Pharkus - R32

[Pharkus]

This is a diary of my ride. There hasn't been many modifications, yet. My main goal is to keep this for long termer. Therefore a lot of my efforts has been to keep the car clean and shiny. This should also be a record of the performance of the wax that I have chosen, but more on that later.

Mods:
- Stubby antenna
- OEM LED tail lights (outers only at this stage)

Group GTG at Eurospeed (Pics taken by Whoalse) 7 Nov 2009

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/4954/forum1wz.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1609/forum2br.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2374/forum3f.jpg

Note this was the day after I had initially applied 2 coats of Swissvax Concorso.

Beading (120 Days after initital application of wax)

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1943/waterdrops.jpg

So as you may have heard on the news, Melbourne is the city of four seasons. Four winters that is!!! Massive storms and hail the size of golf balls. Luckily we were undercover at Ikea at the time. What better time to clean the car and give it a new detail and coat of wax. Last time, I found that I had applied too much and have since learnt my lesson. Carnaubra wax is much more time consuming to put on than that of a synthetic. After 2 bottles of ginger ale and 3 hours of effort, here's a picture of the roof and bonnet after applying the wax (sorry pic if bad, 1) I'm bad at taking photos 2) Light in the garage is bad)

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/4662/roofreflect.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5856/bonnetreflect.jpg

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7688/bootreflect.jpg

More outside and carpark shots once I figure out how to properly take a nice photo. It's really bad weather outside but I am still expecting to have to go to Ikea, again, today.

I'll also be posting up after shots of the beading.

[Pharkus]

7 March 2010 - Reapplication of 1 coat of Swissvax Concorso. 1 layer of Swissvax Nanoexpress quick detailer. Both in passionfruit flavour!!!

Continuous weekend of rain and the gods deciding to play golf with hailstones. I thought it was safe to venture outside of the bomb shelter for dinner with the folks as it had been sunny all afternoon. I can now safely conclude that there is a direct positive correlation between when you detail your car and when it rains. Here's a shot of the beading after it came into the garage.

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/1841/img0981z.jpg

I can't really tell much difference to that of the beading shot above after 120 days post waxing. On touch the paintwork does feel smoother, the garage smells delightfully of passionfruit. Drying down with a microfibre waffle weave towel sees the water just sheet off. Gotta go rest the back now, I'm an old man and 5 hours plus of detailing has taken its toll.

[Cam]

Nice :R Pharkus!

Do you have any other pics of the LED outer tails with stock inner lights?
I like the outer part of the LED tails but not so much the inner. From the last pic it looks like a good balance between the two.

[Pharkus]

Yeah, I'll get pics of that up after I head out, IN THE RAIN, today. I am liking just the outers at the moment. That and haven't been bothered modding the inners. Though on a UG the contrast should be better than the blended look on a silver.

[Cam]

Cool thanks. Take it easy in the rain, some of the pics I've seen of the flooding down your way don't look very nice.
:)

[R32Perth]

Nice car...

BTW your garage looks like a bomb shelter lol

[10d]

Pharkus, that's some love you have for your .:R

[Tensixty6]

Sweeeet!

[bigwill]

love how u look after ur paintwork! love it! continue with the beautiful detailing habit :D

[Pharkus]

Hi my name is Pharkus and I have a detailing addiction!!!

I have got no idea what those weather forcasting folks are trying to do to me. Convinced the wife that there would be a disastrous thunderstorm incoming about 3pm today and got to stay home instead of going to the trap that is Ikea. Anywho, donned my puffy NorthFace jacket to go shopping and BAM, roasted like a turkey. Anywho, here's a pic of the car whilst it baked in the sun for a bit (supposedly instructed by the Swissvax handbook to let the wax do some special shiny stuff). You can see the tails as well.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/5945/ledtails.jpg

You can also barely see the anti scratch the doors against the brick rubber strip that I have installed on the walls as well. Best ever buy from Clark Rubber!! Means that you can fully open the door, gently, onto them without risk to the door.

[SUGA]

Looks sooooooo goood!

Nice work!

[G-rig]

Looks awesome Pharkus UG looks good in the sun in that last shot!

[Frenchie]

What a sexy car !! garage looks damn tight - how do you fit in !?

[G-rig]

garage looks damn tight - how do you fit in !?

That's what she said... (for those that follow the Office US).

[Pharkus]

What a sexy car !! garage looks damn tight - how do you fit in !?

It's wider than it looks. You can still crouch down on each side to detail, though next house will have a double (custom house will have a triple!). Backing in I have about 10-15 cm each side, it's heaps of room.

As I mentioned before, the brick walls have also been lined with a width of rubber (adhesive on the other side) from Clark Rubber. I will still need to get a bit more for the back doors, but you can open the fronts gently and have them rest on the wall without any worry at all.


Looks awesome Pharkus UG looks good in the sun in that last shot!

Thanks mate. Gotta hone those skills a bit more. Probably spent 10 mins on that shot alone taking many pictures with different settings to get the result. I will now have to bone up on my carpark shots which are more difficult in the low light to get that real polished look you guys manage to achieve.

[Cam]

Thanks for the extra pic pharkus.
The tails looks awesome
:)

I've never been a fan of the whole LED tailight assembly, but the outer rings are nice.

[Pharkus]

Ok. Been very busy and spent heaps of time detailing the car this weekend. Wash and wax on Saturday night, then folks for dinner Sunday night and got rained on. Another quick detail and dry. Then just went to Ikea and got rained on again on the way back, and once again had to dry the car again. Got some shots in my favourite parking spot. I definitely need a tripod, and soon (Hi Howie!), so that I can take some non-blurry shots at low speed in low light. I'm still new to photography but here are some of the better shots. Also, any easy tools to swirl out/blend away the rego?

Any comments, good/bad welcome for the photos.

Tried using the pipes to lead up to the car. Bit blurry but limited to how much diazepam I could take and how steady my hands were
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/812/ikea2.jpg

Same perspective, just further back
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7369/ikea3x.jpg

Probably my best shot to date!!!
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6044/ikea1.jpg

Car peaking out. A white Golf MkV GT drove by slowly as I took this shot, it was blurry =( Came back from shopping and the guy driving the white GT was parked next to me taking a photo of my car!!! Told him about this forum, let's see how he goes getting registered.
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4895/ikea4.jpg

[nath_mk6]

Nice pics some great perspectives there and man the car looks clean, time to take mine in for a quick clean me thinks :)

[Justin Fox]

I like the pipes and the peekaboo shot!

[Cam]

Great shots.
:)

[Frenchie]

Sexy shots P !

I think my turn to detail my car and get some shots..

[10d]

Real nice pics, P. Careful, diazepam is addictive >D

[Pharkus]

Real nice pics, P. Careful, diazepam is addictive >D

Hehe, just an old school reference to Metal Gear Solid where you took them to steady your aim when taking sniper shots. Needs more tripod!

