Afternoon All!

[Classic Details]

Hi all,

Collecting my 03 2.0 HDi Multispace Forte on Saturday and joined-up for general advice, etc...

Will be looking in to window-tinting (eBay seems ok so long as you're handy with a hairdryer...) and also some advice on touch-up paints as there are a couple of scratches which are too deep to polish out.

I think it is "Ice Blue" but need to confirm this when I get my grubby mits on it Saturday.

It will be a bit of a work tool, but able to carry the family around too.

First job is a full clean, polish and wax. Must post before/after pics when I work out how...

[labrador]

Hi all,

Collecting my 03 2.0 HDi Multispace Forte on Saturday and joined-up for general advice, etc...

Will be looking in to window-tinting (eBay seems ok so long as you're handy with a hairdryer...) and also some advice on touch-up paints as there are a couple of scratches which are too deep to polish out.

I think it is "Ice Blue" but need to confirm this when I get my grubby mits on it Saturday.

It will be a bit of a work tool, but able to carry the family around too.

First job is a full clean, polish and wax. Must post before/after pics when I work out how...

No offence but I think I would be more inclined to change oil and filters before polish and wax and unless you have proof that the timing belt has been changed I would change that too.Its always nice to see a clean well polished car but its not much use with a snapped timing belt.

[Jed Clampit]

Hello welcome to the forum

[nil by mouth]

Welcome to the gang C D :wave:
I'm sure your second job will be filters n cam belt :thumbsup:
Good luck with your new purchase !

[Classic Details]

No offence .....

None taken!

It has a full service history with it, and only 60k. Plus a 12-month warranty so I'm content - but yes it will most likely be done one quiet week over the winter.

My business is Specialist Car "Cleaning" so anything gets a full day as soon as I take ownership!!

[taxi]

Welcome, enjoy the car and forum. :thumbsup:

[knackerdan]

Welcome CD. It'll be good to be able to get detailing tips here! I've just turned down the protection package the dealer offered me on my new car order. If it's a nice day when I collect the first thing i'll be doing is adding a good coat of Collinite 845. If it's a crap day I'll be borrowing my dads garage!
Would you advice claying new paintwork first or just a good wash?

[Classic Details]

Welcome CD...
Would you advice claying new paintwork first or just a good wash?

Dealer "finishes" are - in my opinion - expensive and not all they are cracked up to be. So long as you have a good care regime, I would also say they are unnecessary.

I would advise checking to condition of the paintwork carefully. There will always be some marring even on a new car (swirls, orange peel, etc...) but they should be minimal - if they are not I would be visiting the dealer to ask why!

I use and advocate clay where required, but otherwise it's just unnecessary arm-ache. Have you tried the "plastic bag" trick? Give the car a proper wash (rinse, shampoo with MF mitt using a separate rinse bucket [some like grit guards, I think if you get your technique right there's no need], rinse and pat dry with a nice deep towel). Now take a plastic bag as a glove and gently (in a small area) feel the paint through the bag - if it fells gritty, give it a clay.

Beyond that, the world is your oyster - so many polishes, waxes and sealants to choose from. I still like AutoGlym Super Resin Polish as a base, but top it off with one of a variety of waxes or sealants generally depending on colour. Then, keep an eye on the beading and sheeting and top-up the wax when it starts to diminish. I am a firm believer in only waxing when necessary.

Some advocate Detailing Sprays, and I like them too but only after a wash - never instead of...

[knackerdan]

Thanks for the plastic bag tip.

I like to see beading! I generally only have to wax twice a year. I've used detailing spray but only to spray the bodywork to lube the clay bar.

[eel611]

OK guys, let me in on it, what the heck is a 'clay'?