All is still well with the car just over 1 Month into ownership, Not really done much with the car since the Remap other than drive it. Still enjoying the Stage 1 very much, Definitely glad I made the decision to go with R-Tech too!

 

Had a nice drive over to CleanYourCar this morning which is located near Huddersfield and treat myself to a D/A polisher and a few other detailing goodies.

 

I went for a DAS-6 Pro D/A with Hex-Logic White/Orange 5.5" pads and Meguiars 105 & 205 Combo, Also bought some spare Hex pads and smaller spot pads too, Valet Pro Bilberry wheel cleaner, Iron-X fall out remover & Sonax turbo quick detailer spray.

 

Did my usual cleaning method with the addition of using the Iron-X then rinsing off, Very good stuff! The car was clayed within the last month but I ran the clay bar over the paint just to be on the safe side, As expected it was not required.

 

My first time using a D/A so I was a little nervous especially doing a 2 stage, I masked off a small area on the drivers side rear 3 quarter and made a start using the Orange Hex pad and Megs 105, I primed the pad first with a misting of water, Set the D/A to number 5 and made a few passes, Wiped off the polish to check the correction, Made a few more passes with the 105 and wiped off again then went onto the White Hex pad and Megs 205 refining/finishing stage.

 

A quick check using a light and comparing the un-polished area's beyond the masking tape showed a massive difference indeed, Not fully corrected but a big improvement. I know a full correction is never going to happen, When I last paid for an Enhancement Detail a few years ago on a previous car they achieved 80-85% correction using a Rotary and 2 stage process.

 

I was very happy considering it was my first go!

 

So I continued and got the Roof, Drivers side and Bonnet done. Used the same process on each panel starting with the Orange Hex Pad and Megs 105 to achieve correction and when happy moved onto the Megs 205 and White Hex Pad to Refine/Finish.

 

Sadly ran out of time today so gave the car another wash to get the excess polish powder and splatters off the car and will continue tomorrow with the front bumper, Passenger side and tailgate/rear bumper.

 

No pictures I am afraid, I was on the go for most of the afternoon but as said very happy with the results so far!

Well as mentioned I bit the bullet and bought myself a D/A Machine polisher a few days ago, Something I have wanted to do for quite some time now but I am glad I did.

 

I will never polish a car by hand ever again now! Converted. Yes there is more prep when using a D/A with masking everything off and as I did a 2 stage it took quite a long time but is worth it.

 

I did the car over a 2 day period with washes inbetween to remove the excess polish, Dust etc

 

Process used for anyone interested, Apologies as it is a long one...

 

: Rinsed the car, Wheel arches and Wheels thoroughly.

: Cleaned the fuel filler flap. All door, Bonnet and boot-lid shuts, Front Scuttle and Rubber door window seals using Valetpro detailing brush and APC to high concentrate.

: Rinsed car again.

: Washed the car using 2 bucket method one panel at a time with a Eurow Lambswool mitt and Meguires ultimate shampoo.

: Rinsed car again.

: Cleaned the wheels with Valetpro Bilberry wheel cleaner, 1:5 dilute in trigger bottle with foaming head. Using a Valetpro detailing brush to agitate, Left on 5 mins per wheel to dwell then rinsed off. Finished the wheel faces with a Meguiars MF wash mitt and wheel backs using a Megs ultra safe wheel brush.

: Wheel arches cleaned using trigger bottle with APC and foaming head and wheel arch brush, then rinsed.

: Dried the whole car using Elite XL drying towel.

: Applied Iron-X fallout remover, Left for 5 mins to take affect.

: Whole car was then rinsed thoroughly.

: Re-washed the car using same method as above.

: Clayed the whole car using Megs mild clay and Megs Detailer spray as lubricant (This was not really required and removed virtually nothing from the paint.)

: Again as the car was detailed within the last month the car was also virtually free from tar specs, I literally did a few areas on the lower parts that had the odd tar spec.

: Rinsed the car again.

: Dryed the whole car with Elite XL drying towel, Dried the wheels, Door shuts and engine bay with Microfibre towel.

 

Then onto the polishing, I used a DAS-6 Pro Dual Action machine polisher with Orange & White Hex-Logic 5.5" Pads for 95% of the car and for the smaller areas smaller 4" Hex pads for spotting. I opted to go for the tried and tested 2 stage Meguiars 105 Ultra cut compound & 205 finishing polish combo.

 

: Masked off all black bits, Rubber seals, Roof aerial and boot badges with 3M Blue masking tape. Also masked any overlapping panels or edges. 

: I also masked off a test area on the rear 3 quarter and started with the lightest pad and lightest polish/compound to assess the correction and worked my way up through the combinations. Thought this was a good idea as I was unsure how much the pad/polish combo would work. Once happy I then went on to do the whole car.

