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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: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20001.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20002.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20003.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20004.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20005.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20006.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20007.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20008.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20009.jpg Whereas normally I'd start with cleaning the car, I decided to get the wheels off and do the four corners first: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20011.jpg AST Spoerlines in need of a clean!! https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20012.jpg Wheel sprayed with Bilberry 1:10. I didn't want to use anything too strong as the alloys have a cracking finish https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20014.jpg Agitated with brush https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20017.jpg 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. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20018.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20019.jpg 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!! https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20020.jpg As you can see areas of staining still remained https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20021.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20023.jpg Decided to open the clay as this had been really effective on my Girlfriend's alloys. Using Supernatural Clay with Dodo Juice Born Slippy https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20024.jpg This was really effective and removed the outstanding marks https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20027.jpg 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 https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20032.jpg 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 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20028.jpg To follow on I used Megs APC (1:5) and agitated with various brushes https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20029.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20030.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20031.jpg 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 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20033.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20037.jpg 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 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20034.jpg AFTER https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20035.jpg 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! https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20039.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20040.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20041.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20042.jpg Finally treated with a coat of AG Instant Tyre dressing https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20045.jpg Mrs Ad172 obviously felt I deserved one of these, and much needed it was too!! https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20038.jpg 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 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20052.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20050.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20051.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20055.jpg Weapons of choice https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20054.jpg The diffuser was washed with Megs APC, agitated with brush and then treated to 303 Protectant https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20053.jpg AFTER https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20060.jpg 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 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20061.jpg APC in action https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20062.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20063.jpg 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? https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20064.jpg 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. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20046.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20047.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20048.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20049.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20057.jpg These areas (shut lines, tyres etc.) were then washed with Megs APC, agitated with various brushes and rinsed accordingly. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20065.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20066.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20067.jpg Next stage was a snow foam and left to dwell https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20068.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20072.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20073.jpg Love this shot https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20071.jpg Mrs ad172 treating me again!! https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20075.jpg Results after rinsing were really pleasing https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20076.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20078.jpg The previous owner believed the car had received a Life Shine treatment at some point although this had clearly run it's course https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20077.jpg Wash stage next, Dodo juice Born to be Mild along with Wookies fist and two bucket method https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20080.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20081.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20082.jpg Reason if ever you wanted one why the two bucket method is good https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20084.jpg Next on to a clay of the vehicle. Again Dodo Juice Supernatural clay along with Born Slippy https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20085.jpg Results from Roof panel https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20086.jpg Doors https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20087.jpg 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 https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20088.jpg Rear bumper showing significant tar and general deposits https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20089.jpg 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 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20090.jpg 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 https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20091.jpg 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) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20092.jpg Results were pretty satisfying https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20095.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20098.jpg Next stage was applying Supernatural wax by hand. I've only got a panel pot but it's lasted ages!! https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20104.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20107.jpg 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 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20093.jpg 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 https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20110.jpg Finish as always was superb https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20111.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20112.jpg Despite some very tired arms I applied a coat of Red Mist Tropical as LSP https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20115.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20117.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20118.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20116.jpg By this time I was pretty done for (12 hours so far!!) The interior would have to wait until tomorrow! https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20120.jpg 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 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20122.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20124.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20125.jpg Interior Before https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20126.jpg https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20127.jpg Mats were removed and carpet was first treated with Megs APC and various brushes to reach difficult areas https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20128.jpg 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 https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20131.jpg Interior Plastics then treated with 303 Protectant https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20132.jpg Mats were then washed with Megs APC and agitated with brush https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20133.jpg Given that freshly cut lawn look https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20134.jpg Interior Finished https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20135.jpg A few of the outside https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20136.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20137.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20139.jpg And finally another delivery from the post man!! https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Q...tail%20142.jpg Thanks for reading. Cheers Adam |
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.
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Great write up and VERY nice selection of products used...good health to enjoy the new car :)
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Thats a good detail write up indeed looking fab :D But if you get bored my cars free :thumb:
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Nice1 looks mint mate, top job
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great write up.
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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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Great job and write up, had to laugh at the freshly cut look :)
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I enjoyed that. Great read.:thumb:
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Stunning car and stunning job well done :)
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I :notworthy to your dedication!
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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.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...il139_fhdr.jpg http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...il125_fhdr.jpg 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!" |
Nice HDR baz!
(I might borrow you for a retouch of a photo of mine some time...) |
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 |
Baz
Cheers for that. Makes the photo awesome!! What software did you use? Must admit Mrs Ad172 is most understanding of my little obsession!! |
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 ;)
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lovely job !
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Mine wasnt that clean when it left the factory:lol1::lol1:
Cracking job:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy |
Thats some top class work there mate. Well done :)
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Originally Posted by baz995
(Post 9895182)
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?
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) |
Great work :thumb:
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Stunning work that matey. Attention to detail is first class mate.
Steve |
Very nice and great write-up :)
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:notworthy
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Adam
Superb job and thanks for taking the time to write up and photograph. Car looks fantastic. |
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! :rolleyes: |
Lovely Job you've done.(Nice Hawkeye).......
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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 |
Fair play to you mate, great write up :notworthy
Lee. |
Nice job
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