Thanks guys.

[Jig]

Pharkus baby, your car looks showroom condition.

[Beejay]

I think I spoke with you at the car-park today. Thanks for the tip on the Golf forum.
Beejay

[nath_mk6]

Welcome to the forum Beejay

[Pharkus]

Pharkus baby, your car looks showroom condition.

Thanks Jig, the bomb shelter is the show room. There was a warehouse turned apartment we were looking at where the living room had a glass wall between the garage. Definitely my type of house =)


I think I spoke with you at the car-park today. Thanks for the tip on the Golf forum.
Beejay

Thanks, Beejay!!! If you are the guy at Ikea then that's what makes the effort pay off. Your car was also in mint condition and as I mentioned the white on black contrast looked great! Welcome aboard and hope you get a lot from the community here.

Had a mate drop by for dinner and had to drive him home in the rain. Sooo another round of detailing the car.

[Pharkus]

OK. So after seeing some of the rides here I'm thinking of the following mods as next on the list. Won't be going all out as I have other toys and stuff that I like to buy but well after the LED tails I'm itching to get more mods now and some of the cosmetic ones (wheels, carbon fibre parts, suspension) only work well when purchased together. This is the order which I think they will happen and the planned mods.

1. Stubby Antenna (Installed)
2. OEM LED Taisl (Installed - sort of)
3. Silver edition carbon fibre mirror covers
4. Silver edition carbon fibre rear wing (Not sure if I can pull this off)
5. New wheels - Maybe the Enkeis that 10d has
5. New Tyres - might as well bite the bullet here and buy both at the same time (had a sliding incident going around a round about that made me think I need new tyres - no I wasn't going all that quick)
6. New shocks and springs (not yet decided but the Bilstiens look good)
7. VWR engine racing mounts (all 3)

So all up looking at around about $10k I reckon to be conservative. Obviously I won't be doing them all at once (although I could but would end up with an angry other half). Timing will probably also need to fit around whether or not I go the extended warranty near the end of this year or not.

If anyone has done any or all of these mods I wouldn't mind some feedback (good or bad).

Car will not be a daily drive nor will it be tracked. Long term keeper.

[10d]

John,
If you getting the engine mounts from VWRacing make sure it is the"Fast Road" version. The Full Race would be too stiff, that you get very uncomfortable vibration even at idle.

[Frenchie]

You forgot one >D

8. Turbo Kit

Nice list there mr P - should keep you busy.

[Pharkus]

You forgot one >D

8. Turbo Kit

Nice list there mr P - should keep you busy.

Then I'd have to add:
9. Defi Boost gauge
10. Capristo Exhaust

This is definitely a car that I want to keep for a while. House prices what they are, I can't see salaries etc going up enough! So no new car for a while unless its a park at the station type. @7,000km's per year that should mean the car would be nicely run in at about the 10 year mark with a few mods of course!

[Pharkus]

New modifications incoming:

In-Pro smoked mirror indicators
OSIR Silver Carbon Fibre Mirror Covers

[Frenchie]

So it starts !

[Jig]

OK. So after seeing some of the rides here I'm thinking of the following mods as next on the list. Won't be going all out as I have other toys and stuff that I like to buy but well after the LED tails I'm itching to get more mods now and some of the cosmetic ones (wheels, carbon fibre parts, suspension) only work well when purchased together. This is the order which I think they will happen and the planned mods.

1. Stubby Antenna (Installed)
2. OEM LED Taisl (Installed - sort of)
3. Silver edition carbon fibre mirror covers
4. Silver edition carbon fibre rear wing (Not sure if I can pull this off)
5. New wheels - Maybe the Enkeis that 10d has
5. New Tyres - might as well bite the bullet here and buy both at the same time (had a sliding incident going around a round about that made me think I need new tyres - no I wasn't going all that quick)
6. New shocks and springs (not yet decided but the Bilstiens look good)
7. VWR engine racing mounts (all 3)

So all up looking at around about $10k I reckon to be conservative. Obviously I won't be doing them all at once (although I could but would end up with an angry other half). Timing will probably also need to fit around whether or not I go the extended warranty near the end of this year or not.

If anyone has done any or all of these mods I wouldn't mind some feedback (good or bad).

Car will not be a daily drive nor will it be tracked. Long term keeper.

Cannot wait to see these on your ride Pharkus.

[M4RK0]

Hey Pharkus, Did you fit the middle parts on your tails?,

Cheers!

[Tim]

i know its all personal preference and stuff.
But please dont go silver carbon fibre. It looks seriously blingy! And yes I know OSIR stuff is nice quality but if youre gonna do cf then i reckon stick to the standard colour.

[Pharkus]

i know its all personal preference and stuff.
But please dont go silver carbon fibre. It looks seriously blingy! And yes I know OSIR stuff is nice quality but if youre gonna do cf then i reckon stick to the standard colour.

Too late Tim. I've been after the silver look mirror covers to match the front on the R for a while now. I only just saw the new type available from the ebay store but too late now. Order has been placed with Ian and they are on order, I am sticking to the decision. Might even bling it up more and replace the front brushed aluminium with more silver CF (depending on what that could look like and if the part is available)

@ M4rko - no I have been slack. Still haven't glued the buggers together. Think I may have to invest in a dremel and soldering iron for a proper DIY.

[Pharkus]

RNS510

Putting this here, pending confirmation from John on group buy. SPENDING SPREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[SUGA]

lol John, you've gone spending crazy!

[stephen8512]

cant wait to see the new mods!!

[stevie]

Nice shots there and list of mods to come!

[Rthirtytwo]

dude great looking car.. im always so nervous parking at ikea, but i tell you what.. i think ill be following your lead and taking some pics there hehe

[burgs]

Very clean .:R mate, cant wait to see how it comes out with your planned mods :)

[AP]

Welcome Beejay



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pharkus]

Thanks all you guys!!! It will definitely be a long project. Had a bit of a rush lately with the smaller stuff and now just waiting for those to come in including finalising the RNS.

[chewy7]

Love your addiction to detailing Pharkus! I have the same problem :D Although still on a small budget. Using all Megauirs/Autoglym gear. Gotta step up the game!!

[Pharkus]

Love your addiction to detailing Pharkus! I have the same problem :D Although still on a small budget. Using all Megauirs/Autoglym gear. Gotta step up the game!!

Chewy, good to hear. It's just a matter of learning little tricks as you go to speed things up. I see it as my 4th biggest asset after my wife, my dog and my house. I don't actually rely on it for work but you get the idea. Therefore, spending a little bit of time to make sure it is in tip top condition not only means that I'll get to keep it until I can afford my porsche. I started out using Megs stuff so really nothing wrong with that.

Rthirtytwo - The purple carpark entered via Victoria Street is meant to be the area for staff parking so I understand. It's usually pretty deserted which is what I prefer (no my car does not want another car pretending to be its friend to park next to it). I will be going back once I get my tripod to take better shots. The only rule I have for ikea is that I don't even venture near the pickup point for Ikea in my car.

@Ian if you are reading this, the rear valance and front lip deal is more tempting that Rachel McAdams covered in easter egg chocolate! YUM

[Pharkus]

Toys in the mail today! FFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU can't install for a few weeks though...

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5176/picture044o.jpg

[SUGA]

WTF why a few weeks!!??

[Pharkus]

Well at least until next weekend =)

[Frenchie]

Nice - The only thing missing for your R is....

[Pharkus]

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/180/picture045y.jpg

Here's a pic of the covers. Bit concerned that the left one seems like the correct mirror cover, but the right one has a part sticking out of it for some reason???? I'll contact Ian to sort this out once I'm back, no worries.

[10d]

Safe trip, John. Enjoy

[saad]

I'd like to try the Concorso too, I currently use Saphir, which is brilliant on my black car.

Damian at Final Inspection raves about the cheaper Onyx, which he says is brilliant, expecially for the price. Keen to try that too - do a 50/50 comparison and see if theres a difference!

[Pharkus]

I'd like to try the Concorso too, I currently use Saphir, which is brilliant on my black car.

Damian at Final Inspection raves about the cheaper Onyx, which he says is brilliant, expecially for the price. Keen to try that too - do a 50/50 comparison and see if theres a difference!

Onyx is formulated specifically for black or darker coloured cars. It is cheaper and really from what I have seen and read around the traps does just as well as Concorso. For the way that the enthusiast details their cars it should be more than enough I reckon.

[Pharkus]

Better pics, yes I got the right ones originally, my spacial rotation function was not working.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/290/img1892c.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9000/img1903o.jpg

[10d]

:) John, John, John.....

Finish waxing?

[Pharkus]

:) John, John, John.....

Finish waxing?

Nup thats pretty much straight out of the box, my photography still sucks arse. Spent the last 6 hours playing WOW and will again tomorrow night.

Waxing will involve a clean and prep of the surface then just 1 coat of wax, let cure over night then a coat of QD on top. That's just to bring it in line with the rest of the car.

[10d]

Nup thats pretty much straight out of the box, my photography still sucks arse. Spent the last 6 hours playing WOW and will again tomorrow night.

Waxing will involve a clean and prep of the surface then just 1 coat of wax, let cure over night then a coat of QD on top. That's just to bring it in line with the rest of the car.
Dude, you're such a nerd :lol:
Would love you to wax my car :)

[Pharkus]

Dude, you're such a nerd :lol:
Would love you to wax my car :)

I'm actually a geek cos I'm not smart enough to be a nerd.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2010/04/500x_dorkydorkdork.jpg

[Justin Fox]

Silver carbon looks... different!

[10d]

I'm actually a geek cos I'm not smart enough to be a nerd.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2010/04/500x_dorkydorkdork.jpg
Bwahaha.

[Pharkus]

Silver carbon looks... different!

Both you and 10D have a monopoly on the black carbon fibre. I'm not being different just for the sake of it, the aim was to match the front grille. Try it, live it & learn is the only way to see.

[G-rig]

Those should look good, put em on yet?

[Pharkus]

Not yet. Games nights are wed/thu and since lego I haven't been much of a DIY'er. I can wait until the boys get back from the weekend so that possible Tim can assist me =) HI TIM!

[Bizi]

Better pics, yes I got the right ones originally, my spacial rotation function was not working.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/290/img1892c.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9000/img1903o.jpg

Maybe a silly question, but here goes.

How is CF created with this silver finish?

It will look good with the iPhone accessory back. What else - a front silverCF nosecone?

Silver 'shoes'?

[G-rig]

I got white carbon on the pushy, it's cool.

[Pharkus]

Ok 12:44am and had to pick up the missus from work. Spotted weather conditions that I couldn't pass up. (Sorry car is so dirty)

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5807/img1906af.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8453/img1908af.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1166/img1910a.jpg

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/3918/img1913a.jpg
Had help from a passing Honda Jazz with aftermarket HID's (never thought I would be thankful for them one day).

Sometimes you have to just go out and capture what the moment brings. Enjoy! >D

[GBJ-R32]

nice shots there i think the first won is a winner

[chewy7]

hahaha thats awesome Pharkus! Capture the moment when you can..too true!

[G-rig]

Look like a UFO is landing, nice pics.

[10d]

Nice pics, Pharkus

[nath_mk6]

They look great

[Pharkus]

nice shots there i think the first won is a winner

I see what you did there.

Thanks guys

[Frenchie]

Sweet shots J

[GTom]

Look like a UFO is landing, nice pics.

Probing the location lol.

1st takes the cake though!

[Pharkus]

10D sorry to have teased you earlier today about having put my mirrors covers on then not posting till everyone is asleep (didn't SMS you back cos it's so late).

Peking duck tonight was good and I had spent Friday planning this shoot (though no professionally) thanks Googlemaps.

Let me know what you all think. First silver carbon fibre mirror covers! :>

Shots under the Bolte Bridge

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2279/img1919a.jpg

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6879/img1923a.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6889/img1932a.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8955/img1935am.jpg

I was going to use this last shot in the current month'ss photo contest, but the one I chose I thought had a bit more character than a full close up.

[nath_mk6]

hey John, nice shots, really like the second one. Have you thought about cropping the shot to make it more symmetrical?

[Pharkus]

I probably could do a lot of things but finding hard to find the time. Thanks for the tip. I had a mate with me there and we didn't even really spend time lining up the car. =)

Also, notice all front shots as it was dirty as all buggery.

[nath_mk6]

haha you are obsessive with the cleanliness thing!

hope you dont mind but I had a quick play with your May comp entry to try and bring out some details, what do you think? pretty rough but you should get what I was trying to achieve

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4649442225_9984c5f79a_b.jpg

[Pharkus]

haha you are obsessive with the cleanliness thing!

hope you dont mind but I had a quick play with your May comp entry to try and bring out some details, what do you think? pretty rough but you should get what I was trying to achieve

I've got a couple of takes of that shot and was just looking up how to do the whole HDR thing (without upsetting those that think it's a bit overdone). I had exactly the same idea to make the car and the clouds "pop". PM me your e-mail and I should be able to send you the other exposures for you to play with if you like Nath.

And yeah, one and a half months since last clean, my wife was questioning what was wrong with me.

[10d]

Carbon bling, baby!




And yeah, one and a half months since last clean, my wife was questioning what was wrong with me.

Hmmm, so ? Anything wrong, J?

[RobR32]

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet pics pharkus looks sexy

I like wat you have done with that photo nathan very nice

[G-rig]

Looking good Pharkus, those mirror caps go fairly well with the front grille too.

