I was incredibly grateful that the 90+ degree, 'hot soup' humidity days seem to have finally passed for another year here in Tennessee- as I had recently booked in this resilient 2007 Honda CR-V with over 170,000 miles on the clock. I knew it was going to take some serious elbow grease to get brought up to par, having only ever really seen auto-car washes and never been detailed fully.
This is a car with character, a daily driver that has weathered the years, and I was tasked with breathing new life into it. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through some of the intricate steps I took to rejuvenate this battle-hardened daily driver.
This is a car with character, a daily driver that has weathered the years, and I was tasked with breathing new life into it.
Step 1: A Comprehensive Assessment
My journey with this 2007 Honda CR-V, as with all vehicles, began with a thorough assessment. At close to 17 years old, the wear and tear were evident, the marks of countless miles traveled. The paint was dull, and as rough as sandpaper. Some scratches were deep and through the paint. The trim was not only dull and gray, it was also uneven and patchy.
I documented every sign of distress, making sure to address each one throughout the detail.
Step 2: Exterior Detailing - Restoring the Shine
The first step of any exterior detail should be the wheels and tires. I turned to a powerful iron decontamination solution (also known as a fallout remover) from Koch Chemie to assist with some of the worst brake dust accumulation I'd ever seen. This solution is designed to react with embedded iron particles on the wheel’s surface. What’s awesome about this process is that it causes a fascinating chemical reaction, as the solution interacts with the iron particles, it turns them into a vivid purple color. It’s quite a sight to see the transformation as the iron deposits are dissolved and purged from the surface.
Witnessing the purple reaction is not only cool to see but also a testament to the meticulous attention we give to every detail of auto detailing.
This step not only enhances the aesthetics but also plays a significant role in maintaining the longevity of the wheels. By effectively removing the iron deposits, we prevent further damage to the wheel’s finish and ensure they continue to shine. Later, I'll coat these with an SiO2 sealant to help make future cleaning a breeze.
*Yes, I know these aren't the same wheels. I get too excited with the videos of the rust remover at work and missed the "after" shot of the rear passenger. That one had some persistent marks that time didn't allow me to remove fully, but it certainly isn't orange any longer!
Engine Bay
A last minute addition to the job-list on this CRV was an Engine Bay Detail. The hood liner/sound deadening was filthy and years of engine oil and grease caked the engine components.
After a thorough pre-soak, foam soak and contact wash, and to achieve a truly smooth and impeccable finish, the CR-V underwent a crucial step - claying. This method involves using a clay bar that gently glides across the car’s surface, picking up embedded contaminants that regular washing can’t remove.
The result is a paint finish that feels as smooth as glass. It’s an essential part of the detailing process that not only enhances the appearance but also prepares the surface for subsequent treatments, ensuring the best possible outcome.
The exterior of this CR-V had seen its share of adventures. Time had taken its toll, leaving the paint with minor (and sadly, some major) imperfections and swirl marks. To restore the original luster, I embarked on a 1-step paint correction process. While the car would have benefited from a more thorough correction, given it had never seen a polishing compound- a one step would bring the dull, tired paint back to life plenty well enough. Again, I turned to Koch Chemie for compound- P6 01 One Cut + Finish. Parts of the paint showed signs of clear coat failure, another reason to avoid over-correcting. The client wanted the car to feel new again- not necessarily be new.
This intricate procedure, involving machine polishing and precise compound selection, brings out the true color and shine of the vehicle, while preserving the factory clear coat.
The headlights and exterior trim were also showing severe signs of aging, with faded headlights and weathered, greying trim. I took on the challenge, carefully restoring these elements to their former glory.
This not only enhances the vehicle's aesthetics but also ensures safer driving by improving visibility on the headlights. I used a ceramic UV coating for the headlights after 3 stage wet-sanding which should last between 6-12 months or more before requiring a re-finish. The exterior trim restoration should last a minimum of 6 months, and potentially a year or more with proper washing/cleaning processes moving forward.
Step 3: Interior Transformation - Extracting Over a Decade of Grime
Inside the cabin, the CR-V carried the weight of daily use.
Dust, dirt, and grime had become part of the scenery.
To bring back the freshness, I used my expertise and professional-grade products for a thorough carpet and upholstery shampoo & extraction.
This process reaches deep into the fibers to extract embedded contaminants, leaving the interior looking, smelling, and feeling fresh. 17 years of dirty shoes and surface soil extracted in just a few hours.
Step 4: Seat Shampoo for a Like-New Feel
The seats, often the most used part of any vehicle, had seen their fair share of action. I had no option but to remove the from the vehicle to clean properly, and this also aided the upholstery and floor shampoo process. They endured the stress of daily commuting, family life, school runs and as a result, stains and blemishes had become an unwelcome addition. Although the upholstery was in poor condition- in some places the foam underneath had degraded and begun to disintegrate, with a slightly more gentle chemical process and light agitation in the more withered areas, I breathed new life into both from and back seats, restoring their pristine look and ensuring a comfortable ride.
Step 5: Interior Trim Cleaning and Protection
Interior trim plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetics of your vehicle, and maintaining its appearance is essential. To ensure that every aspect of the CR-V is rejuvenated, we address the interior trim with meticulous care.
First, I perform a detailed cleaning of all interior trim surfaces. This includes the dashboard, door panels, center console, steering wheel and any other trim elements. I use industry-approved cleaning agents to gently remove dirt, dust, and grime without causing any damage. I noted the steering wheel in particular while grimy, was also beyond a simple clean as the material had started to degrade and deteriorate. I took extra caution here to ensure no further damage was done but ensured it was conditioned and protected to promote longevity. Given the wheel damage, I did notify the client that from a safety perspective alone they may want to consider replacing it if possible, or choosing an appropriate steering wheel cover to limit degradation.
Once the trim is spotless, I apply a premium protectant. This not only adds a subtle sheen and depth to the surfaces but also acts as a barrier against UV rays and future dust and dirt accumulation. It's a crucial step to maintain the trim's integrity and keep it looking fresh. Of course, a low matte finish is applied to the dash rather than an gloss, to avoid any dangerous glare in the Tennessee sun.
By giving equal attention to the interior trim, we ensure that every aspect of the vehicle contributes to its overall rejuvenation. It's the small details that make all the difference in our quest to deliver the best in auto detailing.
This 2007 Honda CR-V may have earned its battle scars over the years, but it’s far from retirement.
My detailing process preserves its legacy while ensuring it looks and feels as good as new.
If you’re in Knoxville, Farragut, or surrounding areas, and looking for great, every-day car detailing, contact me today. Join me in the transformation. Your vehicle deserves nothing but the best.
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