This Just Got Real!

[VB50GT]

Wow that's cool having the 550 & 650 side by side - in the same colour...

I much prefer the 650 front though - it's not perfection, but it is nicer than the 550. If you want perfection...

Sponsored

 

[VB50GT]

It's amazing what a difference there is between endlessly looking at photos and videos of something vs being right there next to it.

I was always unhappy that I couldn't get a rear spoiler via the appearance pack (and immediately removing those kiddy racing stripes!) along with the must-have MagneRide. Anyone in this disposition will start looking at aftermarket spoilers.

The RTR spoiler falls into the same category, where images simply don't do it justice.

I thought the duckbill spoiler was outright fugly, despite being the cleanest to install.
It simply replaces the decklid spoiler delete panel.

But in person, wow, not so fugly!
An RTR Spec-2 in a dealer showroom, June 2024, Dallas, TX.

Now that I have my own S650 with it's naked bum exposed sitting here, you know what.... I'm not sure I want a spoiler anymore. The real thing looks better than any picture or video.



And at the risk of being a blasphemer, I tend to think the S550 with it's curved lines now looks extremely dated.
A classic dated though.

I haven't seen the RTR duckbill in person, but the thing that puts me off is the way it finishes abruptly at the boot line on the sides. It sort of looks unfinished...
I do like the side-on profile though.

 

[DFB5.0]

I took this image back in November 2017................................

Back then, there was quite a lot of push-back from loyal Ford fans in regard to the Mustang. Or should I say, Falcon fans. At the time, the factory closures were still fresh in people's minds, the Mustang was seen as the enemy and that it was in no way a Falcon replacement. I don't think anyone from Ford ever said the Mustang was a Falcon replacement, rather an avenue for those who still wanted a rear-wheel-drive performance car. The counter argument would then transfer to "but it doesn't have four doors", which conveniently ignored all of the two-door XR and FPV Utes that Ford sold. History will show that Ford clearly got it right because they sold every single Mustang they brought into the country. It also brough people into Ford showrooms that would have never considered a Ford in the past.

At the time, I found it hard to comprehend how there could be so much rivalry within a single brand. I found that I would please one side or annoy another depending on which car I was writing about. The Mustang guys would get their hackles up when I pointed out a flaw, then called me a "Falcon man, not a Ford man" because I was salty about of the demise of the nameplate. Then the Falcon guys would get defensive when I had good things to say about the Mustang. All the while ignoring the fact I actually owned both side by side, which in my mind permitted me to speak with authority about both.

Since then, I think Mustang sort of proved itself in Australia. The lack of rear doors didn't seem to hamper it. And let's be honest, towards the end, how many people were buying (brand new) XR and FPV sedans to drive the kids to school? They were toys in the end, 'cause you obviously need an oversized SUV or pickup truck to do that these days. And I say "brand new" because it seemed, to me anyway, the most vocal of Mustang doubters didn't actually buy Falcon's brand new, which didn't really help Ford and ultimately contributed to the closures.

And so, seven years later, my Falcon's remain, with a new Mustang splitting the two..........................................

When I told people that I would be trading my Mustang when the new car arrived, most were puzzled................ why would I get rid of the Mustang instead of one of the Falcon's? On face value, I guess I can see the point, the Falcon is just a boring sedan, a tarted-up taxi. Thing is, you can still buy a Mustang, but the Falcon's are now irreplaceable. And where would I find another XR6 or XR8 in the same condition? I wouldn't, so I didn't. Simple.

 

[DFB5.0]

Out for a drive, because why not?

I had some concerns I would find the 10R80 boring after having a manual, but I'm really enjoying this transmission. Compared to the earlier calibrations of this box, it seems much better sorted in normal driving conditions. The rev-match throttle blips are delightful, somewhat making up for the lack of a clutch pedal and heal-toe downshifting.

