PHEA MEET: LowiePete's Detailing Meet - Saturday 22nd April

PHEA MEET: LowiePete's Detailing Meet - Saturday 22nd April

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iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

234 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
quotequote all
Afternoon everyone!

Hot on the heels on of the Early Spring Run Thread, I am excited the announce a return to the PHEA Calendar of LowiePete's Detailing Meet, organised by our very own Steve "LowiePete". This year, it is to be held on Saturday 22nd April.

Words from LowiePete himself said:
The meeting venue is The Fighting Cocks Pub in Lowestoft, NR33 0NA: MAP LINK HERE
The meeting time is 9:30am for depature at 10am.
The date chosen is the weekend before the Duxford Spring Show on 30 April, generally seen as the event that kicks off the car show season.

Instead of the meeting then coming to my home, we will transfer to a local industrial unit.
What this means is that the meet is no longer weather dependent and I can increase the
attendees limit from 10 to at least 15. If there are enough experienced detailers to
support it, that limit could be extended to 20. Please indicate this willingness as you register.
We'll be providing hot drinks, but you will need to bring your own packed lunch. We'll not
be retiring to the local pub as hitherto.

The invitation to this meet is also to members of 3 other Forums, so preference will be
given to those who register first, should the limits be reached.

Instead of the usual goodie-bag, as it might be a bit of a challenge assembling 20 of them,
there will be a draw with some worthwhile prizes.

Please register by adding your name to the list (Show *E for experienced and willing to be a guide)
So that's the information. Now all you need do is add your name to the list below or message me to let us know you'd like to attend.
If you have any questions post them here so LowiePete can answer you directly smile

With numbers limited, please get your name down to avoid disappointment thumbup

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

We hope to see you there!

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Wednesday 22 February 18:28

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Hello folks,

For the "beginners" the programme will be along these lines.
  • up to 10:20 - Introductions and safety briefing for everyone
  • up to 10:40 - some basics about the hobby, discussion of tools / techniques
  • up to 11:30 - bucketless washing inside and clay cloth guidance and practice
  • up to midday - rinseless washing outside and paint assessment discussion
  • midday to 12:45 lunch and informal break
  • from 12:45 to 14:30 - surface preparation by hand, discussion and practice with various options from pre-wax cleaners, polishes and restorative potions
  • up to 16:00 - questions and answers session for everyone
The above is only an outline, and not set in stone. As for those working by
machines, I have none so will hand over to those who do to work out and
notify. How we split the attendees on the day really depends upon who is
coming and we'll organise that much nearer the time. In essence, the day
will be tailored as much as possible around those who intend to come.

Please recognise that learning the machine aspect of the hobby takes a lot
more knowledge and practice than can be provided on a single day like this.
Your vehicle preparation ahead of using a machine will be the focus of the
beginner group, so don't overlook its potential. We're all after a good result.

I can say that there _won't_ be enough parking spaces for 20 cars on site,
so several cars will need to be left at the pub for the day. I will also need
you to provide your own safety equipment should we be steered along a path
requiring a few specialist potions with those needs. More info on this closer
to the day.

Regards,
Steve

jimjam92

168 posts

109 months

Sunday 5th March 2017
quotequote all
Brilliant, will get my name down.

1. Jimjam92
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

234 months

Monday 13th March 2017
quotequote all
I will be there smile

1. Jimjam92
2. iluvmercs
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Darren

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Sunday 19th March 2017
quotequote all
Updated and combined list as at 18 March 2017...

1. Balky001 (DW)
2. dchapman88 *E (DW
3. SamD (DW)
4. mgtf (DW)
5. Andy (Local)
6. Ray (TR)
7. JimJam92 (PH)
8. iluvmercs (PH)
9. Graham (Local)
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Regards,
Steve

ndwall

68 posts

132 months

Sunday 19th March 2017
quotequote all
1. Balky001 (DW)
2. dchapman88 *E (DW
3. SamD (DW)
4. mgtf (DW)
5. Andy (Local)
6. Ray (TR)
7. JimJam92 (PH)
8. iluvmercs (PH)
9. Graham (Local)
10. ndwall (PH)
11.
12.
13.
14.

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Tuesday 28th March 2017
quotequote all
Hello Folks,

Anyone whose attended one of my detailing days will know that no-one
goes home empty-handed, and what they do go home with they can actually
use. This year, with potentially 20 attendees that's a bit of an ask, so,
instead there will be a free prize draw, with some worthwhile goodies to grab.

So far, there are 3, with several more to come and an average value at
close to 20 quid each.

