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I worked on this vintage Porsche 356 Speedster a little while ago and just now I’m having time to get caught up on doing the write up. I’ve done several cars for this client (mostly classic Porsches) and not only does he use the heck out of them, he also wants them maintained to the highest levels on a regular basis. Just recently he transported a few of his cars to California just to drive them on the mountainous road terrain.  This is the 1st of several sessions I’ve spent working on this vehicle and here is how it went.

As it arrived:

During the wash prep process. I used [COLOR="#008000"]3D Yellow Degreaser [/COLOR]for the wheels, tires & wheelhouses.

Decades of dirty and grime scrubbed and rinsed away. I didn’t want to use a pressure washer to avoid disturbing the existing undercoating even though the owner will be having it reapplied:

This old finish lacked depth, so I decided a light hand sanding with [COLOR="#008000"]Micro-Mesh 3600 Grit[/COLOR] was in order.  I used [COLOR="#008000"]3D’s Pink Car Wash Soap[/COLOR] as a lubricant. This level of grit easily and effectively leveled the topical defects to aid in breaking through to the workable finish which greatly helped the canvas for correction.  

Here’s how it looked prior to correction (keep in mind that a 3600 sand scratch is quite easy to polish out): Outside shots:

A little taping off (the plate frame assembly did get removed):

50/50’s to see how perfect the restored finish was able to get. I used [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD UNO V4[/COLOR] with 5 inch MF pads for the correction and then finished down with [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]3D Black Finishing Foam Pads[/COLOR].

After the post correction rewash was done, I then preceded to clean, recondition and detail the interior and trunk compartments.  I used [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD TOTAL[/COLOR] for all the cleaning duties. Here is what the interior looked like before:

Here is a mild concentration of [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD TOTAL [/COLOR]soaking on the seats. The more it dwelled, the more it allowed all the deeply embedded soiling that resided here for decades to gently free up and away from the surface. I used the [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD DUO Pad[/COLOR] for the scrubbing/agitating duties. Here’s a taste of what was lifting:

Spray:

Agitate:

After breaking things up and a little more dwell time:

And here’s how differently the seats looked after cleaning along with the dirt that lifted onto the towel:

Here’s a sample of the soiling that lifted from the door panels:

Other sections received some love from various brushes:

Because the seats looked a touch dingy and the owner prefers a little gloss (as long as it’s tasteful) on this vehicle, I used [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD PROTECT[/COLOR] as the icing on the cake. This stuff smells incredible! You can alter the gloss after the product sets up. Just take a separate towel and buff it to the desired gloss level w/o any greasy feel.

Here is how the interior turned out:

Dash clean, shined & sealed:

On to the trunk. Here’s how it started:

The floor mat was removed and hand scrubbed and then rinsed:

The fuel tank was polished with [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD UNO[/COLOR] with a [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD Green Foam Pad[/COLOR] and then sealed with [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD POXY[/COLOR]:

Seals were treated with [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]1Z Gummi[/COLOR]:

Trunk Afters:

Engine got a light rinse and wipe down:

Toward the end of the day, I applied a thin layer of [COLOR="#008000"][/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]HD POXY[/COLOR] sealer and let is cross-link overnight:

Here’s the afters:

 

Because of the chance for rain, my client decided to get this vehicle towed back to his place. He would have left it, but was having a party and was anxious to show off his car to his friends

 

Original Post

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Jeez David, and I thought I did a decent job of sprucing up my Vintage last weekend!

 

I've got a couple of boring and elementry questions that I'd appreciate answers to...Please contact me carlberrystudio@yahoo.com

 

(I try to avoid the 'Dialog' format because it lacks the ability for direct and uncomplicated exchanges of information. The new SOC format frowns on publishing email addresses as protection against spammers...but I'm a big boy and know how to click the delete key!)

 

Thanks, Carl

 

 

 

Originally Posted by carlberry:

Jeez David, and I thought I did a decent job of sprucing up my Vintage last weekend!

 

I've got a couple of boring and elementry questions that I'd appreciate answers to...Please contact me carlberrystudio@yahoo.com

 

(I try to avoid the 'Dialog' format because it lacks the ability for direct and uncomplicated exchanges of information. The new SOC format frowns on publishing email addresses as protection against spammers...but I'm a big boy and know how to click the delete key!)

 

Thanks, Carl

 

 

 

I'm sure your's is fabulous as well! I'd love to help. As an option, and if the forum doesn't mind, you should consider posting your questions publically here. The reason being is they might serve as important info that everyone can benefit from. Just a thought? I will e-mail regardless.  

Originally Posted by Verruckt (Stephen):

Yes, please post the questions here.  Having someone like David who is willing to share such great info with the users, this is what brings real value to the forums.

 

David, thank you and please post more! 

 

I am familiar with ein zett "1Z", but have never heard of the HD product line.  David can you tell us more about it and where to get it?

I'm totally willing to help! the key to these types of vehicles isnt't just cleaning and detailing....it's all about preserving them to last forever.

 

3D is a line that I've been testing for a few years. They are actual chemical manufactures and also have a higher end line called HD Car Care. Their theory to appearance is making detailing "simple". Like other brands that have 10 different kinds of all purpose cleaners, 10 kinds of polishing compounds and 6 kinds of dressings etc....that ends up confusing the end user, they actually keep things to a bare minimum and listen to alot of professional detailers feedback. They also own the world's largest and oldest detailing forum called Autopia.org.