I can't wait to see how the engine and gearbox perform under heavy throttle applications. While I don't thrash a new engine, I don't baby it either. So, I'm exploring its responses at varying throttle percentages in different gears, so far it feels punchy. Despite being the same engine architecture, this Gen-4 Coyote sounds very different to the Gen-2 in my old S550. Obviously, that comes down to completely different exhaust systems, but the S650 has such a guttural bark to it. Addictive!

 

[DFB5.0]

Engine Bay!

The engine bay on delivery was in ok condition, but needed some attention to bring it up to spec. At the first wash, I simply wiped it down using Carpro ECH20, but I could see a couple of areas that would need a little more work.

The first thing you notice when opening a S650 hood is the prop rod is GONE! Finally, Ford are now installing gas struts on the production line. At $60,000 for my S550, that was a bit rude, so a prop rod on a $100k Ford would have been downright nasty.

In this case, there was no need for brushes and all-purpose cleaner, or even a dressing. So, a simple rinse down removed what I think was salt residue and any dust that had accumulated prior to shipment and delivery. And before you freak out, yes, I used the pressure washer.

After the rinse and while still wet, this would be where you would apply a water-based dressing such as Carpro Perl, KCx Motorplast or my favorite, Meguiar's Hyper Dressing. However, I decided to just blow dry and wipe over with more ECH20, which I find works really well on black plastics.

The end result, a fresh engine bay.

For comparison, this was my S550 engine bay in standard and modified form. I wish Ford kept the coil covers, and I also note they have included a remote positive terminal post for battery charging. To make way for the dual intake system, the coolant bottle has moved from in front of the radiator to beside the strut tower. Otherwise, the engine bay panels are carried over from S550.

Modifications to the engine? I do want to add the Ford Performance catch can when it becomes available. This and other parts I would have bought well in advance, but the usual Mustang aftermarket suppliers have been extremely slow in releasing parts for S650. I guess they have been waiting for cars to hit the ground, but they have been missing out on customers like me who would have got in early.

Also on the list, I want to get the Roush intake kit, which is basically two high-flow air filters with clear airbox lids. They say that it reduces intake restriction by 30 percent, in turn "increases throttle response, and enhances the sound of your engine—giving you an aggressive growl when you push the pedal". How true that is I don't know, I just like the look and if it boosts induction note, then I'll be happy.

https://www.tickfordperformance.com.au/mustang-products/my24+-roush-air-intake-system

Seeing as I had all the gear out, and the car being wet anyway, I decided to wash the car again. Why? Because why not!

Carpro Reset was used on the wheels, also used on for the rest of the wash and teamed with the Microfiber Madness Deli-Pad. ADS Amplify was again the drying aid, Invisible glass on the windows, ADS Adapt on the wheels and OG Tire Dressing for the rubber.

Next up for the Mustang, next week will be about polishing and coating the exterior.

 

[DFB5.0]

Line Lock!

The Line Lock function was originally left off the table for Australian Mustang owners, Ford Australia coding it out to appear politically correct and not raise the attention of Tracy Grimshaw and her posse of "investigators" (Sorry, an Aussie reference). At some point though, Ford quietly introduced it on the later S550’s.





Look, I will probably never use the Line Lock feature, to me it seems extremely abusive. Still, its a feature of the car that I naturally went looking for in the Track Apps section. Except, the Line Lock was greyed out and would not respond.

At this point I will mention how hard it is to photograph these screens. While it doesn't clearly show, the Line Lock is greyed out in this pic and has a broken outline.

I initially thought this was a km thing, as in it needs x amount of km's before it became active. Then Top_Gear mentioned you needed to be in Track mode, but it still remained greyed out. After reading a post about someone having the same issue, it was resolved for him by turning off the auto-hold function. After checking that, it was still greyed out. Even after reading the (online) manual, nothing initially stood out.

Track Apps - Line Lock

As you can see, there are quite a few boxes to tick before the Line Lock can be activated. And other than Slippery, it can be activated in any drive mode. In the end, what finally clicked for me was the car needs to be in gear and the handbrake disengaged before you can toggle the Line Lock tab on the touchscreen. So, with that done, the greyed-out tab became active.

Again, hard to show but note the now solid outline.

