DFB's Detailing Garage

[DFB5.0]

I haven't been feeling well the last few days, I seem to have picked up some sort of infection that's causing a lot of pain and a lack of sleep, and anti-biotics have always disagreed with me. But with the help of a cocktail of pain killers, I press on.

A little break from Mustang content, the XR8 has also been getting driven lately, because surfing the torque wave produced by that engine is so hard to resist. After also driving the Mustang a lot, the ride quality of the R-Spec suspension in the XR8 is, as my uncle would say, rough as guts. I can kinda see why FPV made the GT suspension so soft in the earlier FG's, the cars were targeted towards a more mature audience that would appreciate the cushier ride. I guess as I get older, I can appreciate that.

Then, as the media moaned on about the body control wilting at racetrack pace, FPV responded with the R-Spec package. While a version of this appeared first on the BF series in 2007, on FG, it was the 2011 GT R-Spec that first got this considerably firmer setup. It was then rolled out for the final fling GT-F in early 2014, and then transferred over to the FG-X XR8 from late 2014 till early 2016. As was usual for Ford in the media, the journalists then complained about the stiff ride. I have to say, this was one of the hardest parts about being a Ford man, dealing with so much blatant bias against the brand in favor of what Holden were doing. And while I can and do see the point being made about the suspension, without expensive adaptive dampers, you can't really have both ride comfort and firm body control. Interestingly, for the very last special edition Sprint series in 2016, Ford actually softened the suspension to create a S-Spec setup. This version combined with the new Pirelli tyres actually helped improve traction and compliance to deliver a superior balance. Still, R-Spec is part of the FG-X XR8's story and its cool to say that the car has GT suspension, engine and brakes..................and boy does that ruffle the GT guys.

And so, today was the XR8's turn, and now that it's starting to warm up, I washed partially in the garage. These wheels are my favorite to wash, the simple spoke design and relatively small 355mm/330mm rotors mean there is plenty of room for the softer microfiber brush.

Today, I washed everything with Reset, which has become my default maintenance soap. I've tried so many over the last couple of years, but very few approach the all-round excellence of Reset. Yes, I enjoy using other soaps, but I keep returning to Reset. Drying Aid was ADS Amplify on two Platinum Pluffle towels, with Amplify also used on the door jambs, exhaust tips and wheels. For the glass, I decided to keep trialing Bilt Hamber Trace-less.

The finishing touch, ADS Tire+ on the aged Dunlop Sport Maxx. Those tyres are toast, they have plenty of tread but struggle traction wise. Considering how nervous I am with people working on this car, I'm delaying the inevitable in replacing these tyres, probably with Michelin PS5.

Sponsored

 

[DFB5.0]

Cabinet Purge!

Plonked myself down on the bucket and reorganized my main chemical cabinet. I try to keep regularly used or rotated products in that cabinet, with bulk quantity and occasional use products being located in another cabinet, same for dud or demoted products.

So, after reorg of the main cabinet, it was then decision time. Some products went into the surplus cabinet, some were set for the bin. Now, I know this will look incredibly wasteful, but there is reason here. The coatings were near empty and/or had been opened a long time ago, coatings shouldn't be stored like this for too long. The Power-Lock had a cracked lid, so the integrity of the product inside had been compromised. The polishes were near empty and opened a long time ago. The Poorboy's Wheel Sealant was dated 2014 and hasn't been used in years, so out it went. The Gyeon Q2 Wax has been open for too long, I wouldn't trust it now. The Autoglym stuff should have been binned years ago, I kept the Instant Show Shine for easy application on front bumper grills, the Super Resin Polish is outdated technology full of fillers, the Leather Balm horrible.

 

[DFB5.0]

It's all about little victories at the moment. I'm trying to keep my brain active while being mindful that I'm supposed to be resting. Cleaning out the chemical cabinet was a low impact task that was quite satisfying. And after a long break, I've been making coffee again.

In the garage, I'm normally wearing noise cancelling headphones. This offers a twofold benefit, audio entertainment and noise protection from tools like pressure washers, polishers and blowers. I can also pump the volume when desired and not annoy the neighbors. The exception to this would be when working without the use of noisy tools, in which case I'll play a podcast or music via a Bluetooth capable Makita Jobsite Radio, which punches well above its compact dimensions would suggest.

