How to Detail Your Elise - Page 6 - LotusTalk

nockpoint · 12-31-2006, 08:59 AM

Hey all, third worst detailer in the world here. My question - do you wax your rims? If so does it mitigate the stubborness of break dust build up? Anything that would reduce the amount of time it takes to clean those puppies would be great.

Randy Chase · 12-31-2006, 09:27 AM

I tried putting Rejex on them. After a while I decided it was not really a savings in work. YMMV.

jonas1jp · 02-23-2007, 04:40 PM

Just took delivery of my 05 SY Elise. Love the car, just drove it for the first time today, but I am terribly displeased with the rims. They are spotted or oxidized or something of the kind, not quite sure. What is this from, and can I fix it? Thought I'd include some pics to illustrate. Thanks in advance.

Joe

Ian · 02-23-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonas1jp

Just took delivery of my 05 SY Elise. Love the car, just drove it for the first time today, but I am terribly displeased with the rims. They are spotted or oxidized or something of the kind, not quite sure. What is this from, and can I fix it? Thought I'd include some pics to illustrate. Thanks in advance.

Joe

Looks like the previous owner cleaned them with something he shouldn't have (engine degreasers are famous for these results). I don't imagine that can be fixed easily.

Vantage · 02-23-2007, 04:48 PM

Agree with Ian, that it could be something like etching from an acidic wheel cleaner. Lots of dealers use them to save time.

soulmn · 02-23-2007, 05:16 PM

That's no good. Look on the bright side. Nothing like a great excuse to go get a set of Volks.

Congrats on the purchase!

soulman

Jbone · 02-23-2007, 06:19 PM

Get them powder coated

Wimbledon · 03-15-2007, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jbone

Get them powder coated

x2

Dietrich · 03-29-2007, 11:35 PM

anybody tried a wash/wax combo such as the rainX wash and wax? Are they good?

djnameless · 04-11-2007, 02:58 AM

i have a question...
after reading that detailers handbook in the previous posts...thanks for posting it by the way...
i found out ive been detailing my elise totally wrong!

...
but i need some clarification...

does polishing your car remove its clearcoat?

im getting swirls and its becoming unsightful

iwantanelise · 12-24-2007, 09:01 PM

For my friends of Elisetalk, please feel free to read my theories and thoughts on detailing here, where I posted a thread on how to detail my own (current) car:

http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...ad.php?t=12891

Inside the link, you will find tips on washing, polishing, and product recommendations/suggestions

Polish removes clearcoat as it is a substance with abrasives in it. Proper polishing will remove just enough clearcoat to permanently remove scratches and swirls.

exarkun1178 · 03-10-2008, 08:44 AM

hi guys, any thoughts on cleaning the defuser? right above the tail pipe its all dark and sutty.. would love your thoughts on this

waydui · 03-10-2008, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exarkun1178

hi guys, any thoughts on cleaning the defuser? right above the tail pipe its all dark and sutty.. would love your thoughts on this

I tried all sorts of cleaners, chemicals, etc. Nothing worked on a regular basis.

Did the easiest thing, powder-coated the diffuser.

Looks great and no soot marks.

Regards,
Wayne

iwantanelise · 03-10-2008, 10:19 AM

Eagle One Nevr Dull Wadding polish works decently well. I've used it on Mike's Elise. I'll post-up some before/after pictures when I get the chance.

iwantanelise · 03-10-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djnameless

i have a question...
after reading that detailers handbook in the previous posts...thanks for posting it by the way...
i found out ive been detailing my elise totally wrong!

...
but i need some clarification...

does polishing your car remove its clearcoat?

im getting swirls and its becoming unsightful

Polishing will eventually remove your clearcoat, yes. But, in the hands of a skilled detailer, the amount of clearcoat to be removed would be minimal. Of course, the deeper the swirls/scratches, the more clearcoat you have to remove to get a completely perfect finish. Less clearcoat means less depth of reflection. With this in mind, there is a compromise to be made...less swirls or more clearcoat.

iwantanelise · 03-10-2008, 07:42 PM

Here's a before:

After:

Due to the ability to easily clean the bottom of the Elise, I will probably offer a full underbody detail kit to those who would like it. The underside of the Elise is mainly aluminum, correct? If anybody actually asks for this kind of service, I will probably go for some Nuvite of English Custom metal polishes.

toedrag · 03-07-2009, 12:57 PM

holy crap Clay Bars are incredible!!! How had I never used one before today?

Just finished up a Lengthy Wash, Clay-ing, Taco Bell lunch break, and two finish coats.

Here is the Before shot of the Nose

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After shot of the nose. Took this one inside the garage.

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Back outside for a cool shot of the rear badge

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Here is the best reflection I could find. It was very overcast, as you can tell. I think I can make out the green color of the tree leaves. Very cool.

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Cthulhu · 04-10-2009, 06:04 AM

I take my wheels off and detail them and the wheelwells first. You can do a better job and not have to worry about wheel cleaner getting anywhere you don't want it. Use a soft bristle brush and non corrosive wheel cleaner to get everything imaculate (something like a toilet brush that you can find at a hardware store).

Clean all the spots on the rotor that the pad never contacts with wheel cleaner. Rinse off, rinse off again. Spray a tiny bit (TINY BIT!) of silicone lubricant on a paper towel and wipe any bare metal down. I usually dab a tiny, tiny, tiny bit on the rotor, so it shines up insanely bright at the second you brake. I've never noticed any fading or weakening, but can't recommend "oiling your brakes".

Once wheels are on, use turtle wax tire shine gel, the stuff lasts forever.

Hose off the whole car, and if it's really dirty, use stoner's aerosol bug and tar remover. The stuff smells like volatile organic solvents, but it won't damage the resin clear coat. Hose everything off again and wash the whole with a big plaster sized bucket containing a few capfuls of any car wash. Use a sponge or terry cloths and softly wipe down the whole car with the wash solution. Repeat if necessary. Hose off again, and dry with a leaf blower or air compressor, then finish drying with terry cloth towels.

Once it's dry and you make sure it's completely clean, use a carnuba wax blend to shine it up. I've tried just about every wax, wolfgangs, mothers, maguiers, etc... but have two favorites. Turtle wax emerald (or titanium, or platinum) series carnuba blend, and this Teflon wax I can't find any more. I'm sure they still exist.

Coat each panel in a thin layer of wax, wait for it to harden a little (30-60 seconds, and don't wax in the hot sun or it won't harden), then buff it with cloth baby diapers (you can buy laundered ones for nothing), or get a huge pile of old, clean undershirts if the idea of using baby diapers puts you off. Buff each panel to a shine, detail around the star shield, bolts, etc, with a tooth pick (break the end up a little, so it can't do any damage if you push too hard).

I usually wax it with carnuba, then a teflon wax, and then just use a detailing spray or carnuba wax for the next couple of detailings.

Clean the interior with leather cleaner and conditioner (i forget the brand) and wipe everything down in armor all. I made a little clip on an aluminum bar to clean the space between the bottom of the windshield and the dash. I wrap a square tide bottle plastic cutout with paper towels, clip it to the end of the thin metal bar, and spray it with some windex. Armorall the rest of the plastics and vacuum everything out. Shampoo the mats too if you want.

Armorall exterior does a decent job on the black body plastic, but you guys can probably find something better. Also, windex seems to have a tiny bit of wax in it or something, so you can probably find something better. I've never gotten a chance to try that black magic stuff.

I've jacked the car up and cleaned the body panels with soapy water and then silicone lubricant, but that might be overkill

.

12-31-2006, 09:27 AM	#102 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,172 Images: 761	I tried putting Rejex on them. After a while I decided it was not really a savings in work. YMMV. __________________ [b]* V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S [/b] We have been feeling the buzz since 2002 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. [color=orange]Monaco Orange. [/color]Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). [color=orange]Chrome Orange. [/color] Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. [color=blue]“Busy at times off the forum and scary* actually off the Internets. So I may not see your pm or emails for a while"[/color]

02-23-2007, 04:40 PM	#103 (permalink)
jonas1jp jonas1jp Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 31	Spotted or Oxidized rims???? Just took delivery of my 05 SY Elise. Love the car, just drove it for the first time today, but I am terribly displeased with the rims. They are spotted or oxidized or something of the kind, not quite sure. What is this from, and can I fix it? Thought I'd include some pics to illustrate. Thanks in advance. Joe Attached Images

02-23-2007, 06:19 PM	#107 (permalink)
Jbone AVONX Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 212	Get them powder coated __________________ '02 Blue MR2 Spyder w/Top Secret bumper - SOLD 08/2005 '05 CO Lotus Elise, LSS, Touring, SS, StageII - SOLD 10/2007 '94 White MR2, n/a, 5spd, T-tops - SOLD 07/2009 '09 White WRX STi

03-29-2007, 11:35 PM	#109 (permalink)
Dietrich I can run very fast Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 722	anybody tried a wash/wax combo such as the rainX wash and wax? Are they good? __________________ my favorite Elise sites: http://www.elisemods.com http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/index.html

12-24-2007, 09:01 PM	#111 (permalink)
iwantanelise Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 416	For my friends of Elisetalk, please feel free to read my theories and thoughts on detailing here, where I posted a thread on how to detail my own (current) car: http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...ad.php?t=12891 Inside the link, you will find tips on washing, polishing, and product recommendations/suggestions Polish removes clearcoat as it is a substance with abrasives in it. Proper polishing will remove just enough clearcoat to permanently remove scratches and swirls. __________________ CP Car Detailing...http://cpcardetailing.com/lotusdetailing Please feel free to CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE and let me know what you think!! Please feel free to ask me questions on how to keep your Lotus looking gorgeous or for detailing rates! Last edited by iwantanelise : 12-24-2007 at 09:05 PM. Reason: answering djnameless's question

12-31-2006, 08:59 AM	#101 (permalink)
nockpoint Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 814	Hey all, third worst detailer in the world here. My question - do you wax your rims? If so does it mitigate the stubborness of break dust build up? Anything that would reduce the amount of time it takes to clean those puppies would be great.

02-23-2007, 04:48 PM	#105 (permalink)
Vantage Weekend Warrior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Diego / Los Angeles Posts: 4,036	Agree with Ian, that it could be something like etching from an acidic wheel cleaner. Lots of dealers use them to save time.

02-23-2007, 05:16 PM	#106 (permalink)
soulmn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 435	That's no good. Look on the bright side. Nothing like a great excuse to go get a set of Volks. Congrats on the purchase! soulman

04-11-2007, 02:58 AM	#110 (permalink)
djnameless elise addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: las vegas Posts: 99	i have a question... after reading that detailers handbook in the previous posts...thanks for posting it by the way... i found out ive been detailing my elise totally wrong! ... but i need some clarification... does polishing your car remove its clearcoat? im getting swirls and its becoming unsightful

03-10-2008, 08:44 AM	#112 (permalink)
exarkun1178 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Posts: 4,285	hi guys, any thoughts on cleaning the defuser? right above the tail pipe its all dark and sutty.. would love your thoughts on this __________________ [Ovarian Odorist] 11:12 pm: why did you ever get into your business rob...you have such great potential in the adult porn industry..

03-10-2008, 10:19 AM	#114 (permalink)
iwantanelise Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 416	Eagle One Nevr Dull Wadding polish works decently well. I've used it on Mike's Elise. I'll post-up some before/after pictures when I get the chance. __________________ CP Car Detailing...http://cpcardetailing.com/lotusdetailing Please feel free to CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE and let me know what you think!! Please feel free to ask me questions on how to keep your Lotus looking gorgeous or for detailing rates!

03-10-2008, 07:42 PM	#116 (permalink)
iwantanelise Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 416	Here's a before: After: Due to the ability to easily clean the bottom of the Elise, I will probably offer a full underbody detail kit to those who would like it. The underside of the Elise is mainly aluminum, correct? If anybody actually asks for this kind of service, I will probably go for some Nuvite of English Custom metal polishes. __________________ CP Car Detailing...http://cpcardetailing.com/lotusdetailing Please feel free to CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE and let me know what you think!! Please feel free to ask me questions on how to keep your Lotus looking gorgeous or for detailing rates! Last edited by iwantanelise : 03-10-2008 at 07:44 PM. Reason: more details...

03-07-2009, 12:57 PM	#117 (permalink)
toedrag Crunchy Smurf Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 254 Images: 25	holy crap Clay Bars are incredible!!! How had I never used one before today? Just finished up a Lengthy Wash, Clay-ing, Taco Bell lunch break, and two finish coats. Here is the Before shot of the Nose After shot of the nose. Took this one inside the garage. Back outside for a cool shot of the rear badge Here is the best reflection I could find. It was very overcast, as you can tell. I think I can make out the green color of the tree leaves. Very cool. __________________ 2006 Laser Blue Elise -aka, Blue Lightning 2.0, The Little Blue Car, my automobile soul mate

04-10-2009, 06:04 AM	#118 (permalink)
Cthulhu Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Garden City, Long Island (New York) Posts: 549	I take my wheels off and detail them and the wheelwells first. You can do a better job and not have to worry about wheel cleaner getting anywhere you don't want it. Use a soft bristle brush and non corrosive wheel cleaner to get everything imaculate (something like a toilet brush that you can find at a hardware store). Clean all the spots on the rotor that the pad never contacts with wheel cleaner. Rinse off, rinse off again. Spray a tiny bit (TINY BIT!) of silicone lubricant on a paper towel and wipe any bare metal down. I usually dab a tiny, tiny, tiny bit on the rotor, so it shines up insanely bright at the second you brake. I've never noticed any fading or weakening, but can't recommend "oiling your brakes". Once wheels are on, use turtle wax tire shine gel, the stuff lasts forever. Hose off the whole car, and if it's really dirty, use stoner's aerosol bug and tar remover. The stuff smells like volatile organic solvents, but it won't damage the resin clear coat. Hose everything off again and wash the whole with a big plaster sized bucket containing a few capfuls of any car wash. Use a sponge or terry cloths and softly wipe down the whole car with the wash solution. Repeat if necessary. Hose off again, and dry with a leaf blower or air compressor, then finish drying with terry cloth towels. Once it's dry and you make sure it's completely clean, use a carnuba wax blend to shine it up. I've tried just about every wax, wolfgangs, mothers, maguiers, etc... but have two favorites. Turtle wax emerald (or titanium, or platinum) series carnuba blend, and this Teflon wax I can't find any more. I'm sure they still exist. Coat each panel in a thin layer of wax, wait for it to harden a little (30-60 seconds, and don't wax in the hot sun or it won't harden), then buff it with cloth baby diapers (you can buy laundered ones for nothing), or get a huge pile of old, clean undershirts if the idea of using baby diapers puts you off. Buff each panel to a shine, detail around the star shield, bolts, etc, with a tooth pick (break the end up a little, so it can't do any damage if you push too hard). I usually wax it with carnuba, then a teflon wax, and then just use a detailing spray or carnuba wax for the next couple of detailings. Clean the interior with leather cleaner and conditioner (i forget the brand) and wipe everything down in armor all. I made a little clip on an aluminum bar to clean the space between the bottom of the windshield and the dash. I wrap a square tide bottle plastic cutout with paper towels, clip it to the end of the thin metal bar, and spray it with some windex. Armorall the rest of the plastics and vacuum everything out. Shampoo the mats too if you want. Armorall exterior does a decent job on the black body plastic, but you guys can probably find something better. Also, windex seems to have a tiny bit of wax in it or something, so you can probably find something better. I've never gotten a chance to try that black magic stuff. I've jacked the car up and cleaned the body panels with soapy water and then silicone lubricant, but that might be overkill .

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