First time using a two bucket wash...

[dpscoupe]

...and I can't believe its taken me this long to come to the light.

Washed up the 93 as I've been using her as a DD since the Cobra is down for repair. Since discovering this forum & the autogeek store, I've been collecting a few new toys & products & was finally able to try out a few! I'm mildly embarrassed about these before pics:


DSC_0024 by dd6980, on Flickr


DSC_0027 by dd6980, on Flickr


DSC_0023 by dd6980, on Flickr


DSC_0025 by dd6980, on Flickr

Starting with the wheels, I used Zep Citrus diluted 4:1 to clean the tires & wheel wells. On two wheels I tried out the new WG Uber wheel cleaner & the other two got Zep. I could not tell an appreciable difference between them, but they weren't too terribly bad off. Just to see some color change action, I rolled out one of my race wheels & it turned completely pink!! (sorry, no pics, got in a hurry & forgot) :-(

Once the wheels were clean, I used two 5 gallon buckets (each with a grit guard), a micro-chenille wash mitt, & Meguiars Gold Class wash soap.

After a healthy rinse & a thorough wash (followed by another healthy rinse), I blew off remaining water with my air compressor & finished off with my new guzzler towels. Not sure how I survived without the guzzler until now!

While I was happy to see a clean car again, I was more impressed by what I didn't find.....SWIRLS! There were none! At least, not any new ones. Up until this point I thought I had been doing a good job as a car guy, luckily I was led to the water & am learning the error of my ways.


DSC_0029 by dd6980, on Flickr

After a short break, I put down a coat of Megs gold class carnuba paste. While that was drying, the glass was cleaned with Stoners Invisible Glass, The wheels received a coat of WG Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0, & the tires were treated with WG Black Diamond Tire gel. The wheels are a satin black, but the 3.0 gave them a killer matte finish that I like alot.

Finally, the after shots!! A couple of reflections:


DSC_0053 by dd6980, on Flickr


DSC_0055 by dd6980, on Flickr

Overall in front of the office:


DSC_0049 by dd6980, on Flickr

and a couple of artsy fartsy shots:


DSC_0054 by dd6980, on Flickr


DSC_0058 by dd6980, on Flickr

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share their detailing knowledge & experience on this forum! In my lurking I was able to sponge up quite a bit & come to the humble realization that, while I was mechanically inclined, I knew jack sheet about maintaining paint! I think I have a new addiction.......

[Setec Astronomy]

What is that, an ex-highway patrol car?

[dpscoupe]

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

What is that, an ex-highway patrol car?

Yessir, ex TX DPS

[Divine Details]

That's a nice lookin ride I like the orange one in the reflection too

[BobbyG]

I think you're headed in the right direction for sure and I like your car!!

[jjkacz]

Glad that you finally saw the light. That's some nice Mustangs you have there! What 4.6 did you put in the fox body? Also, it that an actual 2000 Cobra R?

[ARizzle]

Great job! I'm really curious, have you ever used a polisher before for swirl removal? If not, you gotta share your secret as to how there are no swirls on your car

[flamed03vert]

Love the 2001 Cobra R in the reflection shot. car is looking good. Is LRS going to start getting a bit into detailing?

[dpscoupe]

Originally Posted by Divine Details

That's a nice lookin ride I like the orange one in the reflection too

Thanks man, much appreciated!

Originally Posted by BobbyG

I think you're headed in the right direction for sure and I like your car!!

I sure hope so Bobby, & thanks!

Originally Posted by jjkacz

Glad that you finally saw the light. That's some nice Mustangs you have there! What 4.6 did you put in the fox body? Also, it that an actual 2000 Cobra R?

Thanks man! She has an 01 Cobra 4V. Yessir, original 00 Cobra R. I can't remember what # right off the top of my head. She belongs to the boss man.

Originally Posted by ARizzle

Great job! I'm really curious, have you ever used a polisher before for swirl removal? If not, you gotta share your secret as to how there are no swirls on your car

Thanks! I have yet to use a polisher myself. I just picked up a 7424XP & will be cutting my teeth on my 03 Cobra. She needs a bunch of help....Y'all will be hearing quite a bit of questions from me on this one!

The 93 was painted in 2003 & is the epitome of a garage queen. There are swirls, just few & far between. The only time she comes out is for a car show, when needed at work for marketing purposes, or twice a year for HPDEs. One of my co-workers who is quite skilled with a machine took some paint measurements & did some color sanding & buffing to everything above the body molding in 2005. I've been maintaining that finish by hand since & boy am I tired!! Once I get comfortable with the PC, I'll get the 93 to full on mirror (hopefully). According to the before/after paint measurements my co-worker took, I apparently have a quite a bit of clear. I have the #s written down somewhere, just don't ask me to find them!! The guy who painted her said he "hammered on" the clear so there would be plenty of material to work with. I'm pretty sure its PPG Deltron.

Originally Posted by flamed03vert

Love the 2001 Cobra R in the reflection shot. car is looking good. Is LRS going to start getting a bit into detailing?

Thanks man! Nah, this is a personal new obsession for me. With companies like autogeek already knocking it out of the park, we'll keep on with what we know best.....parts!

[KillaCam]

I remember the first time I used grit guards. The rinse bucket was black lol.

Are those wheels miro 111? They look good.