We have just 'up' graded the 'van, traded younger van for older to gain additional space...
It IS an immaculate van, perfect inside and not a single ding on the exterior - quite an accomplishment for an 1998 'van!! Not even an awning pole!! ...(YET!!! )
BUT!... the front of the van is REALLY REALLY dull - I have no idea why, but I have tried:
Carevan cleaner and shiner, (no change)
Fenwicks - cleaner and bobby dazzler (made the side panels great, not so great for the front),
T-Cut (which did help a bit)
Turtle wax (no good at all..)
I am totally exhausted now, and still don't have a shiny 'van!!
Please can someone suggest something that may help!!!???
Also, has anyone used one of those buffing machines???
I have used one of the 12v polishers from Halfords on my car and it worked quite well but I expect it depends what the front is made of. My car was red which often does get a "bloom" on it - especially when it is not polished often enough!
Quote: Originally posted by Rune Caster on 02/10/2011
What is the front made of: Aluminium, ABS or Glassfibre?
To be honest - I haven't a clue... definitely different material to the sides (which after today's treatments are positively sparkling!!) the front and roof are smooth, whereas the sides are more metal-like and have ridges...
I was thinking oxidised top layer - which was why I tried t-cut as i thought that would take the top layer of gunk away, but I was a bit nervous to over-do-it just in case it removed more than the gunk!!
Quote: Originally posted by Ronni54 on 02/10/2011
I have used one of the 12v polishers from Halfords on my car and it worked quite well but I expect it depends what the front is made of. My car was red which often does get a "bloom" on it - especially when it is not polished often enough!
Thanks Ronni - thats helpful... I looked at a couple of the 12v polishers on fleabay, but wasn't sure how well they would work...
Quote: Originally posted by Al+Mel on 02/10/2011
Either T cut with masses more elbow grease, or G3 rubbing compound (Farecla).
Thanks! my elbow grease was definitely dimished this afternoon!! I might try the farecla.. the cleaning today has made it all smooth, and it no longer has any texture to it when I run my hand over it (before I started it felt sort of 'dry' rather than smooth - if you know what I mean!!)
Does the farecla add an new layer on top of the existing one or is it more like wax?
We had this with our van, Graeme cleaned it all down and resprayed the front panel with aerosols from our local auto paint supplier - result = nice and shiny
------------- Gaynor
I have three sides, left, right and wrong - which one are you on?
Quote: Originally posted by Al+Mel on 02/10/2011Either T cut with masses more elbow grease, or G3 rubbing compound (Farecla).
Thanks! my elbow grease was definitely dimished this afternoon!! I might try the farecla.. the cleaning today has made it all smooth, and it no longer has any texture to it when I run my hand over it (before I started it felt sort of 'dry' rather than smooth - if you know what I mean!!)
Does the farecla add an new layer on top of the existing one or is it more like wax?
G3 is more aggressive than Tcut so it will remove more of the oxidised layer with less work (hopefully). If the panel is glassfibre it will be rough on its underside. Glassfibre has a gel coat finish which is hard and thick in comparison to paint, so you can cut it back hard without fear of going right through. After the oxidised layer has been removed a dose of Autoglym Super Resin Polish should give you a good gleam.
sounds to me like a paint brush and a tin of dulux might be the answer , if you do go down the g3 route becareful not to use too much elbow grease or you just may make it a whole lot worse, are you certain the front is meant to be 'shiney' and is not just a matt finish, may seem daft but could be why all the usual cleaners and polishe's have failed to put a shine on it
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Topic: Dull ol` van...
, if you do go down the g3 route becareful not to use too much elbow grease or you just may make it a whole lot worse, are you certain the front is meant to be 'shiney' and is not just a matt finish, may seem daft but could be why all the usual cleaners and polishe's have failed to put a shine on it
