Step by step on winter prep

[slickooz]

Warning over 150 photos, go grab a drink while it loads. :dblthumb2:

I finished my winter prep about a week ago but been busy and haven't had time to post write up about it. I spent about 15 hours detailing inside out and took about 3 days to finish. I did a Klasse twin with 2 coats of 845, thinking about washing my car and putting one more coat.

Exterior products
Pressure washer
Foam cannon
OPC 3:1 (lower panels)
Meg's hyper wash + OPC (foam cannon)
Duragloss car soap
Meg's wheel brighter
Meg's super degreaser
Various brushes
2 buckets with grit guard
Different grade clay bars
MF 16x16
Sheep mitt
Meg's MF mitt
Leaf blower
Blue masking tape
Griot's DA
5" and 3" various pads
Quick detailer
Compressed air
Klasse twin
Collinite 835
Meg's glass cleaner
Various applicators

Interior
Ridgid vacuum with different attachments
Various brushes
Sam's club MF
OPC 3:1
Aerospace 303 protectant
Meg's glass cleaner

Here is a step by step process in doing a winter prep. Everything was shot with T2i with 15-85mm on Manfrotto tripod. Now onto the pics.

Before exterior

Here is some of the stuff I used.

Cleaning the wheels first

Now cleaning the wheels well

The items used to clean wheels/tires/wells

I OPC 3:1 the lower panels of the car because there was light layer of grime.

Then pressure wash off all the OPC

 

[slickooz]

I found this at Home Depot for 35 vs Craftsmen at Sears for 60. Its almost exactly the same. And I like to use this on the go.

Then I foamed the entire car.

Then pressure wash it all off.

On to the two bucket wash, both with Grit guard inserts. Used Duragloss car soap. I really like it and will buy more after I run out.

Working from top to bottom. I used sheep mitt on top panels.

Meg's MF mitt on lower panels.

Pressure wash all the car soap off the car.

I even tried to wash under carriage.

Used a leaf blower to get all the hard to reach cervices and to help dry the car.

 

[slickooz]

Onto the claying part.

Make sure you check your MF after couple swipes.

After about claying half the car.

After I clayed lower panels.

Clayed the wheels.

Used a sandwich bag to help determine if the paint is ready to polish.

I swear I can park a car in there.

 

[slickooz]

I could't remove the front license plate bracket because the screw holding it was messed up. Cleaned underneath it.

Taping the rubber trims.

Here the car is parked inside so I can start polishing defects out, before I apply AIO.

Then I used Griot's with 5.5inch pads to apply Klasse AIO.

Klasse Sealant Gloss was next.

Next day after 12 hour cure, I applied 845.

I sealed wheels with Klasse and applied 845 on top of it.

 

[slickooz]

Onto the interior now. I vacuumed everything, then used the air compressed and blew everything out from under seats, vents, hard to reach spots.

Before

Used OPC 3:1 to clean the all season matts.

I recently bought this hand brush and really like how it so ergonomic in the hands.

Pressure washed them.

 

[slickooz]

Used OPC 3:1 for wiping everything down and topped it off with 303 protectant.

After

 

[slickooz]

Finally Finished!!!!! Klasse Twin with 2 coats of 845. Wheels sealed with Klasse SG and 845. Windows were all wipe down with Meg's glass cleaner. Bring it on winter!!!!!!!

It been raining the past few days so I wanted to show you what Klasse twin + 2 coats of 845 can do.

Here a short video of what Klasse twin and 2 coats of 845.
[video=youtube_share;X_hvrRAsXVI"]MVI 5434 - YouTube[/video]

Hope you guys enjoy! Any questions feel free to ask. :xyxthumbs:

 

[LuxuryMobile]

Nice write up Gary. Looks like it took a lot of work but is well worth it.

Been really impressed with your ability to photograph the interiors on your last two write ups. Not an easy thing to do.

And props to whoever is taking all of those pictures of you working, unless the camera is on a timer with tripod.

 

[dougaross]

Nice Job!!!

 

[DARK HORSE]

GREAT job, very thorough! I agree with Stephan, I too am impressed with your ability to photograph the interiors...Very nice detail!

 

[slickooz]

Nice write up Gary. Looks like it took a lot of work but is well worth it.

Been really impressed with your ability to photograph the interiors on your last two write ups. Not an easy thing to do.

And props to whoever is taking all of those pictures of you working, unless the camera is on a timer with tripod.

Thanks Stephen!! :xyxthumbs: I normally shot in M mode but for these write up I been getting very lucky using Auto. I used my tripod for most of the pictures and the interior were all hand held.

Nice Job!!!

Thanks!!

GREAT job, very thorough! I agree with Stephan, I too am impressed with your ability to photograph the interiors...Very nice detail!

Thanks!! I was very happy how the photos came out using Auto. It's good for when you need quick photos.

 

[tw33k2514]

Looks like you had fun lol. The beading on the car looks awesome.

 

[Marc08EX]

Great write up Gary!! I really like looking at detailed step by step photos like you posted. Makes me feel I was there watching you detail.

Thanks for taking time to do this. Hope all is well.

 

[john b]

nice work gary

 

[tuscarora dave]

Great writeup, photography and fantastic work on the car. It looks awesome. You sure have a lot of detailing stuff in your garage. :dblthumb2:

 

[BobbyG]

WOW, what a comprehensive step by step thread on how to properly prepare your car for winter!! rops:

The photos were amazingly clear and your explanation was easy to read and follow along.

Thanks for taking the time to put this all together for all of us to read and enjoy! :dblthumb2:

 

[FUNX650]

Let me just say that I:

-Enjoyed this excellent write-up of your step-by-step, winter-prep processes rops:
-Feel your photography justly accentuates your skills by becoming the story-board for your processes, one that is easily followed and comprehended.
- Must find out where I can purchase such a swell-looking chapeau you chose to wear for this occasion. J/K

Again...Good job.
Hope this winter takes it easy on you and your vehicle.




Bob