CaptObvious75
Ready to race!
I can't believe people are arguing with the OP
Very good job is all I have to say! What a difference
Very good job is all I have to say! What a difference
6
The Cleanest GTI? A Documentary by AutoLavish of Michigan
- Thread starter MuttGrunt
- Start date
MuttGrunt
Ready to race!
Hello from the top-side of earth, and I hope all is well in the southern hemisphere (aside from the extremely large arachnids and other creatures).
While I know of many great top-end guys here in the States, I can't really point you to anyone is Australia
The good news is that between the big 3 eastern cities, I'm sure there's SOMEONE who is trying to do real high-end work. I just don't know where to look. To begin, you're looking for a "paint correction expert" that can help you get on the right track. Even if you do all the work yourself, I'm sure you can understand the benefit in having a local resource to ask questions and help you along.
I'd like to point out that Candy White will NEVER looks the same as metallic black. That doesn't mean you don't get a return in an increase in clarity of your paint, but that it's not as immediately noticeable. What will be noticeable is caring for your new ride correctly over the next years. Before you run, you must walk, but let's start with a crawl first.
1. Invest in quality car care goods. NOT cheap, and in Australia, REALLY REALLY not cheap! Sourcing, and stocking quality car care products isn't going to be easy for you I'm thinking. While usually I tell people to do plenty of research to make sure they're buying what they feel they really need and what will really help, research pays off even more for you, as if you order anything from the US or the UK, you need to make sure you're getting enough products / tools / equipment / detailing supplies to justify placing that order. Ordering in bulk is truly needed, and for you... double the bulk size. NOT cheap. It might even be worth buying 2-3x more, and being able to sell some things locally if you don't like them.
Luckily there are some universal things you'll need. Two Grit Guards, quality wash mitts, waffle weave microfiber towels, plush microfiber towels, car wash shampoo, wheel cleaner, wheel cleaning brushes, all purpose cleaner, tire dressing, trim dressing, interior dressing / cleaner, Iron-X / Iron-cut, etc. Once again, it might be worth ordering much more than you need. Maybe purchase 4 Grit Guards though you only need 2 and sell off the others, or keep a spare just in case.
2. Learn the right wash technique so you're in good habits. One bad wash is all it takes to create a lot of swirls, scuffs, and scratches, which take away from clarity, gloss, and brilliance of the pearl paint. You'll get more efficient as you go, and at first, it'll take a bit more time.
3. Research research research. Did i mention to also research? I like some products that some other top-notch guys don't like as much, and the other way around. Understand the difference in a truth, an option, and a marketing tactic.
4. Clay and Iron-X / Iron-cut. These means a lot to many cars, but no color benefits more from them than white. White can be beautiful and "pure" looking. It can also look dulled down and tired. Clay will remove contamination from your clear-coat which makes the surface much more pure white in color, and Iron-X or Iron-cut are used to dissolve iron deposits stuck into your clear-coat from your brakes and fall-out. You'll notice small "rust" spots in your clear-coat, especially the paint behind your wheels, on the rear bumper, and on the rear-hatch. Aerodynamics play a major roll in pushing rotor shavings back into your paint in these areas, which stick in your clear-coat and oxidize. You can remove them from clay, but you're much better off with Iron-x or Iron-cut TRUST ME on this one. Order several bottles as this stuff will be your best friend over the next couple of years.
5. Polishing. This is the mechanic re-leveling of your clear-coat to remove defects leaving a truly better-than-new finish. You've already seen page one of this thread, and I think you can understand that this GTI was truly in better-than-new condition once finished. This is something you can learn to potentially do yourself. Sure you might not get the result of someone heavily invested in time, equipment, and with lots of experience, but you can without a doubt improve your finish to minimize swirls and fine scratches. Consider a DA ("dual-action" as it orbits and rotates) polisher with assorted pads and polishes. Meguiar's 105, 205, and Menzerna 106fa are three polishes I'd recommend along with blue, black, white, and Surbuf pads.
