Gorgeous car! I like that you use everyday brands and not the $200 per ounce custom order shipped from a Rolls Royce approved leather tannery in Yorkshire stuff. You achieved a fantastic result without spending a small fortune.

Question - do you have any tips for removing stubborn water spots on a flat surface (hood/trunk)? Tried vinegar but required so much scrubbing I was afraid of damaging the paint. Nobody sees them but me, still I want them off.

 

Thanks Greg, I bought what I thought would be good products after reading a bunch of online reviews. I found that I kept coming back to the Meguiar's Ultimate line of products and have been really impressed with them. I haven't tried their Ultimate Compound, as I had some fine-cut cleaner already on hand and didn't need to buy anything else. If I ever put the car in a car show, I will add a topcoat of carnauba wax. One that was recommended to me is the . I was told that it is really good on dark green metallic paint. I haven't bought any yet, as so far I'm happy with the synthetic wax that I've used. You're right about the crazy prices you can find for various waxes. Some of them go for $200 a jar. That's not something I'm willing to spend.

I took a look on the AmmoNYC youtube channel for water spot removal tricks and found this:


I hate to keep going back to referencing his videos as I fear I'll start to sound like a bit of a broken record. However, I've learned so much from his channel and it is often the first place I look for tips on how to do something. He also has another video on there in which uses some sort of acid to dissolve a calcium hard-water stain. It's worth taking a look.

I hope this helps.

 

 

Any time you are in my neighorhood....I've a collection of cars that are just waiting for your special attention. Great job.....I also just purchased a "special green" Jag XJ8....with the same mesh grill as the one in your terrific photos. Good job doesn't even come close to the excellent and thorough detailing you completed for this beautiful Jag.

 

Something to aspire to!
How did you clean the exhaust tips?

 

Wow, great job!

 

Amazing!!!!!

Great write up.

 

Dan,

I can't remember now what I used for the exhaust tips. Probably whatever chrome polish I had on hand. Sorry.

 

Wow. Spectacular job. I just picked up a 2004 XJR, I’m so happy to have read your process / product recommendations. I thought my aluminum trim was shot forever! But you’ve given me hope. Thank you!

 

Really nice car and great job fleshing it up. For a seventeen year old car it looks concours.

 

Thanks for digging this thread up. It is giving me inspiration to get out there and give it another thorough wax job. I've maintained it pretty well over the years, but it is due for a polish and wax.

 

Awesome post and great pics! Is that Esmerald Metallic? I miss my 2001 in that schematic. Makes me want to go get another one. Love the detail on the leather and the carpets. Your vehicle and all Jaguars truly are worthy of such a service!

Cheers!!