Detailing Thread

THE_FORCE

Is there a Detailing thread floating about the car forums here for members pics, info etc? I did a search but nothing relevant showed.

If there isn't - maybe this thread could be used for members to show their pics of their efforts, give tips etc. ?

FZR400RRSP

Good idea.
I went through a detailing phase, but didn't have time to spend hours on the drive due to young kids.
Now that the kids can play themselves, I'm looking to get back into it.

pxr5

Yeah good idea. Whilst Detailing World is the place for all things detailing I admit I get a little overwhelmed by all the information there.

Sandman

I am also interested in detailing but like others I dont have the time to really do it properly.  My current weekly car wash system is -

Snow foam
Rinse
Wash (2 bucket method)
Dry (microfibre)
Hover interior
Clean interior glass
Dust dashboard

Doing this takes me about an hour, twice a year (start and end of summer) I clay bar the car and wax it.  If I am feeling really energetic I will remove the wheels to give them a good clean.

To be honest I am not sure how effective the snow foam is, sure it removes a lot of dirt but I have a feeling that just using the pressure on its own would have similar results.  I still use it though as it adds a bit of enjoyment to the process.

My next purchase is going to be tar remover. Does anybody know if this removes wax?

FZR400RRSP

If it didn't have the power to remove wax, it wouldn't have the power to remove tar.
Any tar remover I've used, you have to re-apply wax after.
I currently use Tardis, but have had good results with Meguiars too.
Tardis seems to be the one favoured by detailing companies, I bought it from polished bliss (approx 5 miles from me).
Having a white car (soon to be two) tar remover is something I've become familiar with.
But it's so easy.
Wash car, spray on tar remover, wait until it starts disolving, wipe off, rinse car, apply wax.
In your case, you'd de-tar prior to clay bar.

mjn

I'll be the first show some p0rn then...

                                                                                                                                               

Cleaned / conditioned leather

                                                                                                                                       

FZR400RRSP

The red/brown leather on my driver's seat (BMW) is pretty badly discoloured.
It can only be dirt/dye off my jeans etc.
I've got Gliptone leather cleaner and conditioner.
Will this do the job?

mjn

Thats what i used.....and it got this off the base of the passenger seat...

                                                                                                                                               

That leather above is 100k miles old!

paulk

I've not used Gliptone, but just as a consideration Megs do a leather cleaner and conditioner (two products / stages) and I used that to get rid of ten years worth of grease and crud from my fathers leather seats and centre armrest. I was very impressed with how easily the Megs leather cleaner did the job. A valeter my dad had used told him it was something he's have to live with as he couldn't shift it!

paulk

Once you have dried off you can add a detailing spray like Dodojuice Red Mist. You spray a tiny amount on (so a bottle lasts for ages) and then buff up and it gives a very deep glossy finish. It takes minutes to do. It's very effective inbetween polish and waxing.