[DETAIL] Renault Clio Resurrection Detail (picture heavy)

**CarCareProducts** · 23-09-2013 11:05 AM

WOW is the first thing we will say about this detail/correction that we recently have completed.

All of the staff was in a bit of shock when we saw the condition of this Renault Clio which seemed like it had never been washed or taken care of since new! At the same time we felt a bit of excitement knowing we can somehow bring this car back to least a reasonable state of some sort that we would be happy with and the customer would be hopefully ecstatic over.

The customer has only owned this car for a couple months, so before some of us think ‘wow can’t believe they let it get like that!’ - it unfortunately was out of their control and caused by the previous owner. Reasoning to why it was purchased in this state we can only speculate as it had incredibly low KM’s for its age (which it did)

Where do we start…

The Roof; it seemed that it was almost like somebody wrapped the roof in a ‘furry vinyl wrap’ as you could lose skin if you rubbed your arm across the surface – the contamination was extremely heavy to the point of you could compare it to the barnacles on the Titanic Ship. The question was, how much of the roof could we rejuvenate and correct to a state that was acceptable and reasonable – trial and testing was the only answer.

The rest of the car consisted of; heavy marring, holograms, swirls and quite a lot of deep scratches/marks that some we were not able to remove due to how deep they were*. Contaminants throughout the paintwork would make any detailer, enthusiast or kid scream in pain from just one pass! It felt like running your hand over concrete.

However saying all this, it is always good to have a challenge ahead of you and see the results!

We are posting a lot more photos than our usual, showing you the condition the car arrived in and the changes at the same time explaining what products and techniques we used to hopefully help anyone who may be curious how we resurrected this little Renault Clio to a state that was acceptable for most!

This Renault Clio was booked for:

■ Full Paint Correction / Detail (resurrection?)
■ Full Interior Detail (Seating Shampoo Extraction/Upholstery Clean)
■ Engine Bay Clean/Detail
■ Barnacle Removal

The headlights clearly have become UV oxidised and turned quite yellow/hazey which will affect your visibility and also registration renewal as these would not pass (or should not pass for that matter!) - If your headlights are in this condition, or possibly not as bad you can rejuvenate and restore them quite easily

Heavy oxidation and marring/swirls can be found throughout the entire car.

**CarCareProducts** · 23-09-2013 11:06 AM

The Renault Clio apparently came with silver alloy wheels! But nothing that 1Z Einszett ColourTec cant handle with its brake dust/carbon eating abilities! Definitely a MUST have for any European Cor Track car owner!

Inside the fuel flap was a little bit of debris, but nothing that 1Z Einszett W99 APC & Mint Detailing Brushes couldn’t take care off!

Throughout the door jambs, boot and bonnet/engine bay area a lot of dirt, debris and tree/leaves were found amongst all the caked dirt.

Definitely not safe to drive at night with a headlight(s) in this condition!

**CarCareProducts** · 23-09-2013 11:06 AM

Did someone mention contaminants?

Previous owner was keen on the beach, the carpet was not.

Apparently this car is metallic black? Which is amusing as one of us originally had thought it was grey!

The Engine Bay needed a thorough clean. For this we used the combination of the Vikan Engine & Surround Brushes with a light dilution of W99 APC.
Note; be sure if you do this at home to cover any electrical components or other components that may have effects of being wet to avoid any damage or issues. Also allow your engine to run for a little while or if accessible use an air blower to remove all water prior to starting - if unsure, best to ask a professional for advice.

Using the Mint Detailing Brushes with 1Z Einszett W99 All Purpose Cleaner to give the door jambs and hinges a thorough clean.

The Dodo Juice Clay Bar(s) and Clay Cloth really took a beating and held up incredibly well. As you can see below!

The Headlight taped up with 3M’s Automotive Masking tape ready to be wetsanded and hopefully rejuvenated. Whilst we are on the subject of tape, we cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure you use Automotive Green Tape, and the reason is simply because cheap masking tape, white masking tape and other tape will leave sticky residue on your rubbers/paint and sometimes (a lot of the time) you will find you cannot remove this and will have a new issue altogether after you remove the tape. For the sake of a couple dollars, do not ruin your window rubbers etc!

Using the DAS6-Pro with the 3M Trizact (1500/2000/25000) sanding discs to sand – a little quicker than by hand! Although by hand you can easily do this as well if you have the patience!

**CarCareProducts** · 23-09-2013 11:07 AM

After the first pass with Menzerna FG500 on the Polisher can be seen a little more sanding needs to be done in the lower areas of the plastic headlight covers.

Let the tests and product trials begin!

Below: First pass after using Menzerna FG500 with the Menzerna Wool Pad on the RUPES Rotary Polisher for a very aggressive cut to remove those horrible swirls, imperfections, marring etc.

The 50 / 50 Shots (comparing uncorrected paint as it arrived, to single pass on the first stage) really shows you how not taking care of your car will hide its colour! This car is apparently metallic black and not grey as previously seen!

You may laugh, but this shot shows only that after claying the difference!!

Interior was needing a little TLC - 1Z Einszett Deep Plastic Cleaner was used for all the interior trim and plastics, and dressed with 1Z Cockpit Premium to leave a factory non glossy/not greasy matte-satin finish for all the plastic/vinyl interior.

The seating received Numatic's George shampoo extraction with also a good scrub to remove all the dirt. Other trimming/upholstery 1Z Blitz was used to clean and remove any staining.

Moving slowly onto the finishing results; Initial cut as mentioned Menzerna FG500 + Menzerna Wool Pad on the RUPES Rotary & Festool Shinex RAP150, finished down with Menzerna PF2500 on the RUPES LHR15 Bigfoot and also the DAS6 Pro on a mixture of pads to finally step down to SF4000 before application of Duragloss 601+111 was applied for the final protection.

**CarCareProducts** · 23-09-2013 11:07 AM

Below; the bonnet had a few dents/dings which became more obvious once the paint was corrected as it seemed the dirt & contaminants hid the damage quite well.

Nanolex Trim Rejuvenator applied to the door molds/boot/windscreen splash tray and other faded plastics

**CarCareProducts** · 23-09-2013 11:07 AM

Engine Bay dressed with 1Z Einszett Vinyl & Rubber Protectant to leave a nice satin finish.

Paint; Finishing product was Duragloss 601 Bonding Agent with Duragloss 111 Clear Coat Polish (Sealant) which will offer almost up to 12 months protection from a single coat and an incredible wet look finish.

Tyres; Dressed with Autobrite Berry Tyre Gel (glossy finish)

We are very happy with the results, however we were a bit disappointed that we could not of done more as certain areas such as the roof were past the ability of 100% correction due to the damage caused by not washing and maintaining the paintwork.

The key thing now is to maintain the car! - 2 Buckets (Wash & Rinse) - Microfibre Wash Mitt - Microfibre Waffle Weave Drying Towel!

Thanks for looking; any questions or comments are more than welcome.

Car Care Products do offer Detailing, Paint Correction & Paint Protection and Matte Paint Protection for all new and used cars. If you would like a quote please feel free to contact us on 1300 006 007, or email info@carcareproducts.com.au