The first time you try polishing should be something very mild. You're goal should be to learn and improve your technique - not get rid of all defects. People have ruined their paint by polishing, even with DA polishers, but using common sense and training yourself will go a long way. Start with a final polish and a light pad with the goal of adding gloss to your finish the first time you use it, and then go from there. The more aggressive pads and polishes are for future dates.
6. Use your resources to your advantage. Boards like this have a wealth of information, and there are some real good guys that can give you great reviews and feedback. Also beware that some people know more than others, while some know very little :lol:
I hope this helps, congrat's on the GTI, and GL!
gokartgti
Garage Pics Updated
Wow. amazing response buddy. Thanks for the heads up. Ill definitely look at the correct investment into the right products. Machinery wise I'm somewhat fortunate having family in the mechanic / repair trade that have some good quality tools for the job ( half of the equation).
research time it is. have a great weekend guys. and again thanks for the time in sharing and responding.
research time it is. have a great weekend guys. and again thanks for the time in sharing and responding.
MuttGrunt
Ready to race!
For sure!
UPDATE: We'll be working on this car again in just over a week (Thursday the 10th). I'll be posting pics of what's done and how things go. The owner should have his Winter wheels and tires on by then, but the main focus is showing the overall condition months later after our work, with a focus on prepping the car for the coming white months.
Marc, love the avatar! I've learned lots reading your post. I just got a brand new black GTI and once I get through winter I'll be re-reading this post to learn even the basics of washing my car!! My old truck had 235k miles and was washed about once a year need it or not! taking care of a new black car will be a big challenge! Can't wait to see more pictures!
taking care of a new black car will be a big challenge! Can't wait to see more pictures!
MuttGrunt
Ready to race!
Marc, love the avatar! I've learned lots reading your post. I just got a brand new black GTI and once I get through winter I'll be re-reading this post to learn even the basics of washing my car!! My old truck had 235k miles and was washed about once a year need it or not!
Hey thanks a lot, and I'm glad you've found this documentary useful to your future detailing adventures. Take good care of your GTI and she'll look like-new or better-than-new for a long time to come.
Just finished a lunch break (mmmm Jimmy John's) while working on this same GTI. Amazing how much clarity the paint still has. Very light and very minor paint damage - just very shallow swirls that aren't very plentiful. Washed, clayed (light contamination), and a one-step polishing step (3M Ultrafina on a black pad) is working wonders thus far. Once we finish polishing (1/3 the car to go), we'll re-wash her, dry her off, and apply Optimum Opti-Coat, dress the tires, and dress the engine bay with an oil based dressing (for Winter prep as it's not water soluble).
Squashdaddy
Go Kart Champion
I would put this car in a bottle and leave it for 1000 years. Who who want to drive it after that? It's too damn clean!
MuttGrunt
Ready to race!
It's more fun to see such a beautiful and clean ride in motion than standing still. There are lots of (relatively) clean cars standing still. On the actual road looking better-than-new? Few.
I'd also like to send a big "Hello!" to everyone who reads this thread from across the world. So far I've found it linked to Serbian, South African, Finnish, and (yes) even German car forum sites
Spin Cykle
Passed Driver's Ed
I'd also like to send a big "Hello!" to everyone who reads this thread from across the world. So far I've found it linked to Serbian, South African, Finnish, and (yes) even German car forum sites
What, no love for the fellow SE Michigan folk. Just kidding. I see you decided to use 3m instead of Menz.
MuttGrunt
Ready to race!
This makes me sad
Paint chips and minor imperfection happen and it's no reason to get upset. You live with it. It' be like saying an amazingly beautiful woman that is 35 isn't attractive for some reason.
WWWHHHHAAATTT??? No love for Michigan?
here's a pic from years ago in Afghanistan: me drinking a Faygo before going on a mission. How's that for Michigan love?
And yes, I have always and still do love 3M Ultrafine Machine Polish AKA Ultrafina.
Spin Cykle
Passed Driver's Ed
:w00t: I'm just giving you a hard time Marc. To bad its getting so cold out. My desire to wash, even ONR, is dwindling down.
andy_uranium
Go Kart Champion
Just parked next to the car featured here. Still looking good!
