Hey guys, Lurking for awhile and don't own an S yet, but if I ever do get one, it will be this one.



It has been tied up in Virginia estate probate since July of 2012 while disputes have been raised and settled... Almost at the end of the tunnel, and I may take ownership as early as September.

As you can see from the picture, she's very, very dirty. It's a MY 2000,about 64K miles and has been very well cared for up until my Stepdad's passing. VERY well cared for. The question I have for you guys is whether I should leave it sitting as-is until I get back to the states and wash/wax it myself (should be September) or pay for a detailer to come out to the site and wash/wax/interior/cover? I like to do things myself whenever possible, but I'm no expert in paint maintenance. Any input you have would be welcome.

 

If you have time and patience you can do this yourself just read the threasds here on detailing. You will definitley need to start with a good wash,clay bar, polish and wax. Plan on it taking lots of time like an entire day or two for a really good job especially if your doing it by hand. Best results for you would probably be obtained by having it professionally detailed and then maintain the appearance. Don't skip out on the maintainance. Change all the fluids, it's been sitting for two years. Good luck

 

Levi

 

Thanks for confirming my course of action. Car's unregistered, so it will be carried back to my house before cranked. Once home, I'm changing engine, transmission, and differential oil; also brake and clutch fluid, coolant and getting rid of all the old gas.... then, on to retainers and banjo bolts. I've had a great time reading all the threads on here, and I'll post a proper intro once complete.

 

I hope no critters have moved in! Buddy of mine is restoring an M3 that sat for a while. So far, he has found numerous mice nests, ant colonies and the other day found a snake skin when he pulled the bumper cover off. Good luck!

 

I'd love to get my hands on this for a detail. I can just imagine the transformation. It's going to take two washes (at least) before you're ready for clay or even better a Nanoskin Autoscub pad. Those washes, esp the first one, are going to require some heavy duty soap and scrubbing that you normally wouldn't use on your finish. After that you're probably looking at two polishing steps before you're ready for a wax or paint sealant.

 

I agree, but it should look great if you do it right. Good luck.

 

Good plan. I would do a valve job as well, change spark plugs, and check the ignition coils to see if they need replacement. The biggest concern would be that the engine oil will be completely at the bottom of the pan with minimal fluid if any in the internals. Lubricating the internals properly before starting would be key to avoiding any damage upon cranking the car up for the first time. Obviously get the car running on the road and then assessing an needs to replace suspension bushings and such based on it sitting for so long. I'm not sure if it's a good thing for the car to sit compressed for so long. Also check for flat spots on the tires.

BTW - it's a great looking GPW. Like the wheels. The soft top looks to be in good shape. Put a cover on it f you can until you get it home and follow some tips for proper storage. You may have done all this already.

 

A double wash along with an Iron-X treatment, followed by a good claying, then polish and coat with good sealant. The softop needs a good cleaning and protection coating - with Raggtop products. It is back-breaking work to do yourself- probably a good 8 hours, so I don't look down upon anyone using a professional, a good detailer is worth every penny if you can afford it.

Sorry to hear about the passing of the owner, were they members on here ?

 

Welcome.

Check out the link in my signature for maitenance needs.