Now that I know how to activate it, I can now forget it exists.

 

[Bikeman315]

Good Morning "D". Just got back from my nephews wedding in Maine but I've been following your thread on your new 2024 Mustang. First off congratulations. On your amazing new car and for your incredible patience. I know I could not have done this. I've enjoyed reading your content now for the past seven years but none of them compares to this one. I can literally feel the joy in your heart when you write about this car. My wife and I are considering a trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2027 and nothing would make me happier than having the opportunity to buy you a beer or three in person. So until then I cannot wait to read more about your adventure with this new car as well as all of your other threads. Cheers, Ira

 

[DFB5.0]

Cluster Themes!

I'm going to get this out of the way right now, I like REAL gauges! I've made this analogy a few times, but it sums up my feelings on the demise of traditional gauge clusters. Ask a watch nerd what's their favorite watch, they are not going to name one of the countless "smart" watches on the market are they. A smart watch might technically provide a superior user experience, not to mention the ability to do more than keep time. But thing is, I don't buy a watch to make phone calls or pay for my coffee. And nor is a watch nerd, they want the tactility and old school charm and craftsmanship that comes with a classically designed time piece.

And so, the same applies to car gauge clusters. There is a beauty to a classic set of dials that move with the engine and speed of the car. Yes, you don't have the customizability, but I love seeing the needles dancing in front of me as I drive, it's just part of the experience of driving a car.

Some car companied have gone all in on this trend, some have played a balanced approach. Porsche for instance kept the traditional tachometer with a screen cast around it, which they have only recently changed to a full screen. The previous generation Mustang offered both traditional and digital gauge clusters depending on trim level. For me, what Ford did right was designing the screen to fit within a traditional hooded cluster, so it looked more natural.







For S650, Ford went all in, the oh so emotive hooded binnacle was canned for a flat, square screen. Actually, there are two versions of this. Lower spec models get two separate screens, one for the navigation/climate control/audio/mode selection, and one for the instrument cluster. High spec models, including all Australian Mustang's, have one large continuous screen. In reality, its actually two screens disguised by a single lens. I remember reading some prefer the two separate screens as it looked more natural and less dominating visually.





At first, I thought this setup was horrible. Ford threw out the traditional twin-hooded dashboard for what looked like something lifted from an Explorer. But here's the thing, if Ford didn't move with the times, they would have been crucified by the press, social influencers and customers. So, while the screens were not my preference, they are integral to the modern Mustang experience.

There is a lot to unpack in regard to the near endless customization offered by the new Mustang. For this post, I'm going to focus on the digital gauge cluster and the seven different themes to choose from.

Ford offer a couple of ways to select which cluster theme you want displayed in front of you. Firstly, if selected, you can have the cluster theme match the drive mode selected via the steering wheel mode buttons, which in theory is most logical. However, if for some reason you don't like Sport gauges with Sport drive mode, you can independently change the cluster, say Sport drive mode with Race Track cluster. This is undoubtably cool, but also somewhat distracting when on the move.

To independently choose a cluster design, press the pony button in front of the gear shifter to bring up the My Mustang page. From here, you can change a variety of settings including Track Apps (Line Lock and Drift Mode), display auxiliary gauges, customize the ambient and display lighting via the My Colour Tab, change the exhaust mode, select a gauge cluster theme, or create and store a custom mode with 6 different presets.

Once you select the Cluster Theme tab, you can then scroll through and select one of the 6 designs on offer. The theme will be displayed on in front of the driver as well as the main touchscreen to show your selection.

So, lets run through the themes on offer.

Calm - This is a very basic mode designed for the least distraction. I can't see myself ever using this mode.

Normal - I think this is the most visually cohesive, if a little un-Mustang like. It's clean, clear and modern. I also like how it simulates two traditional round gauges when compared to the next two.

Sport - This design I find a little hard to read. It certainly looks cool but lacks legibility at a glance.

Race Track - This theme removes a lot of the fluff to preset a very clear tachometer and a basic digital speed readout. Probably not my favorite, but I like how it bounces tachometer bar between gear shifts.

