My nice shiny car

**TaviaRS** · 05-04-2004, 08:38

Well, yesterday was the day

Arrived at Stuart and Wendy's at about 9.30 yesterday morning to meet Mark (Wax Wizard) to get my car cleaned.

Mark got there at about 10ish and it was soon down to work on the silver beast. He was going to apply the Swissol protective coat to the car which should mean that I don't have to go through the hassle of clay baring and cleansing that I usually go through, he was also going to Scotchguard the carpets for me.

I decided to watch what he did and how he did it to see if I could pick up any tips (sorry for the daft questions Mark

), especially as I actually enjoy cleaning my car.

First up, multiclean for the wheels and the vertical body surfaces. I do this sometimes, if the car is really dirty. Always a bit wary of doing it as with multiclean being so effective I'm worried about it taking off the wax. I was right, it can do. So, I think I'll stick to doing it only when I know I know I'm going to be waxing the car.

Ah, now we're talking, it was time to pressure wash the wheels that had been soaking in the multiclean. First tip of the day, get an extension for the pressure washer lance. Why? Because you can then get it inside the wheels better so no more scrubbing

Next up, the shampoo. Mark does it from a pre mixed solution with a sponge. No bucket for this man

Soap it all up and then pressure wash it all off. Ah, that's better. Already my car was looking better than when I picked it up. Yes, I know it had been valeted after PDI, but I think the Stevie Wonder Valeting Company had been having a bad day

Then it was tiome to get the water off with the blade thingy and a final wipe over with a chamy.

Once the car was dry it was on with the surface sealant. After it had been applied, my goodness, how smooth are those panels? Awesome!

Mark then applied the wax over the top. Oh I so want some of the wax he used (mystery) but at over £200 per pot I think it's a bit out of my league

I noticed that Mark keeps the applicator in the pot of wax, I used to do this until I got "told off" for it. I think I'll go back to doing it as it keeps the wax (that I've paid for) fresh on the pad.

Whilst the wax was curing, Mark applied some of the Pneu to the tyres and to the plastic at the bottom inside of the wheels arches. He didn't wipe it off, which is different to how I usually do it and what it says in the instructions. Amazingly, even after driving for 300 miles now, the tyres are still clean

Second tip: Don't wipe off or rub the Pneu

OK the outside was now nice and sparkly it was time to do the shut lines and the inside. Third tip: Glass cleaner is great for cleaning the shut lines, gets right through the greas and gunk

What can I say? Mark, thanks for doing my car! It looks absolutely brilliant (even after 300 miles and having driven 150 miles through torrential rain). I only hope I can keep it up to the same standard that it's at now.

Stimps · 05-04-2004, 08:44

You knew this was coming, didn't you?

Well, not entirely, but it would have been nice to see the shiny beast...

Quinten · 05-04-2004, 08:47

Jon, I can't believe this was the first time you had Mark doing your car?

**TaviaRS** · 05-04-2004, 08:47

Apart from it's been p-ing down since then and if you think I'm going to go stand in the rain to take pictures of a shiny car....

**TaviaRS** · 05-04-2004, 08:50

Q, it's the first time I have ever had my car professionally cleaned.

I like to do it myself, it gives me great satisfaction to do it. It's the turning it from a grubby bit of metal into something shiny that I enjoy. I find it very theraputic.

I know it looks like I don't clean it, but doing 1500 miles a week does make it hard to keep it clean. At least the silver is a damned sight easier than the black one. That's one of the reasons I got Mark to put the sealant on, it'll make keeping it clean alot easier. I'll probably still wax it every 2-3 weeks though

devonutopia · 05-04-2004, 09:26

I think the best therapeutic bit for me is the money saved over getting my car professionally cleaned.

Time for me to delve into that £20 mystery bag of cleaning products I think Jon.

I understand that Zymol stuff is quite good?

redbaron · 05-04-2004, 09:42

i need to be in the mood to clean my car... but i do find cleaning the kitchen theraputic....

