My New Dream Car

[JrDetailerwoman]

(Because you guys liked this thread so much: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/47293-always-wanted-purple-car.html , I thought I'd repost this one from a few years ago on another forum.)

I've always wanted a Mustang convertible, so I couldn't pass this up when I came across it at the local church rummage sale:

http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0771resize.JPG

It's missing a wheel cover, does anyone know where I might pick one up?

There were some pretty good swirls on the hood:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0768resize.JPG

And the interior was pretty dirty:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0775resize.JPG

Some dirt around the spoiler:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0772resize.JPG

Tires were pretty shiny, probably some greasy kid stuff from the dealer:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0773resize.JPG

Underbody was clean, though:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0776resize.JPG



Before I did anything else, I wanted to do some de-badging.

Before:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0769resize.JPG

After:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0774resize.JPG

While I was cleaning the interior I found this, I guess from the previous owner:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0770resize.JPG

I hosed her down, notice the beading is better on the windshield than the rest of the car; I suspect Rain-X or Aquapel:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0779resize.JPG

Then it was time for some serious cleaning. Used the foam gun with GC:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0780resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0781resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0782resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0783resize.JPG

Then I started to wash with my new grout sponge (I understand Excel Detail will be carrying these soon, not sure if they will be the same size)
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0785resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0786resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0787resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0788resize.JPG

Interior got some cleaning, too:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0789resize.JPG

I dried with a terry towel since I wasn't too concerned with marring because polishing was coming next:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0790resize.JPG

Because of the special finish on this model, I decided that Meguiar's PlastX would be an appropriate polish:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0791resize.JPG

I guess I really should have taped off some of the seams, because I got some polish residue in there:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0792resize.JPG
It was ok, though, it wiped out. Some of the swirls were really deep, and since it was cold and windy, I didn't keep going until I got them all out.

Next step was sealing with Meguiar's MPPP (I was hoping to get a little filling of the swirls):
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0793resize.JPG

And buffing the residue off:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0794resize.JPG

Afters:

http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0797resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0796resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0795resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0799resize.JPG
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0798resize.JPG

My thanks to my friend Setec for helping me with this detail and the photos.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with my purchase; what do you think?

[Vegas Transplant]

These threads put a smile on my face. Thanks hand.
Persistence and dedication to the craft.
Happy detailing...

[rakkvet]

http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_0771resize.JPG

It's missing a wheel cover, does anyone know where I might pick one up?




Have you tried eBay or Craigslist? If that doesn't work you may have to custom fabricate one. Be careful because color matching is going to make or break this part.

[ExoticAutoDetai]

:laughing:
I like how the plate was concealed
Great review:dblthumb2:

[timaishu]

:laughing:
I like how the plate was concealed
Great review:dblthumb2:

:iagree: I laughed at that part too. I loved the tiny bucket and sponge!

Should have done a tape line down the hood to see the swirl removal.

[Bates Detailing]

These threads are awesome and unique - but maybe cause it is 121 AM , dark, and quite in the office - Im starting to get weirded out by them..... maybe its time to turn in :/

[ExoticAutoDetai]

:iagree: I laughed at that part too. I loved the tiny bucket and sponge!

Should have done a tape line down the hood to see the swirl removal.
How can I forget the tiny bucket!! :laughing:

[kronos]

You dressed the tires!!! :laughing:

[02accordSE]

Beautiful. Just wonderful

[Agfan]

Lol some of you guys have way too much time on your hands.

[Jaddie]

Dear Jr

Thanks so much for sharing your proven technique for creating that show-car finish!

Delightful creativity such as this really puts a spring in my step. Thank you.

[JonMiles]

One of the best turn-arounds i've seen on a car in a while. Looks great :dblthumb2:

[alko]

This is so awesome LMAO!!!

[Klasse Act]

LOL:dblthumb2:

[gcpd677]

pure awesome!