Fuel for Thought
A weekend of preparing
It all started bright and early Saturday morning. We went and delivered our load, and then it was time to hit the auto parts store to stock up on detailing chemicals. We also went and grabbed a ladder, vacuum, and more of our chemicals that we had in storage. While washed the van, I took the seat cushions out and cleaned them with upholstry cleaner. Then it was time to start the fun stuff. First we clay barred the van. If you have never done that before, let me tell you it is quite tedious. You have a bottle of spray, a rag, and a bar of clay. You spray the chemical on and then work the paint with the clay. It takes out a lot of the contaminants that are left in the paint from normal every day conditions. That took us all Saturday afternoon, and well into the evening. In the evening we had the pleasure of having a little cookout with a few of the other van drivers that were up here. After dinner we continued claying. Then I also cleaned the cab area of the van and it shines quite nicely. We finally headed to bed about midnight.
(Left side has been clay barred and cleaner waxed. Right only clay barred)
Sunday morning it was time to start on the next three steps. Using cleaner wax, swirl x, and waxing it. Nick and I worked hand in hand doing all of this. Usually he would apply it, and then it was my job to take it back off. I also did the lower parts of the van, as it much easier for me than him since he is almost a foot and a half taller than I am. Once all three of these steps were done, about 10 hours later, I started on the next step of the process, which was rust removal and paint touch ups. Now if you followed my blog last year you would remember that I LOVE sanding. Not sure why, but I do. So I sanded down the few small spots that we had and then it was time to touch them up with paint. They all came out quite while, minus one smaller one, about the size of a quarter, that I will be finshing next weekend, once I get some more tools to do so.
(Before)
(After)
After a good 23 hours worth of work from both Nick and I it was time to shower and head to bed. There is still more work to be done next weekend. I have to hang the new curtains, and the bed skirt that we had his mom make for us. As well as we need to fabricate the custom hood bra that will cover the whole hood for the show. I also need to finish cleaning the interior walls, and repaint the cargo floor area. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain a good looking vehichle. We were asked why we didn't pay someone to do it. Yes, it definately would have been easier, but the pride in knowing what we did is a great feeling. We are looking forward to seeing you in a week and a half!
Jenny Marcu
Leased to Load1
2006 Sprinter