Time for a tidy up on a 52 Plate Authentique

[Dan...]

My Girlfriend left her Clio with me today while she is at work so I could give it a good going over. I took plenty of photographs along the way so I could do a write up to share with you all.

A few before's, the pictures don't really show how bad it was but trust me it was pretty bad!

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr


First up - Auto Finesse Avalanche Snow Foam (I know it should have been ALOT thicker than it was!)

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

While that was doing it's thing I mixed up some Billberry wheel cleaner

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

After that the car was rinsed

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

I then used Auto Finesse Citrus in various different areas of the car to remove anything the Snow Foam hadn't picked up

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

After that, the car was rinsed again and ready for washing

Chemical Guys Mr Pink was used for the washing (2BM) - This is an extremely good shampoo that foams up very well. No many pictures here as you now what washing looks like

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

The car was then moved ready for drying by using big blue drying towels

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Next up was Meguiars Quick Detailer and Clay Bar

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

The picture does't show it very well but the bar was awful and went straight in the bin

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Still with me? Good, next was the better part of the cleaning stage - Auto Finesse Tripple & Tough Coat combo.. and some fuel for me

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Finishing touches, Auto Finesse Crystal on the windows, Auto Finesse Satin on the tyres and some trim dressing for the plastics.
50/50:

Deep Clean by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

The finished results:

Deep clean after-1 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-2 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-3 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-4 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-5 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-7 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-8 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-10 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-11 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Once I'd finished I set about replacing her front grill as the old one was in a shocking condition!

Before:

Deep clean after-12 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Old vs New

Deep clean after-14 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-15 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

After:

Deep clean after-16 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-17 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Couldn't resist taking a couple of mine...

Deep clean after-18 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Deep clean after-19 by Dan Jenks, on Flickr

Not bad for a 11/5 year car with over 80K on the clock! It desperately needs a new passenger side headlight, or a restoration however i'm not sure if i trust myself to do it. The car could also do with a new bonnet as it has s**t loads of dents - Other than that it's not bad for a first car!
Thanks for looking.


Finally, before anyone asks - The answer is no :rasp:

 

[Alastair.]

Looks great.

 

[Jack-C]

Good write up and the car looks great after.

One thing tho once you've finished washing don't dry the car before you clay it. The extra water on the surface will aid lubrication and it will save you time.

Edit: also if you wanted to save the qd just get yourself an empty spray bottle and fill it with a mixture of car shampoo and water. This is obviously much cheaper and you can save the qd for wiping the car over or in the summer to remove water spots.

 

[Dan...]

Looks great.

Good write up and the car looks great after.

One thing tho once you've finished washing don't dry the car before you clay it. The extra water on the surface will aid lubrication and it will save you time.

Edit: also if you wanted to save the qd just get yourself an empty spray bottle and fill it with a mixture of car shampoo and water. This is obviously much cheaper and you can save the qd for wiping the car over or in the summer to remove water spots.

Thanks guys

That's a fair point actually Jack, I didn't think of that. I'll keep it in mind for next time thanks

 

[Jack-C]

No worries Dan. Keep up the good work. Both cars look spot on

 

[Dan...]

Beeeeeeading! ...