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General => Detailing => Topic started by: 08micsta on 25 November 2008, 08:15
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Hello guys
Quite a few of you lot are pretty OCD about your vehicles **Looks at Newgolf, Greenouse and Phil** so I figured I would create a write up of what to clean without becoming an OCD victim and yet still have an amazing GTI. I have posted this on a few other GTi forums so I hope its not a repost for some of you.
So here goes. I did this in as much detail as I could (Excuse the Pun) so I hope its undestandable. First off. To complete this you may want to have about two or so hours free. If you rough the job you can do it quicker but nobody likes rushing.
I have split this clean up into two sections. Both Exterior and interior will be focused on. So starting with the exterior:
The golf has bnot been cleaned for about a month now due to me writing my exams and telling my mom that I will murder her if she gets its cleaned elsewhere. So the car was pretty mucky with lots of salt and road grime.
The exterior:
The rims looking a bit sorry for themselves:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6055.jpg)
Sand and dirt on the boot:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6056.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6059.jpg)
Calipers that are filthy:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6064.jpg)
Some pretty sooty exhaust pipes:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6058.jpg)
And so the clean up began. Using a normal paint brush (Lets not be too posh about this) and some degreaser I began with spraying and rubbing each rim down. Im a tad OCD so did the insides of the rim too but most people dont bother really. While you are at give the tyre walls a good scrubbing as this helps the tyre gel to last longer and look better. Dont forget that the calipers also need some love.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6067.jpg)
I then moved along to the engine bay. Although you dont need to do this I felt it needed some TLC. So using the same brush and some desgreaser I gave the engine bay a good wipe down. ATTENTION! If you have a high pressure washer then please do not spray the engine bay down with it. This leads to corrosion etc and damage. Just use a jug of water or normal tap pressure.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6071.jpg)
The car was then foamed down with a product called APC 3000. Its a cleaner and degreaser my dad supplies that gets rid of grease stains etc and as you can imagine its pretty potent at destroying the Kamikaze flies and road grime without stripping the paint.
After leaving the car for five minutes (to allow the APC to really get working) I then blasted the car off paying close attention to the rims, arches and door linings. Also focus on the grille and badges to remove dirt trapped amongst them.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6074.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6078.jpg)
Usually at this point you would dry the car off with a Microfibre cloth but I didnt do this... My dad has six bikes and keeps them in tip top condition (In one year his bikes have actually gained value) and has bought us a blower thing. Basically it blows hot air at extremely high pressures and is used mostly on bikes cos it is able to dry all the water etc which you normally cant reach. I used it on the golf and the results were fantastic.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6082.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6086.jpg)
Getting a car looking good is not just about cleaning the obvious places. Attention to detail is needed. Focus on your door seals and arches and do as I did above. After drying the car and the door sills etc down leave the doors open so that the seals can dry properly and get some fresh air into the vehicle. Door sills:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6087.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6089.jpg)
As I have already mentioned the small details are what gets a car looking good. Firstly the tyres need to be dressed. For this I used an ordinary tyre gel. As you can see below the results are fantastic giving the car a fresher, newer and deeper look.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6097.jpg)
Due to the South African sun the bumpers on the GTi have a habit of fading very quickly. Once again. Dress the bumpers with some shoe polish or any other product you have, The difference is very much noticeable.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6096.jpg)
The exhausts although a small part of the car can be what lets the entire car down. I often degrease the exhaust after doing the rims. For better results use a scrubbing brush and some Autosol or any other metal polish.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6114.jpg)
And lastly the final touch to any vehicle like this is the badges. Using a soft cloth give each of the badges a good wipe so that they shine like the paint on Blues car. Of course some of you Edition 30 owners may have about ten badges to clean now depending on how trigger happy you got with the supplier :P The difference is very much noticeable.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6109.jpg)
Now that the outside is complete move onto the interior.
Interior:
Transporting two kids, a teenager and others around can get the car looking pretty shoddy inside. The VW carpets seem to attract dirt like cr*ap attracts flies which is rather annoying. Some befores:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6120.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6119.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6055f.jpg)
I began with the actual dashboard itself. Using a dry brush and my little air blaster friend I blast most of the dust off the controls, knobs and gearstick surround. Then taking a damp microfibre I gave everything a good wipe making sure to remove everything out the door pockets, centre console and glove compartment.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6127.jpg)
Before vacuuming make certain that you focus on the following. Slide the back seats forward as you will surprised at the amount of grime that gets trapped there especially if your family involves children sitting in the car.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6139.jpg)
Attention to detail is also important with the interior. Using a damp microfibre cloth run your finger between the linings of the leather and remove the dirt trapped in there i.e the stitching lines.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6121.jpg)
The clocks need some cleaning too and the steering wheel coloumn.