[Pharkus]

Carbon bling, baby!

Hmmm, so ? Anything wrong, J?

Hard to catch up with all the carbon on yours mate! Thanks.

Nothing wrong, just timing throwing in a trip in the middle got my maintenance schedule out of sync.


Looking good Pharkus, those mirror caps go fairly well with the front grille too.

I've had a chance to get a good look during the day now. Impressions are that from a distance they blend well with the front brushed chrome highlights. However when you get up close they really do stand out!

[Frenchie]

Clean shots an yep looking very nice with side mirrors - good choice

[BBR32]

Ok 12:44am and had to pick up the missus from work. Spotted weather conditions that I couldn't pass up. (Sorry car is so dirty)

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5807/img1906af.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8453/img1908af.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1166/img1910a.jpg

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/3918/img1913a.jpg
Had help from a passing Honda Jazz with aftermarket HID's (never thought I would be thankful for them one day).

Sometimes you have to just go out and capture what the moment brings. Enjoy! >D

wow man nice pics

[derek]

nice pics

[Beejay]

Hey Pharkus, those shots are worthy of being enlarged, framed, and put up on my wall ! In fact, they might end up there !
Awesome !
Great work !
Beejay

[M4RK0]

Awesome pics man!!

[Jig]

10D sorry to have teased you earlier today about having put my mirrors covers on then not posting till everyone is asleep (didn't SMS you back cos it's so late).

Peking duck tonight was good and I had spent Friday planning this shoot (though no professionally) thanks Googlemaps.

Let me know what you all think. First silver carbon fibre mirror covers! :>

Shots under the Bolte Bridge

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2279/img1919a.jpg

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6879/img1923a.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6889/img1932a.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8955/img1935am.jpg

I was going to use this last shot in the current month'ss photo contest, but the one I chose I thought had a bit more character than a full close up.

Stunning Pharkus!

[SUGA]

Pharrkk!!! some nice shots there J!

[Pharkus]

Clean shots an yep looking very nice with side mirrors - good choice

Not quite to your level there Frenchie. I still need moar low, but in time, in time. Also need to follow that great man Tendy for more bling on the wheel front.


wow man nice pics

Thanks


Hey Pharkus, those shots are worthy of being enlarged, framed, and put up on my wall ! In fact, they might end up there !
Awesome !
Great work !
Beejay

I did suggest we replace the A1 sized wedding picture about our bed with a print of one of those photos. Almost started WW3.


Stunning Pharkus!

Trying to get there Jig. I give most credit to my camera. There are some really talented ppl on here with much better pshop skills. I'm still learning. If only they did the front mask in silver carbon but with a replaceable grille.

[10d]

Great shots, John!

[MasterKevin]

Very nice / clean photos :O

[AP]

Great shots!

[mdub]

Cracking shots John! Wish i had the talent and equipment to take shots like that. When the car is clean melbourne weather can be your best friend or worst enemy cant it :) I'll keep an eye out for your beast next time im at Ikea (Vic Gardens)

[Pharkus]

Couple of shots today. Melbourne weather gotta love it. Rained consistently throughout the day, meaning my poor lil fella got a good soaking (to get right into the dirt on it). Back into the garage and a quick, 2 hour, detail of a new coat of QD.

Shots of new mirror covers.

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/6551/img1961v.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1385/img1963p.jpg

[stephen8512]

nice! any front on shots that show the 2 mirror covers?

[Pharkus]

nice! any front on shots that show the 2 mirror covers?

Here's a front on shot. The bunker has had an upgrade from 1 energy saving globe to six, YES SIX, flourescent tubes =). But it's still a tight squeeze front and sides so shots are pretty ordinary.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/2999/img1970bk.jpg

[AP]

Like the silver carbon different!!

[Pharkus]

Like the silver carbon different!!

Thanks Anthony. I think you, Tendy, Justin and SUGA have a monopoly on black carbon fibre.

[G-rig]

Looks good pharkus, agree we need some more pics!

[Pharkus]

Funny story. My astra had an audio install way back in the day and until recently I had totally lost the contact detail of the guy that did the install. Until recently we went and bought a LCD TV for the in-laws and got his details once again off the guy we bought it off at JB Hifi. The installers name is Chad and I would highly recommend him. He doesn't do many Golfs, but is a very experienced installer (no I don't get any perks from him at all, this is personal experience from the two visits so far that I have paid him).

Anyhow, onto the pics.

My car parked in the work shop.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/38/img1991at.jpg

In with the new unit.

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2269/img2009a.jpg

Now if I were at all smart I would have taken some time to take pics of the fully installed unit. However, as you can see from the first post I got a bit distracted.

R35 Skyline GTR! WHAT A BEAST!

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6304/img2022ag.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4061/img2040a.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2162/img2033a.jpg

[DeanCorp]

SEX!! That car is unreal! Fuck I'd love to own that piece of machinery!

[Pharkus]

SEX!! That car is unreal! Fuck I'd love to own that piece of machinery!

The pic of the interior is before the ride in it. Let's just say it had a brown stain on it after I was so excited! Still grinning

[AP]

Love the GTR!! Was very close to buying one once... Very close.

[stephen8512]

Love the GTR!! Was very close to buying one once... Very close.

Really?! What made u not sign the dotted line?

[GBJ-R32]

HOLY smokes that car is unreall

also could you post info on Chad and his contact number

[Pharkus]

HOLY smokes that car is unreall

also could you post info on Chad and his contact number

Chad Installs - 0413 995 496

He's said it's ok to post his number up on here. Once again, I get nothing out of referring people to him. Give him a call to discuss what you want done stereo wise. He can fill you in on his experience.

[Jig]

Without detracting from your post Pharkus, where is the pic of the new install?

Now onto the GT-R. By the looks of it, this is the non-premium version because it does not have red coloured side seats? Still looks good though. The new GT-R premium now comes with sat nav also.

[Pharkus]

Without detracting from your post Pharkus, where is the pic of the new install?

Now onto the GT-R. By the looks of it, this is the non-premium version because it does not have red coloured side seats? Still looks good though. The new GT-R premium now comes with sat nav also.

To be honest I got really distracted and took more shots of the GTR than the install. The unit is in the car and will take more shots later (though it looks the same as everyone elses).

I understand it was the first GTR in Victoria and Chad is currently selling it. I won't go into the specifics as to why or why it isn't a GT-R premium, but note the white seats in it.

[Pharkus]

YOU ARE ALL A BAD BAD INFLUENCE....ESPECIALLY YOU ROBBY!

[stephen8512]

YOU ARE ALL A BAD BAD INFLUENCE....ESPECIALLY YOU ROBBY!

wow that was random? hahaha

[G-rig]

What are you buying next Pharkus? Wheels?

[bwen]

I think the Silver CF mirrors match the R32 with the 'chrome' front and all, would look out of place on a GTI in my opinion

[Pharkus]

What are you buying next Pharkus? Wheels?

