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General => Detailing => Topic started by: Blackmass on 14 June 2015, 10:50
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Hi,
Got up early today to give my new car it's first wash since I picked it up last Tuesday.
I've read alot and watched a load of videos on YouTube about washing cars. One thing that doesn't get much coverage is drying a car.
After washing the car (two bucket method,lambs wool mitt and meguiars gold class shampoo). I came to dry it off. The exterior was fine (apart from the front grill), it was drying the door sills that drove me mad! My car is a five door so there's plenty of places for water to hide and settle. I dried the door sills close the door then opened them, as I knew this would release the excess water. I did this numerous times but the area still wasn't completely dry. :angry:
Also how do you dry the front honeycomb grill?
Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated?
PS: I ordered some Wo-Wo products that should be with me any day soon. :grin:
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All the things you describe above, the water traps, annoying drips etc, are well known to those of us who wash our own cars and are common to many marks of Golfs.
I'm sure you know this, but as regards drying in general, first and foremost the most important step is investment in a few decent micro fibre towels.
Second is to make sure your final rinse, after shampooing, is done with an open ended hose, working from roof down. This makes the water sheet off the car and is the easiest way to reduce standing water to a minimum. If you just jet wash off, there will be much more water left sitting on the car.
Third is to be gentle and let the towel do the work, gently pat the car dry (no rubbing), essentially what you want to be doing is simply laying the towel on the panel and let it suck up the moisture, as opposed to dragging it along the car, which could inflict scratches and swirls. WoWo drying towels are excellent and absorb huge amounts of water. DoDo Juice towels are also very good. Additionally you might consider using a drying aid or rinse aid, which helps to reduce the amount of standing water on the car - spray the product onto the wet panels and then pat dry as usual - from time to time, I use DoDo Juice Time to Dry but there are others.
But no matter how good your towels and technique, there's no escaping those water traps that continue to drip all over your nice dry car - wing mirrors, door sills, honeycomb grill, rear and front badge, number plate, wheel rim grooves, fuel flap to name but a few :angry:
It's really just a case of going round the car a few times blotting the drips over and over, particularly the door sills drips after you've opened the doors and given the inside bits a good dry. Alternatively, some people take their car for a quick blast down the road to blow excess water from it's hiding places. If this is not enough then you could consider investing in an air blower. There are various types ranging from all singing, all dancing expensive models to more modest ones. I've recently bought the one below for this very purpose. I wash my car almost weekly and so for me it's worth the investment.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/metro-vac-sidekick-blaster/prod_1152.html
I've used it a few times now, including today and it is perfect for the job. It's not something to replace towel drying but certainly deals with the pesky water traps.
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Thank you for your reply and link. That Metro Vac looks ideal. :smiley:
PS: I've read alot if your posts and they'be been very helpful, cheers.
Rob
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Thank you for your reply and link. That Metro Vac looks ideal. :smiley:
PS: I've read alot if your posts and they'be been very helpful, cheers.
Rob
Cheers Rob.
One thing to remember with the Metro Vac Sidekick, is that it 'blows' the water off as opposed to 'heat drying' it, so it takes a bit of trial and error to get the technique or sequence of drying right to avoid blowing water onto other dry bits of car. Probably best to use it first on the worst water traps, then dry off the rest of the car afterwards. You'll figure out what's best for you.
Let us know how you find it :smiley:
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when i spent 3 years as a valetor I found a 3 mile road test also dried the cars off quite well :laugh: :grin:
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when i spent 3 years as a valetor I found a 3 mile road test also dried the cars off quite well :laugh: :grin:
Only 3 miles :whistle:
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when i spent 3 years as a valetor I found a 3 mile road test also dried the cars off quite well :laugh: :grin:
Only 3 miles :whistle:
yep, if in doubt flat out ! and it was working for Vauxhall ........................
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Only 3 miles :whistle:
...it was working for Vauxhall ........................
That's alright then :wink:
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The metro vac is the best piece of detailing equipment I've brought for years, I now use it every time I clean the cars and wouldn't be without it.
The second best thing would be a rinse aid as Booth has suggested.
