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Hey guys, I've always wanted to learn how to detail properly though I have always been an avid detailer. I'm very picky when I have a nice car to maintain, or one to fix up for resale.
The latter brought me here, hopefully I can learn some things to apply to my own vehicles in the future! I am in the process of picking up a rust free 1989 Ford Mustang LX convertible. The car is now in New Jersey, though it's been a Cali car all it's life up until a year ago. The interior looks horrible, under the hood shows it's age, the exterior looks good minus some dings and dents and the convertible top looks good enough. My goal is to clean up the car as much as possible to fetch as much as possible for resale. I will post up some pictures as well.
1) The exterior is Dove Grey, and looks white in the pictures. I am sure that it has some fading in the clearcoat considering it is a California vehicle. The black trim and beltline mouldings will probably all be scuffed and repainted satin black rather than trying to shine them up. In my experience, this is the best route for an even look all around. I need advice on what to use to make the exterior look its best.
2) The interior apparently looks worse than it is in the pictures. Either way, I will definitely be replacing either the drivers seat or both front seats. I will be cleaning the carpet, seats and all the plastic as best I can and need help in this regard. What to use, and how?
3) The convertible top might get a coat of paint/dye depending on its shape. I'm not too worried about cleaning it because it is black but am curious what to use for dressing.
4) The engine bay is my biggest concern. It looks ugly, and will need some serious attention to make it look nice. The issue here is that Ford decided to paint the upper intake manifold while leaving all the other aluminum surfaces bare! So, I know that certain materials and cleaning products will work great on rubber/plastic/painted areas but will make the bare aluminum spotty or white. Can can I do here? I will be scrubbing, and doing everything I can to make the engine bay look it's best. What products and products can you recommend and are there any tips on how to do this best?
I appreciate any and all help you can provide, and here are some pics for good measure so that you know what I'm dealing with. I look forward to reading your responses!!!
SS
The latter brought me here, hopefully I can learn some things to apply to my own vehicles in the future! I am in the process of picking up a rust free 1989 Ford Mustang LX convertible. The car is now in New Jersey, though it's been a Cali car all it's life up until a year ago. The interior looks horrible, under the hood shows it's age, the exterior looks good minus some dings and dents and the convertible top looks good enough. My goal is to clean up the car as much as possible to fetch as much as possible for resale. I will post up some pictures as well.
1) The exterior is Dove Grey, and looks white in the pictures. I am sure that it has some fading in the clearcoat considering it is a California vehicle. The black trim and beltline mouldings will probably all be scuffed and repainted satin black rather than trying to shine them up. In my experience, this is the best route for an even look all around. I need advice on what to use to make the exterior look its best.
2) The interior apparently looks worse than it is in the pictures. Either way, I will definitely be replacing either the drivers seat or both front seats. I will be cleaning the carpet, seats and all the plastic as best I can and need help in this regard. What to use, and how?
3) The convertible top might get a coat of paint/dye depending on its shape. I'm not too worried about cleaning it because it is black but am curious what to use for dressing.
4) The engine bay is my biggest concern. It looks ugly, and will need some serious attention to make it look nice. The issue here is that Ford decided to paint the upper intake manifold while leaving all the other aluminum surfaces bare! So, I know that certain materials and cleaning products will work great on rubber/plastic/painted areas but will make the bare aluminum spotty or white. Can can I do here? I will be scrubbing, and doing everything I can to make the engine bay look it's best. What products and products can you recommend and are there any tips on how to do this best?
I appreciate any and all help you can provide, and here are some pics for good measure so that you know what I'm dealing with. I look forward to reading your responses!!!
SS
Trust me on the PlastX and headlights - you've got nothing to lose 
I hope the headlights really come out nice.
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