GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: maxamus on 17 April 2007, 23:24
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Got a bit excited and ordred a load of cleaning products to keep me busy cleaning the Golf GTi, the Vectra SRi, and the Merc 220 Sport this saturday morning (hopes it sunny) :smiley:
Picked up a few tips from this forum of reputable cleaning/maintenance brands and did some research and bought the following:
P21S Super-Absorbing Drying Towel With Case
P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo (500ml)
Zymol Auto Wash (473ml)
Zymol Wheel Brush
Mequiars Rinse/Gritt Bucket Kit
Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt
Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (710ml)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tyre Spray (Trigger 710ml)
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant
Ended up spending £92 :laugh:
Will give the products a try and post back with some pictures.
Regards
Max
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Not too bad though as it works out at £23.33 a car :wink:
I was the same as you and forked out wads on cleaning products (autoglym :embarassed:), But the car still came up a treat :cool:
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if you want even further info check out www.detailingworld.co.uk
hope you got plenty of cash!! It's an expensive hobby keeping a car clean!! :laugh: :laugh:
sounds like you got a good choice of products there :smiley:
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What you doing about wax though?
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What you doing about wax though?
still havent decided.
Any recomendations?
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if you want even further info check out www.detailingworld.co.uk
hope you got plenty of cash!! It's an expensive hobby keeping a car clean!! :laugh: :laugh:
sounds like you got a good choice of products there :smiley:
I dont get it mate. Where on the site should i be looking????
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What you doing about wax though?
still havent decided.
Any recomendations?
I've tried
Zymol Titanium
Meguires NXT
Meguires Gold Class
and IMHO the Gold Class is best allround and a third of the price of Zymol
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http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/index.php
try the forum
i'm currently using this
http://www.seriousperformance.co.uk/Products,51,toView_82.html - gives an awesome wet look shine :cool:
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Just read on that forum about the 2 bucket washing guide!
Also found out that "Wash Mitts" are better than sponges so i've cancelled the 2x zymol sponges and ordered a Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt
Also bought a rinse bucket
Will try this 2 bucket method this weekend :smiley:
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How do you guys apply the wax?
I've always had problems with it in the past where i've left marks (such as swirls and round motions created by applicant) where i've waxed.
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just use a microfibre cloth to wipe the product on; leave to haze for an hour and then wipe off with a new clean microfibre; try and do it in straight lines to minimise inducing swirl marks.
Megs Lambswool mitt is excellent; I use one of them :smiley:
you'll be amazed at how much dirt is on your car when you look at the rinse bucket! :shocked:
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Right got it all sorted. Thanks for the kind suggestions. The List of Products i've ordered now stands at:
Meguiars Gold Class Liquid Wax
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2)
Meguiars Lambs Wool Wash Mitt x2
Meguiars Grit Guard & Bucket Kit
Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (710ml)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tyre Spray (Trigger 710ml)
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant
P21S Super-Absorbing Drying Towel With Case
P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo (500ml)
Zymol Auto Wash (473ml)
Zymol Wheel Brush
Grand Total = £103 :cry:
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Right got it all sorted. Thanks for the kind suggestions. The List of Products i've ordered now stands at:
Meguiars Gold Class Liquid Wax
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2)
Meguiars Lambs Wool Wash Mitt
Meguiars Grit Guard & Bucket Kit
Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (710ml)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tyre Spray (Trigger 710ml)
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant
P21S Super-Absorbing Drying Towel With Case
P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo (500ml)
Zymol Auto Wash (473ml)
Zymol Wheel Brush
Grand Total = £103 :cry:
Excellent selection :smiley: never really understood the grit protector thing as my sponge always floats, so never really comes into contact with the bottom of the bucket, anyway have fun. :wink:
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I'd get some microfibre cloths too for applying and buffing off the polishes & waxes.
£103 is nowt mate; I've spent nearly double that and I still need some stuff!! Grit guard being one of them......
what you spend on cleaning your car will pay for itself; I'd always go for a car that looks as if it's been well looked after :wink: plus you can't beat a nice shiney car :cool:
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never really understood the grit protector thing as my sponge always floats, so never really comes into contact with the bottom of the bucket
Your not suppose to use a sponge :cool:
Your suppose to use a wash mitt with the grit guard. You dip the mitt into the cleanwater bucket (the one with the grit guard) and then gently rub the mitt against the grit guard to remove the dirt particles removed from the car. The particles then float to the bottom and the gritt helps keep it down there.
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I'd get some microfibre cloths too for applying and buffing off the polishes & waxes.
got the Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2) for this.... its a pack of 2.......one for applying and 1 for buffing
still need to get some microfibre cloths..?
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Where are you getting the stuff from mate??
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Where are you getting the stuff from mate??
http://www.vertar.com
Excellant customer service and they have all the best brands. They were not the most expensive either. On a par with Halfords and the free delivary is nice
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I'd get some microfibre cloths too for applying and buffing off the polishes & waxes.
got the Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2) for this.... its a pack of 2.......one for applying and 1 for buffing
still need to get some microfibre cloths..?
yeah I would; i've got at least two cloths for each application i.e 2 for glass; 2 for paint; 2 for trim; you need one to apply and the other to remove and give the shine :cool:
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never really understood the grit protector thing as my sponge always floats, so never really comes into contact with the bottom of the bucket
Your not suppose to use a sponge :cool:
Your suppose to use a wash mitt with the grit guard. You dip the mitt into the cleanwater bucket (the one with the grit guard) and then gently rub the mitt against the grit guard to remove the dirt particles removed from the car. The particles then float to the bottom and the gritt helps keep it down there.
Ah right, I see what you mean :embarassed:
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If I was you I would go for P21S wax it is £19 on that Vertar website and is the best wax I have ever used, inculding Zymol products that cost 4 times as much!
You also want to be claying the paintwork and sealling it before you apply any wax IMHO!
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I'd get some microfibre cloths too for applying and buffing off the polishes & waxes.
got the Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2) for this.... its a pack of 2.......one for applying and 1 for buffing
still need to get some microfibre cloths..?
yeah I would; i've got at least two cloths for each application i.e 2 for glass; 2 for paint; 2 for trim; you need one to apply and the other to remove and give the shine :cool:
Ordered Meguiars Supreme Shine Microfibre Polish Cloth (pack of 3)
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Order now stands at:
Meguiars Supreme Shine Microfibre Polish Cloth (pack of 3)
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2)
Meguiars Lambs Wool Wash Mitt x2
Meguiars Grit Guard & Bucket Kit
Meguiars Gold Class Liquid Wax
Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (710ml)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tyre Spray (Trigger 710ml)
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant
P21S Super-Absorbing Drying Towel With Case
P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo (500ml)
Zymol Auto Wash (473ml)
Zymol Wheel Brush
:cry::cry: Total = £121 :cry: :cry:
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Ok Guys. Seeing as i've just shelled out a fortune in cleaning products and intend to put them to work this Saturday, what is teh best way to apply the wax?
For washing im going to use the "2 bucket cleaning method"
I havent come across any waxing guides yet and to be honest with you, the last and only time i waxed the car looked rubbish as it had swirls, circles etc very visible and distracted from the clean look. I not want the repeat to happen this time to be honest. This time im hoping to have no swirl marks left behind. What i would like is a mirror/wet like look to be left behind.
- How much wax do you guys use on your GTi's?
- How do you manage an even spread?
- Whats the best way to apply the wax?
- Bumpers/side-skirts should be waxed aswell or is that a no no?
- Apply wax to glass aswell?
- How long to leave on before wiping off?
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just looking through what you've ordered and you've missed out a clay bar and quik detailer............ essential bit of kit as it will remove all the contaniments that have bonded to your paintwork. You want to wash the car, then rinse and dry and then clay the car. Rinse and dry again and then apply your polish followed by the wax.
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"quik detailer"
whats that used for??????
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To lube the clay mainly. Also for a quick dust removal.
Clay really does pull off a lot of dirt from a clean looking car, even a new car. Don't want to be polishing dirt into your paint.
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Alright ordered some clay.
But what about my original questions:
- How much wax do you guys use on your GTi's?
- How do you manage an even spread?
- Whats the best way to apply the wax?
- Bumpers/side-skirts should be waxed aswell or is that a no no?
- Apply wax to glass aswell?
- How long to leave on before wiping off?
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Alright ordered some clay.
But what about my original questions:
- How much wax do you guys use on your GTi's?
About as little as possible to get an even coverage. All residue is wasted product.
- How do you manage an even spread?
Wax on the applicator, small circles over a panel, finish with straight line passes from front to rear.
- Whats the best way to apply the wax?
As above
- Bumpers/side-skirts should be waxed aswell or is that a no no?
Only if painted. Avoid plastic trim
- Apply wax to glass aswell?
