Reply to "The Cat is Back!"

I know what you mean Erik. It's darn cold here too. No snow, but almost freezing. Hope you get some help to get the engine back in. Keep us posted and show us some pics.

If you recall, I was out testing the brakes, just before winter arrived. I lucked out and had a dry day, finished my test and then drove right to my indoor parking spot for the winter. Just in time too, as the snow came that night and stayed for the rest of the winter.

I usually do a thorough cleanup before covering up the cat for the winter months. But for some dumb reason, I just covered her and figured I'll do the cleaning in the spring.

Big mistake. I dunno if it was salt dust I picked up, or just the humidity of the garage I was in. But my polished ZF looked like it had been under water for a few months. Well, not that bad, but it was completely dull, pitted and stained. I was sick when I opened the rear deck.

Anyhow, I spent this past weekend rubbing. My back and legs are aching. I tried the electric drill, the cordless, the Dremel - all at different speeds and with every combination of polishes and compounds. I even got out the 4 polishing bars and assortment of pads. After a while I figured out how to do it without scratching up the metal. With tired old muscles, I finally got that baby back to her brilliant glory.

Then I detailed the rest of the motor and compounded to engine bay. Then I got under the car and cleaned up whatever else is visible from above.

After that I got out the rags and the cleaners and the clay bars and went to work on the body. It's finally gleaming once more, ready for a nice waxing. But I'm so done.

There's still lots more to do. But I'll save it for next weekend.