Escort RS2000 – Ford Fair Correction Detail

Thursday I had an early start to travel down to Essex to detail a RS2000 for Ford Fair on the upcoming Sunday.

The package performed on this vehicle was Platinum.

On Arrival

Passenger side:

A little bit grimy but not to bad, you can tell that it has been looked after.

The vehicle was washed and dried, as well as APC being used to treat the lower half of the car and the usual places where dirt gathers.

Next up was the alloys.

Before

They were treated with a wheel brightener, which was agitated with various brushes. The alloys were sealed after machine polishing and the tyres were dressed.

After

Next up was the exhaust.

Before

The exhaust was treated with a degreaser and wire wool to remove the charring. Then it was polished up and sealed after machine polishing.

After

Now the vehicle was washed and ready to be clayed.

Contaminants from half the roof:

Not to bad.

Contaminants from the bottom of the passenger door:

Pretty bad – and yes that is a metal filing on the right hand side of the clay!

Contaminants from half the bonnet:

Probably the worst section of contaminants picked up from the vehicle.

The vehicle was now ready to be masked up and inspected for paint defects.

Well lets start with the roof shall we?!

Completely lifeless . Rich informed me that the car had been sat for a long time during the very cold winter we have just experienced.

Firstly I decided to get stuck in with a 3M Fast Cut Plus pad with a Fast Cut Plus and Ultra Fine Compound mix. I saw limited results at best, so time to wet sand:

The roof was then hit in 3 separate sessions on each half changing between 3M Fast Cut and Lake Country Heavy Cut Pads, which produced some gloss which Rich and I were both happy with although it was still quite dull. One of the unfortunate losses to the body shop it seems.

Roof 50/50

Both sides were corrected as much as possible but it appeared that the lacquer peel on the rear of the roof had allowed the elements to run riot underneath the clear coat.

Bonnet Before

Bonnet After

The same cutting and refining steps were carried out around the rest of the vehicle.

After Machine Polishing

Before applying the finishing touches, including Valentines Concours Wax I took some pre-wax pictures of the finish and the depth and clarity that can be created by 3M Fast Cut/Ultra Fine mix and the glaze Sonus SFX-3:

Passenger Rear Quarter:

Passenger Wing:

Passenger Door:

Boot Lid:

Flake pop in macro with reflection – Drivers Rear Quarter:

The vehicle was unmasked. The paintwork was protected with Valentines Concours Wax, the glass was polished and the rubbers/plastics were dressed.

The Results

The obligatory thumbs up in the passenger door:

Passenger Quarter Panel:

Another obligatory thumbs up in boot lid:

Thanks for looking and reading, and a big thank you to Richard (Dibbs) for his hospitality and company today…