What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[MAGS1]

Car is outside. It has lived 4 years outside completely exposed to sun and for last year is in a parking garage when parked.


Not sure if it matters but I keep a sun visor on window and side mirror visors as well. I was so at a loss Ive been wondering if having a semi sealed off enclosed cabin was creating a "environment" or atmosphere of some kind. That's how bewildering this is. You can see them in this pic and front is a standard visor you probably seen a million times.

Something like Trim+ or 303 Protectant will help with UV exposure. With the car being outside and thus heating up in the summer (and cold in the winter), I’m sure it’s taking a toll on some of the interior plastics. How does your dash look, especially the top of the dash? I assume you clean it the same way? Check the pillars between the door and quarter glass too, those are the harder plastic. See what those look like. I’d like to think it’s being outside that has caused it, but other parts of the interior should be showing similar issues too

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[MACHtobers Very Own]

Something like Trim+ or 303 Protectant will help with UV exposure. With the car being outside and thus heating up in the summer (and cold in the winter), I’m sure it’s taking a toll on some of the interior plastics. How does your dash look, especially the top of the dash? I assume you clean it the same way? Check the pillars between the door and quarter glass too, those are the harder plastic. See what those look like. I’d like to think it’s being outside that has caused it, but other parts of the interior should be showing similar issues too

rest of car is fine. No signs of any damage anywhere else. Chemicals appear to do as they are advertised to do

Also for reference 2022 with 18k miles

 

[GT 550]

That's crazy. I get your frustration. Sometimes car restorers will use a rattle can to apply a very fine coat of semi gloss or satin black particularly when the surface is textured as it hides imperfections. It sounds ghetto but it's been known to work well. It might at least be better than what you're dealing with.

 

[Evolvd]

Welp my button panels are back to being stupid again.

I have been dealing with this for almost 3 years now on and off again. Sometimes I'll get a break and cleaning/dressing does its job. then like yesterday ill apply a cleaner and BAM panel goes white. It could take a few more rounds of dressing to keep it looking good or itll just stay like this. I have no clue.

I can't narrow it down because litteral water from the SKY makes them do this if the window is down and water drips in after a rain or something.

I have used variations of

P&S Express
Car Pro Inner QD
Top Star
Armor All (just to see cause my mom has it)
Chemical Guys VRP

)=

I am tempted to try dawn and some vinegar or just sand them down

I think I have a pair of these boxed up in my shed. I’ll take a look and see if I didn’t toss them.

 

[lo-fi]

rest of car is fine. No signs of any damage anywhere else. Chemicals appear to do as they are advertised to do

Also for reference 2022 with 18k miles

Get a used door card off ebay and strip off what you need. I couldn't live with that nonsense.

FYI: I own a 2021 Mach HP. Mine has not had this problem. 303 is what I use.

Edit: I just saw you said you're on the second panel. Man, that stinks.

 

[MAGS1]

Another Vyper and Ford collaboration
https://www.vyperindustrial.com/col...ppTa-s-p0D9yLebgnT9QDjPUf0wljrrt-e_tjQ.WCp9Hb

 

[DFB5.0]

NOTE - I know this wall of text isn't about detailing, but we will get there eventually, so stick with me on this...............

In 2026, Stihl celebrates 100 years in business, and they've been running several promotions to mark it. The most visible is the Centennial Edition MS 500i chainsaw — a special edition with bespoke finishes, unique graphics and limited availability. To get one, you had to enter a ballot and be prepared to fork out $3,500 for a chainsaw you'd realistically never cut wood with (the fact it comes with a custom display stand says it all). I want one.

Stihl also ran a promotion called Australia's Biggest STIHL Fan:

"We're looking for Australia's biggest STIHL fan on INSTAGRAM! Think you're STIHL's #1 supporter? Now's your chance to prove it. Share your STIHL story, your favourite tool, your tattoos, or show us your STIHL collection for a chance to be featured as part of our 100-year celebrations."

I'm decent at telling a story and run a reasonable Instagram account, so I threw my hat in the ring. First prize was the Centennial MS 500i, second was a bundle of AP pro-grade battery tools, third a selection of AK battery tools, and fourth an assortment of AS battery tools. The global prize was a trip to Germany (thanks, but no thanks).

Knowing my level of Stihl obsession is modest compared to some, I entered the competition with zero expectations. I had actually forgotten about it. Then at the start of July, I spotted on Instagram that I'd won 4th place! Not the Centennial chainsaw I had been hoping for, but I’m not complaining.

The fourth prize was called the Camping & Home Bundle, which included the BGA 30 Blower (kit), PS1 Power Bank, RCA 20 Pressure Washer (skin), KOA 20 inflator (kit), and SEA 20 vacuum (skin). All up, $1015 worth of tools.

