what did you and your mk3 leon do today

[Ckpearce91]

I made the mistake of getting into it when I bought the Leon



Take a look here:



http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/



I find these guides very useful too:



http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/car-care-advice.html

I was looking at both of those last night haha. Any advice on stone chips? My front bumper and bonnet are covered in them

 

[JMAC]

Assuming that youre washing it properly (mitts and 2 buckets) then youre probably just missing a decent finishing product. Wax and polishes take a lot of time and care, so i'm more in favour of a good spray to end with. Try either of the two...

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detai...brilliant-shine-detailer-750ml/prod_1178.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Autoglym-AG-145007-Aqua-Wax/dp/B0060KJLKY

good thing about aqua wax is your dont have to wait for the car to be completely dry before applying.

New version of the Sonax is now out, Turbo Detailer. The BSD is very grabby and thick, made my Technic grey look dull. Though it beads and sheets like no other QD I've used (and smells like Nice biscuits)

 

[Ckpearce91]

New version of the Sonax is now out, Turbo Detailer. The BSD is very grabby and thick, made my Technic grey look dull. Though it beads and sheets like no other QD I've used (and smells like Nice biscuits)

BSD? Don't know all these detailing terms apart from beading

 

[JMAC]

BSD? Don't know all these detailing terms apart from beading

Sorry, BSD = (Sonax) Brilliant Shine Detailer

Here's a little list of things that you might find useful to get you started:

2 x buckets (20L plasterer type ones are cheap and ideal). Write 'Rinse' and 'Wash' on them with permanent marker and change the water if it looks dirty

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LITRE-PLAST...F8&qid=1439882177&sr=8-1&keywords=20l+buckets

2 x Grit guards, once you've used them you'll realise that they do trap a lot of debris:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scratch-Shi...F8&qid=1439882332&sr=8-1&keywords=grit+guards

Wash mitt:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washi...nges/premium-lambskin-wash-mitt/prod_984.html

Shampoo - you can get anything you want that suits your budget but look for ones that won't strip wax (unless you want them to). I like:

http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-wash

and

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washi...poos/chemical-guys-maxi-suds-ii/prod_165.html

Wheel cleaner:

http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-wheel-113

Quick Detailing spray, this really looks good on Apollo Blue, which IIRC you have. It's also great for glass, plastic trim and dash:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-sprays/chemical-guys-pro-detailer/prod_662.html

Drying towel - pat the car dry with one (or two) of these. Once the majority of the water is off the car then I start using a detailing spray and buffing cloth:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/micro...-huge-39-fluffy-39-drying-towel/prod_634.html

Buffing/polishing cloths:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/micro...shag-pile-double-density-towels/prod_436.html

Polishes/waxes/glazes and sealants - there's loads to choose from. You ideally want to fully clean the car, correct any defects with a polish and then seal with a wax or sealant (LSP - last stage product). Some polishes will just mask and fill swirls and marring others (when worked correctly) will remove them altogether but they will take a long time doing so by hand.

As an all in one polish and LSP then I can throughly recommend this stuff. This is the cheapest you'll find it in the UK and it comes with an applicator pad and half decent buffing cloth. Easy to apply and offers good protection.

https://www.nielsencdg.co.uk/acatalog/Armorall-SHIELD-Polishing-Wax---500ml-ARM_17500EN.html#SID=255

Wheels - I've tried a few different wheels sealants and they all claim to stop brake dust build up and make the wheels easier to clean. I've so far only found one and it's the easiest to apply too (again, cheapest place in the UK)

https://www.nielsencdg.co.uk/acatal...Wheels-16300EN-300ml-ARM_16300EN.html#SID=367

Tyres - Again, lots of choice but my favorite is this stuff. Seems expensive but a little goes a long way and a bottle will outlast several aerosols so good value in the long run:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/chemical-guys-new-look-trim-gel/prod_143.html

and applicator pad:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/trim-tyre-dressing-applicator/prod_340.html

There's two more things you may wish to think about, snow foam (and lance) and claying.

