Body preparation?

[Z4MCOUPE]

I have order the PC 7424 kit. I will hopefully have it for this weekend. My question is; what preparation has to be done to the car prior to detailing with the PC 7424?

Obviously washing the car is the first thing!

But, do you have to do anything else after that.

My procedure will be;
1)wash the rims
2)rinse the car
3)pressure rinse/wash
4)wash the car
5)switch to autodry to rinse, and use the purifier
6)let dry
7)then follow PC7424 instructions for complete detail

If I have missed out steps, or should change something, please let me know.

I will post pics of the cars when I'm done (before and after).

[Gary Sword]

It sounds like you have probably never clayed your car. After washing it I would clay it before doing anything with your PC7424.

[Z4MCOUPE]

Originally Posted by Gary Sword

It sounds like you have probably never clayed your car. After washing it I would clay it before doing anything with your PC7424.

Actually, up until this point, I have clayed my car every few months. But I wasn't sure I would need to prior to polishing with the PC. I guess if thats what works best I will do it. The last time I did this to a car, form start to finish (wash, dry, clay, polish, wax) it took me 8-9 hours (Range Rover). So, I guess it will take 2 days with a PC detail aswell.

[Gary Sword]

Originally Posted by Z4MCOUPE

Actually, up until this point, I have clayed my car every few months. But I wasn't sure I would need to prior to polishing with the PC. I guess if thats what works best I will do it. The last time I did this to a car, form start to finish (wash, dry, clay, polish, wax) it took me 8-9 hours (Range Rover). So, I guess it will take 2 days with a PC detail aswell.

If you have recently clayed it I would probably not do it again or use a real fine clay. If you have a lot of bad swirls you want to be out you probably could spend 8-9 hours on it. It all depends on what you plan on doing do it and what kind of shape it is currently in.

[D&D Auto Detailing]

No rush, take as long as you need, its not a race.

[abrcrombe]

Lots of people spread the detailing out for a few days or even weeks. Where are you located... we want some pics of that car!!

[Kelso]

so are you doing the m coupe or the range rover? anyways yea for a full exterior detail id recommend claybar, then swirl removing and polishing with the PC, use a sealant and then top with carnauba....well, thats my personal way of doing it

[abrcrombe]

Carnauba is a fav for sunny states like FL and CA

[6LS2]

Originally Posted by Z4MCOUPE

I have order the PC 7424 kit. I will hopefully have it for this weekend. My question is; what preparation has to be done to the car prior to detailing with the PC 7424?

Obviously washing the car is the first thing!

But, do you have to do anything else after that.

My procedure will be;
1)wash the rims
2)rinse the car
3)pressure rinse/wash
4)wash the car
5)switch to autodry to rinse, and use the purifier
6)let dry
7)then follow PC7424 instructions for complete detail

If I have missed out steps, or should change something, please let me know.

I will post pics of the cars when I'm done (before and after).

You need to dry it! Unless you want water spots everywhere..

As for claying once every few months, claying should be done once-twice a year.

[Z4MCOUPE]

Originally Posted by Kelso

so are you doing the m coupe or the range rover? anyways yea for a full exterior detail id recommend claybar, then swirl removing and polishing with the PC, use a sealant and then top with carnauba....well, thats my personal way of doing it

I will be doing either a friends M5, or my dads Range rover. The M5 needs it more, but if he can't make it back home this weekend, I will do the Range Rover. Then, most likely, the following weekend, I will do my Z4MC. Then the following weekend, I hope to do my mums Conti GT. All of this is dependant on weather. Which ever cars I get done, I will post pics of.

My car is 6 months old, with 8700+ miles on it. I'm starting to see swirl marks, so, I intend to keep on top of them now I will have the PC. The Range Rover is 2.5 years old with 41000 miles, and has enough swirls on it. The M5 is a Imola Red 2001 (maybe), with 72000 miles on it. It has more than enough swirls, but, considering the miles, its fine, and a good car to start with. The M5 will look stunning when its finished. We tried to tackle this car by hand about a month ago, but failed. So, hopefully, with better equipment, it will be a success this time. As for my mums Conti GT, the paint job on that car is amazing. Its also 2.5 years old, with 24000+ miles on it. You can hardly see any swirls on the car, and I have washed all of our cars the same way. The Range Rovers paint job isn't as good, IMO. So, my intention for her car is somewhat like mine. Get the swirls that are there out, and just keep on top of them.