MAKITA 7.2/18V Jobsite Radio Bluetooth Skin DMR108 | Total Tools

When I upgraded the audio in the house earlier this year, my old Panasonic has been gathering dust in the spare room. After a recent post I wrote the other day, it spurred me to drag the old Panasonic out and set it up in the garage. There was only one practical spot for this, on top of my chemical/microfiber cabinets.

Early 2000's design and technology in full glory here...................

Of course, I had to look up the specs -

- Super Woofer Drive System with Bi-Amp Bi-Wiring Configuration.
- 3-Way 3-Speaker System with 6-3/4"" Super Woofer and PP Mica Woofer.
- Large FL display with spectrum analyzer.
- 5-CD changer with 5 direct play keys.
- Super Sound EQ for dynamic sound at the touch of a button.
- 3-D Space EQ (Disco, Hall, Live, Heavy, Clear, Soft) with Jog Control

I'm under no illusions that this is the best thing since sliced bread, or that it will create an exceptional listening experience in a garage. But, its better than gathering dust in the spare room.

It's been a very long time since I've played a cassette or CD. Because this thing predates Bluetooth, I've connected a Bluetooth converter via the auxiliary jack.

Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter - JB Hi-Fi

The Panasonic addition meant relocating my polisher battery chargers to join the rest on my charging panel, then moving the buckets to left. This also gave me a chance to do some cable management and velcroing the power board in place to stop it sliding around on top of the cabinet.

So, I guess the neighbors will be hating me even more soon.

 

[DFB5.0]

Finally getting to wash cars again!

Washing the Ranger was the last thing I did before heading to the doctor, then being sent to hospital on November 6th. And even then, I didn't get to finish the job. It was then lent to my father to move a two-piece sofa, so it was covered in bugs and traffic film from wet roads last week. So, yes, it was bugging me.

Adam's Mega Foam was the soap of choice, which I also used on the wheels, Brake Buster for the tyres. I was then dried with Clean Maker, Gyeon Quick Detailer for the door jambs and tray, Bilt Hamber Traceless for the glass.

For the interior, I wanted to go a little deeper than the usual wipe over with a detailer. The drivers floor mat was cleaned with McKee's and the Detail Factory Tire Brush. I then used P&S Xpress to lightly scrub the door panels, steering wheel, gear shifter and lower scuff panels, the rest was wiped over with a towel. I don't normally do this, but today I followed with Koch Chemie Top Star, probably not a bad idea now we are approaching summer UV levels.

Dressing the tyres, I chose 3D Cermaic Matte Tire. This creme like product spreads easily, so a little goes a long way. It's also easy to achieve that subtle enhanced look without gloss, a follow up wipe levels it even further. It smells lovely too. Certainly a sleeper product.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...te-tire?_pos=1&_psq=3d+ceramic+m&_ss=e&_v=1.0

I'm also driving cars again! You know how it is, there is always something you forget to pick up from the shops!

 

[DevilDog]

Your posts never cease to amaze me and I really enjoy them. I thought I have OCD, but you take detailing to a new dimension. Love it! Keep up the good work.

 

[roadpilot]

I thought I have OCD, but you take detailing to a new dimension.

I don't have OCD, but I do have CDO.

It's like OCD, but the letters are all in the right @#$%ing order!

 

[steveo1960]

So I finally got around to prepping for the winter as this looks like the last couple of reasonably warm days here in NY. My car is a second car, no garage so it is exposed to the elements. It has ~3k on it. I washed with my non air compressor foam cannon, rinsed well and then sprayed on iron remover and let it sit for a while. Didn't see anything turning orange but rinsed that as well. That stuff was difficult to rinse off as soap suds kept appearing. Then I did a clay bar and finally applied Griots Ceramic 3 in 1 coating and the car looks very nice. If warm tomorrow I'll apply another coat of Griots. I'm not looking for perfection but more for decent, easy to perform protection to keep dirt from sticking to the car.
For heavy snow storms i have a SealSkin cover I can use... DFB5.0 is probably cringing reading this, but I have learned tremendously from his expertise. Maybe someday I will reach that level but for now I'm happy !!

