From an A3 to an S4! (incl progress pics)

[Audi-Rog]

Hi everyone in the B6 forum!

I'd just thought I would introduce myself! My Name is Rog, I've just become the proud owner of a S4 B6 , after having an A3 2.0 TFSI Q. I have posted a few times on the A3 8P forum, so I'm no stranger to the site.

It is in pretty good condition overall, but needs some loving to get it back to where it should be. It's done a few miles (115K), but has full service history and runs very well.

I will be Detailing and restoring the car over the next few weeks/months. I am putting the update/progress photos on via Facebook. If anyone is interested here is the link.

Facebook Progress pics

Here's my previous car. I spent alot of time, effort and money getting this looking respectable!

My new ride! I will do the same for this car too.

Loving the car so far, the sound and speed is awesome! It doesn't need a stereo! But I will need deeper pockets!!

I Look forward to chatting with you guys and to share wisdom in the future.

Rog :thumbsup:

 

[sinic]

Congrats on the new car, she's a beauty

 

[quattrojames]

Welcome Rog

Congratulations on the S4, looks like it's ready for a bit of TLC!

 

[Audi-Rog]

Thanks James,

I am itching to crack on with it, but I have to balance the time spent on it with being a Husband and Father of two! Otherwise, I will be an Ex- husband and will have to organise visiting rights!!

I've given the exterior a very quick once over, to guage what needs sorting on it. Also detailed the interior, which is in good condition, apart for some worn window switches and the ESP button bubbling?! Nothing too serious. It has the carbon fibre trim and Full black leather recaros.

I am a part-time Detailer, so it won't be too hard to make it look a whole lot better than it is right now!

Rog

 

[Pabs]

Loving your new S4 B6, getting tempted to maybe upgrade mine and have some V8 fun, Good luck with your new toy

 

[marktdisport]

looking sweet m8 nice one

 

[Inked]

Very nice Rog. Very Jealous of that engine!!

 

[Grangey.]

Good stuff!

You could have put some LED number plate bulbs in after going to all the effort of replacing the grab mould though

How much did the grab mould set you back out of interest?

 

[Airfix]

Excellent , S4`s just so classy , love it

 

[Audi-Rog]

Good stuff!

You could have put some LED number plate bulbs in after going to all the effort of replacing the grab mould though

How much did the grab mould set you back out of interest?

I did consider LED bulbs but the main thing was to get them working again! And the cost of LED Bulbs and lenses were £28 instead of £13!

I was lucky and got the grab mould for £24 posted off ebay. Which I think is reasonable, I don't know what the price from Audi is?

I have a few other items to get yet, so I'm trying to control cost, but it's all part of the fun of tinkering, isn't it!

BTW What air filters do people recommend for the S4? K&N, Pipercross, Green Cotton.. etc

Rog

 

[jutlis 3.0]

nice one you will love it i still love mine even though its in a million bits at the mo! I suppose its an excuse to make a few mods/improvements at the same time but i really miss it!

 

[Grangey.]

I did consider LED bulbs but the main thing was to get them working again! And the cost of LED Bulbs and lenses were £28 instead of £13!

Waa? I think I paid about £3/4 per led bulb for mine?!? And I didnt know there were different lenses needed for either?

Wow, £24 is a BARGAIN! I think theyre easily £140+ from Audi! Was that from a private seller or business?

 

[quattrojames]

Waa? I think I paid about £3/4 per led bulb for mine?!? And I didnt know there were different lenses needed for either?

Wow, £24 is a BARGAIN! I think theyre easily £140+ from Audi! Was that from a private seller or business?

I think my plate surround about a year ago was £28, not even Audi could get away with £140+!

You don't need different lenses, I think you might have misread that. The cheaper LED bulbs aren't as freely available now as they used to be from what I've read on here.

 

[jutlis 3.0]

have thought about different filter but been a bit put off by people saying they can mess them up

 

[Audi-Rog]

Waa? I think I paid about £3/4 per led bulb for mine?!? And I didnt know there were different lenses needed for either?

