Hi Stimpy, thank you! I used Aerospace 303 as it is non greasy and easy to apply and wipe off. I sometimes use Chemical Guys barebones, this gives the same look and seems to last longer but is greasy and can attract dust. The aerospace has UV protection apparently, not that it matters in half the places I've used it :lol:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/303-aerospace-protectant/prod_366.html
On the window trims, I've used Gtechniq C4, this is great for permanent restoring black trim work.
Thanks M, certainly is the fastest colour :thumb:
Has been a busy few days, initially getting it ready for the MOT and then having to get it ready for a BBQ around a friends house which turns out to be more like a car show in our circle.
I had managed to leave the interior light on so I was welcomed by a flat battery so a jump was required from the younger sibling.
I set about doing some quick jobs in order to reduce the size of my to do list.
Small window trim clip had split
New one
She was then moved outside
I applied Gtechniq C4 to all black window trim, mirror surrounds and some interior plastics which appeared faded such as the door pull and seat belt retainers. This is brilliant stuff, it is permanenet and really takes everything back to it's original finish. You wipe on and then wipe off to a satin sheen.
Pre-wipe off
Inner pull looks better in the picture than it was pre Gtechniq
After
Inner arches to go back on but treated to aerospace 303 inside and out.
Even the window switches got it, before and after
No pictures but I also waxoyled the areas which the bumpers bolt upto on the front and rear inner wings. There is essentially a ledge here where dirt will gather and eventually lead to rusting the body and hardware holding the bumpers on.
The front bumper under trim was missing a few speednuts, thankfully these arrived while I was working on it so I was able to put those on and screw the under trim back on, this was treated to Gtechniq to save me having to reapply 303 every other time I wash the car.
My headlight trim returned, now with a thinner coat of paint on the inside, I used some hard wax in here to help protect it that little bit more before popping them on. I had been looking forward to getting these on!
I was then able to give the car it's first wash, it was too dark at this point so no pictures again, slacking I know.
But, the next morning arrived, sunny skies upon setting off for my MOT, only to reach 2 minutes from the station for the heavens to open! :frustrated:
Being checked over. The guys at the MOT station are good friends so while on the ramp, having come prepared, I used some quick detailer and aerospace to give the underside a wipe down. :thumbs: I also have an oil leak from the chain area cover but it can wait until it goes in for a service.
Road worthy for another year and back out into the wet she goes. Never happy about that, I'm not one to drive my cars in the rain, especially after so much work going into cleaning the underside and of course the new paint.
Back home and dry again, it was time to clean the interior. As much as the bodyshop tried to keep the inside clear, it is just impossible to escape the dust from the workshop, it goes everywhere! So armed with a toothbrush, ear buds, leather cleaner, nail brushes and a hoover, the interior clean up begain. (I officially hate the rear shelf and rear window, what a pain that is to clean)
Next on my list is to have someone come and make the leather look newer, I don't want a retrim as that will look too new so I have found a guy that can remove/fill some of the creasing, recolour the faced and overall, present the seats in a fresher light :thumb: Steering wheel also. He comes to you and it doesn't cost the earth, of course, I'll report back when that happens.
I then popped out for a drive and dropped the missus off so decided to get some quick snaps
I seem to only like taking pictures from this angle, sorry.
The passenger rear shock is higher than the drivers side rear so this just looks awful here but it's a rear shot. New lenses to go on soon along with the rear H&R's.
Bunch of new stickers
I then spent until 1:30am working on the body, I machine polished the car, simply to remove any polish which the bodyshop may have applied and then set about applying Zaino Z5pro with ZFX. This has been a long time favorite of mine.Smells great and leave a glassy finish, I've won a few best paint awards with my Golf when wearing this stuff so I like to stick with it and the whole Zaino kit.
Awaiting an electrician to come and fit strip light so I had to improvise.
The next morning, I woke up like a kid at Christmas, I wanted to see the results of my efforts and wow, I thought it was bright before but this was like it was painted another colour.
Crap pic but evidence that I do drive it
A long way since 16 months ago
Decided to take it to work today, the ABS light came on but after a restart, disappeared
Had to throw a loose cover much to the amusement of my colleagues, the company next are forever creating dust by chopping wood!
:nooo:
More to come soon I'm sure :thumbs: