Winter Protection Detail - RenaultSport Megane R26 with Swissvax Crystal Rock

[RussZS]

It's certainly getting colder out there, and foggier, it was insanely foggy here last night and it was still lingering quite heavily this morning. Today's car was a Megane R26 in Silver - a carbon copy of my own previous car - in for some decontamination and some protection for Winter. I knew this car and paint very well, so knew exactly what I was to expect.


Following a quick Makkys breakfast (I really need to start using my gym membership!), we started about 9:15am. Gray very kindly agreed to take photos of the process with his DSLR camera, so please excuse the large volume of photos on this write up. It was great having a tog for the day!

IMG_1751 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1752 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1755 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1754 by RussZS, on Flickr


As always, wheels first.


I decided to test out a new product I'd picked up recently - Scholl's Rim7 Wheel Gel, which seems to have quite a following on here and seems impressive if you read the product description.


Take one dirty wheel:

IMG_1757 by RussZS, on Flickr


A bottle of Rim7:

IMG_1759 by RussZS, on Flickr


Sprayed liberally on to the wheel:

IMG_1760 by RussZS, on Flickr


Then left to dwell for 5 minutes whilst it works its magic:

IMG_1764 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1768 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1771 by RussZS, on Flickr


Then rinsed...

IMG_1773 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1775 by RussZS, on Flickr


Very impressive stuff indeed, but there will still brake dust deposits left in the corners by each spoke and the rear of the wheels needed further work, so I decided to continue with Smart Wheels (old formula)

IMG_1776 by RussZS, on Flickr


EZ Detail Brush on spokes and rear of wheel:

IMG_1779 by RussZS, on Flickr


Swissvax Wheel Brush on the face of the wheel:

IMG_1784 by RussZS, on Flickr


and calipers:

IMG_1787 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1788 by RussZS, on Flickr


Tyres with G101:

IMG_1789 by RussZS, on Flickr


Arches too:

IMG_1791 by RussZS, on Flickr


Then rinsed.


At this point, there was still a lot of embedded brake dust, so I used IronX on the wheels, left to dwell for 15 mins then removed:

IMG_1819 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1821 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1825 by RussZS, on Flickr


Tardis was also used to remove the small tar spots and a further application of IronX. They weren't perfect afterwards, but near 90% sorted.


Next, we decided not to use Snow Foam as it was very cold, and clearing the residue is problematic on my driveway, so we dealt with the lower panels and build up on the boot with Auto Finesse's Citrus Power:

IMG_1841 by RussZS, on Flickr


I decided to test it degreasing abilities on the lower half of the passenger door:

IMG_1843 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1848 by RussZS, on Flickr


Perhaps not the best pic, but there was a very clear line to be seen where CP was used and where it wasn't

IMG_1849 by RussZS, on Flickr


I continued around the car:

IMG_1846 by RussZS, on Flickr


Petrol cap with CP too:

IMG_1861 by RussZS, on Flickr


Next I worked G101 on the shuts and sills with Swissvax Detail brush:

IMG_1874 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1880 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1882 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1885 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1887 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1878 by RussZS, on Flickr


Then rinsed ready for hand washing:

IMG_1898 by RussZS, on Flickr


Next hand washed with Auto Finesse Lather and a CarPro mitt:

IMG_1908 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1910 by RussZS, on Flickr


IronX was next:

IMG_1913 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1915 by RussZS, on Flickr


The rear number plate was removed and I attempted to remove the glue residue with Tardis, but it really struggled, so yesterdays star, the Auto Finesse T&G was used again on this very thick glue residue:

IMG_1926 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1935 by RussZS, on Flickr


Getting there...

IMG_1942 by RussZS, on Flickr


All gone!

IMG_1944 by RussZS, on Flickr


T&G is VERY impressive stuff... I need some more of it now though!


The car was looking better already! Now, although the paint was feeling a lot smoother already, I decided to clay to remove anything remaining, so I used Auto Finesse Glide as lube with Bilt Hamber's new Medium Clay:

IMG_1950 by RussZS, on Flickr


Not much, but certainly worthwhile:

IMG_1952 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1954 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1959 by RussZS, on Flickr


The car was then rinsed and pat dried with an Uber Drying Towel:

IMG_1960 by RussZS, on Flickr


At this point we were ready to apply the protection. The plan for today was to apply ZAIO and Z2 but the temps were very low and there was a LOT of moisture in the air, plus Gray seemed quite keen on some Crystal Rock...


So, out came the Swissvax Cleaner Fluid:

IMG_1962 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1963 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1964 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1965 by RussZS, on Flickr


I'd not used CF for a while, but I found it a pleasure to work with, and it lifted a fair bit from the paint:

IMG_1974 by RussZS, on Flickr


It was looking sharper already...

IMG_1975 by RussZS, on Flickr


Wax next... :devil:

IMG_1984 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1985 by RussZS, on Flickr


What an absolute pleasure this was to use. Such a great smell, spreads with absolute ease and removes without any effort AT ALL. It's a perfect wax in every way, feels very special and no issues with use at all. Very happy with my investment.


Tyres were dressed with Pneu...

IMG_1987 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1988 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1989 by RussZS, on Flickr


Glass with...

