2006 Honda Civic Exterior + Engine Detail

[MDetail]

This is a 2006 Honda Civic that spends most of it’s life outside, near the beach, in the sun, and not often washed. I took on this job knowing where it had been, and the customer just wanted it to look better and get protection from the harsh conditions down by the beach. I think this met his expectations.

Process
Clean Engine
Dress Engine
Pre-treat w/PB Bug & Tar
Clean trim, moldings, door handles, body panel crevices, rocker panels & gas door area
Pre-soak w/foam gun
wash w/wash mitt & 2 bucket method
Pre-soak w/foam gun again
wash w/wash mitt & 2 bucket method again
Clay
Pre-soak w/foam gun final
Wash w/wash mitt & 2 bucket method final
Dry w/waffle weave towels
Polish w/Flex Megs Polish pad & m205
Correct headlights
Sealant (allow to set for 1 hour) EX-P
Wax (wait 5-15min) Collinite 476s for durability
Apply Dressings (trim, tires, etc)
Clean Windows

Befores

The car came over in poor condition.
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_002.jpg

http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_004.jpg

http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_005.jpg

Faded Plastics all over the car
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_006.jpg

No shine to be found
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_010.jpg

You can tell the car hasn’t been washed in quite a while
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_008.jpg

http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_009.jpg

The engine could use a little help as well
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_011.jpg

Afters

Engine looks like it came right off the dealers lot
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_014.jpg

1/2 of the hood clayed
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_015.jpg

Wheels & Tires cleaned, Tires dressed
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_017.jpg

Headlights w/sealant still on them
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_020.jpg

Trim restored (hard to tell from before and after with the lighting)
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_023.jpg

Pillars polished
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_024.jpg

Full afters. Finished at night, sorry no direct sun pictures.
http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_026.jpg

http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_001.jpg

http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_016.jpg

http://www.schotography.com/photos/albums/uploads/Auto%20Detailing/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_021.jpg

[ICEMAN]

shiny!! nice job!

[bill walsh]

very nice turn around looks great too

[Bobby B.]

Looks awesome! Keep up the great work.

[turbos17]

Awesome indeed! How long did it take you?

[MDetail]

The total time was about 7-8hrs

[TObleRONE]

The total time was about 7-8hrs

All of that work in only 7 - 8 hrs.? AMAZING:urtheman:

Did you do anything special to prep the engine before cleaning (wrapping electrical connections, etc.)? I have a Honda as well and am hesitant to spray the engine compartment because there are numerous electrical connectors.:eek:

[sh4dowfax]

Wow, that sure is nice. I gotta give my poor Civic some lovin. :P Haven't had time to clean it up since the summer... :(

[turbos17]

All of that work in only 7 - 8 hrs.? AMAZING:urtheman:

Did you do anything special to prep the engine before cleaning (wrapping electrical connections, etc.)? I have a Honda as well and am hesitant to spray the engine compartment because there are numerous electrical connectors.:eek:

No need to cover everything. I use a pressure washer at a proper distance and it works wonders. I use Purple Power or Simple Green degreaser, pressure wash, scrub, pressure wash clean, coat w/ whatever I want to, close hood start car for 15-20 min. (this let's the water evaporate from the heat and the product soaks into the rubbers and plastics), open hood and wipe down.

[jlb85]

The metallic really pops! Good polishing, and a nice job on the engine too!

[MDetail]

Did you do anything special to prep the engine before cleaning (wrapping electrical connections, etc.)? I have a Honda as well and am hesitant to spray the engine compartment because there are numerous electrical connectors.:eek:

I personally do not cover any items, I just strategically spray my chemicals and water. My rinse water is water from a spray bottle. I feel like the work comes out better if you use more elbow grease instead of more water power.

Here is the method I use. I understand some people like to use hoses and pressure washers, so it may not be for everyone.
2008 Honda Fit: Engine Bay Detail (How-to) | MDetail.com (http://mdetail.com/blog/2009/12/31/how-to-detail-your-engine-ba/)

Let me know if you need more help