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Caring for your SLK Detailing and Car Care Tips

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Old 03-02-2008   #21 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by mtiede View Post
Don't most compressed air systems have a small amount of oil in them?

When I wash mine, I use the Mr. Clean system.
The one I use for airbrushing has a filter and regulator designed for airbrushes - the air that comes out is free of oil and moisture. I initially had this air compressor for airbrushing models (as a hobby) but also found it useful with the vehicle. Just needed some simple attachments, readily available from Sears: coiled air hose, nozzle tip, and one for inflating the tires.
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Old 03-03-2008   #22 (permalink)
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Gabus.... that is teh first time i have seen a pic fo your car, and i love it!!!!
your wheels look fantastic, i can say that is prob the best R170 ive seen. very aggressive looking car! well done.

It seems most have similar method, i clean mine once or twice depending on weather, and generally give it a wash and chmois dry,slick tyres,hoover.
noce a month is polish and wax, Meguiars, Autoglym or Zymol, depending on my mood.
However last month after the winter, i used a heavy duty cutting agent to remove all little scratches and swirls the winter dirt had left, then a clay, then a polish and then a high percentage carnuba wax, and the car came out perfect. took me enarly 6 hours however, so won't be doing that again in a hurry.
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Old 03-03-2008   #23 (permalink)
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I hear that Mercedes-Benz vehicles manufactured after 2003 have the new 'Ceramic Clearcoat' so they shouldn't be so susceptible to swirls marks and stone chips.

Can anyone confirm this?
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Old 03-03-2008   #24 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by ryan.stephens View Post
I hear that Mercedes-Benz vehicles manufactured after 2003 have the new 'Ceramic Clearcoat' so they shouldn't be so susceptible to swirls marks and stone chips.

Can anyone confirm this?
It means they are less likely to be scratched easily and have swirls giving you have the same attempt on a SLK R170 vs R171.
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Old 03-03-2008   #25 (permalink)
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As my wash system is a bit different from that reported in posts above, I'll present it for your consideration.

I use an electric power washer with a max of 1750 psi, dial down the pressure to prevent paint stripping, and then set the nozzle on a fine, flat spray pattern. Then I use it on all surfaces to "knock off" any possible dirt.

Then I start with the wheels and wheel wells using PS 21 wheel cleaner and a boar's hair brush on a 22" handle to wash these areas. Then, I use the pressure washer on the wheels for rinse. Then I utilize my quick hose connect to connect an Ortho garden sprayer filled with car wash detergent. This sprayer has a dial so concentration of detergent can be adjusted, and I set it on the detergent maker's recommendations. I apply the detergent with this device. Then, I apply some agitation with a big Boar's hair brush on a pole. At all times when I am using any boar's hair brush, I keep it clean with a shot from the pressure washer now and then. Then, I rinse the whose car with the pressure washer. Initial drying is done with a high speed electric leaf blower, followed by a drying with a waffle microfiber. If any part of the glass remains dirty, I use Stoner's Invisible glass to clean it.

Of course, then I clean the interior, and inspect the finish to see if detailing work is needed. But those are other stories.
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Old 03-03-2008   #26 (permalink)
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ryan:

In the US, Mercedes DID change their whole paint chemistry beginning with the '05 models. It is some sort of "nano technology" paint and clear coat. As I have a "new technology" '07 SLK parked right next to an "old technology" '04 C 320 in my garage, it is easy for me to "A/B" the appearance of these finishes. The new one does seem to be harder, perhaps at the sacrifice of a little depth, but this is a very small matter. The idea in the conversion indeed was to make the finish less susceptible to swirls and scratches.
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