 

[DFB5.0]

Wash day on several fronts today.

First, my little man was off for a bath and haircut..........................

Next up, the XR6.............................

Shine Supply Wise Guy on the tyres, then Shine Supply Shift for the wheels and paint. Drying Aid was ADS Amplify, interior wiped over with ADS Pilot, glass via Gyeon Q2M Glass and tyres dressed with Auto Finesse Satin. Covered up, it was time to move on.

For the Mustang, this was wash number four, and the second since the coatings went down on the paint and wheels.

A little post wash rinsing action for you....................



Wise Guy was again used on the tyres, but I switched to Carpro Reset for the wheels and paint. Drying aid was also ADS Amplify, switching to ECH20 for the door jambs and engine bay. With the hood vent on this car, I've found there is a lot of extra water to mop up in the engine bay after washing. Amplify also went on the wheels before dressing the Michelin's with OG Tire Dressing. The interior only needed a wipe over with a damp towel, then a quick vac of the carpet mats. Invisible Glass for the windows.

While I have ordered a new one, it's interesting to note that the S550 cover will fit the S650 to perfection. This particular one is the CoverCraft FormFit, which I got while they still had an Australian agent.

CoverCraft -
Covercraft Custom Form-Fit Car Cover

The new one I have ordered from Purefit, who were actually the old CoverCraft agent, so the new ones are virtually the same thing. I will say though, the Purefit website is woeful with several bugs, and even after contacting them, the owner clearly doesn't notice these bugs. So, be careful when ordering.

2023-2025 Ford Mustang Coupe GT + aerial 2 mirrors (no wing) Purfit In – purfitcovers.com

 

[DFB5.0]

Ok, so WOW! What a positive experience today was. I'm very tired, but at the same time quite pumped!

It's been said that the Australian detailing industry has a severe lack of training avenues when it comes to helping upskill and further budding detailers, or even for those like me who live and breath this industry as a extreme hobby. The body shop industry certainly has avenues for training, but that is quite a different trade entirely. So for detailing, you either teach yourself, or go and work for someone who can guide you along. Me personally, up until today, I've been 100% self-taught, aided in the last decade by Youtube and online forums.

For a few years now, I have eyed off the training workshops offered by Waxit. As far as I can see, other than the occasional brand event offered elsewhere, Waxit seem to be the only ones offering such avenues for training and upskilling. The training sessions started about seven years ago with just one singular class, but it has built and built since then to the point where they now offer nine different classes several times a year, catering to the beginner right up to the pro.

Book Car Care Detailing Courses | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

The classes range from basic detailing skills and polishing to advanced polishing and detailing, basic and advanced interior detailing, ceramic coatings, authorized installer accreditation, they even now offer PPF preparation and installation workshops. Other than the PPF classes, each workshop is run by Sandro from Car Craft Auto Detailing. Not only is Sandro one of the best detailers in the country, but he also has the best Australian-based YouTube channel of the same name. I'll cover this later, but the chance to meet Sandro, someone who is highly respected in the detailing world, had great appeal too.

(3) Car Craft Auto Detailing - YouTube

For me, it was the paint correction side of things I wanted to hone. I've been machine polishing for more than a decade now, self-taught via my little Concourse Polisher that was sold via Waxit as a beginner's kit. After chatting with Sean from Waxit, he confirmed that I would be best to skip straight to the Advanced Paint Correction 202.

Book Advanced Paint Correction 202 Course Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

The basic class is more of an introduction to random orbital (DA) polishing, the advanced class looks beyond that to higher levels of paint correction, wet sanding and exploration of different machine types. With my leave approaching a few months ago, it was now or never, so I took the plunge and booked my spot in the latest round of workshops starting late November.