Yeah =(

Robby made me do it.

[Big Yellow]

thought u didnt want multispokes?

[Pharkus]

thought u didnt want multispokes?

The ones I have decided on aren't that "multi-spokey", just have to decide on a colour now.

[BBR32]

Funny story. My astra had an audio install way back in the day and until recently I had totally lost the contact detail of the guy that did the install. Until recently we went and bought a LCD TV for the in-laws and got his details once again off the guy we bought it off at JB Hifi. The installers name is Chad and I would highly recommend him. He doesn't do many Golfs, but is a very experienced installer (no I don't get any perks from him at all, this is personal experience from the two visits so far that I have paid him).

Anyhow, onto the pics.

My car parked in the work shop.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/38/img1991at.jpg

In with the new unit.

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2269/img2009a.jpg

Now if I were at all smart I would have taken some time to take pics of the fully installed unit. However, as you can see from the first post I got a bit distracted.

R35 Skyline GTR! WHAT A BEAST!

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6304/img2022ag.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4061/img2040a.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2162/img2033a.jpg

OMG man i love this r32 and a GTR thats what im talking about good work man

[Pharkus]

I will be sneaking into his house next and taking those seats!!!! OMG so hawt and I will remember the feel of them hugging me...*sadface

Thanks, new pics soon if I can get my butt into gear. Clarivue screen protectors, brushed silver fan bezels and change of plate colours.

[Bizi]

...Anyhow, onto the pics.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4061/img2040a.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2162/img2033a.jpg

SMG?

Those seats really stand out. Alcantara or leather?

I like the GTI/Pirelli knob better, though (hopefully that's my only knob fixation, ever! :D).

[Jig]

It is a dual clutch gearbox Bizi for th R35 GT-R. They dont call it SMG.

[Big Yellow]

It is a dual clutch gearbox Bizi for th R35 GT-R. They dont call it SMG.

Its also made by BorgWarner IIRC. Same as our DSGs

[R32*82]

nice pics, great car. cant wait to see some of the mods on there

[Pharkus]

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3019/photojb.jpg

Just arrived and calling to see when it can be installed this weekend.

[Bizi]

Nice one, John.

I take it you've read Jig's reviews of this combined with the VW Racing street mounts? :)

[Frenchie]

Sexy time P man - red too, very nice

Review asap !

[10d]

Nice one John!

[Pharkus]

Nice one, John.

I take it you've read Jig's reviews of this combined with the VW Racing street mounts? :)

NO MORE TEMPTING ME!!! =P

Might have seen new post regarding a set of these!

http://www.uptownaudio.com/grado/gs1000i.jpg

Although, looking at mods that I can still do the list is looking a bit like this:

1. New rubber - Still yet to decide and current tyres still have a fair amount of tread left so no rush (in getting this or fitting new wheels even though I am itching just to have them delivered)
2. Coilovers - Still trying to sort out insurance on this and now with Unibrace UB brace to see about maintaining minimum of 100mm ground clearance post lowering
3. VMR racing mounts - Fast road version, see if Volkspower has a GTI or similar when I go down on Sat 4 Sept to sit in a car with stiffer mounts and feel the vibrations first hand.
4. H&R rear sways??

Gotta keep things in perspective. The car is a great love but I like many others have other projects that require money (sadly my money tree got stolen). Other than that regular maintenance is the way to go.

Updated mods list so far:

- Stubby sharan antenna
- OEM Euro LED Tail lights
- RNS510 with Clarivue screen protector (Gloss) still got 1x gloss and 2x matte
- Silver fan bezels
- OSIR Silver carbon fibre mirror covers
- UNIbrace UB brace
- 18x8 OZ Alleggeritta - Titanium Tech (not yet fitted)

[Frenchie]

NO MORE TEMPTING ME!!! =P

Just started >D !!!! man killa head phones !!

http://www.uptownaudio.com/grado/gs1000i.jpg

1. New rubber - Still yet to decide and current tyres still have a fair amount of tread left so no rush (in getting this or fitting new wheels even though I am itching just to have them delivered)
2. Coilovers - Still trying to sort out insurance on this and now with Unibrace UB brace to see about maintaining minimum of 100mm ground clearance post lowering
3. VMR racing mounts - Fast road version, see if Volkspower has a GTI or similar when I go down on Sat 4 Sept to sit in a car with stiffer mounts and feel the vibrations first hand.
4. H&R rear sways??

Gotta keep things in perspective. The car is a great love but I like many others have other projects that require money (sadly my money tree got stolen). Other than that regular maintenance is the way to go.

Updated mods list so far:

- Stubby sharan antenna
- OEM Euro LED Tail lights
- RNS510 with Clarivue screen protector (Gloss) still got 1x gloss and 2x matte Best hook a frenchman up master P !!
- Silver fan bezels
- OSIR Silver carbon fibre mirror covers
- UNIbrace UB brace
- 18x8 OZ Alleggeritta - Titanium Tech (not yet fitted)
...

[Pharkus]

Yeah, they give me wood!

[_Just]

As you know, I'm a noob here, so am only catching up on things now.

Love the R32, the wonderful detailing skills and the photos too!

I'm a big fan of the Collonite Wax products and am currently using the Liquid Insulator Wax No. 845. It's totally awesome.

http://www.colliniteautomotive.com/products.htm#liquid845

Just thought I'd share that! http://l.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/3.gif

[Pharkus]

I won't go into too much detail on this thread here, but basically once you get to the higher end $100+ for a Last Stage Product (LSP) you really don't get as much bang for your buck (law of diminishing returns). It takes a while to even get through one product, let alone try all the different ones out there. I've taken the steps from Meguiar's Gold Class -> Meguiar's NXT - NXT 2.0 -> Swissvax Concourso. Is there a difference? Probably not so much but the depth of shine and look of the Swissvax pleases me and I enjoy applying it. There's also too many other variables (where you live coast/inland, daily drive, climate, maintenance schedule etc.) that has a great impact in terms of how much time the LSP will last for.

In the end I think what matters is the care and persistence of the applicant in putting it on that would count for the most. Thanks for sharing on the Collinite, I have heard of that but not ventured to it...yet. Will be keen to see it on your R when it comes in.

I'd also suggest taking a look at the Reflect Effect posts for tips from Dave, he's the expert on here =)

[Pharkus]

Just a shot of some of the "mural" "artwork" for August's photo comp.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/8126/img2238a.jpg

[G-rig]

Get some Alessandro MS-Pros :D

[Pharkus]

Get some Alessandro MS-Pros :D

Pretty much the same, but then I think why not just get the Grado's and be done with headphones for a bit =)

[G-rig]

I think Marcus at Headphonic prefers the Alesandros over the Grado house sound. YMMV though and I haven't heard either. I think the Alesandro's are more musical and not as bright/in your face.

