Klasse Act
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DFB's Garage
- Thread starter DFB
- Start date
Big Dave
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I wonder if this one will ever be seen again?
www.drive.com.au
Ford Mustang Dark Horse stolen in Melbourne before delivery
One of 1000 Ford Mustang Dark Horse muscle cars has been stolen from Melbourne's docks after arriving via sea.
DFB
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After all the rain we've had, and the temps now into the 30's, the Kikuyu is growing like crazy now! Actually, peak growth seems quite late this year, so guess I've had it somewhat easy so far for this season. I've been splitting my run over more days as I've been recovering, but at 34c (93f) degrees yesterday and 39c (102f) today, combined with high humidity, it's knocked me around.
I'm not the only one who hates the heat.......................
The XR8 still has plenty of punch, but you can certainly feel it lacking the usual STING when the heat soak is high. Ah well, at least it gives the 10-year old Dunlop SportMaxx an easier time. And yes, I know, I've gotta do something about that, I just don't want anyone jacking up those wheels.
And the paint is glowing at the moment.
There was a little bit of cloud cover in those images, I came out of a shop yesterday in full sun and the colour had changed to a bright cherry red, so so good!
I'm not the only one who hates the heat.......................
The XR8 still has plenty of punch, but you can certainly feel it lacking the usual STING when the heat soak is high. Ah well, at least it gives the 10-year old Dunlop SportMaxx an easier time. And yes, I know, I've gotta do something about that, I just don't want anyone jacking up those wheels.
And the paint is glowing at the moment.
There was a little bit of cloud cover in those images, I came out of a shop yesterday in full sun and the colour had changed to a bright cherry red, so so good!
DFB
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I have to say, I'm getting tired of chasing stuff for this car that's either not offered here, is too expensive to import, or sold by local retailers who seem to be price gouging.
I took I liking to the 2024 Rouch Intake upgrade. I mean, it might provide a small power bump, but I just like the way it looks.
I first spotted it being offered by Tickford, but they don't publish a price, only a "Get A Quote" section. Well, I filled out a quote request three weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. Clearly, they don't want my money.
https://www.tickfordperformance.com.au/mustang-products/my24+-roush-air-intake-system
I then notice Mustang Motorsport have it listed on their site now too...................................at $1200!
https://www.roushperformance.com/pr...P27TnfDxJqHDBSopaoduV5j6l4WEKmTLJhSJbKpfDZQMc
I mean, come on, $1200 for two air filters and two plastic lids. The same thing from the Roush website sits at $550 USD, which roughly converts to $855 AUD. I do realise there are importation and tax costs, but an extra $345? Even still, $855 is ridiculous.
A set of similar oiled K&N filters tops out at $200 or so, and the aFe Dry Flow versions are $320. Are those clear plastic lids really worth $880 - $1000 for the pair?
https://automotivesuperstore.com.au...bDo6NGgHn07sZ9zn0JfLNTv5cC3QrE08jAGHsXVV4b4_R
https://www.carmodsaustralia.com.au...-Magnum-FLOW-Pro-Dry-S-Replacement-Air-Filter
And that's before looking at the wider aftermarket for S650 in Australia, its pathetic! Everything is overpriced and most of it lacks a product picture. How is someone supposed to buy something without even seeing it? Just seems like these places have no interest in selling anything. I also wonder why the Ford Performance catalog offering is so limited here. And then you have businesses crying poor, that the retail market has crashed, people aren't spending money. No bloody wonder.
I know, first world problems. In no way is this affecting my enjoyment of the car, but rather a frustration linked to it.
I took I liking to the 2024 Rouch Intake upgrade. I mean, it might provide a small power bump, but I just like the way it looks.
I first spotted it being offered by Tickford, but they don't publish a price, only a "Get A Quote" section. Well, I filled out a quote request three weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. Clearly, they don't want my money.
https://www.tickfordperformance.com.au/mustang-products/my24+-roush-air-intake-system
I then notice Mustang Motorsport have it listed on their site now too...................................at $1200!
https://www.roushperformance.com/pr...P27TnfDxJqHDBSopaoduV5j6l4WEKmTLJhSJbKpfDZQMc
I mean, come on, $1200 for two air filters and two plastic lids. The same thing from the Roush website sits at $550 USD, which roughly converts to $855 AUD. I do realise there are importation and tax costs, but an extra $345? Even still, $855 is ridiculous.