No.
- How long to leave on before wiping off?
Until dried to a haze and comes off easily. There should be some specific instructions on your product but about 15 mins I'd say in this warm weather.
Make sure car is out of the sun and cool before you start any of the cleaning.
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Any real difference in wax that is in Liquid or Solid form?
One better than the other....?
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Any real difference in wax that is in Liquid or Solid form?
One better than the other....?
Not sure. i would say paste gives a thicker coating hence lasts longer and is a bit more time consuming to apply as it is harder to buff.
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Any real difference in wax that is in Liquid or Solid form?
One better than the other....?
Not sure. i would say paste gives a thicker coating hence lasts longer and is a bit more time consuming to apply as it is harder to buff.
In that case i've ordered the P21s solid Carnabua wax aswell.
The nice guy at vertar gave me a nice discount with free p&p also saving me around £15 so not bad.
Grand TOTAL = £127.22
NO MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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So Final Order (and i mean final!):
Meguiars Supreme Shine Microfibre Polish Cloth (pack of 3)
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads (pack of 2)
Meguiars Lambs Wool Wash Mitt x2
Meguiars Grit Guard & Bucket Kit
Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (710ml)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tyre Spray (Trigger 710ml)
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant
P21S Concours Look Carnauba Wax
P21S Super-Absorbing Drying Towel With Case
P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo (500ml)
Zymol Auto Wash (473ml)
Zymol Wheel Brush
I think that should keep me going for 6 months atleast.
I cant believe i've just spent that on cleaning products !
Now all i need is Saturday to be a good day and around 3hrs of labour. My car better look the part. If not then its a waste of money.
I want it to end up looking shiney with that "deep dark wet" look.
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you forgot the claybar and quik detailer!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Just my 2p's worth....................
I used to use the Meg's Gold Class wax. I waxed every second weekend and thought I was quite happy.............. until:
I bought Swissol! I will NEVER use any other wax. Ok I admit that it is not cheap (nearly £70 for my tub :shocked:) but it is worth every penny. My car was last waxed in August and water is still beading on it. Now that the nicer weather is coming in, I will probably give it the full hog (clay etc) to give it its summer coating. The Swissol is a hard wax and the car smells fantastic afterwards (hmmm, mango, yum!).
As for shampoo????? A pro detailer once told me to use Johnson's Baby Bath ................ it works a treat!!! There is no substance in it which will conteract/dull down/work against the Swissol hence one of the reasons the wax lasts so long :cool:
A couple of demo pics:
BEFORE:
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/HevTT/CleanCar/MasterApprenticeBefore.jpg)
AFTER:
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/HevTT/CleanCar/MasterApprenticeAfter04.jpg)
I know it is not a Golf............. but I borrow phope's on occassion :rolleyes:
Hev x
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you forgot the claybar and quik detailer!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
ye i know. Instead im just going to wash the car 3 times to make sure its clean!
I'll get that next month when ive got some more money :embarassed:
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By the way guys; Is Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant useable on the external bumpers and stuff?
On the product description it says:
"When your dash, trim, tyres, and other vinyl and rubber surfaces were new, they were rich in colour and lustre. Now you can recapture the look without leaving a greasy, plastic gloss and avoiding a blinding glare off your dashboard.Now you can recapture the look without leaving a greasy, plastic gloss and avoiding a blinding glare off your dashboard. Cleaning agents lift dirt and grime, while UV protectants help defend against sun damage. A second application and you´ll enrich darkness and shine to levels even a factory-fresh finish can´t match"
Im assuming the front and back bumpers and the side skirts are made from vinyl/rubber/plastic so it should be applicable to them also to make them darker like they were....?
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by the sounds of it yes it is! I'd try a small area first to see how it goes before plastering it all over!
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you forgot the claybar and quik detailer!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
ye i know. Instead im just going to wash the car 3 times to make sure its clean!
I'll get that next month when ive got some more money :embarassed:
Won't clean it like clay cleans it!
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How many coats of wax should i give it?
I've been reading around and some people recommend 2 coates to really really make it look wet and mirror like.
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2 will last but you need to leave a day between coats.
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Like you E30 Widow, I have also tried Swissol and the similer priced product called Zymol on my Rs Focus and my Exige. P21s Wax gave me just a good finish and lasted just as long as swissol or Zymol did and is well under half the price and I have only used half a tub in the last 2 years and I wax my car every 2 weeks!