Obviously the first thing you need in your detailing arsenal is a good drying towels :wink:
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I usually just take the car a run round the bypass and back through the town .
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A run around the block does the trick, but best avoided if it's p!ssing with rain and instantly undoes all that cleaning effort :sad: :laugh:
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Also a quick spin will also clean the rust off the brake discs, but can sometimes leave a rust coloured line on the inside of the wheel rim where the water has blown out of the disc vents.
Never go for a drive if you have just applied tyre dressing tho'.
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If I'm feeling lazy or in a rush, or its bloody freezing, I have been know to get the petrol leaf blower out :embarrassed:
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If I'm feeling lazy or in a rush, or its bloody freezing, I have been know to get the petrol leaf blower out :embarrassed:
I've got a leaf blower gathering dust at the back of a garden shed. I find a rake does a much better job and less cumbersome. No good for drying cars though :laugh:
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Washed the car again Sunday Morning. Used my new Wo-Wo drying towel...which left lovely little red bits all over my car. :cry:
Lesson one: Wash towels before use :rolleyes:
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Washed the car again Sunday Morning. Used my new Wo-Wo drying towel...which left lovely little red bits all over my car. :cry:
Lesson one: Wash towels before use :rolleyes:
Oh dear! Everyone seems to learn this lesson the hard way, i.e after your car is covered in bits of coloured lint :laugh: I remember first time I got a new batch of yellow towels and used them straight out of the packet on a black car....not a good look, yellow fibres all over and loads stuck to the door felts which took forever to get remove. Never did that again. In any case pre washing them helps with the absorbancy imo.
Better luck next time :smiley:
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Washed the car again Sunday Morning. Used my new Wo-Wo drying towel...which left lovely little red bits all over my car. :cry:
Lesson one: Wash towels before use :rolleyes:
Hi, sorry about that. I've asked the manufacturer to next time add a small label explaining to people to wash them first. If it's any consolation I thought I would bypass this point on Bevs Pure Whote Beetle on Saturday, epic fail!!!
On a side note, what did you think? I think they get better after a couple of uses and the damper they get too.
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Washed the car again Sunday Morning. Used my new Wo-Wo drying towel...which left lovely little red bits all over my car. :cry:
Lesson one: Wash towels before use :rolleyes:
On a side note, what did you think? I think they get better after a couple of uses and the damper they get too.
I think I need to use it a few more times before I give it review TBH. I need to improve my technique and I need to buy a quick detailed or quick wax to give it some lubrication. The towel sucked up the water that quickly that it seemed to glue itself to the bodywork. 😊
Quick side note: How do you recommend I launder the towel?
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Cleaning MF seems to be an interesting topic on detailing websites. Personally I bung all of them in on a 30 degree wash and then hang them on the line to dry.
There are MF washes out there but I have no experience of them, Chemical Guys do one.
If you buy the wowo MF cloths then these 100% need washing separately unless you don't mind having pink cloths which is what I now have :laugh:
In terms of technique then I find doing the windows first dampens the cloth enough to start on the paint work and I have a separate one for door shuts and wheels.
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In my experience drying towels are always worse when brand new but get much better after a few washes, which improves the absorbency. If you eant to be picky then you shoukd wash them in non bio washing powder/liquid without the addition of any fabric conditioner, and if tumble drying don't use any dryer sheets. But that's if you are on the OCD side of the line :whistle: :laugh:
I use 3/4 towels, including seperate ones for wheels.
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Thanks for for the info. Looks like I'll be doing some laundry tomorrow. :smiley:
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Why, out of interest, should you use non-bio and no conditioner Booth?
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Why, out of interest, should you use non-bio and no conditioner Booth?
Previously discussed here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=273390.msg2501154#msg2501154
I've used both bio and non and haven't any adverse reduction in absorbency / performance. I never use fabric conditioner though.
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Why, out of interest, should you use non-bio and no conditioner Booth?
Previously discussed here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=273390.msg2501154#msg2501154
I've used both and haven't any adverse reduction in absorbency / performance usign bio.