Seven weeks later, I went down to my local Stihl dealer to collect the prize and have my photo taken with the store manager. Being such a long-term customer, I have a great relationship with the local Stihl dealer, the manager in particular. I remember my first interaction with him as a teenager, just after he'd sold me a hedge trimmer. I thought he was being pushy telling me to be careful with the machine, even though I'd been using tools like that for several years. But I later recognised that was him providing good service and showing concern for his customer. I've since spent a small fortune on equipment and service with them.

When I entered the competition, I never thought I'd be in contention. But then, out of the blue, word came through that I'd won one of the prizes up for grabs. I've been a Stihl customer for nearly 30 years, all purchased at the local dealer, and I can't see that changing any time soon. In a way, it's nice to see a little reward for the loyalty.

I won't cover all of these tools in this thread, but I will highlight some of the automotive-leaning ones in the coming posts.

 

[DFB5.0]

For the last decade, Stihl have been offering three different battery ecosystems, in turn providing a solution to every type of user. All three differ in battery design, charging system, and the physical size of the tool itself, with no interchangeability between them. They do this to optimise the cost and performance demanded by each consumer type.

AS System – This is the entry-level solution for occasional users. Originally, many of these tools had an integrated lithium-ion battery, but later evolved to have external 10.8V batteries. Lightweight and ease of use are the focus here.

AK System – A mid-tier option for residential and light commercial use. These tools are based around a 36V battery in three capacities. This larger battery supports longer running times and larger tools in general. The above-mentioned hedge trimmers and saws run on the AK battery system, and I've found them a nice balance for my needs.

AP System – These are professional-grade tools designed for frequent heavy use. Also based around a 36V architecture, the batteries are physically larger and heavier for increased output and performance. The AP system got a refresh for Stihl's 100th year, with 60% more peak power and faster charging, able to reach 80% charge in just 9 minutes with the quick-charge function.

In relation to the competition, I won a selection of AS-system tools. I mention all of the above to put context to the AS system tools and their range opening statis. I already had the ASA 20 and HTA 25, and the charger and batteries to support them. Picking up my prize yesterday, I now have an assortment of AS system tools. These won't be used commercially, rather around my own garden and garage. Unlike the AK and AP systems, there is only one battery within the AS range, the AS-2, and two different chargers, the AL-1 and ALS-31.

The one annoyance I have with buying battery tools is the dance you play around skin or kit. In particular, you get one or the other: the kit, with significantly discounted batteries and a charger, or simply the tool alone. So, if you decide to take advantage of discounted batteries, you then end up with redundant chargers clogging up your cabinets. And it's not like you can sell the chargers — everyone ends up in the same predicament. I find this a somewhat wasteful use of the world's resources and landfill capacity.

In my case, I now have five AS-2 batteries, but also three battery chargers.

 

[DFB5.0]

RCA 20 Pressure Washer -

The RCA 20 is a small, handheld, battery-powered pressure washer. This style of machine isn't unique to Stihl — multiple tool manufacturers had come up with something similar before Stihl launched their version last year. But Stihl is fast becoming a battery power expert, so it was natural for them to do something of their own.

https://www.stihl.com.au/en/p/press...sher-as-system-203022#rca-20-skin-only-203022

So, what do you get? The RCA 20 is available in two formats:

RCA 20 Kit – Machine, accessories, two batteries and a charger
RCA 20 Skin – Machine and accessories only

Mine came as a skin, with batteries and charger coming from elsewhere in the overall prize. In addition to the machine itself, you get a handy bundle of accessories:

- 4-in-1 nozzle, with jet, fan, turbo and flood modes
- Spray lance extension
- Soap cannon
- Vacuum hoses with filter
- Water pouch
- Storage bag

The nozzle attachment can be used with or without the extension. Using the vacuum hose, you can siphon water from a bucket or the supplied pouch. Note how I didn't call the soap cannon a "foam" cannon — you won't be generating foam from that thing, primarily because the machine itself just doesn't produce enough pressure to make that possible. However, you could fill it with an APC like Purple Power or Surfex to get some pre-soak action going before the rinse off.





The unit with a battery fitted is super light and ergonomic, even when you have a hose connected to the inlet. The machine powers up automatically when the trigger is squeezed. When not in use, you can lock the trigger to avoid activating the pump. There is a battery charge indicator on the back of the unit, and an eco mode to extend the running time, which you'd realistically never bother with. The soap cannon features an adjustment dial, though again you'll likely run it wide open. Each attachment is connected with a bayonet push-and-turn arrangement.

Let's be clear here, this isn't going to clean your driveway or, if I'm honest, a whole car. With its compact size and user-friendly approachability, the RCA 20 would be perfect for smaller spaces with restricted storage or connections to water and power. Think apartment blocks and courtyards — ideal for cleaning windows and outdoor furniture. As such, the spec sheet reads rather modestly.