Either would be good though, probably only slightly different but didn't think you could get Grados locally (or at least they won't ship outside the US to private buyers).

[Frenchie]

Looking good P man !

[Pharkus]

Update: UB Brace pics

Bottom view
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1897/img2270a.jpg

Back
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7884/img2272az.jpg

Front
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4111/img2273a.jpg

[Pharkus]

Updated with UB pics

[Jig]

Update: UB Brace pics

Bottom view
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1897/img2270a.jpg

Back
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7884/img2272az.jpg

Front
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4111/img2273a.jpg

Sexy Pharkus. Do you have a rear pic of the car to show what the brace looks like underneath looking out?

[Frenchie]

Looks the part - now what s your take ?

[AP]

looks Hot!

[10d]

Red hot!!

[Mr Scruff]

Those look so cool! Has it made a noticeable difference to handling?

[Pharkus]

Those look so cool! Has it made a noticeable difference to handling?

As I explained to Justin and Christina when they were down, I rarely give it a real spirited squirt (given the nanny state and all). So really not that noticeable until I get to test it out a bit more. However, it has given me piece of mind discovering my car didn't even come with the front bracing at all!!! Also, red makes it go faster.

@Jig - If I go to Chaddie on the weekend I'll park by some stairs to see if I can get a good angle from both front and back to give you an idea on clearance. From the sides I don't think you lose all that much.

[Pharkus]

Arrived!

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5199/picture077p.jpg

OZ Alleggerita - Titanium Tech - 18 x 8 - 8.06kg

[BBR32]

Arrived!

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5199/picture077p.jpg

OZ Alleggerita - Titanium Tech - 18 x 8 - 8.06kg

ohhh baby that will look good ...... pics thanks asap

[Big Yellow]

nice one John!! what offset you get??

[Pharkus]

nice one John!! what offset you get??

ET48 from memory.

Also had a chat to Micky and will be ending up with Conti SP2's in 225. I don't think it worth my while to go wider or for any better rubber for what I do in my car. Fitting will be this Sat if you want to join me.

[Big Yellow]

hehe nice, same tires i got! what he charge ya?

[Byza]

nice pick up mate.. they will look good...

[10d]

Arrived!

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5199/picture077p.jpg

OZ Alleggerita - Titanium Tech - 18 x 8 - 8.06kg

Finally!

[AP]

NIce wheels!

[Bizi]

Ok.
...Got some shots in my favourite parking spot. I definitely need a tripod, and soon (Hi Howie!), so that I can take some non-blurry shots at low speed in low light. I'm still new to photography but here are some of the better shots. Also, any easy tools to swirl out/blend away the rego?

Any comments, good/bad welcome for the photos.

Tried using the pipes to lead up to the car. Bit blurry but limited to how much diazepam I could take and how steady my hands were
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/812/ikea2.jpg

Same perspective, just further back
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7369/ikea3x.jpg

Probably my best shot to date!!!
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6044/ikea1.jpg

Car peaking out. A white Golf MkV GT drove by slowly as I took this shot, it was blurry =( Came back from shopping and the guy driving the white GT was parked next to me taking a photo of my car!!! Told him about this forum, let's see how he goes getting registered.
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4895/ikea4.jpg

Just a bump of some of your old pics.
Congrats on some really nice wheels, which are sure to suit your car. Those pipes complement your UB. :p

[G-rig]

Those will look great john.

[Pharkus]

Quick question. Will a full size alloy wheel with tyre fit into the spare tyre compartment? Thinking of keeping the best tread Omanyt and replacing the spacesaver.

[Big Yellow]

only one way to find out! get your hands dirty!!

[Jig]

I dont think it will Pharkus. Wheel well not deep and wide enough I dont think.

[Jig]

Ooops. How rude am I. Love the wheel Pharkus. As most people are asking, pics please.

[Pharkus]

only one way to find out! get your hands dirty!!

As if! I would like to keep my hands nice and soft thanks.


I dont think it will Pharkus. Wheel well not deep and wide enough I dont think.

Bah, just Murphy's Law will kick in I reckon and we are stranded on a nice country cruise with space saver as the only option and have to limp it home. Looking on the bright side though I still get to maintain my weight savings now at least.

[Pharkus]

Wheels are on! >D >D >D

Trip down to Tyrepower in Hawthorn. Rocked up and there were 3 R35 GTR's and 2 370Z's parked out front. Seems the boys were in for new toys. Group buy of ADV1 wheels was going on.

New born wheels, fresh!
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9841/img2368a.jpg

Wheels night before, lined up ready to go.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7573/img2365e.jpg

So how do you fit 4 wheels into a Golf?
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6503/img2371a.jpg

At the shop.
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/1277/img2400m.jpg
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/905/img2401p.jpg

Side shot.
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1624/img2428d.jpg
I gots more gap than your mum!

Better shots to come when I get the chance, its been a long day.

[stephen8512]

that looks great john! and yes, full sideshot when u have the chance! :) any pics of the R35s and 370s?

you gonna get VW centrecaps and some new lugs?

[Pharkus]

that looks great john! and yes, full sideshot when u have the chance! :) any pics of the R35s and 370s?

you gonna get VW centrecaps and some new lugs?

Definitely have to get lugs =(

Thought I might be able to get away with stockies but they just look cheap and nasty and don't go with the colour theme. The mob I got the wheels off are looking to see if they come with blue OZ centre caps to match my calipers.

[G-rig]

Goes with UG very nicely ;)

Agree John, the stock bolts look crappy, but the OZ centre caps aren't bad.

[Pharkus]

Forgot to ask. By the time they got the tyres on the wheel alignment place had closed. Should I just travel for a couple of weeks then get a wheel alignment or is one not needed at all?

(Also just notice that the pic I took didn't include the centre caps. They are the black carbon fibre look ones with silver writing)

[Big Yellow]

u didnt touch suspension, so a wheel alignment shouldn't be needed. get one if you're para! HAHA

[vanboy]

Looks great John :)

Hmm.. if you havent noticed it already it means its not significantly out of alignment.
But when you can might be wise otherwise you might get uneven wear on the treads

[Byza]

mate they look good... side shots for sure...

[Frenchie]

Looking P-man but god damn you need to lowah that ride >D

More side shots asap !

[Pharkus]

u didnt touch suspension, so a wheel alignment shouldn't be needed. get one if you're para! HAHA

Yeah, I am paranoid. Might do it after a few months just to check as I don't think it ever has been aligned before in 3 years.


Looking P-man but god damn you need to lowah that ride >D

More side shots asap !

More side shots to come depending on my schedule this week (I have to clean some parts of the calipers that look a bit black due to dust now that you can see them clearly).

I do intend on lowering at some stage and still would be interested in coils. But, keeping some mods on reserve for a while now so I have stuff to look forward to. Also, it might require that we get a second car so that I can seriously consider mine only for the casual drive etc.

