Just got my G37xs back. Let my son's Mother use it for almost 2 years because she needed a car. Definitely didn't clean my car the way I did, she still drives great but haven't been able to clean
her up yet due to back to back snow. Soon as it clears up I'll post some more pics. Need to get it back to her previous glory. To sell or not to sell that will be the question.

 

Reminds me of when Han Solo returned Lando’s pride and joy...

Grew up not far from Massapequa, know how winters can really take their toll. Depending how serious you are about restoration, there are a bunch of talented details that operate in the NY metro area (not the “detailers” at car washes, but the real pros).

Good luck with whichever path you end up taking

 

Thanks man. They are such smooth driving cars and the first thing that I noticed to miss was the way the steering wheel and seat move out of the way when you enter and exit the car. After watching Cobra Kai might have to detail myself. lol.

 

Congrats! I really think the market value for these cars in 2021 is so low that it's worth keeping, but you do you! Obviously I'm biased

 

Thanks. I'll clean her up gauge interest and make a decision. Bone stock so would make for a nice project. Just did tires and brakes, maybe should have waited.

 

Detailing is very easy to do if you know how. I think you should at least do it once and see if it's something you'd enjoy going forward. I get so much enjoyment knowing I am making my car look good myself. Plus I find myself taking much more care in how it's taken care of because I put the work in.
I understand some people just don't want to do it themselves, and that's perfectly fine. I just find it very enjoyable, and maybe you will too.

 

Your right, I've done it before and the spring is coming. Either way I hope she gets back to looking and running great again. Found another pic.

 

She still looks very clean from 5 feet away! Shouldn't have to do too much to get her back to 100%. Glad you got it back! Is it the moonlight pearl?

 

That's a picture from before I let my ex use the car, it's sitting in the driveway under a little snow right now. Waiting for a spring cleaning and some maintenance. That's the plan, but I really don't need a second car so I might sell her to someone who is
looking for a decent project car.

 

Well that stinks. If you do sell it, I'm sure whoever gets it will enjoy it.
What's your daily? Not interested in selling what you have and driving this instead?
I do have to admit, the sedan isn't the most impressive car for a daily/project car. I had a 2010 G37 coupe before I got my sedan and I vastly preferred the coupe to the sedan in general. Looks more sporty, felt more sporty, etc...

 

This Is the new daily, definitely wanted to keep the all wheel drive. Bone stock as well but fun none the less. The G is way more comfortable but I enjoy the agility of the STI. Coupe are sexier but if you have a kid or family unit the sedan works better IMO.

 

Ahhhh, I see why you'd sell your G haha That's a very nice car for a daily! I really like the wheels on it, and looks like you have an exhaust on it as well?
That's part of why I got the sedan after my coupe was totaled. By that point we had already had a daughter and now we have a son as well so it was definitely a needed change, just not in the way I would have preferred...

 

LOL... Nope that's 100% stock exhaust as well, all stock. I went through my upgrades phase back in the day. I had like 8 RX7's, WRX's, and 03 EVO. Now I use that money on stocks hopefully retire a couple days earlier.

 

The cleaning has begun.. have to get some bug and tar remover. interior no too bad. One more wash and any new good compound waxes out there and or what do you guys use?

 

You've a history with cars, so IDK how much of this is good advice or things you already know or know better. Anyway...

After bug & tar for the big stuff, next up would be to claybar the surface. For lubricant with the claybar you can use soapy water, or just buy a cheap exterior detailing spray. If this is your first time using clay, no worries, there are a bazillion youtube videos on its use and it's not rocket science. Work your way top-down, because the lower section of the car is going to be the worse. If you start down low, you'll just eat up your supply of clay, and clay is kind of expensive.

Don't expect to do the entire car in one sitting, because that's just not realistic. Take your time, one panel at a time. Keep notes about which parts of the car you've completed and have yet to do. The other thing about taking notes is you can record where the scratches, chips and dings are, if you're going to address those in addition to the finish. However, don't take too long with the clay, because you're going to want to seal and polish afterwards. You might want to seal and polish each section after you clay, instead of planning on a whole-car approach.

Also, clay the glass. You'll see what I mean (no pun, LOL).

Same for your wheels, but that's probably going to feel hopeless. Painted, clear-coated aluminum wheels are something you have to keep up with every year, otherwise the damage to the finish just gets out of hand. If they're really bad, you might want to network for a local powdercoater, and pony up for a beautiful new finish. Or just get some new wheels... the sport 18s are kind of meh.

Headlight lenses look pretty good as is, which is kind of surprising. Was the car parked indoors over the years?

As for your exhaust tips... metal polish applied with 4-naught (0000) steel wool. Honest, 0000 steel wool. But only your tips, nothing else!