Snow foam and lance - not essential but help remove a lot of contaminants before you start to wash. You'll need a pressure washer though.

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care/snow-foam-lances.aspx?page=1

Clay bars - Great at removing stubborn contaminants that washing alone can't shift. Ideally should be done 1-2 times per year before doing a 'big' wash where a polish and wax are applied. After washing your car, stick your hand in a sandwich bag or one of those petrol station forecourt gloves. Run your hand around the car and if the paint feels rough or grabby then you should think about claying the car.

I've been using this stuff recently and found it to be great. It can be 'lubed' with water alone which makes it good value though I add a little bit of detailing spray to the mix, approx a 1:4 ratio:

http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-clay-medium


I hope this helps. I've picked a few things that I know work well for me and the colour the Leon and are also good value IMO. Yes, you can spend a lot less but you can spend a LOT more too. You can buy things in bulk which makes sense in the long run. The Pro Detailer, for example, I buy in a gallon size container as I use quite a bit of it and the smaller bottle doesn't make much sense but I tried it first just to make sure I like it.

Take a look on You Tube for how to guides. Those Polished Bliss guides are pretty helpful and Chemical Guys have their own You Tube channel which is pretty good too.

Don't blame me when you spend 8 hours cleaning the car this Saturday

 

[Ckpearce91]

Thanks for all the advice, I do own a pressure washer and I bought a snow foam lance last week. Any recommendations on what snow foam to buy?

 

[JMAC]

Ultimate Finish snow foam, linked above.

 

[Ckpearce91]

Ultimate Finish snow foam, linked above.

Ahh thanks bud. I can see where my wages are gonna start going. And there's me thinking it will be on furniture for my new house lol

 

[dids]

2 hours work

 

[StylancePaul]

I've ordered what appears to be the exact same car but looks like its gone through the wash: http://www.modelcarworld.de/uk/Premium-X/205452/Modelcar-Seat-Leon-Cupra-280-light-grey.htm

 

[Ckpearce91]

Sorry, BSD = (Sonax) Brilliant Shine Detailer

Here's a little list of things that you might find useful to get you started:

2 x buckets (20L plasterer type ones are cheap and ideal). Write 'Rinse' and 'Wash' on them with permanent marker and change the water if it looks dirty

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LITRE-PLAST...F8&qid=1439882177&sr=8-1&keywords=20l+buckets

2 x Grit guards, once you've used them you'll realise that they do trap a lot of debris:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scratch-Shi...F8&qid=1439882332&sr=8-1&keywords=grit+guards

Wash mitt:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washi...nges/premium-lambskin-wash-mitt/prod_984.html

Shampoo - you can get anything you want that suits your budget but look for ones that won't strip wax (unless you want them to). I like:

http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-wash

and

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washi...poos/chemical-guys-maxi-suds-ii/prod_165.html

Wheel cleaner:

http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-wheel-113

Quick Detailing spray, this really looks good on Apollo Blue, which IIRC you have. It's also great for glass, plastic trim and dash:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-sprays/chemical-guys-pro-detailer/prod_662.html

Drying towel - pat the car dry with one (or two) of these. Once the majority of the water is off the car then I start using a detailing spray and buffing cloth:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/micro...-huge-39-fluffy-39-drying-towel/prod_634.html

Buffing/polishing cloths:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/micro...shag-pile-double-density-towels/prod_436.html

Polishes/waxes/glazes and sealants - there's loads to choose from. You ideally want to fully clean the car, correct any defects with a polish and then seal with a wax or sealant (LSP - last stage product). Some polishes will just mask and fill swirls and marring others (when worked correctly) will remove them altogether but they will take a long time doing so by hand.

As an all in one polish and LSP then I can throughly recommend this stuff. This is the cheapest you'll find it in the UK and it comes with an applicator pad and half decent buffing cloth. Easy to apply and offers good protection.

https://www.nielsencdg.co.uk/acatalog/Armorall-SHIELD-Polishing-Wax---500ml-ARM_17500EN.html#SID=255

Wheels - I've tried a few different wheels sealants and they all claim to stop brake dust build up and make the wheels easier to clean. I've so far only found one and it's the easiest to apply too (again, cheapest place in the UK)

https://www.nielsencdg.co.uk/acatal...Wheels-16300EN-300ml-ARM_16300EN.html#SID=367

Tyres - Again, lots of choice but my favorite is this stuff. Seems expensive but a little goes a long way and a bottle will outlast several aerosols so good value in the long run:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/chemical-guys-new-look-trim-gel/prod_143.html

and applicator pad:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/trim-tyre-dressing-applicator/prod_340.html

There's two more things you may wish to think about, snow foam (and lance) and claying.

Snow foam and lance - not essential but help remove a lot of contaminants before you start to wash. You'll need a pressure washer though.

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care/snow-foam-lances.aspx?page=1

Clay bars - Great at removing stubborn contaminants that washing alone can't shift. Ideally should be done 1-2 times per year before doing a 'big' wash where a polish and wax are applied. After washing your car, stick your hand in a sandwich bag or one of those petrol station forecourt gloves. Run your hand around the car and if the paint feels rough or grabby then you should think about claying the car.

I've been using this stuff recently and found it to be great. It can be 'lubed' with water alone which makes it good value though I add a little bit of detailing spray to the mix, approx a 1:4 ratio:

http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-clay-medium


I hope this helps. I've picked a few things that I know work well for me and the colour the Leon and are also good value IMO. Yes, you can spend a lot less but you can spend a LOT more too. You can buy things in bulk which makes sense in the long run. The Pro Detailer, for example, I buy in a gallon size container as I use quite a bit of it and the smaller bottle doesn't make much sense but I tried it first just to make sure I like it.

Take a look on You Tube for how to guides. Those Polished Bliss guides are pretty helpful and Chemical Guys have their own You Tube channel which is pretty good too.

Don't blame me when you spend 8 hours cleaning the car this Saturday

I have literally bought everything you recommended apart from the shampoo and snow foam, as I have a load of samples being given to me from another Leon Owner. So thank you for your advice and hopefully when it all arrives I know where to start lol

 

[dids]

Paul yours is the lighter grey my is the gun metal grey .

 

[JMAC]

I have literally bought everything you recommended apart from the shampoo and snow foam, as I have a load of samples being given to me from another Leon Owner. So thank you for your advice and hopefully when it all arrives I know where to start lol

Wow, that was an expensive day. I feel knackered after spending all your money

Good luck and don't be slagging me off if you don't like any of it!

 

[Ckpearce91]

Wow, that was an expensive day. I feel knackered after spending all your money



Good luck and don't be slagging me off if you don't like any of it!

It was an expensive day, the face the Mrs pulled when I told her how much I spent on car cleaning stuff was a picture

 

[kazand]

It was an expensive day, the face the Mrs pulled when I told her how much I spent on car cleaning stuff was a picture

Just tell her " imagine how clean the house would be if you spent that much on it" .................
Then run.......

 

[AndrewJB]

I've ordered what appears to be the exact same car but looks like its gone through the wash: http://www.modelcarworld.de/uk/Premium-X/205452/Modelcar-Seat-Leon-Cupra-280-light-grey.htm

Let us know what this is like when it turns up... got a whole fleet of Leon models

 

[adamadam]

hi will the cupra alloys fit my fr mk3

 

[AndrewJB]

Yes

 

[steve14]

this soundaktor thing, its not going to be in a 1.4 FR150 is it?

 

[Seastormer]

I've ordered what appears to be the exact same car but looks like its gone through the wash: http://www.modelcarworld.de/uk/Premium-X/205452/Modelcar-Seat-Leon-Cupra-280-light-grey.htm

Just ordered one myself, in black of course.

 

[gamer555]

I bought this one for myself, an almost exact replica of my car (minus the sunroof). The quality is much better than modelcarwold's one, but the price is also a lot higher and you have to search thoroughly the internet to find one for sale.