[OraQube]

Looks good, John!

Think one of the R35's was probably Micky's cos I know he's got one and his co-worker has a 370z.

[Pharkus]

First real drive last night to determine if there is any change in the drive with the new wheels. THE WHOLE CAR FEELS A LOT LIGHTER! I do note that I only had a quarter tank of fuel though.

I didn't expect such a marked improvement (according to my butt dyno anyway) but off the line the car felt a bit quicker and braking also feels a lot lighter as well. Cornering is back with a vengeance on new rubber (no change in brand or size). GRIP GRIP GRIP all the way through.

[Frenchie]

I will say the opposite - rocking Ross's phat fives bentleys and they feel HEAVY !!

Glad you enjoying your wheels P-man

[Jig]

Very nice Pharkus. Definitely need a center cap to finish it off. Don't OZ make those CF center caps?

[Jig]

Lots available here:

http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=OZ+Wheel+center+cap&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[Pharkus]

Very nice Pharkus. Definitely need a center cap to finish it off. Don't OZ make those CF center caps?

Thanks Jig, I do now realise that shot was pre putting the centre caps on. I got the standard CF ones with silver writing.

[Pharkus]

Some quick and dirty shots tonight before meeting up for late night coffee...apologies the composition ain't all that great but was really tired and no post prod cos I suck at it.

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/73/img2459p.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/795/img2474q.jpg

[crazyray]

looks good John

[Bizi]

Nice work, John.

I had the same experience of lightness after going from the BBS 17s to the Enkei racing 18s but it might also have been the lower profile tyres. :)

I like your approach.

[Paolo]

looks friggin good! looks smaller then 18s cause of the lip like my wheels
just needs a drop and itll be off the hizzle fa shizzle ma nizzle

[stephen8512]

hey john just a quick q

why did u keep the inner rear taillights OEM instead of changing those over to LED as well?

To me it looks strange, but each to their own?

[BBR32]

yeah looks good but would have to say i think them in black would look better:(;)

[Water Boy]

Looks good mate! Give it a good old whack with the lowering stick for good measure...

Make sure you get along to some of the Vic events.

[Pharkus]

looks friggin good! looks smaller then 18s cause of the lip like my wheels
just needs a drop and itll be off the hizzle fa shizzle ma nizzle

Yeha, stepped lip makes them look much smaller than they actually are!


Nice work, John.

I had the same experience of lightness after going from the BBS 17s to the Enkei racing 18s but it might also have been the lower profile tyres. :)

I like your approach.

Light wheels..if I had known earlier I would have planned or gotten off my arse a lot sooner.


hey john just a quick q

why did u keep the inner rear taillights OEM instead of changing those over to LED as well?

To me it looks strange, but each to their own?

The tint still matches so I am in no rush to finish it off (actually been very lazy). If you do the OEM LED tail mod you will find that the lenses for the fog and reverse lights are asymetrical and therefore I am just waiting to source some inners off a wreckers so I can do a straight drop in without any cutting etc.


yeah looks good but would have to say i think them in black would look better:(;)

A few people have already gone black, I didn't as my theme is to retain some contrast and my mirror covers are already in silver carbon fibre. Plus I avoid the issue of having to keep my sidewalls in pristine treated black condition. Grey looking tyres on black wheels is untidy IMHO.


Looks good mate! Give it a good old whack with the lowering stick for good measure...

Make sure you get along to some of the Vic events.

It's on the cards but a fair way down on my list of priorities, yeah it looks like a 4WD at the moment but next mods would be sways and engine mounts (VWR Street). It would also require another car for practicality and so I can convert this more into a hobby car. But yeah know what you mean.

Will try to make it to the DOVW or whatever its called in Nov.

[ben oz]

I love the colour combo - very nice - the rims really set off the united grey - or the united grey really sets off the rims!

[10d]

Before you spend money on anything else, please lowah the car, mate! :)
straps can wait. Engine mount can wait. Heck sway bar can wait.

[Pharkus]

Before you spend money on anything else, please lowah the car, mate! :)
straps can wait. Engine mount can wait. Heck sway bar can wait.

Too late mate. Bank is closed for the time being now. Gotta save for a house now.

[Pharkus]

Wow, been 10 months since last update. Not much to say but just day to day maintenance and another trip to Ikea meaning lucky I didn't get the Unibrace across the back of the rear seats.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8610/img5770k.jpg
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/9709/img5787u.jpg
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1497/img5814f.jpg
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/6176/img5816a.jpg
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/2958/img5828c.jpg

[CSR]

Pharkus I just read all 19 pages, your car looks gorgeous, like it hasn't even left the dealer floor yet...

You certainly have an obsession with detailing...Nice to see :D

When is the "moar low" coming? :D

[dave-r]

And that is a great photo location

[Gti Dave]

And that is a great photo location

Seconded...

[Jig]

Nice to see this car again Pharkus. Looks good and I think its time to pick some coilovers...

[Pharkus]

Nice to see this car again Pharkus. Looks good and I think its time to pick some coilovers...

Haha...keeping the 4WD look until a second car comes along or factory suspension needs replacing. Means that I can do it once and properly.

Car is booked in with Mario at Eurogloss for Opti-coat treatment. I think I am scaring him with the level of detail I apply in maintaining my car. Will post pics up tonight after I do a prewash prior to delivering to him tomorrow night for the detail.

[Pharkus]

Update 8pm on Tuesday 23 August 2011:

Got straight home from work and have spent the last 2 hours giving my car a wash.

1. Applied Mint All Purpose Cleaner with the left overs of my Meguiar's Gold Class car wash to the car and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Rinsed off with my Gerni.
3. Repeat step 1 to recoat the car in APC and car wash.
4. Two bucket method with Meguiar's lamb's wool mitt and some Meguiar's NXT 2.0 car wash (all this Megs stuff is left over from years back and car shampoo is pretty much the same)
5. Bit of elbow grease and washed the car top to bottom.
6. Wash wheels with specific Meguiar's lambs wool mitt (used only for my wheels - you can tell the difference as this one is slightly darker)
7. Used the wheel cleaning bottlebrush from Meguiars to clean the insides of the wheels.
8. Two large waffleweave microfibre cloths to dry the car out.

As mentioned before I have an appointment with Eurogloss tomorrow to apply Opti-Coat to the car so I wanted it to be as clean as possible. The car will be garaged until I drive down to Mario's tomorrow night. But as I will no doubt pick up some contaminants on the way down Mario should be giving it a clean then clay bar if required and finally two IPA wipedowns. This should ensure that the paintwork is as clean as possible. I will show him the few and very faint swirl marks that I can see (most people can't but I know there are a few there) to see if he can do a very light paint correction. Essentially the car is now naked and free of any last stage product applied.

