About the Author

The Bentley 4½ Litre is a British sports car built by Bentley Motors. Its supercharged variant is also known as the Blower Bentley. Famous for his statement "there's no replacement for displacement", Walter Owen Bentley upped the displacement of the Bentley 3 Litre in 1926 to produce the 4½ Litre. Upon taking control of the company, the "Bentley Boys" went in search of even more power and developed the supercharged model in 1929 at Henry Birkin's racing workshops in Welwyn Garden City. A 4½ Litre Bentley raced at Le Mans in 1927 but crashed. Another claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 with drivers Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin at the wheel.

This is the car author Ian Fleming first chose for James Bond. It is featured in three of the 007 Novels, Casino Royale, Live and Let Die and Moonraker. In the book, Bond drives one of the last blower Bentleys built, a battleship grey Convertible Coupé, with French Marchal headlamps and an Amherst Villiers supercharger. Interestingly, Ian Fleming himself owned a 'blower' from whence the inspiration for Bond's car came. Even more interesting is the fact Fleming bought the car from Amherst Villiers after it was produced for him by Bentley. The car was recently to be seen in the Yorkshire Motor Museum, Batley but since the museum's closure it has passed into a private collection.

The naked Scientist promises to strip car care chemicals to their bare essentials, biotech, nanotechnology, chemistry and the chaos theory are also involved. And this being doctor Jon, you’ll require certain items, a syringe, a microscope, possibly something designed by NASA

Timeline - five decades plus; but detailing has never my prime source of income, Chemical Engineering is my chosen profession. I detailed Concours d’élégance vehicles at week-ends and school holidays. While at university I had a  job at the Connolly™ Leather Company in Wimbledon  (1960-1963 summer jobs while at college)

I detailed my first car in 1958 at the age of fourteen and worked on the preparation of Concours d’élégance vehicles most weekends. I gave up hands-on detailing in 1995. Since then I have written books and articles for motoring magazines (often as a ‘ghost writer’), I run a website as well as a Blog (all detailing orientated) and I'm an active contributor to various on-line detailing forums as well as Facebook and Wikipedia

Born in London, England in 1944, I studied at London University (Bartlett College) and received a BSc Architectural Engineering, then studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc) Business Management, after graduation I joined the RAF and attended Royal Air Force College at Cranwell, Officer Cadet training graduating as a Flight Lieutenant. I then gained a position in the Oil Gas, Hydrocarbon Exploration sector working for a British Oil and Gas Exploration Company, a few years later was granted a scholarship, and studied at Imperial College, London graduating with a Doctorate (PhD) in Chemical Engineering

My Engineering career spanned some thirty years culminating as a Projects Director Coatings Division R and D, working in the Commercial, Aerospace and Defense sectors, which allowed me to work in some of  the most sophisticated laboratories (NASA, Oak Ridge, Sandia National Laboratory,Los Alamos National Laboratory, etc.)

I began detailing Mercedes-Benz / BMW helping out at my Father’s dealership where we would spend three or four days or more detailing vehicles. As well as his Jag collection back in the late 50's, which he used to enter in Concours d’élégance events (detailing to another level) and as such I'm used to a large number of high-end new and used cars. The one thing I learned (and still have that last 98% to learn, mind you) way back then still holds true today “ It’s the surface preparation that makes the difference, not the product”.

I detailed my first car when I was fourteen (a mere five and a half decades ago) it was a 1929 Bentley  Production 1926–1930 (supercharged model from 1929) 720 produced (cost today £2M) that belonged to my Father's friend Brigadier John Dix of Kensington, London. If, as they say, "God is in the details," then a 1929 Bentley is truly a religious experience. I knew then that detailing would become a passion and my metier

Detailing has always been a relaxing pastime for me and while at college I had a part-time business detailing classic vintage cars. From there to Concours d’élégance entrant then judge, and then on to writing car care articles /instructions, then writing this book on my favourite subject. I have tried virtually every top product on the market ever since using the arm-breaking Simonizeâ as well as T-Cut polish and Chelseaâ leather cleaners

With a thirty year background in the physical and chemical sciences and decades in the advanced synthetic polymers and silica coating industry I've always believed in empowering my reader’s with facts based on knowledge, experience and scientific facts as opposed to marketing hype and letting them make their own logical decisions. Because I’m passionate about what I do and care about making sure detailing is a safe, fun and rewarding experience for the enthusiast and professional detailer            

                                                                                 

                                      

 Le Mans Racer- 4.5 litres Bentley

Production 1926–1930 (supercharged model from 1929) 720 produced

 Foreword

Having been involved in detailing some of the world’s finest classic and high-end exotic and luxury automobiles for five decades TOGWT®  is the first place both Professional and Enthusiast detailer’s look to for an  uncompromising level of unbiased  technical and scientific knowledge. Working closely with the industry’s leading-edge product manufacturers from around the world means the best technology and product advice is available to enable you to care for your automobile.

The old grey whistle test (TOGWT aka Jon Miller) is the author of “Automotive Detailing; Inside and Out”, a knowledge base for the perfectionist and a 180+ articles that form the series “The Technical Detailing Papers” (before a software upgrade on the Autopia.org website – TOGWT Detailing Wiki)

When I first started writing these detailing guides I realized that it would be very detailed (no pun intended) because of my penchant to include not just “How it works, but also “Why” it works, as well as an explanation of the scientific terminology. With that in mind I probably respond with more detail than some think is necessary. But try to write in a way that helps the reader to understand not only "How" to do something, but "Why" they are doing it. I then considered how I could simplify things; however the only way to accomplish this would be to omit necessary information and that didn’t feel right to me

Reading these articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn.