IMG_1994 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_1997 by RussZS, on Flickr


Trim via:

IMG_2005 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_2007 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_2008 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_2011 by RussZS, on Flickr

 

[RussZS]

Crystal Rock was left for 15 minutes or so, then removed:

IMG_2002 by RussZS, on Flickr


Now, the afters... in the 'flesh' the car looked stunning. I used to have one of these cars, so know the paint incredibly well, and the CR achieved a glow and wetness I could never quite get myself, we were all deeply impressed. However, it was overcast and getting dark quickly, so some of the afters are somewhat disappointing IMO, but we are going to add futher pics taken on a brighter day during the next week or so...

IMG_2021 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_2025 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_2037 by RussZS, on Flickr

IMG_2046 by RussZS, on Flickr

DSC01014 by RussZS, on Flickr

DSC01013 by RussZS, on Flickr

DSC01025 by RussZS, on Flickr

DSC01024 by RussZS, on Flickr

DSC01022 by RussZS, on Flickr

DSC01021 by RussZS, on Flickr


Thanks for reading

DSC01020 by RussZS, on Flickr


Russ.

 

[Yellow Dave]

looks lovely as usual, good luck with the new unit and CR!

 

[RussZS]

Thanks Dave

Lots of work ahead... but I have a Nissan GTR amongst others this weekend...

 

[lemonnobby]

your always doing a top job mate i got some revive after you said about it best stuff i have ever used. how do you get it on the rubbers like that?
is there stuff good for glass?

 

[Mr Burns]

Did you have a go in it, Russ?

 

[RussZS]

I didn't Ste, but I really wanted to - its 300+ bhp... made me miss mine tbh!

lemon - Crystal is superb, great for the money, but make sure you get a dedicated glass cloth too, makes all the difference...

 

[AJ02]

Bloody hell that looks nice. I know a lot of people think paying that much for a wax is craxy but imo judging by the final result it's worth every penny, now I need to get saving

 

[RussZS]

It is a lot tbh, and especially if you're just using it on your own car, but I've sold 8 layers already, so has been a good investment for me.

 

[AJ02]

Out of curiosity how much do you charge per layer and hypothetically, if you had bought it with the sole intention of selling layers would you make enough money to cover the cost of it?Not that I'm considering the above, although I'd love to try it out the price is so high I couldn't ever afford it.

 

[RussZS]

Well Swissvax Detailers are charging £200 for a wash and protect with it...

Most charge £100 per layer... I am at least half that - depends what else is being done.

 

[daveski]

Normally I dont see the point with silver (ish) cars but what a transformation!

Looks fantastic.

 

[Gray]

The finish is 100times better in 'real life' The photos don't show off the depth.

top work Russ!

 

[Kane.]

Great work Russ.

 

[RussZS]

Thanks guys and Gray I'm glad you're pleased with it. Can't be many R26's rolling around with CR on.

 

[chris1984]

Looks stunning mate, great job with the detail!!

 

[Gally]

Simply fantastic Russ, people underestimate light colours and that just shows what can be achieved.

 

[RussZS]

Thanks all

 

[Jon.G]

Fantastic, It has got a real deep glossy wet look! Credit to you and Gray on this one.

 

[Mr Pants]

That is bladdy epic. I've desperately gotta do a half assed winter prep on my 182 before a proper polish or what not in the spring. Just seeing this gives me such temptation for buying detailing stuff again. Slippery slope lol.

 

[Fletcher]

Car looks great

 

[Gray]

Cheers Fletcher

 

[chriscummins7]

Awesome car and an awesome detail. Well done!

 

[Y7 ADW]

Amazing Russ, such a wet finish. I have made few new purchases from the AF range as judging by your results they look impressive. I have another CTR to try it out on in a few weeks, so I will let you know how I get on.

 

[Wick]

This is the last time I use the term "resale silver". Seriously amazing and a real credit to your work Russ.

 

[Jimbo_M]

As per usual a fantastic job and great write up mate! I would also like to agree with what gally has said, you show what can be done with lighter coloured cars if treated in the correct way Im sure the owner was over the moon when he got the car back.

 

[aucky]

Great final shots

 

[Gray]

As per usual a fantastic job and great write up mate! I would also like to agree with what gally has said, you show what can be done with lighter coloured cars if treated in the correct way
Im sure the owner was over the moon when he got the car back.

Indeed.

I was there all day taking the photos, it was like watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly LOL!!!

 

[Silent_Scone]

yum yum and yum

 

[daydotz]

yum

 

[DrewBear11]

Looks incredible in the shot from behind in the car park !! Excellent job mate, i cant decide if i want an r26 or not... Those snaps make me want one

 

[Rubicon_]

Both the car and detail are stunning!

What do details like this cost roughly when getting done?

 

[RussZS]

Winter Protection like this is £80-£100 depending on what is being used. Crystal Rock is £40 on top...

 

[Gally]

More than a fair price for that Russ.

 

[RussZS]

Yep I'm well priced for someone with proper insurance and a unit. £149 for a one dayer or £269 for 2 day correction.

Some are charging silly money now..

 

[Kris86]

just had a look at prices of swissvax CR...how much?! £780ish? Wish you lived closer to manchester

 

[RussZS]

I've a unit if you ever fancy a drive down...

I've done an R26.R today... write up to follow...

Russ.

 

[TimR26]

That looks great

I do like Gray's Shed!