durability and ease of use. If I have time, I might top it with S100. Any comments on the above procedures or products? Any tips?



WHEELS - They are an alloy wheel with mostly a flat face and 20 or so small "spokes" on the edges. The surface is kind of rough, so these spokes have so much caked on brake dust, nothing I tried would take it off. I used EO A2Z, even some simple green with a nylon brush. What should I use to get these things clean?



The interior is in pretty good shape and I will clean the leather with a mild water/soap solution and treat with 303. Vaccuum and spot clean the carpets.



I'm thinking this is going to take me the better part of the day, but Mom deserves the best. I know my dad will want to be next, then my sister, then.......Too bad I can't charge the family.



Thanks for any advice you may have.



Thanks,

Michael
 
mpauly- Hey, that could be a fun project! I brought my late father's '91 850 wagon and his second wife's '84 240 wagon back from the dead. I still have the 240 and it was NEVER waxed until I got it (dealer told her it didn't need it because of the "special paint" :rolleyes: ). I probably get more compliments on it (despite the remaining scratches, etc.) than I do on my "good" cars! So try to make it an enjoyable, if infrequent, job.



Your '96 probably has a clear coat; Dad's '91 did. Your plan sounds just right, except that I'd use Collinite wax for the final step. It won't show any remaining flaws (there will be some) as much as a straight sealant and it'll last a LOT longer than the S100 you are considering. Or use it as your topper over the Einszett. You can just clay it and put on another quick coat every few months. I'm just SO sold on Collinite for "beaters", and its incredible beading lets family members know you REALLY "waxed" the car well.



Not sure what to do on the wheels. Neglected "mags" are often beyond much hope :nixweiss . Maybe GENTLE scrubbing with a Scotchbrite pad, but use the pink one made for non-stick surfaces. Accept that you're gonna mess up the wheels' clear/paint a bit if you're gonna get the bad stuff off. Seal/wax 'em when they're as good as they're gonna get.
 
Wow! Sounds like a great plan except I'm not too sure about the 303 on the leather. Maybe some Lexol would be better. I love 303 on the dash and plastic trim though :D
 
Thanks for the heads-up on the clearcoat. I've never done a non-clearcoated car, so that puts my mind at ease at least a little. The oxidation must be pretty bad, because it has no gloss whatsoever....looks like flat gray instead of silver



I'll try the scotchbrite pad on the wheels and see if that helps any.



I'll be sure to take some before and after pictures. Unfortunately, due to some recent things that have popped up, I might not get to it till april.



Thanks again,

Michael
 
Unfortunately, due to some recent things that have popped up, I might not get to it till april.
Click to expand...



That gives you more time to round up the necessary supplies :D You might check out TOL (edit: somehow can't get the hyperlink to work?! It's www.topoftheline.com) for something to use on the wheels. If you don't see anything on their website, call them up. They're very helpful and I somehow think they have something for your application.



Let us know how it goes
 
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