Charles's 2.1 SD Manual (formerly Citroenxm's)

[russ92xmsed]

Just for Paul - what a machined polished XM looks like when it has been driven all day and is now standing in the pouring rain:



I'll clean her when the weather is better (weekend judging by the forecast) and when I have the time!

Beading nicely, always a good sign!

[Vince]

Well I finally downloaded the photos off my camera I took, to be honest I didn't take that many...I guess I was busy Anyway, here they are. I have some on my phone also....ill see if I can find my lead to download them also and ill post them up

For those who hadn't seen this car up close, the paintwork left a little to be desired and that's being generous Good job it can be turned around though

[citroenxm]

F kin out of this world startlingly amazing shit I think I just fell off my chair!!

Look at that shine..

Vince you are god to body work.. i just might take you on for the 224v if I can afford you!!

[jorgy]

Charles, that is actually a very good photo of the XM in what is probably its most iconic color...

I wonder what one does to maintain as long as possible this result... Wash it with baby shampoo and the softest sponge available, after having given it a good pre-showering session for the dust to rinse off??

[captainhaddock]

Vince is it true, that if you would drive the car and make it horribly dirty, you just wash it of with the garden hose?

[Charles M]

Rinse it gently, snow foam it, rinse that, use Autoglym shampoo with different mitts for upper and lower body, using the two bucket method, rinse, towel dry and then some black T cut polish (the colour enhancer not the cutting compound) then finish with Autoglym polish.

Takes care of the weekend.

[Vince]

Some pics of the Mercedes for you Charles

[Charles M]

Yummy. It really is good enough to eat!

[Vince]

Pretty much as Charles says....rinse off the crap, then two bucket method gentle wash. Up to you whether you wax it or not after that.

Good tip is to use a noodle mit, you can get them from asda for about £3. The reason for this is the grit and dirt stays close to the palm, yet its the ends of the noodles that you are gently washing the car with. That way its reduces the risk of scratches...just never scrub your paintwork when your washing it...and never use wash brushes ! It doesn't matter how much suds the brush has on it...they are likely to scratch the paint.

Its all relative though, you shouldn't be scared of washing your car...just treat it like a lady They like to be gently washed down, not scrubbed with something harsh

I always get asked how long these finishes last....like anything it depends on the care you give it....wash it gently in the right way, keep it clean and sealed with wax, give it a deep clean with something like autoglym super resin polish (easy used by hand application) every 4 months or so and it will keep its finish indefinitely

[Vince]

F kin out of this world startlingly amazing shit I think I just fell off my chair!!

Look at that shine..

Vince you are god to body work.. i just might take you on for the 224v if I can afford you!!

Each to their own Paul...I cant do anything mechanical like you can

Im sure the polishing gods will shine on you this year at some point....