Evening everyone.

As JAE is fast approcahing I need to give the old girl a good going over. It may be the only LS430 at the show but I don't want it to be the car with the worst paint cindition.This is what I'm going to do so what I'm basically looking for is advice as to weather I'm doing the right thing or not.

1: Damn good rinse off with the hose
2: A good wash with a mit and Meguiars Gold Class shampoo using another bucket to rinse my mit in
3: Good dry off with my big towel (can't remember which one but I think it's a meguiars one)
4: Clay it all over (appart from windows) with quick detailer
5: Another dry off
6: Apply deep crystal paint cleaner on a polishing pad with my G220 polisher
7: Apply deep crystal polish on a polishing pad as well using my G220
8: Apply deep crystal carnuba wax with finishing pad with my G220
9: Sleep for a week as I'm going to be well bushed.

Anything I'm missing?

Cheers,
Jim.

P.S. Can't do snowfoaming as I don't have a lance.

Yeah, before you sleep, come up to Lancashire and do mine as well lol

1st thing check the weather report

Don't you just love it. People asking me to have a try on their car first. I feel most humbled. Well, if your willing to let me have a go on your car that's no problem but bear in mind, I've never even clayed a car before let alone used a dual action polisher on one but I'll give it a go. I've never done an eye operation either but I'm up for doing that too.

I also checked the weather and it said dry, but cloudy. I'm hoping that didn't mean wet and cloudy but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Seeing as you're in Hertfordshire you're probably closer to me than Stav, so you're welcome to practice on mine instead!

Sounds like quite a day you've got planned there, I'm sure it'll look great when you're done

Kent (the Garden of England) has good weather forecast for Monday, so come and do mine, I've got all the stuff you need

I must say how touched I am by all these invitations. I just don't know where to start. I know, I shall strart with detailing therapy which apparently can only be cured by cleaning an astral black Lexus LS430, aprox year of 2004. If I do a good enough job then I shall let you all know. I'm only doing all of this so my car doesn't look like a minger at JAE. I've not been before and I'd like to look like I've made the effort.

Your plan sounds good to me - got the essentials like two bucket, clay bar is really good if needed.

Only thing that might be worth trying is something like Turtle Wax hard shell gloss coat over the top if the Megs doesn't give enough of a shine. Megs is great stuff but I have occasionally seen better glossy finishes on other (cheaper) products.

4: Clay it all over (appart from windows) with quick detailer

Why not the windows ? You'll be surprised how dirty a windscreen gets. Claybar everything, lights, indicators, and wheels. Good luck with the weather, a bit gloomy where I am.

Don't worry, my car will almost certainly have a worst paint condition ! I've got some clay and am fulling intending to give my car some proper treatment, but not sure I'll get it done in time for JAE.

Just a quick update.

I've just washed it and clayed it. Before claying I felt the paint and I thought it was smooth. I just did the boot lid thinking nothing else would need doing but it turned the clay dark brown so I have just finished the whole car. Only lost one knuckle in the process. Having a spot of tea and then I'm digging out the G220. Pics to follow.

Enjoy your bank holiday.

Jim.