: Starting with the roof and working my way down, One panel at a time with the D/A. Firstly using the 5.5" Orange Hex pad and Megs 105 to remove the worst swirls/defects. Started with a low speed to spread the polish and reduce splatter, Once spread increased speed to number 5 on the D/A and made 4-5 passes on the first 1st hit and wiped off, Checked the area and then a 2nd hit repeating the process on any areas which the 1st hit did not remove all of the defects. I was amazed at the clarity and depth of the paint after this stage, Not even refined it looked really glossy.

: Again following the same process as above but onto the refining stage, This was done using the Megs 205 and 5.5" White Hex pad. This stage for me just gave the car even more clarity, Hard to explain really as it looked great prior to refining but it just looked clean and even glossier.

: I then fitted the smaller spotting pad and with the Megs 205 and 4" White Hex pad made a few passes over the headlights, Rear lenses and Gloss Black B-Pillar's.

 

Once happy with everything and the finish, All the masking tape was removed, The car was then rinsed, Re-Washed, Dried and ready for waxing.

 

: Waxed the car using Collinites No:845 liquid insulator wax, The bottle was placed in warm water to help separate the wax and turn it into liquid, Then given a good shake before application. Using a soft applicator to apply, Left 30 mins to cure and Elite buffing towel to remove.

: Dressed any plastic trim, Honeycomb grilles, Front scuttle and Wiper arms with Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber car buffing of any excess with a Microfibre cloth.

: Dressed the tyres using Megs endurance tyre gel.

: Dressed the wheel arch liners with Autoglym Vinyl and rubber care

: Polished the tailpipe's with Autosol.

: Finished the car off with a spritz of Sonax Turbo detailer spray and a Chemical boys ultra plush finishing/buffing towel.

 

A few pics, No 50/50's I am afraid as I was too busy getting stuck in...

 

Iron-X at work...

 

 

After using the Megs 105 & Orange Hex pad, No refining yet...

 

 

 

After the refining stage using the Megs 205 & White Hex pad, Hard to see the difference but I can assure you it did look better. Icing on the cake....

 

 

Rear lense, Virtually full correction now. Just a few passes with the Megs 205 and White Hex spotting pad...

 

 

Car was then pulled up the drive into the sunlight, No filters or picture editing here just straight out of the camera. The car at this stage had just been refined and was ready for Rinsing, Washing to get rid of polish dust/splatters, Waxing and all the Black bits dressing. I always thought the car looked good before, Now the swirls have gone that where robbing the clarity it is so much Redder! Very happy.

 

 

 

Thats all folks, It began raining after I had waxed it so it stayed under the car port. Thanks for looking and apologies if I have gone on LOL.

Beautiful

Beautiful

 

Thank you 

This car is unreal, fair play to you looks amazing (:

Lovely car I am thinking about one of these next year

Lovely car I am thinking about one of these next year

 

Thanks mate, This one might be for sale over the next few months!

 

Been toying with the idea of doing my Motorbike test for a few years now but have never got around to it with the job change last Summer and house move this Summer. It would be sensible buying a bike while the best deals can be had over winter and storing it in the garage until next Spring/Summer, Unfortunately this would mean letting the Golf go and buying a cheaper daily and having a bike also.

 

As said just a bit of a thought at this moment in time, I am currently in the process of looking at various companies and what they offer for Motorcycle training etc

It has been a few weeks since my last post on the thread, No exciting updates I am afraid I have been simply enjoying driving the car over the last few weeks!

 

 

Since spending a few days doing the Paint correction on the car which was 3 weeks ago sadly every time I have cleaned the car since the weathers been rubbish so I never got around to getting some decent pictures of the car in a location other than on the drive at home.

 

Well yesterday the sun wash shining and the car got its usual 3-4 hour Mini detail, Just a few pics from yesterdays efforts....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfect.

Your Golf is looking absolutely stunning - top work.

 

I have just sent the link to a mate who is selling his Golf GTi 57-plate;

he was asking for ideas on value and "mint" condition examples versus average!

 

His is "average" condition; your example is most certainly "mint"

Your Golf is looking absolutely stunning - top work.

 

I have just sent the link to a mate who is selling his Golf GTi 57-plate;

he was asking for ideas on value and "mint" condition examples versus average!

 

His is "average" condition; your example is most certainly "mint"

 

Many thanks for the kind words!

 

The prices do vary massively depending on the age, Spec and mileage on the GTI's, Mine which is an Edition 30 GTI generally commands considerably more than any of the GTI models due to its rarity and the fact it is a Special Edition model with limited build numbers.

Well thats it, The end of the project.

 

Currently got the car for sale on the MK5Golfgtiforum an Edition38 so we shall see if I get much interest.

 

Cheers to everyone for looking

Well thats it, The end of the project.

 

Currently got the car for sale on the MK5Golfgtiforum an Edition38 so we shall see if I get much interest.

 

Cheers to everyone for looking

 

 

Well....not sure what to say - but GLWTS.

So what next? :peek:

Well....not sure what to say - but GLWTS.

