Impreza STI Limited (Pic Heavy)
20 February 2011, 12:51 AM
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Impreza STI Limited (Pic Heavy)
OK so just picked up my new car, a Hawkeye Impreza STI. A limited edition of just 25 in this Country which basically has the STI looks with extremely discreet looks. A slight variation on the Spec D.
It's a 2007 model year with 25k miles so it has had light use throughout it's life.
It's also had some tasteful mods including tuning by Powerstation and Jolly Green Monster. Power is now 385Bhp/410 lb/ft torque. Thankfully it has some handling mods to ensure it goes around corners as well!!
So as with any avid detailer I couldn't wait to give it a good clean and give the car a good protection.
The previous owner only used it as a second car so the overall condition was very good with few defects on the paintwork.
Condition:
Whereas normally I'd start with cleaning the car, I decided to get the wheels off and do the four corners first:
AST Spoerlines in need of a clean!!
Wheel sprayed with Bilberry 1:10. I didn't want to use anything too strong as the alloys have a cracking finish
Agitated with brush
Bilberry wheel cleaner remove the majority but the leading edge of each spoke had some caked on brake dust. I moved on to CG Extreme Orange Degreaser (1:5) and agitated with brush.
Still a few marks remaining so decided to try the Iron X. Sadly none of the remaining marks were of metal origin. On a side note I used this on my girlfriends car yesterday and it was awesome!!
As you can see areas of staining still remained
Decided to open the clay as this had been really effective on my Girlfriend's alloys. Using Supernatural Clay with Dodo Juice Born Slippy
This was really effective and removed the outstanding marks
Finally to finish off I treated the wheels to a coat of CG Wheel Guard. Not used this product before and I am really impressed with it's ease of application
Moving on to the wheel arches now they were first given a jet-wash on a gentle pressure. I know the underseal on Impreza is particularly fragile and will come away on a high pressure. Next the arches were sprayed with CG Extreme Orange Degreaser. Agitated with various brushes
To follow on I used Megs APC (1:5) and agitated with various brushes
Wheel liners were then treated to a coat of 303, coilovers a good dose of GT85 water repelant and the calipers treated to some CG Wheel Guard
Finally the wheel nuts were looking a little sorry for themselves so decided to treat them to some Autosol and a final coat of CG Wheel Guard
BEFORE
AFTER
These stages were repeated over the four corners of the car. On inspection it was evident that the spare wheel had been used. Thought I'd just give it a quick run over!
Finally treated with a coat of AG Instant Tyre dressing
Mrs Ad172 obviously felt I deserved one of these, and much needed it was too!!
Thought I would move on to the exhaust and diffuser next. I wasn't overly optimistic for the exhaust, particularly as I could only rely on Autosol and #00 steel wool
BEFORE
Weapons of choice
The diffuser was washed with Megs APC, agitated with brush and then treated to 303 Protectant
AFTER
Time to move on to the engine. If I'm honest I was very midful of doing more harm than good here so I just sprayed and agitated the plastics with Megs APC and then treated with a coat of 303.
BEFORE
APC in action
AFTER
Not great results but certainly an improvement. I did have a go at the in-let manifold with some GUNK but that didn't seem to shift it. More time needed I think! Does anyone have any tips for that?
OK So moving onto the main wash now. A quick inspection of shut lines, badges etc showed the car was in a reasonble state of cleanliness. A few areas near the boot with evidence of vegitation deposits.
These areas (shut lines, tyres etc.) were then washed with Megs APC, agitated with various brushes and rinsed accordingly.
Next stage was a snow foam and left to dwell
Love this shot
Mrs ad172 treating me again!!
Results after rinsing were really pleasing
The previous owner believed the car had received a Life Shine treatment at some point although this had clearly run it's course
Wash stage next, Dodo juice Born to be Mild along with Wookies fist and two bucket method
Reason if ever you wanted one why the two bucket method is good
Next on to a clay of the vehicle. Again Dodo Juice Supernatural clay along with Born Slippy
Results from Roof panel
Doors
A carpark ding on a rear door showing the paint of a blue car. Thankfully no dent, just paint that was removed by the claying process
Rear bumper showing significant tar and general deposits
Car was rinsed again and Dodo Juice Time to Dry used as a drying aid. I wasn't convinced by this stuff at first but now it's an essential component for me
Due to reduced light and ongoing drizzle I could no longer continue outside. Thankfully the in-laws are building a house about 100m away with a massive garage so it was time for a change of location
It could do with a few more lights and a few less kitchen cabinets but I guess it will suffice!!
Sadly I cannot machine polish as yet, it's on my to do list for this year. Although there is some correction needed to the paintwork, it is generally in very good condition and knowing Japanese paint is particularly soft I wouldn't want to try this without training/practice. I guess the purpose of the next stage for me was as a pre wax cleanse. Obviously Dodo Juice Lime Prime was my weapon of choice, applied with Sonus SFZ applicator (fine finish side)
Results were pretty satisfying
Next stage was applying Supernatural wax by hand. I've only got a panel pot but it's lasted ages!!
