Help with an 04 STi

[FG2toGDF]

I have a 2004 STi that I bought used, and it had a few paint issues. I would really like to get it repainted but at the present time, finances arent readily available. So i want to fix what I can, and ride it out until i can get the funds. Below pictures pretty much sum up the problems, and there are a few of these that are multiple, but I will only show one picture. Other than the pictured issues, the paint is surprisingly decent shape (other than it is thinner than paper). Swirls really arent bad, they are there. So the end result will be trying to remove them. I also have the 3M clear bra on the front bumper, side mirrors, headlights, halfway up the hood, and under the door handles.

Here is the car as a whole:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1584.jpg

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1585.jpg

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1594.jpg


Pic of the spoiler defect. Previous owner said it was hit with a buffer. My best guess, the backing plate caused this, but could be wrong.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1587.jpg

Here is a pic of the door handle(they all look about the same, no need for 4 pics):
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1591.jpg

Two of the hood scoop, nothing to repair this but repaint. Previous owner said when he taped the scoop off for a detail, paint was so thin it peeled off with painters tape...but again, who really knows, but it looks like it to me:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1595.jpg

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1596.jpg

I am in need of a new hood, if you look at this picture in the reflection where the shadow line falls on my house, about 1/8" under there is a little white looking line, its a dent where the sunlight is reflecting...there are a couple of these on the hood. Also, you can see more peeled paint off the scoop:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1586.jpg

Also coming new, front bumper and associated trim pieces:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1598.jpg

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1599.jpg

Beside the reflection of my hand, there is a scratch, its not all the way down to metal, but it is white, there are about 3-4 of these throughout:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1593.jpg

And the last real issue. a ding/chip that went to metal and has started rusting. Its the smaller one. The other is reflection:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1588.jpg

And the last images, I tried to get some swirls, they are there, but it was hard to get them in the blue and the Point & Shoot camera. But they are there.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1589.jpg

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s418/FG2toGDF/STi%20Stuff/DSCN1590.jpg

Question about some of the issues:

1. My plan for the swirls is Meg's 105/205 combo. Any pros/cons or recommendations? I plan on nabbing one of the Griots 3" polishers specifically for the trunk.

2. I want to get the clear bra off the headlights, will the ol' hair dryer and peel it off be sufficient or is there a better way? Also, what would be something good to clean that with after it comes off?

3. Scratches/dings: Do I treat the ones that didnt go to the paint the same as I would the one that did go to the paint? What prep do I need for the one that is rusting (obvious remove/sand the rust)? Recommended products?

4. Not an exterior, but the Alcanteraish material the seats are made of. Any recommendations on cleaning these. It appears the covers can come of, and if so, anything against a real light wash in the washing machine and a hang/air dry? I have read that steam cleaners arent the best for them. Along with this, i had a soda can that got a pin hole in it on my first pass down the drag strip, if I pull the seats out, will a steam cleaner clean out the carpets good enough?

Think this is all, if I have more, Ill just post them up in this thread. Thanks for the help/advice.

[hyu]

I've read with alacantar you can do a 6:1 with water/woolite combo. I need to do my seats. They get sticky when it's humid *shudders*

[AutowerxDetailing]

1. Meg's 105/205 is a great combo and seems to be a forum favorite. Best advice, try seeing if just 205 cleans up the swirls enough for your liking. You can always step up to 105 if more correction is needed. Some people think 105 is a pain to work with but it's really not that bad if you don't use too much product.

2. Never taken a clear bra off before. I would imagine some diluted IPA or mineral spirits would dissolve any remaining adhesive.

3. Scratches/dings: Unfortunately the scratches that went through the paint are going to look worse before they get better. A professional re-spray is in order for that one on the rear pillar. I would recommend carefully sanding out the rust and at least priming the bare metal until you can get it touched up by a professional so the rust doesn't spread to the surrounding areas.

4. As far as steam cleaners for the carpets I guess it depends on what kind of steam cleaner you are talking about. I use a little portable steamer and a Rug Doctor carpet extractor. This type of combo would definitely clean up a soda spill.

5. Awesome STI!!!

[AKmikeSSter04]

What kind of buffer and pads will you use? That was the only thing I hated about my STi was the super thin paint.

I'd be careful around the chips and scratches down to the paint. On my old car I buffed around it and the pad grabbed an edge of a chip and made it bigger.

On a side note, Any mods?

[FG2toGDF]

I've read with alacantar you can do a 6:1 with water/woolite combo. I need to do my seats. They get sticky when it's humid *shudders*

Umm, yes. Humid=Uncomfortable STi seats. Couldnt agree more.


1. Meg's 105/205 is a great combo and seems to be a forum favorite. Best advice, try seeing if just 205 cleans up the swirls enough for your liking. You can always step up to 105 if more correction is needed. Some people think 105 is a pain to work with but it's really not that bad if you don't use too much product.

2. Never taken a clear bra off before. I would imagine some diluted IPA or mineral spirits would dissolve any remaining adhesive.

3. Scratches/dings: Unfortunately the scratches that went through the paint are going to look worse before they get better. A professional re-spray is in order for that one on the rear pillar. I would recommend carefully sanding out the rust and at least priming the bare metal until you can get it touched up by a professional so the rust doesn't spread to the surrounding areas.

4. As far as steam cleaners for the carpets I guess it depends on what kind of steam cleaner you are talking about. I use a little portable steamer and a Rug Doctor carpet extractor. This type of combo would definitely clean up a soda spill.

5. Awesome STI!!!

Yea I was just going to buy the 105/205 combo from Megs, thats the one thing I have already learned from reading here, start with the least aggressive. As for the scratches and such, that was what I was afraid of. Thanks for the advice and the like on the ride. Its taken over the new spot as my baby over my Honda.


What kind of buffer and pads will you use? That was the only thing I hated about my STi was the super thin paint.

I'd be careful around the chips and scratches down to the paint. On my old car I buffed around it and the pad grabbed an edge of a chip and made it bigger.

On a side note, Any mods?

Yes. Subaru paint is for sure thin. As for buffers, im looking at either the GG 3" & 6" combo, or a PC 6" to start then purchase the GG 3" later when I can afford it. As for mods, Invidia DP, SPT Cat Back, AP, SS and associated bushings...waiting to install EBCS, some other bushings, and then a Pro Tune is in store, im at 12.7 right now, trying to get it down into the <12.5. Thanks again for the advice.

[rwright]

I would do Meg's D300/mf cutting pad, Optimum Hyper Spray Polish/tangerine lake country hydro tech pad. M205 will do a pretty decent job on soft paint, but I have come to love Optimum Hyper Spray Polish! Where are you in NC?

[FG2toGDF]

I would do Meg's D300/mf cutting pad, Optimum Hyper Spray Polish/tangerine lake country hydro tech pad. M205 will do a pretty decent job on soft paint, but I have come to love Optimum Hyper Spray Polish! Where are you in NC?


From all over the eastern portion. But I am in the Navy and stationed in Chicago, IL. So im up here in the midwest right now. But I refuse to get rid of my NC plates.

[rwright]

Cool. We have a few members in the Chicago area, maybe they would be kind enough to chime in and lend a hand?