I agree they are good quality waxes, but there is just as good products at there at a smaller cost! :smiley:
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Nathan, do you re wax after a wash or do you clay each time?
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I tend to clay every 2 months then apply two coats of wax after claying, then 1 coat every 2 weeks. If that makes sense?
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2 will last but you need to leave a day between coats.
so i've got to wash the car and do the whole process again the 2nd day when i put another coat of wax on?
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I bet dark/black cars which have been waxed properly look the dogs privates at dawn and during the night time :smiley:
Also during a summers day when parked under a shadow....
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2 will last but you need to leave a day between coats.
so i've got to wash the car and do the whole process again the 2nd day when i put another coat of wax on?
Just a wash would do i think, or keep it garaged and give it a quick wipe off with a quick detailer.
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Cheers. Im all equiped now with fresh knowledge :smiley:
Just waiting for Saturday now. Hope it doesnt rain :embarassed:
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This may be a daft question, but until you ask ......
Whats the difference between polish and wax?
Also, I had the car Autoglym Lifeshined when new and have been applying the Autoglym Super Resin Polish every 3-4 weeks since but have yet to try the Extra Gloss Protection. Has anybody got any thoughts on this? what does it do? Is it any good? is it any more effort than the polish to apply?
Cheers
Chris
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I like to keep my car looking good, bit I'm also very lazy :smug: My previous GTi had a coat of Super Resin Polish, followed by the Extra Gloss Protection a few weeks later in the first year. The second year it had another coat of Extra Gloss Protection. It was usually washed every couple of weeks with Autoglym shampoo, and after two years the paintwork was still gleaming. Took delivery of a new Edition 30 yesterday, and it's going to have the same treatment in a week or so. The Extra Gloss Protection is very easy to apply - it's a liquid, so no elbow grease required. Apply sparingly, allow to dry for an hour or so, and then polish.
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Cheers Alan
What difference does the Extra Gloss Protection make to the appearance? Does it give it more of a wet look? Obviously I'll give it a bash at some point in the not too distant future but like you am quite lazy!
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I think it makes a difference - certainly more of a wet look. It's also easier to wash, and after two years water was still beading on the paintwork. Others will probably disagree with this method, but I really don't have the time at weekends to spend hours on the paintwork, and that's why I'll be giving the Edition 30 the same treatment as the GTi. Let me know how you get on.
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Well, reading through this thread this morning must have inspired me because rather than making any inroads into the list of jobs the missus has left me for the weekend I've been car cleaning.
Washed (just the one bucket I'm afraid! :embarassed:)
Autoglym Super Resin Polish
Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection (1st time I've used this)
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Extra Gloss Protection was to do, and it seems to have given the paint a much deeper shine than I usually get from just the Super Resin Polish, so all in all I'm very happy. I know a lot of people who rave about megs products but whilst I've got a case full of Autoglym stuff I think I'll stick with it - the results look good enough to me!
One thing I am intrigued about though, if I were to use a clay bar would this get rid of the lifeshine treatment which has been applied?
I know one thing for sure, at this point each week I'm very glad that I chose black :cool:
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Glad it worked out OK! Personally, I wouldn't know the difference between a clay bar and a Mars Bar! I'm going to stick with Autoglym and leave the Megs products to the real enthusiasts.
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Well here's a Mars Bar :laugh:
(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/hurdy_album/DSCF1182.jpg)
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Well, that's a start! So, you remove the wrapper, and rub the chocolate-covered caramel gently over the paintwork...sounds messy. Or have I got that wrong... :grin:
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If you work it in right you can get a good even coat. See below :laugh:
(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/hurdy_album/civiic.jpg)
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:grin: :grin: :grin:
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Well got all the products lined up here. Will be spending around 2 hrs tomorrow cleaning and waxing the car. Hopefully it will look better than a car which has just left the showroom :smiley:
Pictures will follow.
Hopefully the Carnauba wax will give it a deep dark wet look.
PS. Since i've been driving my GTi, i've noticed Golf owners nod they head at me and some put they hands up. That normal?
Even some other divers do it.
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Well here's a Mars Bar :laugh:
And the clay bar?
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Best I can do :embarassed:
(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/hurdy_album/claybar.gif)
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Without wishing to labour the point, what impact would this have on my Lifeshine?