And now for the fun ones!

Fox Body '87 - '93 - When the S650 was unveiled, Ford got Mustang fans raving about the cluster theme that matched the green backlit gauges of the Fox Body Mustang's from the late 80's and early 90's. Actually, that green backlighting was not unique to Mustang, all US Ford's were the same. At first, I didn't see the appeal, why make your brand-new car look 30+ years old? However, this theme is simple, clean and is extremely easy to read. Although, no Fox Body could reach those engine or ground speeds.

Classic '67 - '68 - This design was only introduced a few months ago and is pure indulgence. It's not as legible as it could be due to the odd speed gradients, but it's undoubtably cool and a nice touch by Ford. My salesman chose this theme for delivery day, quite fitting with a classic Mustang parked right next to it in the delivery bay.

SVT Cobra '99 - '01 - Also recently introduced, this design will be recognizable for those familiar with the Mustang Cobra's Tickford converted to RHD back in the early 2000's for Ford Australia. Like the Fox Body theme, this setup is clean and very easy to read.

I will say, all three of these heritage cluster themes lack a digital speedometer, which is understandable considering the originals never had one either. However, with the 30 kph numbered increments, it can make typical Australian speed limits hard to sight. So, I would say be careful with this, especially for those in the same nanny state I live in.

So, which is my favorite? I really like the look of heritage cluster themes, especially the '67 - '68. However, I can see myself using the SVT Cobra design most, it's so clean and clear. Of the modern versions, I like the basic Normal setup. Boring, but again, it's cleaner and easy to read than the other options.

 

[DFB5.0]

Just discovered these images using SVE SP2 wheels, the aftermarket version of the HP Performance wheels I kept from my S550.







Hmmm, I like how they allow for a better view of the big Brembo's. I'm thinking when I remove the wheels to coat them, I'll coat the calipers and then put on the HP wheels. This will mean I won't have the car sitting on jacks, which I find nervy, but I'll also see what they look like on the S650. If I like them, I'll have to decon and coat those as well.

 

[Paul's stable]

Very happy for you Deyon.
After such a long wait, it's a bit surreal, isn't it?

The Race Red and Black Pack is a great looking combination.
(I still reckon the front pony should stay chrome to contrast against the grille - 1st world problems!)

I'm jealous you got the window sticker... I did not.
My dealer (part of a group of dealers) has their vehicle PD done off site, and by the time I asked to keep it, it was already removed and destroyed.
I was probably 36 hours too late to ask.
It's a nice little keepsake to have though.

Looks like your leave was well timed... get some odd jobs out of the way, and then time to enjoy your new toy.

Talk to the dealer and they can print off a new one. There paper not plastic like in the past.

 

[Deano1978]

Just discovered these images using SVE SP2 wheels, the aftermarket version of the HP Performance wheels I kept from my S550.





Hmmm, I like how they allow for a better view of the big Brembo's. I'm thinking when I remove the wheels to coat them, I'll coat the calipers and then put on the HP wheels. This will mean I won't have the car sitting on jacks, which I find nervy, but I'll also see what they look like on the S650. If I like them, I'll have to decon and coat those as well.

I was literally looking at the exact some photos yesterday in one of the US threads . This car also has a 1" Ford Performance lowering kit on it if I'm not mistaken.

There's also photos of one with gloss black finish on the rims as well.

I believe these rims colour is called "Graphite" or something similar

I prefer these over the gloss black rims but looking at some local suppliers I can't see them as available, the closest I could find were the RTR Tech 5 rims that are only available in Charcoal or Gloss Black locally - the Charcoal pics look more like chrome than charcoal to me

Any tips on where to find something like the above locally? Or just get chrome/black and coat them?

 

[DFB5.0]

I was literally looking at the exact some photos yesterday in one of the US threads . This car also has a 1" Ford Performance lowering kit on it if I'm not mistaken.

There's also photos of one with gloss black finish on the rims as well.

