What have you done today/recently to your 5?

zephyrus17 · Postby **zephyrus17** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:30 pm

How did that happen? I'm pretty worried about mine now ...

Forshaw · Postby **Forshaw** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:51 pm

Don't worry it's just my driveway, it's quite shocking

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 9:48 pm

Cooled it .... drove it .... loved it ....

Don't know why I didn't get the aircon fixed earlier. What a difference.

Trackphotos · Postby **Trackphotos** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 10:51 pm

Started repairing years of paint damage. Couple of hours of washing, clay bar and began removing paint swirls. Only done the boot lid at this point, probably got another 2-3 hours of swirl removal to do, then wax. Can't really drive it again until I finish it all and get it waxed properly

Wish I had a polisher. Oh well, it'll be worth it.

Meg_UC.jpg

brendanstacey · Postby **brendanstacey** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 11:48 pm

How are you getting rid of swirls? Ive tried everything incl scratchx, cutting compunds, autogylm ultimate polish, with both manual application (pads) and a orbital buffer, and theres still swirl marks everywhere!

Any advice?

Thanks

Trackphotos · Postby **Trackphotos** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:12 am

I'm using Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. It seems to basically be ScratchX, but more aggressive. I'm doing it by hand, that good patch was after 3 applications. Going to be a long process doing the whole car, but it is definitely working. Hopefully it'll do the same for you

brendanstacey · Postby **brendanstacey** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:23 am

is there any risk of going through the paint with a hand applicator?

Trackphotos · Postby **Trackphotos** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:31 am

Not unless you're a bit of a hulk. It's always possible, but you don't have to press incredibly hard. Just moderate pressure in circular motions, multiple applications. If ScratchX won't do the job, whatever you need will be more harsh.

kenson · Postby **kenson** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 4:17 pm

Standard BOV changed out today. Wow a huge difference!
My BOV was leaking a fair bit and it really degraded the driving experience.

It was only a matter of time it would go after changing the AEM intake in. I recommend changing out the BOV. I ended up going for a Turbosmart Kompact plumb-back.
Now the intake is so much more quieter now!

kenson · Postby **kenson** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 4:21 pm

Standard BOV changed out today. Wow a huge difference!
My BOV was leaking a fair bit and it really degraded the driving experience.

It was only a matter of time it would go after changing the AEM intake in. I recommend changing out the BOV. I ended up going for a Turbosmart Kompact plumb-back.
Now the intake is so much more quieter now!

Suspense · Postby **Suspense** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:09 am

Installed a harness ready for Wakefield next weekend. Massive thanks to Hayden for his time, assistance and even a few necessary parts, and to his dad for the use of his workshop and some well directed words of encouragement :lol:

Double thanks given how hot it was! :oops:

ralt · Postby **ralt** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:29 am

Hi.
Try Johnsons baby powder on your swirls. If you know what you are doing and using a machine the paint will be brilliant. Great results by hand also.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 5:26 pm

DO also rememebr that scratchX (maybe Ultimate compound?) use fillers to remove swirls rather than abrasives.

So basically, they don't smooth it out, they fill in the low bits. Less pain removal during polishing, buit it means the swirls will come back faster.

Zaino ZPC works really well, on Pam's car (red NA, oxidised and swirled) with a medium pad, it took off most of the swirls, and all of the oxidation. (the last few tiny swirls would have come off with one more pass on a light pad)
(it was sealed with Poorboys EXP)

The paint is only now starting to oxidise a bit again, after about 10months.

I've tried scratchX before, and to be honest, it was sh*t. It was the most pathetic, useless, weak polish I've ever used.
The Ultimate compound worked quite well by hand, but I've not tried it with the machine.

M1474 · Postby **M1474** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:38 pm

On Friday I replaced a broken front indicator $350+ from Mazda but $45 shipped from total parts and a side mirror glass from eGay. After carefully removing the black retaining ring I pulled out the broken glass only to find that the new glass is cut smaller than original so it has to be stuck to the broken piece. Turns out I'd ordered a convex piece too by mistake so I pulled the passenger side and fitted it to the drivers mirror and stuck the new convex thing on the passenger side where it won't annoy me.

Last night I sandblasted my windscreen wipers, cold galvanised and sprayed them black.

Guy_Coles · Postby **Guy_Coles** » Tue Nov 27, 2012 4:31 pm

Took off her Rising Sun stickers (new Graphics to come soon) and blacked out her side indicators with Nite-Shades for the "Black on Black" look
Tomorrow a clay bar and polish.