I tried to take some shots, but not sure if they came out right. I know a lot of detailers take before and after of the swirl marks but I just couldn't get the light right (that and also they are very very faint and there aren't many of them). Any tips from you photogs would be appreciated, I even tried with the flash on.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4117/img5967na.jpg
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/3757/img5970.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9307/img5977x.jpg

[Fab_R]

Nice work John :)

Happy for you to run this process over mine :P

[10d]

Any update on the OptiCoat, J?

[Pharkus]

Opti-Coat is on. I've been told to give it a week or so to cure so that it hardens. I understand this is best done by leaving it to bake in the sun for a bit, so I am at the mercy of the weather gods of Melbourne. The swirl marks around the car (yes I had some!) have now been corrected by Mario at Eurogloss as part of the process. Even though I was pretty much difficult to deal with Mario was really good.

There is slightly more gloss to the car now than before. As it has had a detail, the paint is now smoother than before. It will be even more so once I have had the chance to apply some product on top of the Opti-Coat after it has had time to cure. Still trying to decide on if I will just finish off my Swissvax Nanoexpress or use the Optimum products (quick wax and gloss enhancer).

I'll probably get some pictures done next Melbourne GTG on 9 September.

Also on the downside, I noticed that one of my rear LED tails has lost one quarter of the red brake LED (from 3o'clock to 6 o'clock). Really frustrated and it looks like I may have to replace the whole thing!!!

[VOLK5]

John, we should all hit up the new IKEA in Springvale for a photoshoot sometime when it opens next week!

[10d]

Well, at least Mario knows you will appreciate his work more than most people. Good stuff. Maybe just use up your Swissvax and use the other after?

[Pharkus]

Well, at least Mario knows you will appreciate his work more than most people. Good stuff. Maybe just use up your Swissvax and use the other after?

I think I might just keep the remainder of the Swissvax and sniff it now and then. Just too time consuming to apply.

On another note, just bought $220 worth of detailing product in bulk to keep it ship shape.

Update on LED tail:

Might have to fork out for another set, unless I can get them singly or work out why some of the LED is not working. I have tried looking for an original VW part number which I then might be able to get a replacement under warranty (given my whole 30k km I've done). Sigh...

@Kyne - Anything special about that new car park? Is it open late at night? Like Illektronik, I'm struggling for new locations to try out.

[VOLK5]

nothing particularly special except for the fact that its new and spacious? and so you don't need to travel all the way to Richmond this time, although Springvale might be just as far?

[unit3d]

love your dedication in keeping your car so neat! i've just bought some mother's products (car wash, wax, claybar) and plan to get some dodo juice products soon as well, but with my limited experience, I'll have to play around and experiment for now... looking forward to seeing your car in person at this month's GTG!

[Pharkus]

love your dedication in keeping your car so neat! i've just bought some mother's products (car wash, wax, claybar) and plan to get some dodo juice products soon as well, but with my limited experience, I'll have to play around and experiment for now... looking forward to seeing your car in person at this month's GTG!

Thanks mate. Remind me to have a chat to you about it. Very tempted to get some supernatural and shelve the Swissvax just to see if it is easier to apply though I doubt it.

As I mentioned on the Opticoat review thread I just received some Optimum Spray on Wax and Gloss Enhancer. Trying to keep products from the same company (on the assumption that they should compliment each other). Otherwise I may still go down the route of getting some special stuff later. Just a matter of work vs reward.

[Stalker]

Optimum Car Wax's work vs reward ratio is very high in my opinion. Super easy to apply, great results, good longevity once applied and a little goes and long way so the bottle will last quite a while. I love the stuff. :D

[Pharkus]

Optimum Car Wax's work vs reward ratio is very high in my opinion. Super easy to apply, great results, good longevity once applied and a little goes and long way so the bottle will last quite a while. I love the stuff. :D

You mean the 3.8L for $80 that I got? Jeez could last me into next century maybe. Definitely worth it to get a couple of weekends back a year. Can't afford the time now with study and other developments.

[Pharkus]

Here are some more recent pictures post Optimum Opti Coat treatment

Effort:Reward ratio definitely in favour of this product. I have had the treatment on now for about 3 weeks and the dirt is able to be just pressure hosed off (helps if you have a gerni/karcher at home).

Application of the spray on wax is also easier than most other wax products. No need to use an applicator then wait for it to dry then buff off. The buffing of the spray on wax is also a lot easier.

The gloss enhancer is where this product really shines though. For some reason after application it takes a while for it to do its stuff. But going back to the garage and running your hand over the paint work the next morning it feels so slippery. Not at all sure what it does overnight but definitely it takes some time for this effect to happen.

All up with a snow foam, spray off, wipe down, clean wheels (probably most effort and time here), then 1 coat of spray on wax and 1 coat of gloss enhancer took me about 2 hours. Not bad considering application of the last wax product I used took a good 5-6 hrs minimum.

Brake rotors, pads and lines going in tomorrow.

And here are the results. Conditions weren't very bright as I was fighting fading daylight just before dinner at the folks.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6231/img6099r.jpg

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/3826/img6103g.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/1951/img6107v.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2372/img6111b.jpg

Oh and as a bonus the gloss enhancer smells like BUBBLEGUM! Totally high on the fumes.

[MasterKevin]

Niceee looks clean as! Good job!

[Fab_R]

looking slick john :)

[sxcR32]

Nicely done mate!

[Pharkus]

New pads and rotors (Adams dbl slotted) and lines have been installed at Fitzy's.

The rears still need to wear off a bit of the zinc coating but the fronts were bedded in by the work shop.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/386/img6150ei.jpg
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9606/img6151iz.jpg
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/6011/img6152s.jpg

[Rob32R]

Very nice John :). I also like the OptiCoat, its given your R32 a nice shine.

[Fab_R]

looking good bro...

[Frenchie]

Clean as P man though I noticed a little dirt there on side skirts >D
Rotors looking good, what's next ?

[Pharkus]

Clean as P man though I noticed a little dirt there on side skirts >D
Rotors looking good, what's next ?

I think that is just your imagination!

Next may be just H&R springs rather than full coil over set. However, most likely to only lower the car once the missus has one of her own.

[Adzy]

I think that is just your imagination!

Next may be just H&R springs rather than full coil over set. However, most likely to only lower the car once the missus has one of her own.

Nice Jhonny, nice! Once you have a bit of low action she will be tuff as mate.

[ikprojekt]

WOW John. Such great detailing. When I see you next can you please detail my Golf too? :p Very nice car mate!

[Brick]

Looking very nice John.

Which brake lines did you go with?

[Pharkus]

Looking very nice John.

Which brake lines did you go with?

I just told Craig at BWA to supply me with the stainless steel braided ones that had ADR approval. Will have to look at the receipt to check or may have to ask him. They look like clear blue plastic over the stainless steel braiding.