While this was curing I applied another coat of CG Wheel Guard to the alloys and gave the new Dodo Juice Glass Sealant kit a go
The observant amongst you will notice a different spray head on the Menthol cleaner. I managed to drop mine so had to call up on a spare!!
Supernatural buffed off
Finish as always was superb
Despite some very tired arms I applied a coat of Red Mist Tropical as LSP
By this time I was pretty done for (12 hours so far!!) The interior would have to wait until tomorrow!
DAY 2
So today was set aside for the interior. In fairness it was in a very good state so hopefully it wouldn't be another 12 hours!!
It was great to wake up to some awesome beading shots
Interior Before
Mats were removed and carpet was first treated with Megs APC and various brushes to reach difficult areas
Once dried the carpets were then protected with 303 Fabric Guard
On to the seats and these were cleaned and conditioned with the Gliptone suite of products
Interior Plastics then treated with 303 Protectant
Mats were then washed with Megs APC and agitated with brush
Given that freshly cut lawn look
Interior Finished
A few of the outside
And finally another delivery from the post man!!
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Adam
It's a 2007 model year with 25k miles so it has had light use throughout it's life.
It's also had some tasteful mods including tuning by Powerstation and Jolly Green Monster. Power is now 385Bhp/410 lb/ft torque. Thankfully it has some handling mods to ensure it goes around corners as well!!
So as with any avid detailer I couldn't wait to give it a good clean and give the car a good protection.
The previous owner only used it as a second car so the overall condition was very good with few defects on the paintwork.
Condition:
Whereas normally I'd start with cleaning the car, I decided to get the wheels off and do the four corners first:
AST Spoerlines in need of a clean!!
Wheel sprayed with Bilberry 1:10. I didn't want to use anything too strong as the alloys have a cracking finish
Agitated with brush
Bilberry wheel cleaner remove the majority but the leading edge of each spoke had some caked on brake dust. I moved on to CG Extreme Orange Degreaser (1:5) and agitated with brush.
Still a few marks remaining so decided to try the Iron X. Sadly none of the remaining marks were of metal origin. On a side note I used this on my girlfriends car yesterday and it was awesome!!
As you can see areas of staining still remained
Decided to open the clay as this had been really effective on my Girlfriend's alloys. Using Supernatural Clay with Dodo Juice Born Slippy
This was really effective and removed the outstanding marks
Finally to finish off I treated the wheels to a coat of CG Wheel Guard. Not used this product before and I am really impressed with it's ease of application
Moving on to the wheel arches now they were first given a jet-wash on a gentle pressure. I know the underseal on Impreza is particularly fragile and will come away on a high pressure. Next the arches were sprayed with CG Extreme Orange Degreaser. Agitated with various brushes
To follow on I used Megs APC (1:5) and agitated with various brushes
Wheel liners were then treated to a coat of 303, coilovers a good dose of GT85 water repelant and the calipers treated to some CG Wheel Guard
Finally the wheel nuts were looking a little sorry for themselves so decided to treat them to some Autosol and a final coat of CG Wheel Guard
BEFORE
AFTER
These stages were repeated over the four corners of the car. On inspection it was evident that the spare wheel had been used. Thought I'd just give it a quick run over!
Finally treated with a coat of AG Instant Tyre dressing
Mrs Ad172 obviously felt I deserved one of these, and much needed it was too!!
Thought I would move on to the exhaust and diffuser next. I wasn't overly optimistic for the exhaust, particularly as I could only rely on Autosol and #00 steel wool
BEFORE
Weapons of choice
The diffuser was washed with Megs APC, agitated with brush and then treated to 303 Protectant
AFTER
Time to move on to the engine. If I'm honest I was very midful of doing more harm than good here so I just sprayed and agitated the plastics with Megs APC and then treated with a coat of 303.
BEFORE
APC in action
AFTER
Not great results but certainly an improvement. I did have a go at the in-let manifold with some GUNK but that didn't seem to shift it. More time needed I think! Does anyone have any tips for that?
OK So moving onto the main wash now. A quick inspection of shut lines, badges etc showed the car was in a reasonble state of cleanliness. A few areas near the boot with evidence of vegitation deposits.
These areas (shut lines, tyres etc.) were then washed with Megs APC, agitated with various brushes and rinsed accordingly.
Next stage was a snow foam and left to dwell
Love this shot
Mrs ad172 treating me again!!
Results after rinsing were really pleasing
The previous owner believed the car had received a Life Shine treatment at some point although this had clearly run it's course
Wash stage next, Dodo juice Born to be Mild along with Wookies fist and two bucket method
Reason if ever you wanted one why the two bucket method is good
Next on to a clay of the vehicle. Again Dodo Juice Supernatural clay along with Born Slippy
Results from Roof panel
Doors
A carpark ding on a rear door showing the paint of a blue car. Thankfully no dent, just paint that was removed by the claying process
Rear bumper showing significant tar and general deposits
Car was rinsed again and Dodo Juice Time to Dry used as a drying aid. I wasn't convinced by this stuff at first but now it's an essential component for me
Due to reduced light and ongoing drizzle I could no longer continue outside. Thankfully the in-laws are building a house about 100m away with a massive garage so it was time for a change of location
It could do with a few more lights and a few less kitchen cabinets but I guess it will suffice!!