Regards,
Steve

Edited by LowiePete on Saturday 8th April 10:46

barclayboy

199 posts

198 months

Tuesday 28th March 2017
quotequote all
Steve
I would like to attend.
Definitely a beginner with a 2005 Porsche Boxster 987 S
Thanks Gary

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Tuesday 28th March 2017
quotequote all
1. Balky001 (DW)
2. dchapman88 *E (DW
3. SamD (DW)
4. mgtf (DW)
5. Andy (Local)
6. Ray (TR)
7. JimJam92 (PH)
8. iluvmercs (PH)
9. Graham (Local)
10. ndwall (PH)
11. barclayboy (PH)
12.
13.
14.
15.

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Friday 7th April 2017
quotequote all
Hello Folks,

Introduction

They've been a bit like buses these electric blue cars coming my way, 2 Méganes, a
Rav 4 and now a Clio 182. We seem to have a bit of a Renault enclave down our road
and this car joins those that shine a bit, or at least it will. Andy, the car's owner is
bringing it to my Detailing Day on the 22nd, so we're doing the prep ahead of it being
ready for machine work on the day.

A Tuition Detail

Andy is no stranger to keeping his cars tidy, but seeing us gathered on previous detailing
days, he was intrigued. The biggest headache, and ongoing puzzle, is the car's bonnet
that has had a couple of experiments carried out on it. There are some bad water streak
damage lines emanating from the screen-wash jets.

So, the first job was to wash the car, with a single bucket ADS No Rinse (ANRSS) mix and
a spray bottle of ONR. This method of washing, especially its simplicity and effectiveness,
was appreciated by Andy, as was the clay cloth clean that came next. Again, there was
ANRSS in the bucket for rinsing and helping to lubricate the surface. This washing method
will be compared with the two-bucket method on the day.

So, I then set to on the front of the car, with the bonnet being my first attention priority.
Here's a couple of pictures where study will show the screen-wash damage...





The first tool used was a magic sponge. This was used in conjunction with CarPro Spotless.
The sponge had been wetted in the ANRSS bucket, and squeezed out before picking up
the cleaning liquid. There was a curious reaction where there was some unexpected light
foaming as if the sponge was pulling out previously used detergents. No pics taken...

Once rinsed and dried, I tried a coat of ADS Blue Lotion.(ABL) Presently, I'm trialling no
less than 3 versions of ABL, so my comments below are mainly for the guys in SG. My
original bottle (used here) was Version 3, and gently working in 3 tiny drops from a soft
black sponge applicator produced this...



...half the bonnet done



...and all the bonnet done. Yeah, I know, I missed a bit! wink



Next up came the upper grilles; typical Renault plastics. Before...



...and after...



The car's front beginning to look quite tidy... smile



More Water Damage

With Andy having given the car its clay cloth clean, it was time to give the paint a more
thorough inspection. At first glance, it doesn't look too bad...



...but closer inspection shows that the car hasn't avoided the East Coast style water-spotting.
We've seen this on the Rav 4 and although you have to look for it, the dulling effect on the
paint will become clear.



What do you notice between this next photograph and the one that follows it?





The give-away is the bit of the ABL bottle, that was Version 4, and the release of the shades of
purple so far absent. I'm quite thrilled with these comparison photographs because they show
that it can_only_ be clean paint that shows its true colours. All we had done is reduced the water
damage by the final cleaning action of the ABL.

The paint is now ready for its cleaning by ABL applied by DA, where hopefully the remainder of
the water spots will be removed. You'll need to study this next photo to establish how much the
spotting has been reduced, there is still some there...



Nearing Day's End

Back to the car's front end, and more plastics to deal with. This could be quite a fiddle, but the ABL
was applied with a long-haired brush first, then worked in with a shorter bristle brush. Here's a
quick 50/50...



The remaining pictures show our progress by the end of the day. On the Detailing Day, it will want
nothing more than a thorough wash and final check for tar spots before being ready for some
machine demos...









Having got the bonnet vinyl looking reasonably tidy, there was more ABL used on the wipers and
trim behind...



Overall, a pretty rewarding day, with nary a sweat broken. From my perspective, it's really good
to share a bit of a different way to do things and to witness the sense of satisfaction of my
partner for the day. The 22nd can't come soon enough!

Regards,
Steve

Edited by LowiePete on Friday 7th April 18:01

tel595

684 posts

179 months

Tuesday 11th April 2017
quotequote all
Why not..?? biggrin

LowiePete said:
1. Balky001 (DW)
2. dchapman88 *E (DW
3. SamD (DW)
4. mgtf (DW)
5. Andy (Local)
6. Ray (TR)
7. JimJam92 (PH)
8. iluvmercs (PH)
9. Graham (Local)
10. ndwall (PH)
11. barclayboy (PH)
12. tel595 (PH)
13.
14.
15.