Cheers
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Well I've been up since 6 o'clock cleaning my car before the sun's 'over the monkey's bum:grin:
Used the Wo-Wo drying towel again after washing it and only had two bits of fluff on the car. Used Meguiars quick detailer which improved the drying process. It also left the car with a nice gloss finish, which was nice.
The Metro Vac is still something high on my shopping list though.
Just a couple of questions with regards tyres and wheel cleaning.
What's the best thing to remove tyre dressing? What ever the dealers used is proving to be a pain to get off.
Wheel cleaners, what do people recommend? I was thinking of getting some Auto Finesse lmperial wheel clean.
PS: I'm buying so Wheel Woodies this week. :cool:
Your advice as always will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Rob
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Well I've been up since 6 o'clock cleaning my car before the sun's 'over the monkey's bum:grin:
Used the Wo-Wo drying towel again after washing it and only had two bits of fluff on the car. Used Meguiars quick detailer which improved the drying process. It also left the car with a nice gloss finish, which was nice.
The Metro Vac is still something high on my shopping list though.
Just a couple of questions with regards tyres and wheel cleaning.
What's the best thing to remove tyre dressing? What ever the dealers used is proving to be a pain to get off.
Wheel cleaners, what do people recommend? I was thinking of getting some Auto Finesse lmperial wheel clean.
PS: I'm buying so Wheel Woodies this week. :cool:
Your advice as always will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Rob
Hi Rob
For removing old tyre dressing, something like All Purpose Cleaner (APC), degreaser, panel wipe, or even strong solution if washing up liquid or car shampoo.
Wheel cleaner - got to be Valet Pro Bilberry Wheel Cleaner
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro-bilberry-wheel-cleaner/prod_499.html or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003XDPSTE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1435395987&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=bilberry+wheel&dpPl=1&dpID=41MoU0kcL5L&ref=plSrch
Wheel Woolies are THE best :cool:
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Thanks Rebecca.
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Thanks Rebecca.
Rob, don't forget some protection for your wheels - Poorboys Wheel Sealant :cool: It's never ending :laugh:
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Thanks Rebecca.
Rob, don't forget some protection for your wheels - Poorboys Wheel Sealant :cool: It's never ending :laugh:
You'd be better off using FK1000p on your wheels Its much better than Poorboys - lasts a lot longer
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I've not tried FK1000p, but other people on here also rate it. Still, it's no great hardship to top up the Poorboys every few weeks and it is a very good wheel sealant imo.
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I wouldn't be without my "blower" having used it for around 3 years now :wink:
They really do sort out all the nooks and crannies (mirrors, badges, wheel nut area, number plates etc.). :grin:
I got a cheap one on Ebay similar to the below and its been perfect and packs more than enough punch to see off all the water (the nozzle is made of soft rubber so tyou can press it right up the wheel nuts etc)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100761-Merry-Tools-Electric-Leaf-Air-Inflator-Duster-Blower-900W-/281637145969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4192e1cd71
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i64/Jerry_G/IMG_0116.jpg) (http://s69.photobucket.com/user/Jerry_G/media/IMG_0116.jpg.html)
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i64/Jerry_G/IMG_0115.jpg) (http://s69.photobucket.com/user/Jerry_G/media/IMG_0115.jpg.html)
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Just ordered a Metro Blaster Sidekick! :grin:
Should be delivered Thursday, ready for the weekend. So I've got the Wo-Wo snow foam lance, Bilt Hamber Auto Foam and the Sidekick to play with. :cool:.....I really should get out more. :nerd:
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Just ordered a Metro Blaster Sidekick! :grin:
Should be delivered Thursday, ready for the weekend. So I've got the Wo-Wo snow foam lance, Bilt Hamber Auto Foam and the Sidekick to play with. :cool:.....I really should get out more. :nerd:
That's just the tip of the detailing iceberg! :evil: :laugh:
Nice one. The Master Blaster is a very nifty bit of kit. :cool:
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That's just the tip of the detailing iceberg! :evil: :laugh:
Tell me about it. I've been putting together a (very long) list for my first 'Winter Prep'.
I'll be posting a new thread soon asking for advice on the various steps and products to use.