A set of similar oiled K&N filters tops out at $200 or so, and the aFe Dry Flow versions are $320. Are those clear plastic lids really worth $880 - $1000 for the pair?
https://automotivesuperstore.com.au...bDo6NGgHn07sZ9zn0JfLNTv5cC3QrE08jAGHsXVV4b4_R
https://www.carmodsaustralia.com.au...-Magnum-FLOW-Pro-Dry-S-Replacement-Air-Filter
And that's before looking at the wider aftermarket for S650 in Australia, its pathetic! Everything is overpriced and most of it lacks a product picture. How is someone supposed to buy something without even seeing it? Just seems like these places have no interest in selling anything. I also wonder why the Ford Performance catalog offering is so limited here. And then you have businesses crying poor, that the retail market has crashed, people aren't spending money. No bloody wonder.
I know, first world problems. In no way is this affecting my enjoyment of the car, but rather a frustration linked to it.
Klasse Act
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Damn...my N Performance intake was $579 but I had to have, especially since it was offered with a turbo inlet pipe that worked in conjunction with it
Hopefully you find one at a more reasonable price Deyon but one way or another, I see you getting it very soon
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Hopefully you find one at a more reasonable price Deyon but one way or another, I see you getting it very soon
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Big Dave
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I know what you mean on prices, although yours are quite a bit more expensive than mine. There's a bunch of customisation parts out there for the FJ, some are weirdly cheap, so not to be trusted, others look way more expensive than they should be. I tend to ignore those that want my details before sending me a quote.
DFB
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The thing is, that Roush intake is just an aftermarket high-flow filter with clear lid fitted to the stock OEM airbox. There isn't actually any size difference going on here, so in effect, its just a set of higher flow air filters. That's why I can't understand how Roush arrives at $550 USD / $1200 AUD when a set of filters costs $170 USD (Steeda) / $200 AUD (K&N). Those plastic covers would be made in China for $1.00 each.Damn...my N Performance intake was $579 but I had to have, especially since it was offered with a turbo inlet pipe that worked in conjunction with it
Hopefully you find one at a more reasonable price Deyon but one way or another, I see you getting it very soon
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DFB
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While a bit cooler today, it was still nasty humid. Today's project, a wash and some final touches on the XR8.
As always, wheels and tyres were first, but today I decided to set up the camera......................
These are my favorite wheel to clean, with plenty of clearance, they are so quick and easy to deal with. In this case, I used Brake Buster on the tyres, then foamed with Shine Supply Shift and cleaned the wheel and wheel arch. After a rinse, I hit the rotors with Atom Mac. All up, around 3 - 4 minutes per wheel.
The rest of the car was also washed with Shift, then dried with the EGO and OG Drying Aid. Wheels were wiped down with ADS Amplify, tyres dressed with OG Tire Dressing. Engine bay and door jambs dried with ECH20, glass via Invisible Glass.
I had two additional extra's planned for the XR8 today, the first being leather cleaning and conditioning. For the driver's seat, console lid, gear shifter and steering wheel, I used ColourLock Mild Leather Cleaner with the ColourLock brush. I could probably count on one hand the number of times the rest of the seats have been occupied, so I only needed to use Griot's Interior Cleaner on a towel for those. I like the Griots here because its unscented and virtually odorless..............this car still smells like new, I want to keep it that way. Following that, I went around and applied ColourLock Leather Protector using a Carpro Finger Mitt (THE BEST applicator for leather!!), buffing off any high spots with a clean towel.
The second task was giving the exhaust tips a refresh. Because these tips don't have a top coating, carbon deposits tend to penetrate and stain the material. I started by cleaning with Brake Buster, then followed by a decent hit with P21S Polishing Soap.
Next, I followed with Carpro MetalliCut, not my favorite metal polish but it was close to hand. That was teamed with a scrub pad, then wiped down with Gyeon Prep, then coated with Dr. Beasley's Metal Coat.
The XR8 is now covered up, the XR6 will take its place in rotation.
As always, wheels and tyres were first, but today I decided to set up the camera......................