For the Advanced Paint Correction 202, the class is made up of five students, giving each plenty of one-one with Sandro. Proceedings start with usual introductions in the classroom, then an outline of the day's activities. For anyone who watches Sandro's videos, the following shots will look familiar. The Waxit warehouse is the location for the training sessions, but also the studio where Sandro makes his videos. Sandro doesn't necessarily work directly for Waxit, but works with them to deliver these workshops and help test new products and tools.

It was also great to see the inner workings of a company I have been buying from for more than a decade. I would love to work there, even if the place has a lingering scent of iron remover.

After an introduction to the pads, compounds and machines at our disposal today, it was into action. All pads today were from ShineMate, which included foam, wool and microfiber pads. Compounds were mostly Scholl, with a couple of NV and Rupes on hand too. Machines included ShineMate and Rupes, they even had a gear-driven Mille on hand.

Where the Random Orbital Clinic is taught around test panels, the Advanced workshop uses an actual car, in this case a Waxit employee's Subaru Forrester. We were then given a demo and explanation as to why taping is so important, then set about getting the car taped up. I always thought I was pretty ordinary with my taping skills, it's a job I hate doing, but it seems I did pretty well when compared to Sandro's work and the other students. Sandro, of course, makes it look easy.

After a tea break, it was then time for measuring the paint depth. I've never seen one of these in action before, and while not a 100% indication of the paint you have to work with, its an important tool for discovering potential resprays or areas thinner than expected.

Up next, a wet sanding demo on a test panel, something I have never done. In this case, Sandro went over the various methods for sanding deeper scratches and etchings that otherwise wouldn't be removed via polishing alone. Both machine and hand sanding techniques were covered, followed by refinishing the sanded section via polishing. While I would still be apprehensive, I feel like I could tackle this myself now.

That same test panel was then used to demonstrate each student's technique using a dual action and rotary polisher. This was more about showing Sandro where he could help us improve. Me? I move too quickly, which I already suspected, but its good to have it confirmed. Apart from 1-inch pads on my iBrid Nano, this was the first time I have used a rotary polisher. The machine in question was a 6-inch ShineMate battery powered machine, and as I suspected, I didn't like it. Some of that will be a lack of experience, but I didn't like how it would steer itself with even the slightest movement and needed constant adjustment. And that was on a completely flat panel, on a door with plenty of curves, it would be nightmare.

The lunch break was quite insightful too. Mainly because for the first time in my life, I had five other people in the room who were as into detailing as I am. The chat wandered from talking about polishing machines, to chemicals, to distribution and pricing concerns, and cars in general. Actually, one of the students recently had to turn down work on a brand new black Mustang Darkhorse, the paint quality was full of solvent pop and nibs that he refused to work on it and that the customer should be perusing it with Ford. While both of my Mustang's have had a few factory installed blemishes, they were nowhere near the bad stories being told today about Mustang paint, and that included Sandro.

After lunch, it was time to get on the tools. First up, a test section demo by the master. In most cases, Japanese paint, and Subaru's in particular, are known to be soft. But this car needed quite a bit of aggression to remove car wash swirls and a smattering of random isolated deeper scratches (RIDS). In the end, the combination of a 5-inch ShineMate battery machine, ShineMate yellow foam cutting pad and Scholl S2 Black was needed. Each student was then assigned to a panel to correct, then allowed to select the machine, pad and compound they wanted to use. With Sandro insisting on a 95% correction, mainly to assess our skills and ability, we were then left to get on with it. Sandro then moved from student to student to guide where needed, make suggestions.

A variety of ShineMate and Rupes machines were on offer, and it was interesting to see where others gravitated towards. One guy found the battery placement a hindrance and therefore went with a corded ShineMate. Another wanted to experience rotary. Myself, I went with an old favorite, the ShineMate EB351-15, then decided to try out some of the machines that I don't currently have. The first being the Rupes HLR75, which is their battery powered 3-inch. I also wanted to try out the ShineMate EB210 with the swappable heads. I then started with a combo I have used before, a blue ShineMate pad and Scholl S20 Black, but ended up needed the S2 and yellow pad.