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Unknown! :embarassed:
I've had a look through Google, but cannot find anything that says yeah or neah as to whether it removes the lifeshine. IMO I would still use a clay bar and wash, polish and wax on a regular basis anyway :wink:
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Maximus, i tend to acknolage other GTi drivers when the rare occasion happens, its to show mutual respect for another person with good taste! :wink:
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well today is the day :smiley:
Its cloudy so thats good, sun isnt coming out till 4/5'ish so i got plenty of time getting the wax on.
Im impressed with my GTi to be honest with you. Getting 28-31mpg around town. Thats realy good for a performance car :wink:
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Well guys the weather turned out to be rubbish so i had to give it a miss :sad:
Hopefully this weekend should be better. Fingers x'ed
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Well looks like the weather will be alot better tomorrow and over the weekend.
I ordered some more stuff aswell :sad:
P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads
Meguiars Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner
Thats £170 worth of cleaning gear now. I havent spent that much on clothes for myself in along time :cry:
Hopefully all of it will pay off once the car is done and i stand there is admiration
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make sure you wash it in the shade and when the paintwork is cool.
early morning or late evening is the best time :smiley:
can't remember EVER spending £170 on clothes! :grin: all my money goes on the car :shocked:
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Right lads finally got it done.
Started at 10.30 in the morning and didnt get finished till 3.00 ain the afternoon! Boy i was tired but the look on the car made it all worthwhile.
Cleaned the exterior and the interior.
The Zymol Polish and Wax are brilliant! I couldnt recommend them enough!!!
The polish really smoothes the surface out ready for the wax. I applied the wax by hand and it was really easy. A joy really. The neighbours were very intrigued by the length of time it took and the way i was applying the wax.
I must say the end result was brilliant. The car looked mirror-like in the sun and dark/wet like in the shade. The time it really shun was around 8.30 when the sun was just setting. Then it looked stunning. I have to say it attracted alot of looks. More than ussual :smiley:
Pictures on me mobli, will upload shortly
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Upload upload! :smiley: Been reading all 7 pages and very curious to see the end result! :smiley:
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Upload upload! :smiley: Been reading all 7 pages and very curious to see the end result! :smiley:
pictures will follow. They are on my phone and i need to blutooth them to my pc which is packed away due to decorating the house big style.
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Well looks like the weather will be alot better tomorrow and over the weekend.
I ordered some more stuff aswell :sad:
P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads
Meguiars Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner
Thats £170 worth of cleaning gear now. I havent spent that much on clothes for myself in along time :cry:
Hopefully all of it will pay off once the car is done and i stand there is admiration
yep, and then after you admired it for a few minutes, you drive out, and rain starts, and in 10 minutes it's back to usual!
No point to buy expensive shampoos for the cat, it will go out and lay on a pile of coal again.
(I'm kidding... but, why wax the car every week?)
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Well looks like the weather will be alot better tomorrow and over the weekend.
I ordered some more stuff aswell :sad:
P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser
Meguiars Even Coat Applicator Pads
Meguiars Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner
Thats £170 worth of cleaning gear now. I havent spent that much on clothes for myself in along time :cry:
Hopefully all of it will pay off once the car is done and i stand there is admiration
yep, and then after you admired it for a few minutes, you drive out, and rain starts, and in 10 minutes it's back to usual!
No point to buy expensive shampoos for the cat, it will go out and lay on a pile of coal again.
(I'm kidding... but, why wax the car every week?)
I dont wax the car every week. I've only waxed it once so far and the next time i will wax it will be in 4 months time.
The mirror like reflectoin and wet look did last 3 or 4 days before dirt and road film started getting my car dirty.
BUT, what i found was when i washed it after it had been waxed, all it needed was a quick rinse and shammy and it was sparkling again. Really didnt take any effort to clean it at all. Water just ran straight off the bodywork. Even now 4/5 weeks on when i wash and dry it, it still has that shine coming through! So in brief, waxing making washing your car easier and quicker!
It still gets alot of respect on the road :wink:
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Yeah, I'm full of it...
WHat am I talking about?! I ordered some window cleaning products for the car that I don't expect to see for another 1.5 months. I ordered that stuf from US, and shipping is 4 times more expensive than the product itself... :rolleyes:
Once I get the car I will have it profesionally waxed and sealed.
I guess if I had a house and a place where I could clean the car by hand, I'd do that, but I don't. So, I will consider dirt to be "battle grime". :cool:
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Can we see some pics :smiley: Im sure the car looks stunning :cool:
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Can we see some pics :smiley: Im sure the car looks stunning :cool:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=60850.0