These are my favorite wheel to clean, with plenty of clearance, they are so quick and easy to deal with. In this case, I used Brake Buster on the tyres, then foamed with Shine Supply Shift and cleaned the wheel and wheel arch. After a rinse, I hit the rotors with Atom Mac. All up, around 3 - 4 minutes per wheel.
The rest of the car was also washed with Shift, then dried with the EGO and OG Drying Aid. Wheels were wiped down with ADS Amplify, tyres dressed with OG Tire Dressing. Engine bay and door jambs dried with ECH20, glass via Invisible Glass.
I had two additional extra's planned for the XR8 today, the first being leather cleaning and conditioning. For the driver's seat, console lid, gear shifter and steering wheel, I used ColourLock Mild Leather Cleaner with the ColourLock brush. I could probably count on one hand the number of times the rest of the seats have been occupied, so I only needed to use Griot's Interior Cleaner on a towel for those. I like the Griots here because its unscented and virtually odorless..............this car still smells like new, I want to keep it that way. Following that, I went around and applied ColourLock Leather Protector using a Carpro Finger Mitt (THE BEST applicator for leather!!), buffing off any high spots with a clean towel.
The second task was giving the exhaust tips a refresh. Because these tips don't have a top coating, carbon deposits tend to penetrate and stain the material. I started by cleaning with Brake Buster, then followed by a decent hit with P21S Polishing Soap.
Next, I followed with Carpro MetalliCut, not my favorite metal polish but it was close to hand. That was teamed with a scrub pad, then wiped down with Gyeon Prep, then coated with Dr. Beasley's Metal Coat.
The XR8 is now covered up, the XR6 will take its place in rotation.
JDGolden
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- Mar 16, 2013
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That red is so smooth, I love it.
The Roush intakes look nice, too bad you’re priced gouged. I think I’ve mentioned before, I live about 30 minutes away from where your car was built, as well as about 30 minutes away from Roush Performance. A friend of mine used to work there. I used to see Jack Roush at Milan Dragway from time to time, always had that hat on every time.
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The Roush intakes look nice, too bad you’re priced gouged. I think I’ve mentioned before, I live about 30 minutes away from where your car was built, as well as about 30 minutes away from Roush Performance. A friend of mine used to work there. I used to see Jack Roush at Milan Dragway from time to time, always had that hat on every time.
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Klasse Act
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My 2 oldest daughters went to the same grade school as Jack Roush, Kaiser Elementary school in Roseville MI, we lived right around the block
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DFB
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Out making some noise after work...........................
Must have been Race Red day. On the way out, I spotted an FN GT Fastback with the black pack. On the way home, I had a FM GT Fastback rolling behind me then alongside in the right lane. As we pulled up side by side at the lights, I wound my window down to exchange a thumbs up and hello, but the driver was having none of it. Actually, he/she (I couldn't tell) was quite arrogant. I usually get/give a wave and thumbs up when I spot another Mustang on the road, not this time.
Must have been Race Red day. On the way out, I spotted an FN GT Fastback with the black pack. On the way home, I had a FM GT Fastback rolling behind me then alongside in the right lane. As we pulled up side by side at the lights, I wound my window down to exchange a thumbs up and hello, but the driver was having none of it. Actually, he/she (I couldn't tell) was quite arrogant. I usually get/give a wave and thumbs up when I spot another Mustang on the road, not this time.
Big Dave
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I get the same with fellow FJ drivers as well, some wave, some don't. I usually find if it's modified, they wave, if it's stock, it's 50/50. We often park next to each other in car parks as well, it's a flexing thing, to see who's riding higher.Out making some noise after work...........................
Must have been Race Red day. On the way out, I spotted an FN GT Fastback with the black pack. On the way home, I had a FM GT Fastback rolling behind me then alongside in the right lane. As we pulled up side by side at the lights, I wound my window down to exchange a thumbs up and hello, but the driver was having none of it. Actually, he/she (I couldn't tell) was quite arrogant. I usually get/give a wave and thumbs up when I spot another Mustang on the road, not this time.
Klasse Act
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That sucks to hear this Deyon, we know how much you love your car, such a slap in the face right there! I can't imagine there being alot of new Stangs down there due to price, so you'd think the other person, whatever it was, could simply wave, thumbs or say hello...is it really THAT hardOut making some noise after work...........................
