2007 Focus ZX3 By A Hobbiest Detailer

[08Sunburst]

Figured I would post this in the OT section, as its not caliber related...



So, long story short, my buddy is selling his focus, and his mom got a new truck, so he got her old one..



This car hasnt been cleaned out in AT LEAST a year, but i know its probably been a bit longer..



Pictures go in order, im just too lazy, and too tired to explain all of them haha

 

[08Sunburst]

Tomorrow the exterior gets done, but was only requested that it get clayed and protected, as the vehicle is being sold, and the interior was the main concern.



Car hasnt been washed in over a year(after it was done at the body shop). Surprisingly, the paint doesnt look like its in too bad of condition as far as swirls and scratches go.



More pictures after tomorrow

 

[Scooby24]

Looks much cleaner but I can't say I am a fan of the product selection for the dash/plastics.

 

[08Sunburst]

Looks much cleaner but I can't say I am a fan of the product selection for the dash/plastics.

Its meguiars retail line protectant, just the higher shine formula. Some people like a higher shine, some don't.

 

[DeanSweet]

That's gross... Looks much better afterwards that's for sure. Especially the carpet.

 

[08Sunburst]

Ok, here is the rest of it, and ill explain some of it haha



Didnt get to snap a whole lot of pictures today, as i was kind of pressed for time...







Note the CAKED on tar and junk..

Dirty door sill:

First car wash in over a year...

Pull it into the garage, and start to claybar:

BARF:

Claybar all done, wash again and apply sealant, let cure for 30 minutes or so.(no paint correction done unfortunately, but it was in pretty decent shape given the circumstances.)

Wipe away excess sealant, dress tires(and rims) and put the interior back together.

Some before/after interior shots(again)

and a 50/50 shot of the headliner that i forgot to post yesterday..

And that about does it. Just waiting for my buddy to come pick it up. Sadly, he is putting it up for sale lol

 

[imported_mobenzowner1]

Car looks a whole,whole bunch better. Hope you never ate anything that came from the owners house. That was about as gross as I've ever seen one.

 

[08Sunburst]

Car looks a whole,whole bunch better. Hope you never ate anything that came from the owners house. That was about as gross as I've ever seen one.

Idk what the deal is with his car.. His house is fine lol, but then again, he has to help keep that clean because he is married lol



It is a LOT better though

 

[Thomas Dekany]

Excellent job!

 

[08Sunburst]

Excellent job!

Thanks! I know its not 100% perfect, but not bad for someone who doesnt detail on a daily basis lol

 

[imported_DieselMDX]

damn that is disgusting





but great turn around!

 

[08Sunburst]

damn that is disgusting





but great turn around!

Thank you!

 

[Strokes77]

Great job, the car looks great, and you increased the resale value by a ton. I hope you were well compensated.



Thanks for documenting the change.

 

[08Sunburst]

Great job, the car looks great, and you increased the resale value by a ton. I hope you were well compensated.



Thanks for documenting the change.

Eh, its my buddy, so i told him to not worry about cash value. I was more concerned about helping him out, as he has helped me out in the past.



Hopefully he can get some decent money when he sells the car, which its being put up for sale soon.



Bittersweet really, it took a LOT of time to get it back to the way it should be, and he wont even be driving it. Whoever winds up buying it will get a very clean car though.

 

[Lotuseffect]

Nice turnaround man. Although in all cases where a customer or friend is about to trade the car in I always advise a matte finish. High gloss on a trade in just screams "ive never maintained this car and I just cleaned it up to bring it to you". Most customers follow my advice some just plain want that glossy, sweaty finish. Ill swallow hard then go ahead and gloss it up but in reality I think a clean matte finished interior projects a good car owner illusion much better.

 

[Scooby24]

Nice turnaround man. Although in all cases where a customer or friend is about to trade the car in I always advise a matte finish. High gloss on a trade in just screams "ive never maintained this car and I just cleaned it up to bring it to you". Most customers follow my advice some just plain want that glossy, sweaty finish. Ill swallow hard then go ahead and gloss it up but in reality I think a clean matte finished interior projects a good car owner illusion much better.

This....I don't even own anything with shine, so if someone requested it (never have had anyone disagree that matte is the way to go), I'd tell them I can't offer it. It just looks like you'd get slimy by touching anything and should smell like a locker room.

 

[08Sunburst]

The finish isnt bad. The shine goes away after a day or so, give or take. Its still sitting in my driveway(taking it back to his apartment tonight), and its already better.