One of the main takeaways for me today was that, in the past, I have probably been way too conservative with my choices of pad and compound. In this instance, what is normally a decently aggressive compound and pad choice actually finished out to near perfection as a single step when used with a DA machine. The guy working next to me did his panel with a rotary to cut, then went back with a lighter pad and polish to remove the holograms installed on the first step. I'd say his panel probably had some additional clarity at the end, but obviously required more work, more pads and more compound to achieve what I did with a single step.

After finishing our panel, Sandro then inspected our results, my panel meeting with his approval. The tape was removed and the car wiped down with IPA.

To wrap up the workshop, it was back into the classroom for a final Q&A and presentation of our certificate.

As much as anything, I think what I enjoyed most about today was being able to discuss various detailing related topics that I wouldn't always have an outlet for in person. By far the most popular topic today was machine choice and technology, especially Sandro's insight into where the major players sit at the moment. And by far, other than me, everyone gravitated towards the ShineMate machines. The Rupes iBrid was temperamental today, and while the HLR75 had oodles or torque, it was noisy and the speed control clunky. Everyone universally liked the new EB210, although I found it hard to modulate speed.

While still on ShineMate, put it this way, if you have a ShineMate or are thinking of getting one, well it seems the brand easily outshines the bigger brands for reliability and performance. And when you consider the short window of operation with the Rupes stuff, pad stall/pad sensitivity/compound sensitivity/battery stamina ect, the ShineMates just work! It also sounds like ShineMate have some new products in the pipeline that sound very promising. And on that, I noticed quite a few new, yet to be released products hanging around....................hey, I'm an observant type of guy.

On the product side, finally, I have an explanation as to why I have always struggled with the UK brands................ I thought it was only me. It would seem most of the UK stuff is based around UK climate, in other words, they just don't work in the Australian climatic conditions, ie summer heat and humidity. And finally, I have met someone who agrees Meguiar's products are massively overpriced in Australia. That also lead to a discussion on the local distribution of Rupes and Koch Chemie brands, and how poor management is simply pricing the out of the market. It was agreed that the products are great, but just too expensive. I've stopped buying GSF for that reason.

And finally, it's not often you get to meet a hero, and even less often to have that hero turn out to be exactly who you thought they were. Sandro is one of those rare hero moments. He is exactly the same in person as he comes across in his videos. He is a gentle and kind man that is a natural born teacher. It's also fascinating to watch someone at one with his craft, his movements are so natural and skillful. So when you combine that skill with natural teaching ability, you can only but learn from the man.

As everyone else left, I just knew I had to thank him for his content, that I had learned so much from just watching and listening to him. For me, what I have learnt most over the years from him has been his methodical, multi-faceted approach to decontamination. Because ultimately, those steps prior to a polisher even hitting the paint play a huge role during polishing, and the overall finished result.

I'll be honest, I did feel a bit apprehensive while polishing today. Put it this way, no one has really ever seen me using a polisher before, so I felt very self-conscious. As I watched the guy next to me skillfully complete his panel to perfection with rotary machines only, I actually felt I was struggling. Well, according to Sandro, I have the temperament and skill to be doing 95% corrections if I ever chose to follow that path. As he acknowledged, and I agreed with, that temperament can be a blessing and a curse when chasing such perfection. But the takeaway for me during this one-on-one interaction was that I was actually doing better than I thought................my natural self doubt has always held me back. So while I learnt plenty today, I feel like it also confirmed a lot of things too.

Now the question is, which car will be next in line for treatment?

 

[DevilDog]

Very cool! Do you do detailing in Illinois?

 

[DFB5.0]

In limbo at the moment. I'm trying to fit in a few gardening jobs and line up a few days to hook into my next project. But with all the rain that's been falling, that's been a challenge. I'm also exhausted again.

So, it was the perfect day to be indoors and visit the local car museum. I actually work next door to this place, but apart from before it was expanded and after an initial tour through after the renovation, I've never had the time or desire to take a proper look. Going back earlier this year, I wish I made the time because they had Marcos Ambrose's championship winning BA Falcon on display. Marcos and that car were hugely influential to me back then, seeing a Ford thrashing Holden's each race was almost a confidence builder for me as much as the driver itself. Then seeing him win the championship, well, he became a hero to me.