I believe these rims colour is called "Graphite" or something similar

I prefer these over the gloss black rims but looking at some local suppliers I can't see them as available, the closest I could find were the RTR Tech 5 rims that are only available in Charcoal or Gloss Black locally - the Charcoal pics look more like chrome than charcoal to me

Any tips on where to find something like the above locally? Or just get chrome/black and coat them?

Welcome to my dilemma 3 years ago, all the wheels I liked were not offered in Australia. Then, after settling on the HP wheels in matte black, within a few months a few of the key aftermarket supplied started to stock them. By the time I imported them from CJ Pony Parts, including shipping and import duty, I'm ashamed to say how much they cost me in the end.

You are correct regarding the RTR versions. For me, if they were offered in gloss instead of matte graphite, I would have ordered them by now. I've found matte finishes absorb grime rather than repel it, so you end up with permanent staining, even after coating.

WHEELS | Mustang S650

 

[DFB5.0]

Old vs New!

I remember back when the S650 was unveiled in 2022, there was a lot of conjecture as to how “new” the new Mustang was. This only intensified once the press began to closely scrutinize the new model. The main cause of contention being that this new model was more of heavy refresh and not the new generation Ford would have you believe. And, I guess, that is a valid question. The thing is, Ford have an evolutionary approach to the Mustang. What I’m about to describe will sound familiar to Australian readers and a certain other Ford model.

Ever since the second-generation model went into production, the Mustang has always teetered on the brink of viability for Ford. I don’t mean this in a derogatory manner, it’s just the reality of a volume-centric company making consumer goods. Mustang is not a volume proposition for Ford, but it does have a tonne of market recognition and is seen as a brand builder. That’s not to say Ford lose money on every Mustang, rather the profit per car is significantly lower than a F-150 for example. This then limits Ford’s ability to reinvest come model update time.

You will see this budget constraint in the choice of materials and overall build quality, but also the core engineering of the car itself. And so, when it comes to creating a new model, Ford have to be smart with how and where they spend the money. This is why you don’t see wholesale platform or engine changes at every new model, and each generation lasts often double that of a more mainstream Ford. The exact same thing happened with Australian Ford’s, just on even lower budget.

So, where does the S650 sit in the grand scheme of things? First, we need to consider its predecessor and its legacy in the long line of previous Mustang’s. Many will cite that the S550 was the first Mustang to have IRS, which is not actually the case. The SVT Cobra from 1999 had the same double wishbone IRS found in the AU Falcon, Jaguar S-Type and XF, and Lincoln LS. Still, the S550 was the first to have IRS across the range, which was matched to a redesigned strut front suspension. These two changes fit into the evolutionary model; new suspension adapted to a carry-over platform. In addition to that, the exterior body was all new, as was the interior. In other words, it was the newest Mustang in a very long time.

Early on, there were rumors Ford were going to adapt the new rear-wheel-drive platform that debuted with the current generation Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. I remember there being a lot of push back on that among fans, that the Mustang was going to be lumped with an SUV platform. That’s not how it would have been implemented, Ford would have taken sub-systems from the new platform and built them into the Mustang. Expensive items like the fire wall and engine “box”, electrical architectures and suspension designs would have given Ford economy of scale compared to the orphan Mustang platform. This would have been a more expensive endeavor upfront but would have made sense in the longer term. But……..Ford being Ford chose the cheaper option………….a top hat refresh of the existing platform.

And so, we now arrive at what the S650 became. Keep in mind the chassis hardware had seen significant updates for S550, so it's not like past Mustang’s. Think of this like BF MK II to FG Falcon generational change, a top hat refresh over proven mechanicals. The S550 in comparison was like an AU to BA Falcon type of update. And in some ways, this is not a bad thing.

For S650, most of what sits beneath the skin is carry over. This includes front and rear suspension modules, the floor pan, fire wall and engine bay panels. For the stuff you can see, the roof and both windshields carry over. While the door skins have been changed, the door and glass itself are carried over, including the side mirrors. Ford would dispute that sighting different part numbers, but all they did was change the outer skin and exterior door handle.

