Today's detail - 04' Explorer

JasonD

New member
I haven't posted any details in a while, and this one came out really nice so I thought I would share. I normally take my time to take better pics, but I was in a hurry.



This car happens to be my fiance's car, and she's been asking me to detail it for her for a long time. Unfortunately, I don't have any before pics, but this thing was absolutely filthy! I had to hose down the driveway after washing just get all the sand and mud away. It had its share of minor scrapes and scuffs, nothing major though. It's been almost a year since I detailed it last, and I protected it with Wolfgang (my favorite LSP). WG definitely did its job because a whole year later, and it only needed some spot polishing to get rid of the minor defects.



Anyway, here's the process:



Started with the wheels, tires, and wells:



AutoMagic non-acid wheel cleaner dilluted 50/50 with water

Westley's Bleche White for the tires, dilluted 50/50 with water

Regular soap and water for the wells



Next I washed the whole car using my new Meguiar's mitt and 1Z shampoo



Clayed using Sonus clay, and soap and water as lube (I know some people have issues with this, but it seems to work for me)



Spot polished the defects using a 4" spot buff orange pad and 1Z PP



AIO'd entire car with a green Sonus DAS pad



Sealed everything up with a coat of WG, applied via PC with a blue Sonus DAS pad



Now, here's something new I tried. I let the WG sit on the car for about an hour to get a good initial cure, and removed it with Optimum Spray Wax. I guess this would be called "spit shining"? Not sure. Anyway, I don't think it made it look better than just wiping the WG off dry, but regardless, I'm hoping there's an extra level of protection on there.



Tires received a healthy coat of Zepenhance tire shine



Polished black plastic (mirrors, and window trim) with VM (Notice the shine in pic 2 of the side mirror. That's VM only.)



Polished clear plastic with Plexus, and glass with Stoner's IG



I don't have any interior shots, but it was pretty much spotless already. One thing she keeps up with is the interior. I think she takes after her mother on this one. The outside could be absolutely disgusting, but the inside is always spotless. :furious:



I simply vacuumed everything, and then cleaned and conditioned the leather using liquid Saddle Soap and 4star leather conditioner (I LOVE the smell of this stuff!)



Okay, I think that's about it. I started at 8am this morning, and just finished around 2pm. Yes, it kicked my butt and I'm glad its over. :woohoo:



04_Explorer.jpg




04_Explorer_2.jpg




04_Explorer_3.jpg
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate it.



Scott, yes, WG + OCW is an interesting combo. WG is the longest lasting sealant I have used thus far, so I figured by adding the UV protectants of the OCW, I should get even more out of it. Only time will tell. I'd like to put another coat of WG + OCW within the next week, just for longevity's sake. I really don't have the time I used to have before Katrina, so taking a whole day off to detail a car just doesn't happen anymore. It's all about durability these days when it comes to detailing.
 
The vehicle is as pretty as the setting.



Nice job!!! The only bad thing is I keep reading about you fellows that use WG sealant. :think: It is starting to wear on me. I thought I had enough product for a while. :furious: Looks like I may have to make another order for this sealant also. :grinno:
 
I'm certainly not going to say that WG is *the best* or anything, but it has certainly kept my attention for quite some time now, and I have yet to find anything that outperforms it in both the durability dept., and the ease of use dept. If you do break down and buy some, you won't be sorry.
 
Nice work and glad to see Wolfgang re-surface or make a comeback with someone. I remember the frenzy it created when it came out. I have 2 customers who still swear by it. Unfortunately, I seldom use it.
 
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