Wow, £24 is a BARGAIN! I think theyre easily £140+ from Audi! Was that from a private seller or business?

No sorry Grangey, you don't need different lenses, one of my lenses was missing and the other discoloured, so both units needed replacing. The lenses and LED bulb units off ebay are around £28+.

Also, I like to keep things as original or OEM+ as I can. I'm just a bit old fashioned! Plus, I'm not sure I like the LED look to be honest, I could be convinced otherwise though!

I had a quick search of the internet for a price for the Grab moulding, The only price I could see was around £60! That's not from Audi though and not Uk based. £28 from Audi seems to be OK though! The Business seller on ebay, I bought the Moulding from, also does quite a few original Audi/VW parts.

 

[Audi-Rog]

have thought about different filter but been a bit put off by people saying they can mess them up

I have put K&N panel filters in most of my cars without any dramas or issues. I cleaned the MAF sensor every so often just to be sure. I did have a Pipercross option in the A3 which was fine, but perferred the sound of the K&N.

I may do the same for the S4, does anyone else use aftermarket filters? Any running issues?

Rog

 

[Audi-Rog]

*update*

Press link to see.

Front calipers refurbed!

Comments welcome:icon_thumright:

Rog

 

[Pabs]

Front calipers look good now they are all cleaned up and painted, top job :thumbsup: what did you use to clean the suspension arms they came up gleaming

 

[quattrojames]

Looks good, I did mine gloss black - best colour

 

[Audi-Rog]

Front calipers look good now they are all cleaned up and painted, top job :thumbsup: what did you use to clean the suspension arms they came up gleaming

Cheers guys

To clean up the suspension Pabs, I used APC (All Purpose Cleaner - Degreaser) and a detailing brush first then, wire wool and Autosol, just to see how they would come up. It wasn't the main aim today. I will re-visit it later on the major detail. I will use Tardis also to melt the large amount of road tar under there too.

Black is the best and original colour for the car so..... I had considered red, but it would have been a bit bling!

I am quite happy how the caliper clips came out, I may get the S4 verisons in the future, but for £90 for the pair , it can wait!

Rog

 

[Airfix]

Looks good, I did mine gloss black - best colour

absolutely :thumbsup:

 

[sinic]

Calipers came up well considering. I've always wanted to take mine off and have them powder coated silver but can't do without the car. After seeing your effort I feel inspired to treat them on the car....

Also didn't realise grab moulds are prone to screw seizure so will have to check mine asap.

 

[Audi-Rog]

*update*

Enhancement Detail Completed.

Rog

 

[Inked]

Looks even better now Rog, if I can afford it I will need to get you to go over my car again once the weather is better.

Unfortunately there are plenty of swirls from where the stone chip on the door was fixed and the paint was blown in on the rear quarter.

The detailing of my car can be seen on Rog's Facebook page CLICKY

 

[Audi-Rog]

Cheers Vince, I didn't realise that was you mate!

It's come up pretty well, took me longer than usual, as it had alot build up all over the car. I ran out of daylight in the end! It really needs another day, but the wife would divorce me, if I pushed it any more!

I would be happy to sort your car out mate, whenever your ready. It's such a lovely car to work on

Thanks for the endorsement too!

Rog :icon_thumright:

 

[jbcalvin]

How long did this take? I always wanted to get my avant sorted but don't have any experience with rotary polishers/claying, have always used Autoglym products...

Any chance of doing a full write up with what tools would be required, what products to use and where to buy them??? Personally I'd love to pay you to do my car, but you are a bit far away from Glasgow!

 

[sinic]

Nice job, huge improvement on the paintwork.

 

[Audi-Rog]

How long did this take? I always wanted to get my avant sorted but don't have any experience with rotary polishers/claying, have always used Autoglym products...