So what next? :peek:

 

A motorbike hopefully, Will be possibly buying a runabout (Dare I say it another Fabia VRS might be on the cards) and hopefully doing my Direct Access bike test over the next few months.

 

I used to ride smaller 125cc bikes all the time and always had motocross bikes growing up but packed in when I began driving, A big group of my friends have been riding for quite a few years now and go out through the summer together. I have always fancied doing my bike test but now I have a garage and somewhere to keep one there is no reason for me not to go for it!

 

Sadly I have too many expensive hobbies and not enough money to do them all 

A motorbike hopefully, Will be possibly buying a runabout (Dare I say it another Fabia VRS might be on the cards) and hopefully doing my Direct Access bike test over the next few months.

 

I used to ride smaller 125cc bikes all the time and always had motocross bikes growing up but packed in when I began driving, A big group of my friends have been riding for quite a few years now and go out through the summer together. I have always fancied doing my bike test but now I have a garage and somewhere to keep one there is no reason for me not to go for it!

 

Sadly I have too many expensive hobbies and not enough money to do them all 

 

 

Fair enough matie - sounds like a good plan!

 

I'll pass on the details should I find anyone looking.

Best of luck with the sale mate.

 

I've enjoyed watching the improvements - at least it should make a sale easier

Best of luck with the sale mate.

I've enjoyed watching the improvements - at least it should make a sale easier

Thanks Wardy, Glad you have enjoyed the thread!

No interest as yet except stupid offers but its early days and I only have it on 2 x forums. Will give it a week or so then stick it on ebay, Pistonheads and the likes.

I would like to think anyone in the market for a good one would snap it up quickly as there are not really many currently on the market which are as good IMO.

Edited 27 September, 201510 yr by bonelorry

Just need to wait for the right buyer, who will appreciate it. Forums can be a bit limiting, especially if your ideal buyer hasn't joined the right ones yet!

 

If it were me looking, I'd be checking 'Trader, eBay and PH

Just need to wait for the right buyer, who will appreciate it. Forums can be a bit limiting, especially if your ideal buyer hasn't joined the right ones yet!

 

If it were me looking, I'd be checking 'Trader, eBay and PH

 

Yes, Stuck it on the old Evilbay to see what it brings!

Ah god dammit.

An ED30 is hovering near the top of a shortlist of things to replace the Ibiza with to get me out of a TDI induced coma (should i ever summon up the plums to actually do anything about it.)

I followed your thread just to see how everyday life was with one and clearly it's good, very bloody good.

 

Given it's importantly got 3 pedals, it's clearly well loved, and is already running 300bhp this truly would be perfect.

 

I'm off to google the best car finance loans and/or to see how much a kidney makes these days

You know it makes sense Pasty

You know it makes sense Pasty

 

Go on, go on, go on....    

Still going strong, No problems at all.

 

Now have the car advertised on a few VAG forums, Ebay, Pistonheads and Car & Classic. Sadly I have only been offered P/X's which I am not interested in or silly cash offers for the car.

 

To me and in my experience anyone that makes any offer on a car they have not even yet even viewed are not worth bothering with, I am confident however that the first genuine person that is in the market for an Edition 30 and views the car will buy it.

 

Decided to give the car a mini-detail today as the sun was out this morning, Spent about 3-4 hours on the car. Just a couple of snaps on the drive, She still looks good...

 

 

 

Lovely looking car, you have a point with telephone offers, though It's not always the case that these are time wasters. I won't waste my and the sellers time and travel to see a car unless we have a ball park price agreed and are in a zone of possible agreement, subject to the car being as described. The last car I bought, I did this way involving an overnight stay in Bristol. There's an element of trust on both sides obviously and it's not without its risks, though worth it for the right car.

If I was in the market for yours I'd be looking to negotiate your best price before I decided to view, with the intention of driving it away if it's as described with all paperwork in order after a confirmed bank transfer of funds.

It's a lovely looking car, if l was in the market for one, you would have already had a call. All the best with the sale.

Lovely looking car, you have a point with telephone offers, though It's not always the case that these are time wasters. I won't waste my and the sellers time and travel to see a car unless we have a ball park price agreed and are in a zone of possible agreement, subject to the car being as described. The last car I bought, I did this way involving an overnight stay in Bristol. There's an element of trust on both sides obviously and it's not without its risks, though worth it for the right car.

If I was in the market for yours I'd be looking to negotiate your best price before I decided to view, with the intention of driving it away if it's as described with all paperwork in order after a confirmed bank transfer of funds.

It's a lovely looking car, if l was in the market for one, you would have already had a call. All the best with the sale.

Ofcourse, A genuine buyer that discusses the price with me over the phone prior to viewing the car is welcomed! I have sold and bought many cars this way over the years and like yourself do like to discuss this over the phone when making serious enquiries about a car.

I should have been a little more specific with my comments, I meant the type of people that text and or message via ebay offer £2k less than the asking price.