The First Weekend of Work

The day finally came, we woke up at 6:30Am to leave at 7AM to drive out to Riverside. To start the day off right we went with a McDonald's breakfast (Sausage McMuffin w/ egg of coarse). Then the drive begins. 

Upon arrival we remove all the new tools and manuals from the back of the car and dump them into the garage. Then we put the key in the ignition to unlock the wheel and we push it out onto the driveway. This is where we pull off the top, that is in bad shape to begin with. To facilitate the removal of all the built up dirt and animal fur we removed the seats. A quick review of the Haynes Workshop Manual helped us out there. Then we realized we should take some before pictures. So we did.

After a heavy vaccum session and clearing the boot of any debri as well as removing the rear license plate frame to get behind the bumper for its layers of dirt. It was time to wash. This was pretty quick and painless as any car wash should go.

After about 3 hours we had sufficient sunburns and decided to push the car back into the garage.

This is where I began using a clay bar on the car to try and get some of that oxidation out. Turns out I am out of luck, but the finish is much smoother now, if that's anything. I also used some Black Restore on the bumpers and interior. Man do they shine now. The bumpers are still peeling and crappy, but they are black instead of grey. 

I also wanted to see what was under the leather wrap on the steering wheel. Turns out a foam pad covered in old electrical tape and a metal wheel. I guess I was right in thinking a new steering wheel would be necessary.

We also discovered it was impossible to open the bonnet with the lever. So under the car we go with a screwdriver to pop the thing release. Followed by more vacuuming to get rid of spiders and spider webs.