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Saw recently a tip on AMMO NYC where he uses a small amount of QD on a rung out microfibre, tried it a few times now and it really seems to work well at removing the smearing and water marks left on the paint. Plus its two birds with one stone if your in a hurry but want some shine.
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I'm a big fan of Larry's AMMO NYC vids, he has some great advice and they're really worth a watch if you haven't. The vids on his Porsche 964 are great too, what an awesome car!
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Saw recently a tip on AMMO NYC where he uses a small amount of QD on a rung out microfibre, tried it a few times now and it really seems to work well at removing the smearing and water marks left on the paint. Plus its two birds with one stone if your in a hurry but want some shine.
+1. And I can't recommend Chemical Guys Speedwipe QD highly enough, for this very purpose. Did just this on Sunday after washing and it cleared 99% of water spots, barr one or too resistant marks.
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Saw recently a tip on AMMO NYC where he uses a small amount of QD on a rung out microfibre, tried it a few times now and it really seems to work well at removing the smearing and water marks left on the paint. Plus its two birds with one stone if your in a hurry but want some shine.
I've watched the same video,big fan of Larry's videos. When I first started using the Wo-Wo drying towel it used to stick like glue to the car. I now spray Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer directly on to the car and the towel just glides across. It leaves a great gloss finish and the beeding is pretty good too.
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Well I had a play with my new toys yesterday. Firstly the Wo-Wo Snow Foam Lance with the Bilt Hamber snow foam.
The Wo-Wo lance is a well built piece of kit. Everything fits together nicely with some solid brass fixtures. The trigger/gun piece in particular has a good weight to it.The gun worked well and was easy to use. The only thing I would suggest is to add a measurement scale to the bottle.
Now on to the Bilt Hamber Auto Foam. I'd read a lot about snow foam over the last few months and the Bilt Hamber seemed to come out on top. The one thing that confused me (and from what I've read I'm not alone here) was the dilution rate, so I basically winged it.
I added 100ml of Auto Foam and filled the bottle up with warm water (the bottle holds 900ml in total). Not sure of the dilution rate as you will be adding water from the hose too. Safe to say the Bilt Hamber didn't work. It didn't cling to the car or clean it either. Now I know this is not the fault of the product. I'm just crap at math. Thing is surely a product shouldn't be that difficult to use. I will go back to the drawing board and try again next time I use it. If anyone reading this has an easier way of working out the ratio I'm all ears.
Now to finish on a more positive note. I used the Metrovac Air Force Sidekick.
I'd read a lot about this product since Rebecca (Booth11) recommended it. I can report back that it's a class bit of kit. When I ordered it from Polished Bliss (great service btw) I also ordered the 0.9m extension hose. I'm really glad I did as it made using it a lot easier.
I dried the car with a Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer and the Wo-Wo drying towel. I then switched to the sidekick for all the nooks and crannies. Grills, wing mirrors, doors jams, you get the idea.
It performed really well. It wasn't as quick as I thought as you tend to chase the excess water but still worked great. I still had some water coming out between door pillars on the near side but this was the first time using it so practice makes perfect.
One thing I would like to add when using the Sidekick. Probably best to wear some ear plugs. The unit is not very loud but when holding the nozzle close to certain areas it can become uncomfortable.
If you are thinking about pulling the trigger on a Metrovac, go for it.
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Well I had a play with my new toys yesterday. Firstly the Wo-Wo Snow Foam Lance with the Bilt Hamber snow foam.
The Wo-Wo lance is a well built piece of kit. Everything fits together nicely with some solid brass fixtures. The trigger/gun piece in particular has a good weight to it.The gun worked well and was easy to use. The only thing I would suggest is to add a measurement scale to the bottle.
Now on to the Bilt Hamber Auto Foam. I'd read a lot about snow foam over the last few months and the Bilt Hamber seemed to come out on top. The one thing that confused me (and from what I've read I'm not alone here) was the dilution rate, so I basically winged it.
