Making a 2nd hand car look new...

[Phil]

I have decided to hold on to my 98 bmw 320i and I am in the process of trying to get new alloys for the car to give it a more sportier look.

Now while going to the trouble of buying alloys, I want to send the car in to be cleaned both inside and out to give me the feel of getting a new car.

Also if the car paint could be protected at the same time all the better.

So I come to you BrianS and the rest of the eforecourt posters, where is the best place to send your car to get the royal treatment?

What cost are we talking about to make a 2nd hand car look like new?

[BrianS]

Sent you a PM.

[littlefitzer]

Why a PM?
Share the wealth that's what I say!!

littlefitzer

[Phil]

But then how could we talk about you!!!! ;)

[littlefitzer]

awww...you cut me deep there Phil, real deep!!
:(

[Phil]

Only joking littlefitzer,

Have you sent your car in anywhere to get cleaned up?

If so let me know.

[littlefitzer]

Hi again,
No I've never had it sent anywhere, but just like yourself I'd like to at some stage. That's why I asked BrianS to share the wealth when he responded to you!
So if there is somewhere good.....don't be shy!!

[BrianS]

We were just discussing the finer points of "Renewal", Littlefitzer, but it warms the cockles to know someone is interested!

For the best "renewal" you would need to have a neutralizing wash done on the paint. It removes any contaminants from your paint and leaves it as close to the day it left the production line as possible (excluding oxidation / orange peel-effect - that needs buffing and polishing)

A simple wash would only remove so much dirt. If you saw paint under a microscope, it looks a bit like a sponge holding muddy water. That starts at about a year plus. Its this dirt that causes the paint to deteriorate and age faster than you would like. Having this wash done helps keep your car looking new. It always has to be followed up with a waxing though, otherwise its completely open to the elements.

And who provides this service? Well there's only one guy as far as I know and that's whats in the PM!! Send me one if you think you might be interested....

Later,

Brian

[Phil]

Once you have finished the process, what kind of aftercare should I follow?

[BrianS]

That's why I sent it to you in a PM ;)


The aftercare would be a good wash and waxing on a regular basis, good wheel and tyre care & polish the glass every now and then.

B.

[Phil]

OK, sorry about that...." I'll get my coat "

[BMW]

I also have a 98 BMW, During our pathetic excuse of a summer i polished the car with Autoglym super resin polish, Then used Autoglym Extra gloss protection (I've now used nearly a litre and a half of this stuff), Its a sealent for the paint, and the water just beads off, I would definately recommend it, also gives it a nice deep shine

Look after your car by washing once/twice a week with a mild shampoo (autoglym again) and chamios dry.

But I'm going to try Zymol (expensive, but apparently worth it)

has anybody on here tried Zymol?

P.

[BrianS]

It must be a couple of inches wider than when you first got it!!

Haven't tried Zymol myself, but heard that it wasn't worth it from a few sources. Especially theri cleaner wax - all the added fruit-based qualities seemed to be a marketing to ploy to hike up the price.

Stick with the EGP for now. I contacted Autoglym about it before and they reckon one coat is good for 16 weeks plus.

Did you read my tips n' tricks in My Car section. You find it in the nav bar at the top of this page and gives a few tricks about gettig the best from polymer sealants such as Autoglym.

Take Care Out There
Brian

[Phil]

This was my last attempt at polishing the car. I spent over 3 hours, washing, waxing, polishing, cleaning the alloys, puting black on the tires and trim. It was good while it lasted.

Can't wait for this crappy weather to end, so that I can get back and give the car a good cleaning again.

Take alook at my car in the new free gallery section here!! (http://www.eforecourt.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=66)

Let me know what you think.

[BrianS]

pity about the dent in the door.........

Keep shining!!

B.

[Phil]

Originally posted by BrianS
pity about the dent in the door.........

Keep shining!!

B.

What dent in the door??? :confused:

BTW, why don't you upload some of photos of the cars you worked on, up in the gallery. Its free, and you can link it back to your own site, plus you can add your comments to the picture explaining what processes were taken to get the end result.

Forum users can place comments and questions and they can also email the image to their friends using the ecard function. Great way to advertise yourself..

All you have to use is your forum username and password and your logged in and ready to rock and roll.

Its just an idea...

No pressure Brian.... ;)

[BrianS]

might give it a shot......

just joking about the dent, of course!