Must have been Race Red day. On the way out, I spotted an FN GT Fastback with the black pack. On the way home, I had a FM GT Fastback rolling behind me then alongside in the right lane. As we pulled up side by side at the lights, I wound my window down to exchange a thumbs up and hello, but the driver was having none of it. Actually, he/she (I couldn't tell) was quite arrogant. I usually get/give a wave and thumbs up when I spot another Mustang on the road, not this time.
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DFB
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Australia was/is either the biggest or second biggest export market for Mustang, so there is plenty circulating, especially S550's before the prices got jacked. I guess seeing two red one's side by side on the road isn't a regular occurrence, hence my disappointment.That sucks to hear this Deyon, we know how much you love your car, such a slap in the face right there! I can't imagine there being alot of new Stangs down there due to price, so you'd think the other person, whatever it was, could simply wave, thumbs or say hello...is it really THAT hard
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Klasse Act
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DFB
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Not at all! I'm now approaching 8 years as a Mustang owner, in that time I'd say this was the first time a fellow owner has not waved or acknowledged the connection. The Mustang wave is alive and well.I don't think this will stop you from waving/thumbs upping more Stang owners out on the road, right
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DFB
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With my Ranger being lent to my father, I took the opportunity to get his Wildtrak back into shape. Despite not washing it for quite a while, thankfully it wasn't too bad, however there were a couple of things I wanted to address.
First up, the engine bay. I once spent hours meticulously cleaning engine bays with all-purpose cleaner and rags in a bid to keep everything dry. I don't have the patience for that anymore, and besides, an engine bay is open from below so it's going to get wet in there at some point. Instead of APC, today I used Bilt Hamber Touchless. This was my first use of the new v2 version of Touchless, which is doubly concentrated now. It's also now yellow in colour and very strong smelling. Apparently the bottles used for Touchless have a special lining to prevent it seeping through the plastic.
So, I foamed the engine bay with Touchless, then helped things along with a Detail Factory Fender Brush and an EZ-Detail brush. I then rinsed and went to town with Hyper Dressing, followed by a quick blow with the EGO. Job Done!
Next, I went around and foamed the wheel and wheel arches with Touch-less to help make things a bit easier. I hate cleaning wheel arches on these Rangers, they have so many pockets and surface angle changes, making them hard to get fully clean. While that was soaking, I applied Touch-less to the rubber floor mats, agitated with a brush, then rinsed.
With the Touch-less rinsed, it was time for the contact washing. Today I decided to give Carpro WheelX a try, which is their new dedicated wheel cleaner. Previous to WheelX, if you wanted to stay within the Carpro eco-system, you would have been using IronX and/or MultiX. Compared to the alkaline MultiX or the pH neutral IronX, this product is acid leaning and is designed to dissolve iron contamination and remove dirt, brake dust and grease. They also suggest it can be used to remove old sealants and act as a tyre cleaner.
WheelX certainly has some decent cleaning ability, in fact it stripped off the Hydr02 used at the last wash. But.....................this stuff is vile! Initially, it has a similar lemon scent of IronX, but that quickly morphs into a disgusting stench that would have to be one of the worst scented iron removers I have ever used. You can also certainly detect the acid leaning formula. While capable, I nearly put WheelX back in the cabinet after the first wheel, its that bad. So, of the iron-remover wheel cleaners, NV Purge is still THE one to buy.
Following the wheels and tyres, I foamed the car down with Touch-less and allowed it a few minutes to soak before rinsing. Then, NV Snow was foamed on and followed by the contact wash. Blown down with the EGO, I then mopped up any remaining water with a Gauntlet and OG Drying Aid. Moving to the interior, I used Leather Love on the seats and cleaned everything else with Nexzett Cockpit, glass via True Vue.
Moving back to the exterior, I got started on the second item I wanted to address. I don't know where Ford have these headlights made, but they suck! Mine started to oxidize very early on, and so did these. The pictures don't properly illustrate how bad these look in person. You'd kinda expect this sort of thing with cheap aftermarket lights, not OEM. Not good enough Ford.