Anyway, when the museum was closed for renovations to expand the facility, the name was changed to better represent what would go ultimately call the place home. The M.O.V.E name stands for Museum Of Vehicle Evolution. Where previously the focus on was on cars and memorabilia, the museum now houses a range of transportation devises. The massive expansion was done to accommodate the trucking side, in effect representing the towns rich history in transportation. Upstairs, which allows visitors to look down at the cars and motorcycles on display, there is a range of vintage bicycles to look at. A separate section is used to display the history of the Furphy & Sons and Furphy Foundry businesses, which continues to operate to this day. There is also a collection of Australian clothing, jewelry, and fashion accessories dating back 200 years. This joins a bunch of displays memorabilia displays spread through the facility, with the building flanked either side by a cafe and antiques shop. The idea behind such diversity is to offer something for everyone, so if you aren't into cars, you might be drawn to the trucking side, or the fashion, or in the case of my father, the bikes.

Home | Museum of Vehicle Evolution

On top of the displays, the facility also has the ability to host functions and car club meetings. In fact, the 2025 Falcon GT Nationals Concours Event will be held there on the 13th - 16th March 2025. I actually met some of the organizers during the planning stage, let me say, they were VERY particular.

Anyway, onto the display....................

This Ford caught my eye, or more specifically, the V12 engine did...................

Next, this Elfin, which used Holden/GM running gear and, from memory, was designed by Mike Simcoe, the man currently in charge of the whole of General Motors design.

While I have seen a C8 on the road, this was the first time I have seen on up close. I think time is being kind to the C8, but I wouldn't say that I like the design, to me it just presents very generic, almost small-scale production like a TVR or Nobel. White doesn't do it justice either. The car is currently for sale, so I guess that says it all.

Seeing a Ferrari in a small country town is pretty unique.................

The gorgeous Jaguar XK engine and E-Type.................

I can't believe how big these things are! They would dwarf a modern Mustang!

I seem to remember this BMW M5 Ute featuring in MOTOR magazine back in the day and was created/commissioned by golfer Stuart Appleby’s. Certainly a unique concept.

The 427 Monaro's.....................

Never did see the appeal of these............................

This final Pursuit Ute has called the museum home for many years now, exactly the colour I would have chosen, Octane Orange................

There are also quite a few Garry Rodgers Motorsport cars on display..............

This Tucker with its rear engine was apparently imported into Australia at EXTREAM cost. Not my usual type of car, but it certainly had a lot of presence.

Naturally, the trucking side is huge! I have to say, the 50's and 60's buses look so iconic, almost from a different planet, as in, they have personality.

This truck is quite interesting, but not for the truck itself. That bull bar was made by my father, who back in the day had a small backyard-run business making bull bars for cars and trucks. Like me, he also used his initials for the business name, TFB, and I have a cabinet in the garden shed with his blue and yellow business sticker on it.

I'm not sure the details on this Mack, but it's absolutely hideous in person.

The bicycle collection housed upstairs. If you thought your fancy mountain bike with suspension is special, well this 1887 bike has suspension too...........................

Pretty much every single grade 6 kid in the area drove one these in the 80’s and 90’s. Called Careful Cobber's, these were powered by a small engine and were housed at D.E.C.A (Driver Education Centre Australia). The concept here was to introduce kids to the concept of driving, while also teaching road safety and road rules. Students were sent off in pairs, one vehicle per pair. I remember despite being nervous, I was a natural, but my partner was struggled with the concept of braking. Even Princess Diana went for a ride...................

And finally, this stunning Holden Torana spinning on the turntable at the entry/exit……………………

M.O.V.E is definitely worth a look if you are passing through.

 

[DFB5.0]

XR8 Paint Enhancement!

Back in on the 5th of November 2014, my FG-X Falcon XR8 drove off the production line, one of the first built. As of December 11th, I will have owned the car for 10-years. I can’t believe it’s been that long!

Straight off the truck, December 2014.................







Delivery day, December 11th, 2014. That same showroom housed my new Ranger in 2016, my S550 Mustang in 2017 and almost 10 years later, my new S650 Mustang........................

