So as posted in another thread, I recently got some new detailing products and I'm playing around a bit and slowly dealing with some areas on my car that could use some love. This is because they need some TLC, but also because I'm trying out the versatility of some of the newly bought goodies.
Today's exercise is an engine bay.
As in the thread "Shaun's Wash Process", this isn't a be-all and end-all type of "How-to" guide, but rather just what I do.
As you would also expect, it's likely to change as I discover different products and different techniques, and I'm full open to anyones suggestions on how to improve my results.
So let's begin.
Products Used:
- Various Brushes
- APC (1:10 Dilution)
- IPA Wipedown (91%, 1:10 Dilution)
- CarPro PERL (1:3 Dilution)
Take off all unnecssary bits and pieces.
I removed my windscreen wipers, and after the APC clean, I remove the large engine cover.
Also, don't forget to take some before photos so all of your anonymous internet friends can see how you cleaned your engine bay.
Take "Before" pics.
Wash:
Spray down some APC, obviously don't spray it on areas that may be sensitive, like batteries and what-have-you and proceed to give it a decent "wash" to remove any dirt or dust, loose contaminants etc.
Once complete, remve all excess with a rag. I have a bunch of old cloths in my garage for dirty jobs, and they work great for engine bays and random plastic trim.
Once done, you can then spray them down with the IPA wipedown, this is just to ensure the surface is completely clean.
Some photos below, you can see that I only later took off the engine cover to get proper coverage.
Dressing:
Next is to begin the dressing. I mixed CarPro PERL at a 1:3 dilution, which is for external trim and then put it into a spray bottle, available at all random Chinese online stores (AliExpress), for however much you're willing to pay, I then spray this liberally, but once again not being an idiot, on the engine bay.
Get a good coat, and let it sit for a bit. I also agitated a little with a brush to get it into the nooks and crannies, but wasn't too stressed.
Finishing Touches:
After completing the dressing application, I like to come back with another rag and remove all of the excess. Give everything a good wipe to ensure it's evenly coated and there's no random dripping.
I did actually then apply a coat of PERL at no dilution with a sponge to the windscreen cowl (name?) and then used the sponge to een everythig out on the engine plastics.
Also, don't forget things like the rubber knobs that cover the bolts on the windscreen wipers.
Once complete, don't forget to re-install any parts you took off, and ensure they are fitted properly and correctly.
And that my process on a quick and easy engine bay cleaning and dressing (I hesitate to call it detailing).
Any tips, or tricks, feel free to share.
Also open to answering any questions or anything that anyone may have.
Great job all the same , did you say it was your first time using PERL?