My first big detail....

Civicman86

New member
Well my girlfriends car was a MESS! So I decided to work on it a couple weekends ago. This was my first big detail and first time really trying to clean up a dark colored car. The paint was pretty bad when we started, micromarring and scratches everywhere. There are some key marks (long story) on her driver side door that I might try to touch-up and wetsand. Its bad enough where it might need to be proffesionally done though. Only part I did not really get to clean was the engine bay (going to do that another day).



Detail was done via a PC. Orange pads w/ SIP and white pad w/ 106FF. Laid a coat of Prima wax (via blue pad) and then laid a coat of Collinite to finish.



Overall the car looked a lot better. There were a lot of defects that I would have liked to have gotten out but could not (water etching in particular). Maybe a rotatory could have been better, but I really think alot was due to my lack of developed skills (hey I'm learning though).



Any helpful criticism is welcomed. Like I said this is my first big detail and first time with a dark colored car so I'm wanting to learn. Thanks guys!!!



Also before the pics, I will add that I did NOT polish the front bumper. We were running out of time and it needed some serious work with all the bugs. So the engine bay and front bumper are on the list to finish.



Before:



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After:



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These are the key marks I was reffering too, ewwwwww.

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Interior just done with a sho- vac (carpets really need a real steam cleaner or something) Sorry there were no beofre pics, it was a mess and she would not let me show anyone, haha.



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Very, very good job on your first detail. I don't know about you, but on those escorts I can never seem to get the wheel wells to come out perfect.
 
Big time improvement!



Looks like the headlights could use a polishing as well. Do some reading here on that process and give it a try when you get some time.
 
Yeah I tried using plast-x on the headlights but it didn't even put a dent in it. I think it needs some wetsanding which I'm a little afraid to do, haha.



Thanks for all the comments guys, it really means alot being its my first real detail.
 
Don't be too afraid of wetsanding, it can save you a lot of time sometimes, especially on headlights. Maybe grab an old bumper or something to practice on.



Nice job with the car though!
 
The zx2s are nice, unlike the sedans (see avatar). Nice first detail. The paint looks darker and wetter for sure.
 
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