NeilGo's 1.9 CDTi SRi (150ps) 5d (Sat Nav) XP2

[NeilGo]

Hello everyone, this is the story of the continuing journey of XP02RED and what I have been doing with the car since RichM's ownership thread here https://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showt...ed-Sri-XP2-nav

(Just for clarity, RichM sold the car in January 2020. It was then looked after by three different owners until I took possession in September 2021.)

One of the first jobs was changing the o/s indicator bulb...yes, this was all necessary to change a bulb!



Thanks

Neil

[Fastcabs]

One of the first jobs was changing the o/s indicator bulb...yes, this was all necessary to change a bulb!

Haha, you mean you haven’t done the beginner contortionist course yet? (aka Vectra bulb changing)

What a great car you’ve got there. I’m jealous. Ok actually 50% jealous and 50% looking forward to the ‘competition’ for best red. I will be gracious and concede that you are winning….for now.

In all seriousness, congrats on the car and all the best for your ownership. I’m sure the car is in good hands and looking forward to the rest of the story.

[Dog_Book]

Haha, you mean you haven’t done the beginner contortionist course yet? (aka Vectra bulb changing)

What a great car you’ve got there. I’m jealous. Ok actually 50% jealous and 50% looking forward to the ‘competition’ for best red. I will be gracious and concede that you are winning….for now.

In all seriousness, congrats on the car and all the best for your ownership. I’m sure the car is in good hands and looking forward to the rest of the story.

Don't know what you girls are moaning about, it takes 5 mins to drop the front down enough to remove the headlights and that's with the brake ducts which you pansies mostly likely do not have. Bit longer to remove as headlight washer pipe work needs a cap, park pilot disconnecting and the subframe rivets getting out.

[northpole]

mweh it's not the only car in existence that requires dropping the bumper to replace an indicator bulb.... try changing a lightbulb on a 2005 and upwards mercedes or smart.. the vectra all of a sudden is one of the easiest ones... PS use silver coated indicator bulbs( Chromatic is the official name) you'll thank yourself later since you are into detailing.

[NeilGo]

Haha, you mean you haven’t done the beginner contortionist course yet? (aka Vectra bulb changing)

What a great car you’ve got there. I’m jealous. Ok actually 50% jealous and 50% looking forward to the ‘competition’ for best red. I will be gracious and concede that you are winning….for now.

In all seriousness, congrats on the car and all the best for your ownership. I’m sure the car is in good hands and looking forward to the rest of the story.

Thank you and yes it was a learning curve - literally And that thing you need to do with the bumper where you just unscrew the bolt a little bit then pull it forward on the bracket - or something like that! I was at a bodyshop that day so was in safe hands! Will keep you posted.

[NeilGo]

Don't know what you girls are moaning about, it takes 5 mins to drop the front down enough to remove the headlights and that's with the brake ducts which you pansies mostly likely do not have. Bit longer to remove as headlight washer pipe work needs a cap, park pilot disconnecting and the subframe rivets getting out.

mweh it's not the only car in existence that requires dropping the bumper to replace an indicator bulb.... try changing a lightbulb on a 2005 and upwards mercedes or smart.. the vectra all of a sudden is one of the easiest ones... PS use silver coated indicator bulbs( Chromatic is the official name) you'll thank yourself later since you are into detailing.

Ha ha ha you guys . I didn't have the silver ones at the time but it's deffo getting done soon

[RichM]

Was so good to catch up at VBOA mate and so pleased you have the car as I know you'll look after it. Look forward to reading this thread as it evolves and hope to see you and the car again soon.

Rich.

[NeilGo]

mweh it's not the only car in existence that requires dropping the bumper to replace an indicator bulb.... try changing a lightbulb on a 2005 and upwards mercedes or smart.. the vectra all of a sudden is one of the easiest ones... PS use silver coated indicator bulbs( Chromatic is the official name) you'll thank yourself later since you are into detailing.

Thanks northpole

[NeilGo]

As mentioned elsewhere, detailing is a bit of a hobby and whenever I can, I like to get out the old DA polisher and give my car a makeover - well that's the plan

Here is a pic of the side of the car with a 'before' and 'after' shot. Before the 'before' shot, the paint has been typically washed, (sometimes cleansed (to remove old waxes, etc) but not on this occasion), clayed (to remove contaminants - tree sap, industrial fall out, all the s**t in the rain!) and then using detailing masking tape, very carefully mask out and areas with which you wouldn't want the polish to interact eg rubbers, badges, decals, plastic, etc.

The 'after' shot is after the machine polishing has taken place which typically is one 'pass' of a medium cut polish followed by another 'pass' of a 'final' cut polish. After that comes what they call 'Last Step Product' or LSP. For me this is usually Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection (sealant) followed by BFWD Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax.

Typical time for that one side alone: 5 hours






And no sooner has one section been done...

[NeilGo]

Was so good to catch up at VBOA mate and so pleased you have the car as I know you'll look after it. Look forward to reading this thread as it evolves and hope to see you and the car again soon.

Rich.

There's a challenge! No pressure lol. Hard act to follow but will do my best to reach the high bar you set. So glad we got the chance to say hello and your Monaro VXR is at another level. Cheers, Neil