I added 100ml of Auto Foam and filled the bottle up with warm water (the bottle holds 900ml in total). Not sure of the dilution rate as you will be adding water from the hose too. Safe to say the Bilt Hamber didn't work. It didn't cling to the car or clean it either. Now I know this is not the fault of the product. I'm just crap at math. Thing is surely a product shouldn't be that difficult to use. I will go back to the drawing board and try again next time I use it. If anyone reading this has an easier way of working out the ratio I'm all ears.
Now to finish on a more positive note. I used the Metrovac Air Force Sidekick.
I'd read a lot about this product since Rebecca (Booth11) recommended it. I can report back that it's a class bit of kit. When I ordered it from Polished Bliss (great service btw) I also ordered the 0.9m extension hose. I'm really glad I did as it made using it a lot easier.
I dried the car with a Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer and the Wo-Wo drying towel. I then switched to the sidekick for all the nooks and crannies. Grills, wing mirrors, doors jams, you get the idea.
It performed really well. It wasn't as quick as I thought as you tend to chase the excess water but still worked great. I still had some water coming out between door pillars on the near side but this was the first time using it so practice makes perfect.
One thing I would like to add when using the Sidekick. Probably best to wear some ear plugs. The unit is not very loud but when holding the nozzle close to certain areas it can become uncomfortable.
If you are thinking about pulling the trigger on a Metrovac, go for it.
Hi Blackmass,
Great to hear your feedback on the various products and that all, apart from the snow foam, we're not a disappointment.
With any snow foam, you should be using a good inch in the snow foam lance/cannon, topped up to about a litre with tepid water. I can honestly say I've never once measured it out or followed the exact dilution rates. I used to use Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, which is my 2nd favourite, after Valet Pro Advanced PH Neutral being top, and never had any problems with it. It doesn't give as thick a foam as some, (e.g. Meguiars Hyperwash), but actually that works in it's favour as it doesn't just sit forever clinging to the car, it brings more muck off the car as it slides down the paintwork.
I've only ever used a proper snow foam lance (as opposed to a cannon) so am not sure about the settings on it, but I'm sure Neil will give you some good advice on it's use. With a lance, you can adjust the dilution rates as you spray, by means of the knob on top of the lance, as well as adjusting the spray field by turning the nozzle. I don't know if the WoWo has the same features, but if it does, then it's just trial and error and after a few goes, you will find the optimum solution thickness, and it will become second nature.
The Master Blaster is great isn't it? I know what you mean about chasing water around a bit, lol. Can't say I've ever really noticed the noise, after all jet washer and DA's are noisy things so maybe you just tune these things out over time.
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Tried Bouncer's Done & Dusted Quick Detailer on Saturday morning and I'm really impressed. The bodywork seemed to have deeper reflections (3D like even) and the bodywork was super smooth to the touch.
I've been using Meguiar's Ultimate Quick Detailer and really liked the finish and ease of use. I've also tried Auto Finesse Finale and wasn't impressed with it at all. I found it left streaks.
Here's a link to a review on the Detailing World forum. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=365413
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Tried Bouncer's Done & Dusted Quick Detailer on Saturday morning and I'm really impressed. The bodywork seemed to have deeper reflections (3D like even) and the bodywork was super smooth to the touch.
Done and Dusted is great, especially the smell!
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Tried Bouncer's Done & Dusted Quick Detailer on Saturday morning and I'm really impressed. The bodywork seemed to have deeper reflections (3D like even) and the bodywork was super smooth to the touch.
I've been using Meguiar's Ultimate Quick Detailer and really liked the finish and ease of use. I've also tried Auto Finesse Finale and wasn't impressed with it at all. I found it left streaks.
Here's a link to a review on the Detailing World forum. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=365413
Nice. :cool:
Not tried Done and Dusted but might give it a go when I next run out, as not wedded to any particular QD.
Used to use Meguiars QD but thought it was rubbish, so binned it and switched to Chemical Guys Speed Wipe which is very good, no streaks at all, very easy to buff off.
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These goodies arrived yesterday. I'll be testing them out tomorrow. I'll report back on how I get on.
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah204/robert39minors/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/IMAG0058_zpszwocfpge.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/robert39minors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/IMAG0058_zpszwocfpge.jpg.html)