Trust everyone had a good weekend even though the weather here in KZN has been topsy turvy. Eid Mubarak to the muslims forum followers as well. If there was a word to describe being exhausted x infinity then I would be that word
Well onwards to this past weekend’s restoration and detail project. I must apologise for the lack of posts due to more pressing priorities at hand but alas…. The detailing is my happy place
Well this poor little bakkie was literally covered in dirt and dust with the wheels looking like it was resprayed in an anthracite colour because of the brake dust. The interior was also a sight for sore eyes but a detailer's dream with everything from loose dirt to match sticks and some sort of sticky substance in the cup holders and cubby section. The passenger door rubber and driver’s side foot well carpet also had some attending to and was glued down after lifting out of place. (workhorse problems)
Before pics (Still using my trusty Samsung and a few pics are a bit shaky – sorry guys)
First up was the engine bay which was hose down lightly as I have this phobia of damaging the electricals so I take it a bit easy with the water flow. Slow and steady wins the race . APC in 1:5 dilution was used and left to dwell which removed a lot and tougher areas needed some agitation with various brushes. This van is used on site up in the MP province so you can imagine the dust and dirt that gathers in the hard to reach areas.
Engine dried with a blower function of my vacuum and plastics dressed with AF Dressle
Next up was the interior which was a combination of match sticks, tiny stones and pebbles, loose carpeting and rubbers and mysterious sticky substances. Carpets brushed and vacuumed a total of three times to ensure maximum removal. One last brush to lift the carpet fibers giving the cabin a more dark and plush look. AF Total and a mild APC used on the plastics, console and door cards to get through the dirt and grime.
With the interior done and looking infinitely better, I continued on to the wheels. The brake dust had me crying when I saw the wheels so as you can imagine a thorough cleaning and decon was needed. AF Imperial and AF Iron Out were weapons of choice and wheel brushes. My hands were too messed at this point to get any bleeding pics .Tires were scrubbed with a hard bristle hand brush and fender wells were soaked with APC and agitated with the respective fender brushes. Tires dressed with Megs Endurance Tire Gel.
On to the wash and clay and then ready for the polish and protection. Citrus traffic film remover was generously applied around the van and left to dwell for a few minutes. Pressure hosed thereafter and washed using TBM and grit guards. Dried using a silicone drying blade for the longer bakkie panels and various towels. Thereafter clayed with fresh sudsy water as lube and a quick rinses thereafter to remove any leftover residue and she was ready for some paint enhancement.
Before and after shots show the yellowing and dullness vs. the revived side
The front bumper was so far damaged and faded that I was considering having it resprayed until my trusty heat gun came to the rescue. The before and after really does show the dramatic difference. Quite a turn-around IMHO from such an easy process.
Final pics before collection on Sunday…
Thanks for looking guys… Comments welcome
Ahmed – Over and Out
, now this is a proper detailing.
Total time spent was 14 hours. No corrective work was carried out on the paint. Just an enhancement 