The pedals. These seriously enhance the look of the car when clean and should be given a good wipe.
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6124.jpg)
After wards vacuum the vehicle and take the mats out too. You will be surprised at how much dirt is under those mats. If you want tyour leasther to last adn have the time. Give the leather a wipe down with some leather wipes etc and restore them to their former glory.
Some afters:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6145.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6150.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6153.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6147.jpg)
And last but not least something that is important for both driver vision and cosmetic appereances... Please give the windows a good clean:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6159.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6160.jpg)
And the last few finals that I have of the vehicle. I had to speed it up near the end as my dad returned after his 200 mile ride through cape Towns top Mountain passes and such (Only takes him two hours and thats with stopping for breakfast) and wanted the blue bike in the bakground cleaned too. And the Pajero :scared:.
Some general tips:
1. After spraying th car down open the boot and leave it open whilst drying the rest of the car. Water accumilates under the lining of the boot and window and when you open the boot drains on either side usually wetting the bumper and such all over again.
2. Clean the mirrors. Most people forget to clean the mirrors.
3. Dont bother about trying to dry the grill. Rather take the car for a spin and so some heavy braking. This removes the water on the grill and elsewhere on the vehicle.
4. Set your products etc out neatly before you start cleaning. This makes your turnover time much quicker and more organised.
5. Listen to some music when cleaning the car. It gets you into a good tempo and makes the time go quicker. :P :drinking:
Some general afters:
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6170.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6172.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6187.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6183.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6180.jpg)
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x255/08micsta/Picture6184.jpg)
I hope you guys can make some use of the information provided here and that it makes cleaning your MK5 more effective and rewarding.
Mike
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nice results mike!! :afro: now get on with the calander :tongue: :laugh:
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Thanks Joe....
Oh and the calendar cant happen until 1 today when voting closes. :lipsrsealed: :laugh:
After that I will have it by next week I hope...
Mike
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Come and clean mine Mike :cool:
It's filthy and I'm going to a 20+ MK5 meet this weekend!!!
Seriously though - goooooood write up :smiley:
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Thanks Hurdy.
The 20+ meet thing is why I put this up here. Im trying to get Robin to clean his car too. Clean cars= Good photo oppertunities. :rolleyes: :evil:
Mike
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Shoe polish on the bumpers :shocked:
Looks very good though :cool:
Cass
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Looking good BUT please remove that poxy steering wheel thing :sick: :cry: :embarassed:.
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great write up there :)
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Looking good BUT please remove that poxy steering wheel thing :sick: :cry: :embarassed:.
NO NO NO!
I didnt use shoe polish on the bumpers. I wa just giving an example of a cheap option for the bumpers that apparently is very good :lipsrsealed: :laugh: :grin:
Looking good BUT please remove that poxy steering wheel thing :sick: :cry: :embarassed:.
Sorry mate. Its mothers and she likes it. lol great write up there :)
Thank you all.
Mike
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Lol. Nice clean up.
I know what your number plate is! I know what your number plate is! Nanananana!
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Lol. Nice clean up.
I know what your number plate is! I know what your number plate is! Nanananana!
I ssume its the pic taken from inside the garage? Of the front of the car with the doors open? lol
When I posted it I could not see a plate cos of the brightness setting etc on the screen.
But looking on a different screen now I can. Woops. lol
Mike
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Good post. I especially like it that you said "use a normal paintbrush". So many "detailers" have to have a meguiars brush or whatever, that cost £10 or more, and really, its just a freakin' brush!! :smiley:
One question, shouldn't you be putting some protection back on the paint after spraying it with degreaser? Unless its a gentle chemical, it will surely strip wax?
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Im not entirely sure about the exact make up of the product. My father is one of the only suppliers of it and its been used on the car many a time and does not damage the paint. It is derived from the kacher foam spray stuff apparently and it just lifts the dirt giving the car such a nice clean that I dont even need to hand wash it :evil:
And a fully agree with a "normal" brush. There is no difference between the brushes except that a Swissvax brush makes you feel special. I love Detailing but some Detailers make it seem that cleaning a car properly must be ultra specialized. Its not and thats what im trying to achieve with this write up. Af ew cheap products and two hours and its done.