Sadly I cannot machine polish as yet, it's on my to do list for this year. Although there is some correction needed to the paintwork, it is generally in very good condition and knowing Japanese paint is particularly soft I wouldn't want to try this without training/practice. I guess the purpose of the next stage for me was as a pre wax cleanse. Obviously Dodo Juice Lime Prime was my weapon of choice, applied with Sonus SFZ applicator (fine finish side)
Results were pretty satisfying
Next stage was applying Supernatural wax by hand. I've only got a panel pot but it's lasted ages!!
While this was curing I applied another coat of CG Wheel Guard to the alloys and gave the new Dodo Juice Glass Sealant kit a go
The observant amongst you will notice a different spray head on the Menthol cleaner. I managed to drop mine so had to call up on a spare!!
Supernatural buffed off
Finish as always was superb
Despite some very tired arms I applied a coat of Red Mist Tropical as LSP
By this time I was pretty done for (12 hours so far!!) The interior would have to wait until tomorrow!
DAY 2
So today was set aside for the interior. In fairness it was in a very good state so hopefully it wouldn't be another 12 hours!!
It was great to wake up to some awesome beading shots
Interior Before
Mats were removed and carpet was first treated with Megs APC and various brushes to reach difficult areas
Once dried the carpets were then protected with 303 Fabric Guard
On to the seats and these were cleaned and conditioned with the Gliptone suite of products
Interior Plastics then treated with 303 Protectant
Mats were then washed with Megs APC and agitated with brush
Given that freshly cut lawn look
Interior Finished
A few of the outside
And finally another delivery from the post man!!
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Adam
20 February 2011, 01:06 AM
#2
puts my bucket and sponge and a quick blast with the jet wash to shame.I really dont know how people can enjoy doing this.But I take my hat off to you ,cracking job.
But if you get bored my cars free 
20 February 2011, 04:43 PM
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wish i had your patience. i spend a few hours every other week or so (when the weather decent) doing mine and think it looks good. but then the next spot of rain or muddy puddle and all that good work is undone. i have decided to stop disappointing myself and just do a reasonable job when i can. very good write up and an amazing array of products!!! car looks great btw!
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to your dedication!
21 February 2011, 07:40 PM
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hope you dont mind mate but i ran an HDR pass on these phots as i think with the water droplets and the shine the car looks fantastic, although i must admit i think you need to change the model from STi to OCD lol that is serious attention to detail, awesome results.
and ps if i give you my wifes email could you please get yours to send her instructions on how to look after dedicated car cleaners/owners as when i do that all i get is "have you finished, can we go shopping yet!"
and ps if i give you my wifes email could you please get yours to send her instructions on how to look after dedicated car cleaners/owners as when i do that all i get is "have you finished, can we go shopping yet!"
21 February 2011, 07:53 PM
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cheers mate
a good HDR is always down to the photo and in this case i was lucky as they are really good with the water droplets, just drop me a line anytime as i enjoy doing it
a good HDR is always down to the photo and in this case i was lucky as they are really good with the water droplets, just drop me a line anytime as i enjoy doing it
21 February 2011, 08:16 PM
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Glad you like em and dont object to fiddling with your phots, i use Dynamic HDR, you seem pretty up to speed with all the products that produce results like this, any chance you could do a short list maybe of the best ones to get? that way i could go out at the weekend and get cleaning, not to see if your advice is sound, but to test Mrs Baz in the cuppa department 
23 February 2011, 10:05 PM
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Wash stage
Dodo Juice Born to be Mild
Sealant Stage
Dodo Juice Red Mist Tropical
If you wanted far more detail I would recommend heading over to detailingworld.com. I've been lost there for several months now!
If you are looking for somewhere to buy it all check out
cleanyourcar.co.uk (Mods please remove if this contreveins any rules)
21 March 2011, 01:49 PM
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Looks fantastic.......
I think that might be the Limited that I wanted to buy about 3 years ago (but missed it by a week)......so I ended up with a black one instead!
Nice to see another owner posting on here......they're rare beasts! I'll try and get some photos of mine up at some point!
I think that might be the Limited that I wanted to buy about 3 years ago (but missed it by a week)......so I ended up with a black one instead!
Nice to see another owner posting on here......they're rare beasts! I'll try and get some photos of mine up at some point!
23 March 2011, 11:31 PM
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thats my mates old car
shame he wasnt so keen in keeping it looking so clean
think the last time it was cleaned it cost him 6 quid ...lol
looking very nice
phil
p.s. if you find the defi heads up wiring under the dash can i buy it, as the div removed it when he first brought the car and didnt take the wires out
shame he wasnt so keen in keeping it looking so clean
think the last time it was cleaned it cost him 6 quid ...lol
looking very nice
phil
p.s. if you find the defi heads up wiring under the dash can i buy it, as the div removed it when he first brought the car and didnt take the wires out