The same reskin applies to the boot lid, the actual boot opening is the same and the underside of the boot lid follows the same shape as S550. Actually, it's quite impressive how they changed the look here without a completely new body panel. The rear quarter panels show the most difference, but again, its an outer skin and they follow the carry-over roof and glass hard points.

Obviously, the most visual change has been made via new front quarter panels, headlights, hood and bumper, while the rear had a reprofiled lower truck panel, lights and bumper.

The interior is also a little of something old, a little of something new. The dashboard is completely new, as is the excellent flat bottom steering wheel. The door trims are made with new materials, but are carry over, right down to the same window switches, door handle and grab handle.

The center console is modified for the new electric handbrake/drift brake and a different shifter surround, but otherwise carry over. Seats have new coverings, but also carry over. Missing from the new generation, the secret owner’s manual compartment in the glove box, and the spring loaded compartment below the steering wheel (handy for sun glasses, coins, pens ect). Actually, there is no physical owner’s manual now, its located within the menu system. The pedals, door sill trim panels and gear shifters for manual and automatic transmissions are S550 items too. The most visual change will naturally be those screens and the effort put into the graphics and massive amount of customization options. S650 also moved from Sync 3 to Sync 4 infotainment system.

Mechanically, it’s all about subtle refinement. Both 2.3 EcoBoost and 5.0 Coyote V8 engines remain, but with refinements. The EcoBoost gained a twin-scroll turbo and a small power increase, but it’s only available with the 10R80 automatic. The Coyote enters its 4th generation for S650, it gaining a new dual throttle body and intake system for additional power. Ford also went back to a steel oil pan, probably to suppress the typewriter tick. Exhaust systems carry over, but with different tuning for the Active systems standard on all AUS cars. Both the MT82-D4 6-speed manual and 10R80 10-speed auto carry over, the Darkhorse being the exception, it gets the Tremec TR-3160 6-speed over the MT-82-D4. In the engine bay, some items have moved, the coolant tank for instance, and there is now a remote positive battery post.

While the basic suspension remains, the Performance Pack models come with some significant changes to accommodate the Drift Brake system and inclusion of Brembo calipers. All Performance Pack models take the majority of the rear suspension components used on the S550 GT350 and GT500, you also get a separate caliper for the handbrake. Ford also redesigned the electric power steering for faster and more direct response, Performance Pack models also get the revised steering rack from the S550 Mach 1. Finally, Australian cars now get the strut tower brace.

Please don’t read all the above as me roasting the S650. As I’ve said in the past, the above is me being my analytical self. The thing is, would we have a new Mustang if it weren’t for some items carrying over? Maybe, maybe not. I for one am grateful Ford still sees value in offering the Mustang in its current gas-burning state. A world without a V8 Mustang would be a sadder place, so if the latest generation seems rather familiar, who cares. Ask Camaro fans about this…………….oh wait, GM took the easy path and discontinued their muscle car, and Dodge have done the same by deleting the Hemi V8 for the forthcoming new Challenger and Charger.

Long Live The V8 Muscle Car!

 

[DFB5.0]

Polishing!

I have been planning this for more than two years now, how will I be polishing and protecting this new car. And after countless hours of procrastination, I finally arrive at this moment where I immerse myself in getting this car to look the best I can possibly achieve.

In the past, today would have been a very intensive endeavor. Typically, I will wash and decontaminate the car, including iron removal and clay. Drying and taping up would follow, then polishing. This would evidently lead to an element of rush and corners cut. Yes, you read right. Not this time, I wanted to do this at a relaxed pace.

The decontamination took place last week, including iron removal, high pH soap, low pH soap then claying.

After its last wash on Saturday, the car had sat unused while I carried on with my normal schedule of gardening work. So, to start today, all that was needed was a quick rinse-less wash to remove any dust that had settled. Product of choice being the surfactant-based McKee’s N-914, followed by Carpro Eraser to dry the car. I then removed the number plates.