So, to celebrate the cars anniversary and to put some of my newly honed skills into practice, I’ve decided to give the car a light polish and reapply an old favorite.

Decontamination and Prep Work -

For a car that spends most of its time sitting under a fleecy car cover, the level of contamination would be minimal here. For that reason, I decided I wouldn’t be dousing this car in acidic shampoo’s and iron removers. But I did feel it worthwhile giving the car a wash using a high-pH soap to help remove previously used drying aids. In this case I decided upon ADS Decon Soap.

After the wash, I inspected the paint with my hands and determined a clay step wasn’t necessary. So, a wash with an alkaline soap, then dried using Carpro Eraser was the only decontamination needed. From here, I went around the car taping up the trims. I'm slowly getting better at taping, and smarter too, why tape something that doesn't need to be? For example, on an FG-series Falcon, the upper door seal trims are on the door and not the door frame, so why tape them when you can simply open the door. Don't know why I didn't think of that sooner.

Products Used -

Armour Detail Supply Decon Soap
Microfiber Madness DeliPad Wash Pad
Carpro Eraser Prep Spray
The Rag Company Platinum Pluffle Drying Towel
Carpro Red Masking Tape
Gyeon Q2M Wheel Covers

Polishing -

With only a few minor wash induced love marks, there wasn’t a need for extensive correction on this car. Nor did I want to be hammering down on the paint, the goal with this car from the very beginning has been preservation. In other words, a light jeweling polish to boost gloss.

With that in mind, I knew what product I was going to use, the delightful Carpro Reflect. However, I needed to check which pad would give me the desired result without removing too much clearcoat. Remember, preservation here. I started with the ShineMate red foam finishing pad, but I found that I needed just a little more as it left behind a couple of isolated fine scratches on the test spot. So, I switched to the orange ShineMate foam polishing pad, and bingo, combination sorted.

After the Mustang back in October, and that Subaru last week, the FGX Falcon is so simple to polish, the byproduct of the swathes of flat, simple panel contouring. Even the masking process is simple.

One of the things I learnt at the polishing workshop last week was regarding edge work, as in, polishing up to edges safely. One of the first things Sandro guided me with was placing a towel behind the latch to prop the door open. With the front door opened as well, this makes it safer for the adjacent edges. For front door, you can then tape the front quarter panel edge in addition to the towel trick to protect both edges. This might sound obvious to some, but it was news to me. That's why I went to the class, to fine tune my process, and in this case, make it safer too.

Product, Pad & Machines Used -

Carpro Reflect Finishing Polish
ShineMate Orange Foam Polishing Pad (4-inch & 6-inch)
Rupes Yellow Fine Polishing Pad (2.5-inch)

The Rag Company Creature Edgeless Polish Removal Towel
Carpro Eraser Prep Spray

Rupes iBrid Nano Long Neck (2-inch)
Rupes HLR15 (5-inch machine)
ShineMate EB351-3/12 (3-inch machine)
Rupes Claw Pad Tool

And that's where I leave it for today. The car was wiped down with Eraser and covered up, ready for another session tomorrow.

 

[DFB5.0]

XR8 Paint Enhancement Continued……………….

With the rest of the polishing finished up, it was time to prepare for the application of some protection. To start, I wiped the car down with KCx PPS, I had forgotten how good this stuff is.

At the moment, I have three products that could have gone on this car. Gyeon Can Coat EVO would have been a quick, easy product to apply and would have delivered an excellent washing experience. But I just feel that Can Coat isn’t appropriate here. Collinite 845 has been a favorite of mine for so long, it certainly delivers on the tactility front. But, I’ve decided to reacquaint myself with another old favorite, a product that I know works really well on this colour and rewards the extra effort and time needed to apply. Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant (DGPS), a product that is sadly no longer offered in Australia. I actually got sent a bottle in error, so I have enough to last me the rest of my life.

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

I first tried this product after reaching out to Waxit, who were actually a forum sponsor at one point. I wanted something to use on my XR6 above and beyond the Meguiar’s wax I had been using prior. Waxit suggested Wolfgang DGPS to enhance the deeper tones within the Sensation blue paint. This was back in the early 2010’s, a time before ceramic coatings and spray sealants becoming a mainstream option. After using DGPS, the gloss and slickness levels were insane, as were the hydrophobics. For the first time, I was being asked what I was using on the paint!