Stuart_J · 05-04-2004, 10:36

Mark Finished about 7:45, 2 more shiny Octys achieved & to the usual Wizard standard, well worth every penny.

Nigel26 · 05-04-2004, 12:31

so how much does he charge ?

i like the sound of the sealant stuff... does it help protect the paint from stone chips ?

***DGW*** · 05-04-2004, 13:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaviaRS

Apart from it's been p-ing down since then and if you think I'm going to go stand in the rain to take pictures of a shiny car....

I can be of help, Jon. Would you like me to post one I took the first week you had the car?

SimonT · 05-04-2004, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGW

I can be of help, Jon. Would you like me to post one I took the first week you had the car?

I've got one from the delivery day. Front AND back if you like

***DGW*** · 05-04-2004, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonT

I've got one from the delivery day. Front AND back if you like

Anyone seen or heard from Jon recently...........

**TaviaRS** · 05-04-2004, 17:00

No, I think he's gone AWOL

***DGW*** · 05-04-2004, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaviaRS

No, I think he's gone AWOL

More a question of being strangely silent (and invisible)! Bonnet catch fixed yet, Jon?

**TaviaRS** · 05-04-2004, 17:20

Strangely enough, no

redbaron · 05-04-2004, 17:23

my bonnet catch now works it would just appear that the engine is no longer there... just some burnt oil and bits of wire...

Stuart_J · 05-04-2004, 18:33

I think Ive cracked Jons stealth plan, Hes hoping that a really shiney well swissoled car will have a lower drag co-eficent which will compensate for the severe lack of power the car has.

Stimps · 05-04-2004, 18:53

Close, Stuart. I think you'll find Jon is going for an uber-polish which will blind anyone looking with reflected sunlight

**TaviaRS** · 05-04-2004, 21:39

Hey, if that was the plan, I wouldn't wear a hat

Stimps · 05-04-2004, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaviaRS

Hey, if that was the plan, I wouldn't wear a hat

So you will be wearing a hat then? Or an improvised one at least?

05-04-2004, 08:38	#1
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	My nice shiny car Well, yesterday was the day Arrived at Stuart and Wendy's at about 9.30 yesterday morning to meet Mark (Wax Wizard) to get my car cleaned. Mark got there at about 10ish and it was soon down to work on the silver beast. He was going to apply the Swissol protective coat to the car which should mean that I don't have to go through the hassle of clay baring and cleansing that I usually go through, he was also going to Scotchguard the carpets for me. I decided to watch what he did and how he did it to see if I could pick up any tips (sorry for the daft questions Mark ), especially as I actually enjoy cleaning my car. First up, multiclean for the wheels and the vertical body surfaces. I do this sometimes, if the car is really dirty. Always a bit wary of doing it as with multiclean being so effective I'm worried about it taking off the wax. I was right, it can do. So, I think I'll stick to doing it only when I know I know I'm going to be waxing the car. Ah, now we're talking, it was time to pressure wash the wheels that had been soaking in the multiclean. First tip of the day, get an extension for the pressure washer lance. Why? Because you can then get it inside the wheels better so no more scrubbing Next up, the shampoo. Mark does it from a pre mixed solution with a sponge. No bucket for this man Soap it all up and then pressure wash it all off. Ah, that's better. Already my car was looking better than when I picked it up. Yes, I know it had been valeted after PDI, but I think the Stevie Wonder Valeting Company had been having a bad day Then it was tiome to get the water off with the blade thingy and a final wipe over with a chamy. Once the car was dry it was on with the surface sealant. After it had been applied, my goodness, how smooth are those panels? Awesome! Mark then applied the wax over the top. Oh I so want some of the wax he used (mystery) but at over £200 per pot I think it's a bit out of my league I noticed that Mark keeps the applicator in the pot of wax, I used to do this until I got "told off" for it. I think I'll go back to doing it as it keeps the wax (that I've paid for) fresh on the pad. Whilst the wax was curing, Mark applied some of the Pneu to the tyres and to the plastic at the bottom inside of the wheels arches. He didn't wipe it off, which is different to how I usually do it and what it says in the instructions. Amazingly, even after driving for 300 miles now, the tyres are still clean Second tip: Don't wipe off or rub the Pneu OK the outside was now nice and sparkly it was time to do the shut lines and the inside. Third tip: Glass cleaner is great for cleaning the shut lines, gets right through the greas and gunk What can I say? Mark, thanks for doing my car! It looks absolutely brilliant (even after 300 miles and having driven 150 miles through torrential rain). I only hope I can keep it up to the same standard that it's at now. __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