You will notice I have covered up the wheels. After umming and ahhing about buying a set of those for about two years, but I finally pulled the pin. Many detailing companies have a version of these, but to me the Gyeon ones appeared to be better quality compared to the fabric Gtechniq and Maxshine. These simply slip over and hook over the tyre, the base cut straight to line up with the floor. The concept here is to keep polishing dust or splatter off freshly cleaned/detailed wheels. Overall, they proved their worth.

Gyeon Q2M Wheel Covers (4 pack) | Detailing Shed

Then it was time for that time consuming and tedious task of taping up all the trim, badges and headlights. For this car, I took longer than I ever have doing this job.

Get CarPro Masking Tape | 4 Sizes | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

You will see I also placed towels at the base of the windscreen to collect the polishing dust.

In terms of paint condition, it's a mixed bag. It's funny, when you get this up close and personal with a car, you start to notice things. Overall, there were very few scratches, only a couple on the driver's side A-pillar that were easily removed. The gloss black hood vent is atrocious, it being hazed out quite badly, but that's part of the deal with gloss trim. I could also see some mild isolated water spots on the hood and a dust nib on the roof. The main concern for me though is the alarmingly thin paint on the edge of the doors. All of these can be dealt with or ignored, you have to reach a point where you understand that this is a mass-produced car.

In terms of pad and polish, I started with a proven combo of Sonax Perfect Finish on an ShineMate blue intermediate foam pad. After a test spot, I felt I needed just a little more, so switched to the firmer yellow ShineMate cutting pad. I then did the front quarter panels and decided to try a second set of passes with Carpro Relfect and the orange ShineMate polishing pad. Winner! So yeah, I'm effectively two stepping this car.

Now, you might question why I'm two stepping with finishing compounds? Well, Perfect Finish can do some decent cutting, especially teamed with a cutting pad like I did, but then "finish" down acceptably. In my case, adding the super fine Reflect on a softer polishing pad was purely for refinement and extra gloss. I mean, I could have swapped the Perfect Finish for something more aggressive like CutMax of DA Coarse, but why remove more paint when it wasn't needed. I will probably have this car for a while, I want to leave something in the bag for later down the track.

Adding that extra step, I was glad I decided to keep my old ShineMate EB351's, no pad swapping between steps! This also gave me a chance to use both my new Rupes and ShineMate side by side. For the Perfect Finish, I used the Rupes HLR 15 5-inch and the ShineMate 3-inch. I was initially apprehensive about how the new Rupes would perform with the ShineMate pads, there has been suggestion that the HLR doesn't like non-Rupes pads. However, the two worked well together, probably due to the Rupes and ShineMate pads being similar thickness, which helps with regard to the wafer thing backing plate of the HLR.

Switching to the ShineMate 5-inch for the Reflect, you certainly notice how much smoother than Rupes is, but the difference is not the gap you would think. I find the ShineMate's run slower in every position but seems to have a slight edge in torque. The Rupes spins faster and has more speed headroom, but pad stall seems a little more prevalent. And yes, you do need to be mindful of the battery placement on the Rupes, but it's not the issue many would have you believe.

And this is where I started to zone into the job at hand and the photo's stopped. In my ears today, the always entertaining Smoking Tire Podcast. Compared to my usual approach, I started on the vertical panels for this car instead of the usual hood, roof and boot. I worked several panels before calling time for today. The car was then covered up and I'll resume proceedings in the morning.

I still have plenty left to do, including the glass. I'm still un-decided on what to do with the wheels, but the factory items need to be coated before they get too much brake dust exposure. I think I'll get the polishing done, coat the paint, glass and trim, then pull the wheels off and replace them with the HP items off my S550. I can then coat the S650 wheels at my leisure while I make my decision which set will stay on the car.

 

[DFB5.0]

Well, I have had the S650 for a week now, it took the same time for my old S550 to sell.

I have to say, this is the saddest I have felt about letting go of that car, I couldn't have loved that car more if I tried. If only the new owner knew what that car did for me, and ultimately, I hope they cherish it like I did.

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