Any chance of doing a full write up with what tools would be required, what products to use and where to buy them??? Personally I'd love to pay you to do my car, but you are a bit far away from Glasgow!

Hi Jbcalvin,

It took me over 9 hrs to wash, machine polish it and seal it afterwards.

Personally, I wouldn't play with Rotary polishers if you haven't any experience, if you go wrong it can be costly! Dual action polishers are alot safer for the beginner. That's how I started. I then did a Professional Detailing course to learn how to Rotary polish properly and use the best products for the task in hand. I've spent £000's on the right equipment and gadgets, over the years, to make sure it's the safest process/product for the car.

I could do write up, but what I do is pretty much the same as any top Professional Detailer, if you look at my FB page, I do discribe how to do alot of the processes on my pics.

Have a look at the Detailing World website (and on here too!). All the info you would ever need, is on there! There are threads on Polishing, claying, washing processes and interior. What basic products you need, in fact anything you can think of! But don't get too carried away with what brand is best,etc. Nano technology is the future, so have a look at those products. (Wolfes Chemicals, Werkstat, Gtechniq, are just a few). Also, there is nothing wrong with using Autoglym products, if you use them the right way you can get great results, plus you can buy them anywhere!

There are also links to various websites selling detailing products, personally I use Polished Bliss and Clean Your Car, the prices are good and they deliver quick. And there is loads of products and advice too.

I would love to come and do your car, but it is quite far! Never say never though!

HTH

Rog :icon_thumright:

 

[jbcalvin]

Cheers for that Audi-Rog, have already checked out the Facebook page and will have a look at some of the websites you have suggested, will let you know how I get on....

When I replaced all my pads/discs last year I also cleaned up and painted everything smooth gloss black, the only bits I didn't do were the hubs, might do the edges of the discs as well now next time I have the wheels off....

 

[Audi-Rog]

Cheers for that Audi-Rog, have already checked out the Facebook page and will have a look at some of the websites you have suggested, will let you know how I get on....

When I replaced all my pads/discs last year I also cleaned up and painted everything smooth gloss black, the only bits I didn't do were the hubs, might do the edges of the discs as well now next time I have the wheels off....

No worries at all mate:icon_thumright:

Yeah, doing the hubs and disc edges does make a difference, they'll stay nice and new for quite a while too!

Keep me posted mate, if you need any advice on anything, please feel free to PM me.

Rog

 

[scottshere]

Your based near london aint you Rog?

A long way to go for either of us really.. Im from South Yorkshire

Anyone around these parts that do the same service on here? Good rep from the guys on here...

Need a few bits like stone chips and the odd scratch sorting. Might give the wet sanding and polish a go, but i havent got a polishing machine. I use Autoglym. Got a scratch from a bush too, almost the length of the car. Not a deep one, just taken the top off the paint and you can see its a different shade so stands out.

 

[Audi-Rog]

Your based near london ain t you Rog?

A long way to go for either of us really.. Im from South Yorkshire

Anyone around these parts that do the same service on here? Good rep from the guys on here...

Need a few bits like stone chips and the odd scratch sorting. Might give the wet sanding and polish a go, but i havent got a polishing machine. I use Autoglym. Got a scratch from a bush too, almost the length of the car. Not a deep one, just taken the top off the paint and you can see its a different shade so stands out.

I am based in Milton Keynes, a bit too far away really, but I know a man who can, nearer you! Here's the link to his Website. He is one of the best in the business and he taught me how to detail, plus he's not too expensive, compared to some others!

Tony Spears (Autoshine Specialist Valeting)

He's also a member on here (profile name: spearsy)

The damage you are talking about can be be easily rectified, with a good rotary polish.

Rog :icon_thumright:

 

[sinic]

Was it a Wolf's fine grade clay bar you're using? and what lube?

How can you tell if you need a fine grade bar over a heavier grade? My car is a 2004 and I do around 8-10 wax coats a year so assume there's a certain build up that needs rectifying. I'd like to know how you get the best finish before resealing the paintwork. Is it just a finger test over the paintwork to try and judge the level of contamination?