 

Here's their respective web-sites:

http://www.3dproducts.com/

http://www.hdcarcare.com/

 

They'll have a booth @ this year's SEMA so come by and say hi!

 

 

 


 

Originally Posted by alnbobbikay:

David, Phenomenal job! I have a question.

  Do you have proven method of removing mildew stains from German square weave carpets? Nothing I have tried seems to be working!

Thanks alnbobbikay!

 

Mildew?? Tell me the cause and origin of this? And what have you tried? Pictures tell alot too so if you could post a few it would certainly help even more.  

 

Keep in mind that Stains are actually a condition that has changed or altered the original color of the fiber. It's very difficult to change/remove/return that discoloration many times. Especially something as porous/dry as this fabric.   

Originally Posted by Troy Sloan:

That is beautiful work!  Too bad your not in Calif., I'd be a regular customer.

 

I had to laugh at what it says on the side of the tow truck!  "We buy junk cars."

 


I wish I lived there too! I actually did a detailing convention in Santa Clarita last year and fell in love with the area!

 

If you're in need of a a recommendation, I can surely assist in finding someone in your area. i actually know several very reputable people that are very capable.

Originally Posted by Tom Blankinship:

Hey David, do you know Bill Demeter?  He's a regular on this site, long time Porsche mechanic, and also lives in Grosse Pointe.  I live in Dearborn, btw.  Would you consider taking on a 51-year-old unpaid detailing intern?  I'm semi-retired and would love the opportunity to learn.

I don't but would love to meet Bill. I live in Grosse Pointe and moved there from Dearborn (Cherry Hill/Outer Dr). I'd also enjoy coming by to check out your car and give you some pointers. Is there ever any get togethers? I saw a bunch of Speedsters at the Woodward Dream Cruise a few weekends ago. Maybe I can put on some kind of detail clinic? You let me know how I can help!

Originally Posted by Verruckt (Stephen):
Originally Posted by David-Fermani:

If you're in need of a a recommendation, I can surely assist in finding someone in your area. i actually know several very reputable people that are very capable.

 

I would love a recommendation, I am north of LA in the San Fernando valley.

Ahhhh, hands down I would highly recommend Joe Fernandez of Superior Shine. He's one of the most capable Detailers on the planet. Please tell him I sent you. Here's his site:   http://www.superiorshine.com/index.html 

 

Let us know how it works out!

Originally Posted by alnbobbikay:

David,no pictures to post at this time. The cause is as a result of the carpet getting wet and not having noticed until after it had dried. In the areas where the carpet was covered by a mat, the stains appear black. In the areas that were there were no mats, the stains have an orangish/rust hue. Pan is fiberglass,so I know it isn't rust! Thanks

Does the floor mat have a rubber/plastic backing? I've seen the color leach/get pulled out from the plastic and actually cause a permanant discoloration to the porous fabric. I hope this isn't the case, but I would suggest finding an IICRC certified expert and have them diagnose and test this spot for cleanability. Here is their site and where you can locate someone:   http://iicrc.org/locate-a-certified-professional/

 

I wouldn't try attempting to use any cleaners at this time in fear that it could "set" the stain. I hope this helps...

Originally Posted by Michael McKelvey:

David, I too am curious about where you are in metro Detroit. I am in Ann Arbor.

 

Do you have a suggestion about how to remove oil sprayed on undercoating by an oil leak. I tried Simple Green and it is still gummy.

 

Thanks.

Hi Michael, I'm in Grosse Pointe. I was actually in Ann Arbor today.

 

I'd like to look at it. Did the Simple Green create any of the softening/gumminess to the undercoating? There are other cleaners that can be tried along with lightly pressure washing and/or aggitation. Let me know. 

 

Sound like this could be 3 people up for a detail clinic?  

Originally Posted by Tom Blankinship:

Small world.  You & Bill need to meet. I'm sure he can send you some new clients.  I invited everyone to my house for a BBQ for the Telegraph Cruise.  I live in Dearborn Hills. I will give him a heads up on this post.  A clinic would be fantastic!  I'd be happy to go slumming in GP :-)


I was at the Telegraph Cruise as well!!! I actually used to own a Detail Shop in Redford at Telegraph/Plymouth Rd. Let plan something!!!

David, there really haven't been any gatherings in MI (that I know of) other than the one I hosted for the Telegraph Cruise.  I'm headed south to the Smokies for Mountain Madness 2012 on 9-20.  After that, a month of driving and then Natalie returns to Bremen for the winter for some upgrades.  Next plan for me, after that, is Carlisle next May.

Originally Posted by Tom Blankinship:

David, there really haven't been any gatherings in MI (that I know of) other than the one I hosted for the Telegraph Cruise.  I'm headed south to the Smokies for Mountain Madness 2012 on 9-20.  After that, a month of driving and then Natalie returns to Bremen for the winter for some upgrades.  Next plan for me, after that, is Carlisle next May.

Looks like you have a pretty busy short term plan! I'm bummed out that I didn't find this place just a little sooner. Would have loved to attend the Telegraph Cruise party. Like they say..."A Day Late & A Dollar Short".


 

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