Mike
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with total respect!!!! detailing is a specialized job :smiley: it takes hard graft and technique, technique being the key.
i agree with you on the brush front..... that a normal brush is just as good as a megs brush etc.
but to say its not a specialized thing is a mild insult to people like myself and other detailers who have trained and work hard at what they do.
2hrs detailing a nearly new golf that isnt really that cosmetically dirty isnt really a triumph is it.
good write up though :wink:
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Hello
It was not my intention to offend you Dan, I myself am I detailer although I admit I have not got a lot of experience. So as a detailer of sorts and someone that also details to earn some money I feel I can say that some detailers see detailing as over specialized. Its not as if I am talking rubbish.
Some of my other details:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=88272
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=81460
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=73625
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=71044
Take a look at this thread and look how much trouble I got into for asking a few simple questions. Please note that the detail of this vehicle is posted above and its immaculate. Its because of that thread that I have my opinion about detailers thinking they are all that. Im 18 years old and was 17 when I detailed that blue Audi A4. I would hardly see myself superior to a 35 year old who thinks his job is specialized when meanwhile a teenager who was bored achieved similar results with half the products :evil:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=68147
2hrs detailing a nearly new golf that isnt really that cosmetically dirty isnt really a triumph is it.
This sort of thing is insulting though. I am the only person to clean that golf since day one. It has zero swirls. Has never had to be machine polished. Has no faded lacquer. The leather is in tip top condition. And the point of this excersise was not to post up a "how to detail a MK5 GTi". It was intended for those who just wanted a quick wash and for those that unlike myself and yourself dont enjoy spending an entire day polishing :laugh: :lipsrsealed:
Im glad you enjoyed the write up though :wink: Its nice to see the different opinions here. Its a good way to learn from others.
Mike :smiley:
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thats cool :wink:
sorry for offending you about the golf, it does look good.
the detail on that audi is spot on, the funny thing is.......... i like you detailed my first car when i was 17 and im now 31 and love detailing more now than i did when i was 17 :grin: im well into it as its my job but not in a geeky way.
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Thanks :smiley:
My first ever detail was a almost new 3.0 litre quattro Audi A4. Since I was young I have loved detailing and the only thing stopping me from not doing it as a job is my parents.
You must have a huge amount of experience in detailing if you have been detailing that long. Wow! :cool:
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Thanks :smiley:
My first ever detail was a almost new 3.0 litre quattro Audi A4. Since I was young I have loved detailing and the only thing stopping me from not doing it as a job is my parents.
You must have a huge amount of experience in detailing if you have been detailing that long. Wow! :cool:
why are your parents stopping you from doing it? i think you've got what it takes to be a good detailer,i know ive only seen pics of your work but your attention to detail is spot on, some people have got it and some people have'nt :sad: .
yep :cool: 14rs doing this and still love it,love the new equipment/chemicals that are coming onto the market. HATE the back ache though :cry:
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Hello. My dad owns a oil company and wants me to work with him full time next year. My detailing is gonna be restricted to weekends only which sucks. But im already trying to get out. The detailing market is tiny here in south africa which also plays a role as there are no customers. I have a good eye for detail and just gotta get my parents to realise its what i want. But for now its a hobby according to them. Mike
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cool :wink: the more you do it the more addictive it gets :grin:
the problem over here is you get undercut alot by other bandits then the customer rings you up to basically re-do the crap job the bloke done before. once you've got a good rep people will recommend you and work will poor in.
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I think i do it cos i enjoy making a difference. I like to see the worried look on the owners face as he leaves the keys to his audi in my hands for a weekend and then see his face when he picks it up two days later and the shock he sees and for me its a good feeling. I treat other peoples vehicles the same way my dad taught me to look after my own stuff. With full respect and like gold. Its good fun :)
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me too, i think thats the addiction of it aswell as the smell of the wax's etc. :grin:
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Bilt hamber auto balm. . . . Do not use in enclosed areas haha
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lomao!!!! or dodojuice rainforest rub mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmman that stuff smells so good, so does poorboys ex-p :wink:
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Haha. Its only a matter of time till the government classifies waxes as drugs. . . Lol
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lol, quality :grin: i wouldnt be suprised really,they make everything else we like illegal :cry:
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Imagine the effect it would have on detailing as an industry :evil: :angry: :cry:
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we'd all have to go underground :smug: