Black Audi A3 TDi

[Wells]

So, the saying is true, "once you go black, you wont go back!"

The car was dropped off early Friday morning, and it was nice and dirty, which is great to add to the feeling of having accomplished something.






I began by giving the rims, which although only 3 weeks old, had alot of brake dust evident, a once over with Sonax extreme, (which dulled the brake calipers as per Lambchops experience) followed by Rimwax, they were restored to their former beauty.

Before


No specific afters, still getting to grips with doing stuff and taking pics of stuff being done

Gave the car a wash with CG CWG next, nice strong mix to help strip old wax off, realise now that adding some APC would prob be a cheaper and more effective method.

Some light swirls and RIDs evident








I then blue taped, rather extensively.




An attempted 50/50 shot, with only on light in operation.


After polishing using Menz SIP & FA mix on Orange 3M pad, it was better, not 100%, but better.


Some afters and reflections (it was drizzling, so lighting sucked). Finished off with Petes 53 paste wax.














Man in the door (me).


Exhaust cleaned up nice, just with Megs All metal polish.


Thanks for looking.

[dood786]

great job man

[yakuza racer]

top notch man!!

[Jughead]

Awesome Job Wells ...

... " ... a once over with Sonax extreme, (which dulled the brake calipers as per Lambchops experience) followed by Rimwax, they were resored to their former beauty ... " ...

Is it only the calipers that go dull or the discs / drums as well ...
and is it painted calipers? (can't remember when last i saw them not painted? )

[Wells]

Thanks guys.

@ Jughead, it seems to be unpainted calipers only that are affected, it is the first time I have seen this, but it was not terrible, just noticeably dull, I went over them with APC and a brush and they improved, never polished them though, they were terrible before I started, so the owner never complained at all.

[Carn]

Nicely done Wells

Strange you've also had issues with the Sonax Extreme. The strangest thing I have seen with it has been turning lead wheel weights green. After a rinse they are back to their normal grey/silver colour

[AMD001]

Excellent work Wells,How long did it take?

[Wells]

@ Carn, thanks, do you think it could have something to do with weather, or rinse method, previously I have used hose or pressure washer to rinse as directed, due to water restrictions, I used jugs of water and my block brush to rinse Sonax off, could be leaving remnant.

@ AMD, 7 hours about.

[Carn]

I don't think it is to do with the rinse method TBH. I suspect there is something in the wheel cleaner that reacts negatively with a certain element found in some types of brake calipers.

How long was the wheel cleaner left to dwell on the calipers before washing and rinsing?

[Lambchop]

Awesome Job Wells

Im glad im not the only one having issues with the Sonax product

I have painted calipers on the S3 and that Sonax stuff def made them dull

[Naush]

Well done wells, the car looks amazing, i like the finish petes leaves on a black car

[calypso]

NIce work

[Woodie]

Excellent work Wells.

I don't think that your taping is excessive. It takes a bit of time initially, but I would rather tape up all potential areas that could get damaged or discoloured by product build up than have regrets afterwards.

[Wells]

@ David, I left if for about 5 minutes, it had gone purple, but had not dried yet, it was a cool drizzly day, so I figured I had extra dwell time, I only apply to 2 wheels at a time, so I sprayed right side front then back, then brush and rinse front, then back, then go to left and repeat process.

@ LC, I never had an issue on painted calipers, well the 4 or 5 I have cleaned so far , could it be Audi specific? was it your S3 that was affected?

[QuickSilver]

Well Done Bud, Looks great

[Wells]

@ Quicksilver, thanks bud, we are waiting patiently, anticipating some of your work to be posted here. Did you like my opening comment?

[Lambchop]

(20-04-2010 09:13 AM)Wells Wrote:  @ David, I left if for about 5 minutes, it had gone purple, but had not dried yet, it was a cool drizzly day, so I figured I had extra dwell time, I only apply to 2 wheels at a time, so I sprayed right side front then back, then brush and rinse front, then back, then go to left and repeat process.

@ LC, I never had an issue on painted calipers, well the 4 or 5 I have cleaned so far , could it be Audi specific? was it your S3 that was affected?

Yes it was my S3 Maybe a one off might not do any harm but i used it on my car about 3 or 4 times