This 2001 Camaro belongs to a fellow officer. I was looking forward to trying the 3 step Valuguard system on it due to its age. I had thoroughly read the instructions as well as following some tips from posts on DB. I was very impressed with the system although you really gotta hustle to prevent it from dwelling longer than the 7 minutes! The car had multiple scratches on it. This had to be the hardest clear I have ever worked on!! I actually had to re-do the hood b/c I was not pleased with how the scratches came out. After doing the sides with more pressure (I did the hood 1st), I decided to re-do the hood. I HAVE NEVER PUSHED SO DAMNED HARD ON A BUFFER IN MY LIFE!!:deadhorse: The combo of 106ff followed by the DG 501 made the paint shine like crazy and the flakes JUMPED out of the paint. I was very proud of this job, and the customer couldn't believe his eyes...a very rewarding experience for me. The Process: Wash: Valuguard 3 step process Wheels/Wells/Tires: Wheels got SC with EZ brush Tires cleaned with ARO Wells done with APC Wheels subsequently cleaned with DG 501, sealed with 105 Wells treated with Adams US Tires dressed with DP gel Convertible Top: Pw'd then cleaned with ARO Paint: Compound with PG using rotary and foamed wool at approx 1800 rpm Polished with 106ff using rotary and blue LCC pad at 1300-1000 rpm Cleaned with DG 501 using rotary and gray LCC pad at 1000 rpm DG 601 applied by hand DG 105 applied/removed by hand AW after curing period Headlights: Compounded with rotary, using PG at 1800 rpm Polished with rotary using DG 681 (Plastic polish) Exterior Trim: dressed with Black Again Interior: Mats vacuumed then cleaned with Folex then steam cleaned Interior carpeting steam cleaned Plastic trim wiped down (already very clean) Door jams cleaned with ONR followed by AW Glass done with IG BEFORES: AFTERS:
Very nice richy! The car came out great, big turnaround for sure. Can you explain what valuegard is? Thanks
Thanks Ketil..here is a link to it: M-32 Kit -- Automotive International Here's where it's been discussed on DB: http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/f75/fk1-paint-deconatimnation-kit-2591.html http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/f79/auto-international-paint-deconta-abc-full-2995.html http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/f5/abc-decontamination-kit-303.html Thanks Sly!
Amazing work Richy! I had never thought about using ARO on a convertible top, great work! And you're right, that metallic paint just BLINDS YOU!
That looks like blue flake on steroids, great turn around! :applause: I have a friend that swears by AI's ABC System. I have never used it though, the dwell time factor worries me (not as fast as I used to be) :yikes: Nice documentation of your procedure, thanks for sharing! Just a quick question, did you use any detergent in the pw when washing the top or just water then the ARO? I have only used Raggtopp cleaner on tops before. I'll have to try your method. Dave
richy yet another shinning example of your talent! You do just tremendous work. Of course I love the blue and the flake is just amazing. Great write up and very informative. Thanks for a great post.
Thank you very much. Thanks P1et..I remember reading about its uses on AG. I use it on every ragtop I get..it is a great product for them, IMO. Thanks a lot! Dave, thanks for your kind comments. My method is wet the top with the pw, apply ARO liberally (I cut it about 1:5), and then agitate with my soft bristled, long handled brush and then pw again. You gotta pw a bit to get the soap and stuff out, but you should see the crap that pours out of there!! JL..thanks a lot!! BTW.."another shining example"..very punny:applause2: (I'm sure the pun was intended)
Nice job richy! Question for you since you're a first time user of the ABC wash. For both A & B, do you now feel like you should work panel by panel?
No, unless the car (or truck) was so large that you couldn't complete it in the 7 minute time frame. I was hustling to get it done though. It would take longer to do panel by panel (or even section by section) but there'd be no time constraints.
Hmmm, I must be slow as p*ss then. That or I did something wrong in the process. Step B is something I'd want to do panel by panel. Another question: Did you feel like it took FOREVER for you to finish rinsing? Sorry for the questions, trying to decide if I should keep my ABC kit or not.
Bud, I don't mind the questions at all..that's how we all learn is from each others' experiences!! There's no question that the B takes a bit longer b/c you're not using a large wash mitt to apply it (I used the white pad that was included). I went fairly quickly over the surface not using much pressure due to the consistency of the pad. I would squirt a quantity onto the pad and do about 1/2 a panel with it going about as quickly as you would a fast wash...remember, there should be no dirt or anything due to the 1st stage. And, yes, I found the rinsing of B to take longer than with A. Like any new process, there is a learning curve to get a familiarity with the product. My bottom line: would I use it again? Hell ya! Especially with older cars or white cars that look stained. I think it's a great product and will definitely order more in the future. (I'll buy yours if you decide against keeping it). I think this is a case where you let the chemical do its job and don't need to work it in like you would a polish or whatever. I hope my ramblings helped:shead::bla2:
Nice work Richy!!! Cool to know just a skip across the river you are out there doing your thing!!! The 501 sure does some good cleaning doesn't it!!!! That paint was clean at the micro pore level!!!
Thanks Jason. We gotta hook up one day this summer for a beer and a cigar!! And yes, I just love the 501! Yukon..thanks very much!
Thanks for the feedback richy. I'm gonna hold on to the kit for now, until I get a chance to use it for a 2nd car. Actually, I already have one in mind but I think I'll wait for the fall.