05-04-2004, 08:44	#2
Stimps Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Colchester Posts: 5,091 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You knew this was coming, didn't you? Well, not entirely, but it would have been nice to see the shiny beast... __________________ Steve « Nature Green 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort »

05-04-2004, 08:47	#3
Quinten playing dadsie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: fast lane Posts: 10,013 Thanks: 16 Thanked 41 Times in 38 Posts	Jon, I can't believe this was the first time you had Mark doing your car? __________________ Awooga!!!

05-04-2004, 08:47	#4
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Apart from it's been p-ing down since then and if you think I'm going to go stand in the rain to take pictures of a shiny car.... __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

05-04-2004, 08:50	#5
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Q, it's the first time I have ever had my car professionally cleaned. I like to do it myself, it gives me great satisfaction to do it. It's the turning it from a grubby bit of metal into something shiny that I enjoy. I find it very theraputic. I know it looks like I don't clean it, but doing 1500 miles a week does make it hard to keep it clean. At least the silver is a damned sight easier than the black one. That's one of the reasons I got Mark to put the sealant on, it'll make keeping it clean alot easier. I'll probably still wax it every 2-3 weeks though __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

05-04-2004, 09:26	#6
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,221 Thanks: 60 Thanked 288 Times in 234 Posts	I think the best therapeutic bit for me is the money saved over getting my car professionally cleaned. Time for me to delve into that £20 mystery bag of cleaning products I think Jon. I understand that Zymol stuff is quite good? __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

05-04-2004, 09:42	#7
redbaron Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,263 Thanks: 9 Thanked 51 Times in 46 Posts	i need to be in the mood to clean my car... but i do find cleaning the kitchen theraputic.... __________________ ________________________________________ Some times I just feel like smiling.

05-04-2004, 10:36	#8
Stuart_J Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Winchester Posts: 5,555 Thanks: 37 Thanked 79 Times in 72 Posts	Mark Finished about 7:45, 2 more shiny Octys achieved & to the usual Wizard standard, well worth every penny. __________________ Speed is an addiction for which thankfully there is no cure

05-04-2004, 12:31	#9
Nigel26 Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Walsall, West Midlands Posts: 2,298 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	so how much does he charge ? i like the sound of the sealant stuff... does it help protect the paint from stone chips ? __________________ Sea Grey Mondeo Titanium X

05-04-2004, 17:00	#13
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	No, I think he's gone AWOL __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

05-04-2004, 17:20	#15
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Strangely enough, no __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

05-04-2004, 17:23	#16
redbaron Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,263 Thanks: 9 Thanked 51 Times in 46 Posts	my bonnet catch now works it would just appear that the engine is no longer there... just some burnt oil and bits of wire... __________________ ________________________________________ Some times I just feel like smiling.

05-04-2004, 18:33	#17
Stuart_J Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Winchester Posts: 5,555 Thanks: 37 Thanked 79 Times in 72 Posts	I think Ive cracked Jons stealth plan, Hes hoping that a really shiney well swissoled car will have a lower drag co-eficent which will compensate for the severe lack of power the car has. __________________ Speed is an addiction for which thankfully there is no cure

05-04-2004, 18:53	#18
Stimps Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Colchester Posts: 5,091 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Close, Stuart. I think you'll find Jon is going for an uber-polish which will blind anyone looking with reflected sunlight __________________ Steve « Nature Green 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort »

05-04-2004, 21:39	#19
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Hey, if that was the plan, I wouldn't wear a hat __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

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