Application -

Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is a cross-linking polymer paint sealant, with longevity said to last up to 6 months. Having said that, I can get years out of it on a garage queen. Wolfgang also make note of the anti-static properties DGPS provides, helping to repel dust, dirt and grime.

There are a few key reasons why I come back to the product –

- The glossy, wet look it creates. After application, Wolfgang suggest that the “paint looks like a clear glossy coating was just poured over it”
- The slickness! No toppers required!
- The depth that it adds to paint, enhancing the colour beyond its natural state
- Hydrophobic qualities that rival fancier ceramic coatings

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant can be used on all painted surfaces. This is a product I would avoid getting on unpainted rubber and plastic trims, it will otherwise stain. DGPS can be applied to the car by hand or via machine. I prefer to use the machine with a black waxing pad to speed up the process and ensure even coverage, swapping to a small foam hand applicator for intricate areas like the wing mirrors and bumpers. Working panel by panel, apply a thin coat to the whole car, reapplying product to the pad as needed. Remember, a little goes a VERY long way. Be sure to also shake the bottle prior and during application. You will also notice it smells like an old school product, all solventy and no with attempt to lace it with fruity scents.

Note that I'm using the ShineMate and not the Rupes, the ShineMate on speed 1 is much slower running than the Rupes on the same setting. For wax and sealant application, you really don't want or need pad speed here, so the slower rpm is more than sufficient to do the job and won't cause any accidental splatter.

From here, you then need to be patient, DGPS needs to sit for untouched for 30 to 45 minutes to set up. After setting, you can then remove the residue with a microfiber towel, starting where you began the application. When applied thinly, buffing off DGPS is a dream, way way easier than leveling a ceramic coating.

The curing of DGPS is activated by oxygen, so exposure to moisture during the first 12 hours will compromise proper curing and tamper with the long-term durability. So, just like a ceramic coating, you need to think ahead.

While the sealant was setting up, I went around and removed the tape and deep cleaned the plastic and rubber trims with Meguiar’s M39 and PPS. I then applied Carpro Reload to the areas not coated with DGPS, including the grill surrounds, fog light area, front fender features, and plastic trims.

Finishing up, the door jambs and engine bay were wiped down with ECH20 to remove any accumulated polishing and sealant dust. Using towel dampened with ECH20, I went around and lightly wiped the car down to pick up any remaining sealant dust. The glass was then cleaned with Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect.

Products Used Today -

KCx PPS Panel Prep
The Rag Company Eagle Edgeless 500 Towels

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
ShineMate EB351 5/15 5-inch Polisher
ShineMate Black Foam Waxing Pad (6-inch)
Foam Wax Applicator
The Rag Company Creature Edgeless Sealant Removal Towel

Meguiar's M39 (NLA), Nexzett Plastic Deep Cleaner the alternative
Carpro Reload
Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect
Carpro ECH20

Note - While you can clean a pad or applicator used with DGPS, it's a tedious and annoying task that won't totally remove it. Once dried, the pad will be very dusty. To me, it's not worth the trouble, so count on binning them.

The Result -

This is not the first time I have applied DGPS to the XR8. Other than a variety of toppers since, the last sealant applied to this car was Gyeon Q2 Wax. The Gyeon wax certainly had the gloss and extremely good hydrophobics, but I feel like DGPS has an edge in gloss and slickness.

After applying mostly ceramic coatings over the last couple of years, it was like stepping back in time with this car. No, a sealant like this won't have the chemical resistance or longevity of a coating, but for a car like this, its the better option. I also have waaaay less anxiety applying a sealant over a coating, which overall, made it a much more pleasurable experience.

This is what I love about Emperor Red, in the shade it takes on a glassy, pearl-like finish. But in the sun, it transforms into a glowing beacon of gloss and metal flake................................

And so, with that, Happy Anniversary Miss. Jane

 

[DFB5.0]

This is why I do it..............................................

 

[fishinrich]

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