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Tuesday 11th April 2017
quotequote all
Safety Notice - PPE Requirements

Back in the day, the thought of wearing anything special for detailing was an
anathema, after all, the very best waxes were always best applied by hand,
literally! How the World has changed?

While the majority of this meet will be around benign potions and methods,
if we are to do more than just talk about what are essentially "professional"
practices, then we do need everyone to stay safe. By attending this event it
is incumbent upon you to not put yourself or anyone else at risk. You _will_
need to bring the following items with you, and you'll be required to wear
them when instructed, else stay well clear of that work area until that demo
is concluded.

Please bring...
  • protective eyewear
  • nitrile gloves (more than one pair)
  • a face mask to FFP3 standards (disposable is fine)
I do want everyone to enjoy their day. We're there to share experiences with
each other, not to test ambulance response times. Your collaboration is much
appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Steve

Edited by LowiePete on Tuesday 11th April 14:21

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Tuesday 11th April 2017
quotequote all
The List as of 14 April 2017

1. Balky001 (DW)
2. dchapman88 *E (DW
3. SamD (DW)
4. Panda (Local)
5. Andy (Local)
6. Ray (TR)
7. JimJam92 (PH)
8. iluvmercs (PH)
9. Graham (Local)
10. ndwall (PH)
11. barclayboy (PH)
12. tel595 (PH)
13.
14.
15.


Please note that the list closes at 21:00 on Friday 21st

Edited by LowiePete on Thursday 20th April 15:38

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Sunday 16th April 2017
quotequote all
Hello Folks,

After a long absence I'm once again able to distribute samples of ONR to
everyone who attends this detailing day. Along with your PPE equipment, please
also bring an empty 100ml bottle for filling on the day. In the past, when I
funded this myself, I gave out 60ml samples, but at this meet that amount will
be increased to 90ml, the equivalent of 6 capfuls.

I'm able to do this thanks to Dr. G of OPT in the USA. thumbup

Regards,
Steve

tel595

684 posts

179 months

Thursday 20th April 2017
quotequote all
Alas, I won't be able to make this on Saturday. Work has once again got in the way I'm afraid.. Hope you all have a great day. frown



LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Thursday 20th April 2017
quotequote all
The List as of 21 April 2017

1. dchapman88 *E (DW)
2. SamD (DW)
3. Panda (Local)
4. Andy (Local)
5. Ray (TR)
6. JimJam92 (PH)
7. iluvmercs (PH)
8. ndwall (PH)
9. barclayboy (PH)
10.
11.
12.

Please note that the list closes at 21:00 on Friday 21st

Edited by LowiePete on Friday 21st April 14:54

sportquattro_0

71 posts

201 months

Friday 21st April 2017
quotequote all
will try to get there ,think I will not be required at work tomorrow so will try for 9.30 with the Quattro,regards steven

LowiePete

497 posts

145 months

Friday 21st April 2017
quotequote all
The Final List...

1. dchapman88 *E (DW)
2. SamD (DW)
3. Panda (Local)
4. Andy (Local)
5. Ray (TR)
6. JimJam92 (PH)
7. iluvmercs (PH)
8. ndwall (PH)
9. barclayboy (PH)
10. sportquattro (PH)

Please note that this list is now closed

ndwall

68 posts

132 months

Sunday 23rd April 2017
quotequote all
Would like to say a big thank you to Steve and Darren (no. 2) for your guidance today. I took an awful lot away to use on my amateur detailing.

Highlights;
  1. Meeting a great bunch of like minded individuals
  2. Seeing the 5 turbo
  3. Winning a prize smile
  4. The transformation of the headlights on the Laguna
  5. Having a go at rinse-less, not sure I'm converted but time will tell (and a few test products)
  6. I'm still at a loss as to whether you can wax a car with such little product.
Thanks again chaps.

Nick

barclayboy

199 posts

198 months

Sunday 23rd April 2017
quotequote all
Gents
I would like to echo the comments made by Nick.
I was a little apprehensive about attending as I am - was a complete beginner
However everyone was friendly and welcoming.

The transformation on the "test" car was amazing.
I now have the confidence to use a clay cloth, now I've sorted out its "geography" 😃
I learned so much that I came home and wrote down a new routine to use on my car.

Thanks Steve both Darren's and my new detailing buddies