 

[spearsy]

Loving your new motor Rog........Getting nearer to the 997 turbo we took you out in, that was funny seeing your face after that ride...hehe

 

[jbcalvin]

Audi-Rog....

Any suggestions for a good detailer in Scotland that you know of, preferably one who is a member on here?

Wondering if it would be worthwhile having a list of guys who do this on the site similar to the part numbers threads?

 

[Audi-Rog]

Was it a Wolf's fine grade clay bar you're using? and what lube?

How can you tell if you need a fine grade bar over a heavier grade? My car is a 2004 and I do around 8-10 wax coats a year so assume there's a certain build up that needs rectifying. I'd like to know how you get the best finish before resealing the paintwork. Is it just a finger test over the paintwork to try and judge the level of contamination?

I do have Wolf's heavy grade clay, which I haven't needed to use yet! The heavier grade is just more aggressive, as it has larger particles in it. It all depends on what is on the car, whether you use heavy grade or not. If was overspray or something very difficult to remove with the fine clay, I would use it. It would probably cut down the time too, you could get the same results from fine clay but it might take you a bit longer.

I use Valet Pro fine grade, which is as good as any. It's soft and tacky so is good at removing contaminants and doesn't marr the paint so easily. The best way to check the contamination on your car, is to use a cellophane wrapper (cigarette style) and glide the wrapper over the car bodywork with your fingertips. You will feel how rough it is. Re-check after the clay process.

You can use a proper clay lube (Dodo Juice's Born Slippy), which is very good. But there are loads of different ones. Some people use Optimum No Rinse dilluted, you can use anything that creates a slick barrier between the clay and the bodywork, so the clay doesn't stick and mark the car. if you were machine polishing, for example, it won't matter so much anyway!

Claying is only one step, in a two step process. You should de-tar the car using Tardis before you clay it (especially on the lower areas). This preserves your clay, and the clay is able to glide across the surface better, so is more effective. After claying you should polish, using a decent brand (Menzerna, or something as good), either by hand or machine, then seal with the sealant of choice (wax or nano sealant). Two - three coats should be more than enough.

Remember it's the prep under the wax, that makes the difference, not the wax!

Sorry if that's a bit long winded! Or, if I'm teaching your Grandmother to suck eggs!

HTH

Rog :icon_thumright:


BTW - thanks Tony, I'm loving it too! Yeah that 997 was fast! I'll get there one day!

 

[Audi-Rog]

Audi-Rog....

Any suggestions for a good detailer in Scotland that you know of, preferably one who is a member on here?

Wondering if it would be worthwhile having a list of guys who do this on the site similar to the part numbers threads?

Hi jbcalvin,

I don't know any personally, but this link may help you start investigating who to use.

Scottish Detailing Companys

spearsy, may also be able to recommend someone in Scotland, might be worth PM'ing him.

Rog

 

[Audi-Rog]

Here's a pic after the 9 hour + session on the car

Rog

 

[spearsy]

Where abouts in Scotland buddy?

Audi-Rog....

Any suggestions for a good detailer in Scotland that you know of, preferably one who is a member on here?

Wondering if it would be worthwhile having a list of guys who do this on the site similar to the part numbers threads?

 

[sinic]

Remember it's the prep under the wax, that makes the difference, not the wax!

Of course, was more interested in specifics of fine or heavy grade as I havn't clayed a car before. I'm overzealous with polish and wax to protect the paint as it's a pretty car that's starting to get on a bit so plan to chuck on a couple more coats to see me through winter and then have a go at detailing once the weather and roads improve. Already learnt a fair bit from this website and it's more interesting to follow a thread than read some of the guides on detailing sites, although none I've found have any guidelines on how to differentiate between needing a fine or heavy duty clay bar so I think it'll be trial and error, thanks anyway.