PT Cruiser Detail

[mshu7]

Hey all! This is my mom's PT Cruiser. I did this detail as a "gift/refer some business to me" type of deal. Unfortunately, I don't have any before pictures. I forgot to take my camera with me when I went to their house. These photos are the day after when she came over. It gave me a chance to take some "after" photos. I put about 6 hours into it. The interior was disgusting but I think it turned out really well (again, no pics, sorry!). The exterior wasn't much better however going into it I knew I wasn't going to spend a ton of time on it (this was my first real detail after back surgery so my conditioning/muscles aren't up to par). The paint had many defects from light to moderate scratches, bird poop etching, scuffs, & paint chips. Mom & dad were both quite impressed and thrilled with the outcome. I did this while they were out of town so when they got home they opened the garage door to their shiney "new" vehicle.

Process:
-Wash w/NXT.
-Clay w/Meg's clay & Last Touch for lube. I have to say, the paint felt like sand paper so I spent quite a bit of time claying. I should probably throw my clay bar away after this one.
-Wash w/NXT.
-Meg's #66 with PC & white LC polishing pad.
-Meg's NXT with grey LC finishing pad (X2). While I was impressed with the overall end result of NXT, I have to say I was disappointed because of some streaking. When buffing off with a Cobra MF towel, it seemed to streak a lot. You can see it in the hood shot (the darker areas of the clouds). I thought that the 2nd application would help, but it did the same thing again. This is the first time I've used NXT but I'll use it again till my bottle is gone. If the streaking continues I won't buy it again. Besides the streaking, I really liked the overall look and how it darked the paint.

EDIT: I've used NXT a couple times since this detail and I have to admit it looks like it was user error on my part. I think I just didn't let it cure long enough before removing it. I now like NXT .

Other products used:
-303 for trim
-Meg's High Endurance for tires
-Meg's APC+ for general cleaning inside & out
-Meg's Quick Interior Detailer
-Meg's NXT Glass Cleaner
-Meg's Detailer's Line Leather Cleaner/Conditioner

Pictures:

















Comments/questions welcomed!

[Reddwarf]

Good looking job! You achieved a really nice deep wet look. Sounds like you put a lot of work into it. Before I discovered AG, I bought some NXT and some Meg's Deep Crystal wax. I'm not really very fond of the NXT stuff I've tried. Between the two, I perfer the Deep Crystal.

On the dark purple, I recommend you try either PB Natty's Blue or DP Max Wax. IMHO.

[mshu7]

Thanks for the compliment!

I have Natty's & Max Wax (MW is my all-time fav.). However, I just purchased some NXT stuff that I was wanting to try out so that's why I used it instead of Natty's or Max Wax.

[sparkie]

Nice job, never seen purple look that good. As far as nxt, I never had streaking problem with it. About a year ago I always had a problem with Zanio streaking. Thinking back the problem was with the towels, the wife used fabric softner on them. When you wash your towels, did you use fabric softner? That might be the problem.

[sparkie]

You need to try this.Best stuff to date for me!

[supercharged]

Liquid Souveran is the best liquid carnauba wax there is.

[FloridaNative]

Looks great!

[mshu7]

Sparkie,

Thanks for the idea about the towels. I always wash them the same way...no die, no fragrance liquid detergant. I've never had a problem with streaking until now. I'll use the NXT in the future so we'll see. Maybe it was just something about this one....I'm not sure.

As far as Souveran is concerned, I haven't tried it, YET! I want to one of these days but I have so many new products on my shelf I haven't purchased it just yet. Plus, I am still debating whether or not I want to splurge on paste or just stick to liquid Souveran.

Anyway, thanks for the compliments!

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by mshu7

Sparkie,

Thanks for the idea about the towels. I always wash them the same way...no die, no fragrance liquid detergant. I've never had a problem with streaking until now. I'll use the NXT in the future so we'll see. Maybe it was just something about this one....I'm not sure.

As far as Souveran is concerned, I haven't tried it, YET! I want to one of these days but I have so many new products on my shelf I haven't purchased it just yet. Plus, I am still debating whether or not I want to splurge on paste or just stick to liquid Souveran.

Anyway, thanks for the compliments!

The paste Souveran will render the deepest wettest look but the liquid Souveran is very close and has more durability. The kits are the best way to go to get the most bang for your buck.

[mshu7]

FN, thanks! That's exactly what I needed to hear to figure out which way to go. Hmm....15% coupon code sure sounds good right now .

Thanks again!


Edit: Ah, crap! Just missed the discount by a day! I'll be sure to pick it up next time.