Max Pressure – 350 psi
Max Water Flow – 230 LPH (3.8 LPM)
Weight – 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs)
Min Run Time – 8 min
Max Run Time – 15 min

For context, an equivalently priced Karcher K2 would make 1700 psi and 6.0 LPM (1.6 GPM). My big dog, the Kranzle KHD10, does 1500 psi and a strong 11 LPM (2.9 GPM). But that's missing the point — the RCA 20 is what it is: light, compact, easy to handle. And because there's no separate gun and hose, you never have to deal with the chronically awful hoses that come with cheap pressure washers. Invest in a great garden hose, though. Funnily, I used my German-made Gardena hose — a brand which sits under the same company group that owns Husqvarna — sorry, Stihl.

I used the RCA 20 on the Wildtrak today. Not the whole vehicle — the lack of pressure and flow rate meant it wouldn't have been time efficient. However, it tackled smaller parts such as the floor mats, side steps, wheels and tyres. I really like how wieldy it is, be that the low weight or the ergonomic balance. It's also nice and quiet, with an instant start response and none of the wheeziness some pressure washers exhibit. Build quality is exceptional, and the bayonet fittings are smooth and secure.



So, that's the RCA 20. It's not going to clean your whole house or car, but as an addition to a lineup of AS batteries, it's a handy little thing.

 

[MACHtobers Very Own]

Fun fact: their US headquarters is in my area. I filmed a video a few years ago with them where they made chainsaws I guess sound like a Xmas song or something. It was neat they tuned the engines and sounds and made like a chainsaw/tool "band" fun day at work.

 

[DFB5.0]

Fun fact: their US headquarters is in my area. I filmed a video a few years ago with them where they made chainsaws I guess sound like a Xmas song or something. It was neat they tuned the engines and sounds and made like a chainsaw/tool "band" fun day at work.

I love the inner workings of a factory. I got to tour Ford's Broadmeadows (Melbourne) assembly plant in 2003, at the time it was running at 110 % capacity due to the success of the new BA Falcon. I could have stayed there a week and would have still found it fascinating. Sadly, the plant closed at the end of 2016 and has been demolished over the last 12 months.

I had a MS 271 chainsaw made at the Virginia Beach plant. From what gather, the US plant makes the mid-range farm and ranch saws, China does the low end models, the professional saws come out of the German plants.

 

[MAGS1]

I love the inner workings of a factory. I got to tour Ford's Broadmeadows (Melbourne) assembly plant in 2003, at the time it was running at 110 % capacity due to the success of the new BA Falcon. I could have stayed there a week and would have still found it fascinating. Sadly, the plant closed at the end of 2016 and has been demolished over the last 12 months.

I had a MS 271 chainsaw made at the Virginia Beach plant. From what gather, the US plant makes the mid-range farm and ranch saws, China does the low end models, the professional saws come out of the German plants.

Always been a fan of Stihl. Looking at one of their gas trimmers (FS 56 RC-E) to replace my Echo.

 

[skinnyb]

Always been a fan of Stihl. Looking at one of their gas trimmers (FS 56 RC-E) to replace my Echo.

I have had a FS 56 RC for several years. Still cranks after about 2-3 pulls and runs strong. No maintenance needed at all. No issues, just run Stabil year round and put a speed feed head on it.

 

[MAGS1]

I have had a FS 56 RC for several years. Still cranks after about 2-3 pulls and runs strong. No maintenance needed at all. No issues, just run Stabil year round and put a speed feed head on it.

I’ve watched several videos on the FS 56 line and everyone raves about them. I like that the RCE comes standard with the speed feed head. My Echo has done well, I change the spark plug and air filter every spring but it has the curved bar, which makes edging sidewalks and curbs more difficult. I would prefer a straight bar at this point so I can just turn the whole trimmer and zip up and down the sidewalks. I’m on an oversized corner lot, so lots of sidewalk area to trim

 

[skinnyb]

I’ve watched several videos on the FS 56 line and everyone raves about them. I like that the RCE comes standard with the speed feed head. My Echo has done well, I change the spark plug and air filter every spring but it has the curved bar, which makes edging sidewalks and curbs more difficult. I would prefer a straight bar at this point so I can just turn the whole trimmer and zip up and down the sidewalks. I’m on an oversized corner lot, so lots of sidewalk area to trim

Yeah I have a complete concrete drive, so plenty of edging, plus I mow my neighbor's yard too. Same scenario, concrete drive. Plus going around both houses, and a few trees. And a really short bank in the neighbor's front yard at the road. Takes me about 30 min is all, I don't take huge pains with it though..

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