2006 Honda Civic Exterior + Engine Detail

[MDetail]

This is a 2006 Honda Civic that spends most of it’s life outside, near the beach, in the sun, and not often washed. I took on this job knowing where it had been, and the customer just wanted it to look better and get protection from the harsh conditions down by the beach. I think this met his expectations.

Process
Clean Engine
Dress Engine
Pre-treat w/PB Bug & Tar
Clean trim, moldings, door handles, body panel crevices, rocker panels & gas door area
Pre-soak w/foam gun
wash w/wash mitt & 2 bucket method
Pre-soak w/foam gun again
wash w/wash mitt & 2 bucket method again
Clay
Pre-soak w/foam gun final
Wash w/wash mitt & 2 bucket method final
Dry w/waffle weave towels
Polish w/Flex Megs Polish pad & m205
Correct headlights
Sealant (allow to set for 1 hour) EX-P
Wax (wait 5-15min) Collinite 476s for durability
Apply Dressings (trim, tires, etc)
Clean Windows

Befores

The car came over in poor condition.

Faded Plastics all over the car

No shine to be found
http://www.schotography.com/photos/...ng/ScottyB_Civic/normal_scottyB_civic_010.jpg

You can tell the car hasn’t been washed in quite a while

The engine could use a little help as well

Afters

Engine looks like it came right off the dealers lot

1/2 of the hood clayed

Wheels & Tires cleaned, Tires dressed

Headlights w/sealant still on them

Trim restored (hard to tell from before and after with the lighting)

Pillars polished

Full afters. Finished at night, sorry no direct sun pictures.

 

[ICEMAN]

shiny!! nice job!

 

[bill walsh]

very nice turn around looks great too

 

[Bobby B.]

Looks awesome! Keep up the great work.

 

[turbos17]

Awesome indeed! How long did it take you?

 

[MDetail]

The total time was about 7-8hrs

 

[TObleRONE]

The total time was about 7-8hrs

All of that work in only 7 - 8 hrs.? AMAZING:urtheman:

Did you do anything special to prep the engine before cleaning (wrapping electrical connections, etc.)? I have a Honda as well and am hesitant to spray the engine compartment because there are numerous electrical connectors.

 

[sh4dowfax]

Wow, that sure is nice. I gotta give my poor Civic some lovin. Haven't had time to clean it up since the summer...

 

[turbos17]

All of that work in only 7 - 8 hrs.? AMAZING:urtheman:

Did you do anything special to prep the engine before cleaning (wrapping electrical connections, etc.)? I have a Honda as well and am hesitant to spray the engine compartment because there are numerous electrical connectors.

No need to cover everything. I use a pressure washer at a proper distance and it works wonders. I use Purple Power or Simple Green degreaser, pressure wash, scrub, pressure wash clean, coat w/ whatever I want to, close hood start car for 15-20 min. (this let's the water evaporate from the heat and the product soaks into the rubbers and plastics), open hood and wipe down.

 

[jlb85]

The metallic really pops! Good polishing, and a nice job on the engine too!

 

[MDetail]

Did you do anything special to prep the engine before cleaning (wrapping electrical connections, etc.)? I have a Honda as well and am hesitant to spray the engine compartment because there are numerous electrical connectors.

I personally do not cover any items, I just strategically spray my chemicals and water. My rinse water is water from a spray bottle. I feel like the work comes out better if you use more elbow grease instead of more water power.

Here is the method I use. I understand some people like to use hoses and pressure washers, so it may not be for everyone.
2008 Honda Fit: Engine Bay Detail (How-to) | MDetail.com

Let me know if you need more help