I'd been holding off sorting these out as the car was supposed to be going in for some body work repairs, which was delayed and another insurance claim filed after an un-licensed old guy run up the back of it and smashed the right rear taillight and left behind a serious of dents. I'd say it will now be an after Christmas thing, so I couldn't wait any longer on the headlights.
Griot's Fast Correcting Cream was used on a Lake Country blue SDO pad. This cleaned them up nicely, although not perfect. That Fast Correcting Cream is very nice to work with, it even has a sweet scent.
Following a wipe over with IPA, I then applied Opti-Coat Lens Coating. This stuff is supposed to last longer on plastic headlights than a regular paint coating, so with the car parked outdoors 24/7, it will be the ultimate test.
A final touch, Perl went on the tyres and the engine bay wiped over to mop up any remaining water/Hyper Dressing.
First up, the engine bay. I once spent hours meticulously cleaning engine bays with all-purpose cleaner and rags in a bid to keep everything dry. I don't have the patience for that anymore, and besides, an engine bay is open from below so it's going to get wet in there at some point. Instead of APC, today I used Bilt Hamber Touchless. This was my first use of the new v2 version of Touchless, which is doubly concentrated now. It's also now yellow in colour and very strong smelling. Apparently the bottles used for Touchless have a special lining to prevent it seeping through the plastic.
So, I foamed the engine bay with Touchless, then helped things along with a Detail Factory Fender Brush and an EZ-Detail brush. I then rinsed and went to town with Hyper Dressing, followed by a quick blow with the EGO. Job Done!
Next, I went around and foamed the wheel and wheel arches with Touch-less to help make things a bit easier. I hate cleaning wheel arches on these Rangers, they have so many pockets and surface angle changes, making them hard to get fully clean. While that was soaking, I applied Touch-less to the rubber floor mats, agitated with a brush, then rinsed.
With the Touch-less rinsed, it was time for the contact washing. Today I decided to give Carpro WheelX a try, which is their new dedicated wheel cleaner. Previous to WheelX, if you wanted to stay within the Carpro eco-system, you would have been using IronX and/or MultiX. Compared to the alkaline MultiX or the pH neutral IronX, this product is acid leaning and is designed to dissolve iron contamination and remove dirt, brake dust and grease. They also suggest it can be used to remove old sealants and act as a tyre cleaner.
WheelX certainly has some decent cleaning ability, in fact it stripped off the Hydr02 used at the last wash. But.....................this stuff is vile! Initially, it has a similar lemon scent of IronX, but that quickly morphs into a disgusting stench that would have to be one of the worst scented iron removers I have ever used. You can also certainly detect the acid leaning formula. While capable, I nearly put WheelX back in the cabinet after the first wheel, its that bad. So, of the iron-remover wheel cleaners, NV Purge is still THE one to buy.
Following the wheels and tyres, I foamed the car down with Touch-less and allowed it a few minutes to soak before rinsing. Then, NV Snow was foamed on and followed by the contact wash. Blown down with the EGO, I then mopped up any remaining water with a Gauntlet and OG Drying Aid. Moving to the interior, I used Leather Love on the seats and cleaned everything else with Nexzett Cockpit, glass via True Vue.
Moving back to the exterior, I got started on the second item I wanted to address. I don't know where Ford have these headlights made, but they suck! Mine started to oxidize very early on, and so did these. The pictures don't properly illustrate how bad these look in person. You'd kinda expect this sort of thing with cheap aftermarket lights, not OEM. Not good enough Ford.
I'd been holding off sorting these out as the car was supposed to be going in for some body work repairs, which was delayed and another insurance claim filed after an un-licensed old guy run up the back of it and smashed the right rear taillight and left behind a serious of dents. I'd say it will now be an after Christmas thing, so I couldn't wait any longer on the headlights.
Griot's Fast Correcting Cream was used on a Lake Country blue SDO pad. This cleaned them up nicely, although not perfect. That Fast Correcting Cream is very nice to work with, it even has a sweet scent.
Following a wipe over with IPA, I then applied Opti-Coat Lens Coating. This stuff is supposed to last longer on plastic headlights than a regular paint coating, so with the car parked outdoors 24/7, it will be the ultimate test.
A final touch, Perl went on the tyres and the engine bay wiped over to mop up any remaining water/Hyper Dressing.