New F82 - early winter prep

[chatoyer]

Hi folks - new to this part of the forum. Made the move to a 2018 F82 after owning an F32.

Because it was a new car, I needed to get some kind of protection on it to see me through the next few winter months. When the weather warms up, I can continue to work on it outside.

A friend owns a detailing business where I live so he was nice enough to let me use his shop. I used all my own stuff that I've collected over the years but used his pressure washer.

Here is the process I used (only had six hours or so):

Step 1: full strip wash using Adam's Strip Wash. First time with this product, and it seemed to work quite well. The car had some light wax on it, but this seemed to have removed it based on a simple water test.

Step 2: I didn't think the paintwork needed claying, and it felt smooth enough to not warrant a decon using Iron X. I had Griot's Paint Prep ready to go just in case the Strip Wash didn’t work but, as I say, it seemed to be OK.

Step 3: full dry and pat down to get the paint ready for Step 4.

Step 4: Hand application of Menzerna Powerlock.

Step 5: While the Powerlock was drying, I cleaned the interior seats with Adam's Interior and Leather Cleaner and then conditioned using Poorboy's Leather Stuff. I also pulled out the mats, vacuumed the carpets and applied some Poorboy's Trim Restorer to the M sills. Cleaned the interior door jams with ONR diluted to quick detailer strength (2oz in a 32oz bottle).

Step 6: By now, almost an hour had passed, so it was time to remove the Menzerna. Unlike previous times, this time I applied a very thin layer. In the past, I always went too thick and it drove me nuts trying to get it off. Glad I changed my habits, however, as it was very easy to remove.

Step 6: Clean glass with Adam's Glass Cleaner, then applied Adam's Glass Sealant. Curious to see how this holds up.

Step 7: Lunch break for 1.5 hours.

Step 8: Against better judgement, I applied a reasonably thick coat of P+S Beadmaker. Usually I would leave the Powerlock on for at least a day before even touch the paint, but I had some Beadmaker in my arsenal and couldn't resist.

Step 9: Applied McKee's Headlight Protectant to the...well, headlights.

Again, I was limited in time and my goal was to get something on the paint just to last until April or May. At that time, areas of the paint will need correction, and I plan to use Sonax Perfect Finish to clear up some light marring and swirls.

Here are some pics.

[jdgamble]

Perty! I've heard Powerlock is good stuff. Should easily make it to spring.

[canukgtp]

Looking good, enjoy the new car!

[Bruce_SC]

Looks great!

Bruce

[Poiseuille]

nice car! I think you did the right thing, gives you till Spring to research a permanent solution. just be careful how you wash it and remember: Mr. Miyagi was FOS.

[Mapo]

Very nice. I coated my M4 with Wolfgang DGS n topped with McKee’s 37 fast wax for winter

[Detailers Domain]

looking good