Prep your own - stig's DIB detail

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Manders (so blame him ;) ) suggested I cover the detail of my car in a seperate thread so others could reference the process.

So here it is

Car wasn't terrible upon delivery, but certainly showed the signs of a long journey.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

So, first up (after stripping stickers and covers etc.) was a good snowfoam dousing to loosen all the crud.

I have a decent Karcher pressure washer (big sucker) and snowfoam lance. Does the job nicely. Just spray on, leave to dwell and rinse off.

For those interested in product, I use Chemical Guys No Touch snow foam which gives a good foam and little residue.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

The foam is left to dwell to get rid of most of the crud, then rinsed.

Then it was a two bucket wash with wool mit (and Meguiars shampoo) and dry.

Car has a good deal of polish/sealant on it - so beaded up nicely.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Car dried - I could then apply a decontaminant. This basically dissolves industrial pollution, iron, brake dust etc from the paintwork and wheels.

Amazing how much almost invisible cack there is, but car needs to be spotless and free of contaminants for the ceramic sealant to work properly.

For this, I use Bilt Hamber Korrosol.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

For these wheels, it was well worth investing in some decent brushes. They are a right fiddle to get inside especially around the Brembo calipers - so a decent set are well worth it.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

With the anti-contaminant left to dwell for 5mins or so, car was then thoroughly rinsed and a second snowfoam application to make sure all the chemical was gone.

Plates removed for this because, ermm... I like it to be clean behind the plates too ;)

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

All that done, car was rinsed and dried - again.

Then into the garage (courtesy of the rain) for claying.

I used a Bilt & Hamber white clay and Meguiars quick detailer as a lubricant. Whilst most surface contamination was gone (courtesy of Korrosol and a good clean) there were a few stubborn spots and some overspray on the drivers door (to the left of the highlight in the pic) that it removed.

There was also an odd oval on the roof? Correction should sort that if the clay doesn't.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Claying done - it's ready for paint correction (polishing) and sealing tomorrow.

That said, mostly it's in fine fettle. Couple of pics showing the post clayed state to give you an idea. But will get some better ones tomorrow, hopefully outside.

Time for a beer!

:cheers:

Gibbo205 · Mar 24, 2016

Superb job, is going to look killer.

You gonna drive the car stock for a while and then add modifications one at a time to get a feel for what they do buddy?

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Gibbo205 said:
Superb job, is going to look killer.

You gonna drive the car stock for a while and then add modifications one at a time to get a feel for what they do buddy?

Exactly that mate. The S550 is leagues ahead of the S197 in the handling department in stock trim. I've been surprised at how taught the car feels already. Played with the driving modes 'cos it was raining and the difference is really noticable! For those who lose control in the wet, in wet mode, I'd hang up your driving gloves as you have to be very hamfisted with it like that. Track mode - well, that's different ;)

Like the GT/CS, I'll do about 1k miles, then see how I feel.

To be honest, it goes, sounds and handles far better than I was expecting? However, ironically the first batch of upgrade parts cleared customs today so will be here Tuesday. If I decide not to fit them, then, well, I'll be a good source of UK tuning parts :thumbsup:

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Oh I forgot - for the poster who asked why I prep the car and cited the crud on the speaker grille as an example, here's why ;)

Also forgot to add that all the windows had to be cleaned down with isopropyl alcohol to remove all the glue from the stickers. There's loads of it!

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Interior (once stripped of stickers and protective film) just needed a hoover, wipe down, clean drivers door and fit the new mats.

stiggy · Mar 24, 2016

Interior came like this....

SteveS · Mar 24, 2016

stiggy said:
Oh I forgot - for the poster who asked why I prep the car and cited the crud on the speaker grille as an example, here's why ;)

Me I think

Very impressed by your knowledge and efforts and looking forward to pics of the finished article.
Still beyond my abilities however, step-by-step guide or otherwise.

Jimboy2 · Mar 24, 2016

I think I would loose interest after a while. But props to you for doing it. It really is the best colour! Can't wait for mine to come!

Prep your own - stig's DIB detail

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

Gibbo205

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

stiggy

Well-Known Member

SteveS

...Bon Scott Land...

Jimboy2

Well-Known Member

Similar threads