1783 replies to this topic

[JG]

[ad172]

Right then let's fill this thread with random bumph!!

Jimmy, a dual Action is a good place to start as it is far more forgiving than a rotary. Also given the fact that the VX is fibre glass you want to try and minimise heat build-up. Added to that the numerous angles you need to make sure you are not giving the edges too hard a time. I'd be more than happy to catch up and explain it all and give some recommendations on products and lighting requirements etc.

As for your process, comments below:

The process as I see it (so far)

Foam wash
2 Bucket rinse
Fall out remover (Tardis & Ironx). This should remove most of the contaminants on the paint meaning the claying process, which can inflict marring, is kept to a minimum.

Clay. Still required with a good lube!!!
Machine polish the paint (not sure what product, maybe this kit LINK)
Rinse
Dodo Lime Prime
2 coats Harveys wax
1 coat Banana Armour wax
Machine buff the wax

No real need to machine buff the wax, and you won't see a significant benefit from giving 3 coats. Your time would be better spent on the wheels!!

Not really thought about wheels, interior, exhause etc yet.....

[JG]

Ad, did you used to clay the vx? I always worry that the paint is too soft, and some fo the dodo decontaminents do the same sort of thing?

[ad172]

I did clay the VX but I used a very mild clay to remove contaminants. I've since incorporated fall-out removers (Tardis/Iron X) into my routine which remove most of the bonded contaminants meaning there are only a few contaminants left for the clay to remove, hence less damage/risk of marring the paint.

James please note you need to drive the car on the road to pick up contaminants in the first place!!

Ad, did you used to clay the vx? I always worry that the paint is too soft, and some fo the dodo decontaminents do the same sort of thing?

[JG]

what about dust in the garage?

[ad172]

I thought you had installed a ventilation system to create a 'clean air' atmosphere in you timber shed James!!!

[JG]

yeah, its called a cover

[ad172]

Aghhh - you put a cover on!! recipe for scratches!!!! Anyway I'm feeling guilty for cluttering your Project thread now!!

[JG]

Only if its clean. Once its been out, it doesn't get covered again until its cleaned. It spends most of its time covered

[Bumblebee]

Surprised no ones bought a carcoon,1 of the best things I've bought for the car

[JG]

I've got a new favorite mod. 4 channel ABS unit - Why didn't i do this years ago? 120-0 on my private road is unbelievable. Mash the brake pedal like a gorilla and it just sort it out. I reckon its halved the stopping distance. Maybe i'd just got used to the ABS, got used to fact that it would regularly go into ice mode, got used to that terrible buzzing through the pedal. It still pulsates but its a completely different feeling. Quite litterally pull your face off. Forget superchargers or stage gazillion turbo, this mod alone, i am certain would have give me more advantage on track than the additional 100 powers. I had Paul in the car with me at the time (P4UL VX) and he couldn't believe it either. From the problems i had at Le Mans last year i've changed: The pads The discs The front calipers The hoses The vacuum hose The vacuum connector The ABS unit They feel completely different from what i can tell without trying it on track. Could this be a cure for hard pedal syndrome, someone would have to explain to me how, but i'm almost ready to believe it.

[Bumblebee]

How much is this abs unit just out of interest?

[JG]

about £500 (recent group buy at £390)

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

I never used to bother switching it off in my VXR but I must admit it was better without still..... I brake like a though so maybe that's why.....

[JG]

I killed a nearly new set of front AO48s at le Mans last year, so a decent ABS will help

[techieboy]

I've got a new favorite mod.

4 channel ABS unit - Why didn't i do this years ago?

It's just a transformation, isn't it?

That last Walshy day I did 18 months ago, when I drove a fellow attendee's 111R, convinced me I NEEDED to get it. The Ben Elliot tuition day I did straight after convinced me I HAD to get one. I hadn't realised just how much I'd expected to have an ABS "issue" at every corner and allowed for that in the way I'd brake for a corner. Think I'd got one sorted within 36 hours of getting home and it was the best £170 I've spent on the car. I think I've had just a slight hint of hard pedal syndrome twice since the change, instead of once/twice/ten times a lap and only at the end of some looong straights.

[JG]

yep, Its given the car a completely different feel. I drove it in the pooring rain yesterday (yes, it needs a two day clean now ) and already thougtht it was going to be good, but it wasn't until the higher speed drive of today that i am gobsmacked.

[CocoPops]

Go and code mine?

[techieboy]

Who coded it for you? Dick Lovett at Swindon? Straightforward once you'd convinced them to give it a try?

[JG]

you need new fluid first, my 15k miles oil in the diesel golf is cleaner