Chances are you own a fine automobile, maybe even an expensive one and you want to give it the best care.

Our harsh environment isn’t concerned with how fine an automobile you own, but these tips are mythologies are written for those who do. A well maintained and cared for automobile not only looks good but also worth much more when the time comes to sell it. Regardless of how neglected or soiled the vehicle has become you will find the methodology and products in this book to restore that ‘as-new’ look again.

Every weekend you'll find people washing and cleaning their vehicles, some doing the bare minimum and some who find it therapeutic; washing away the stress of daily life (some have even called it their ‘golf’) By using the right tools, methods and products, a simple car wash can be achieved in very little time; using very little water Optimum No Rinse (ONR) and a just detailed look with Quick Detailing (QD) For the person who wants a more thorough cleaning or the perfectionist you’ll find a range of products and methodologies to produce an ‘optically perfect shine’.

Car cleaning done the wrong way can be at best disappointing, and can do more long-term damage to the various vehicle surfaces. The purpose of this book is to show you various ways, utilizing various skill and experience levels, how to retrieve the original looking finish to your bodywork and interior and how to maintain it. Although it is divided into separate elements for vehicle detailing, the approach taken is the assumption that you are giving your vehicle a complete detail, even if you take it one element at a time. The order in which the various sections are arranged to enable you to do the various detailing steps, in the most time efficient manner and is the adopted procedure for trained professional detailers.

There are also sections explaining various components, detailing tools and products, and chemicals as well as an A-Z of detailing terms and methods to enable an understanding of the “why” as well as the “how” of detailing (also includes cleaning tips and professional tricks)

This section has been expanded to help you deal safely and effectively with virtually every car care detailing situation you might come across, and you can do so with the knowledge and peace of mind that the products recommended and the application methods have gone through an amazing amount of real-world testing on many different marques and their paint film systems.

The proper way to find out what works and what doesn't is to read the label or relevant MSDS and find out what it contains; a combination of knowledge and experience will guide you the rest of the way.

As a Chemical Engineer I would like to help detailers reach an intelligent and logical understanding of the many chemicals used in detailing. Improperly used chemicals can cause damage to the person using them and to surface they are applied to (sometimes irreparably) because the detailer was not educated regarding the chemical make-up of the products they used.

Conversely I also want to tell you that it's a waste of time to dedicate too much time and attention to them. All that is required is that you learn some basic chemistry i.e. what pH values mean, what chemicals will safely remove stains and what detailing chemicals to avoid or the precaution to take if you do choose to use them.

If a product is not working for you, experiment until you find one that’s suitable for your needs. After reading these articles, you should have a basic understanding of the chemicals used in car care products along with some simple generic definitions of the chemicals used. Enthusiast grade products are the cream of the crop and are only available through limited distributors both locally and online.

Professionals typically don't use these products because of time restraints and / or there price point. Whether you have a daily commuter, a concourse show vehicle or you just want to protect what has now become an expensive automotive investment. Most of the answers to maintaining an ‘as new’ condition can be found here. Unbiased advice without any exaggerated claims or marketing hype.

As a detailer, you already face an enormous number of product choices in the market, and every few months, the next "greatest" detailing product attempts to capture your attention long enough to score your dollars. Over-complication is often used in marketing to give the illusion of a more research-oriented manufacturer. The opposite of the very successful approach to product selection KISS (keep it simple stupid)

The products recommended are easy to use, following the stated methods, gentle towards the many different material automotive materials and finishes, safe for both you to use and the environment. This is not a short cut guide, but a list of recommended methods / products to provide maximum protection for your vehicle, so you will enjoy maintaining the vehicle in an as-new (or better) condition for as long as possible.

  

I didn’t invent detailing, nor did I invent many of the techniques used in these following articles. I do however; use these processes and techniques, all of which have proven them to work effectively, providing consistent show-winning results. As a long-term regular contributor to the online detailing community

I openly recommend products that I use (I test many products and only endorse those that work (i.e. they do what it says on the box) and try my best not to use ‘hype’ terms. I strive to take an ethical stand on testing vendor products, especially those ‘donated for testing. Thus allowing readers to know the difference between editorial content and advertising; it's only my recommendation no matter what products you use the recommended methodology will apply.

I don't know it all, but detailing and making cars beautiful is my passion. I've probably made almost every mistake and have seen just about every problem, when it comes to detailing mistakes teach you what not to do. I have spent enjoyable times as Concours d’élégance judge and at various car shows (as both a ‘Best of Show’ judge and entrant, winning and/or placing in many) making cars beautiful is my passion.

I have always tried to learn from other people, and keep an open mind on new ideas, new products and new techniques. It really does all come down to Process over Product; 85% preparation, 5% application methodology, 2% knowledge of paint finish and  5% product suitability, the balance is the ‘emotive reaction’ of the beholder. A manufacturer is free to place any claim of excellence he wants on his product to make it sell, I only endorse a product that I have personal experience of by using it, rather than personal preference, brand loyalty or emotions.

After five plus decades of detailing vehicles what is left is experience, and experience unshared is knowledge wasted. I hope that you too enjoy the learning process as much as I do and with the help of the techniques and methods in this book your vehicle will become something to have pride in, or perhaps even become a “Best of Show” Concours d’élégance winner

The more I learn, the more I realize what I don’t know. Then at some point, I hope to have learned enough to realize, that I know nothing at all [We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master] [Ernest Hemingway] I have always tried to find out not just “How it works, but also “Why” it works. With that in mind I probably respond with more detail than some think is necessary.

When the Old Grey Whistle Test went on air (BBC Television, England) in 1971 it was unique, in a world accustomed to Top of the Pops, here was a show on which the bands performed album tracks and were interviewed after they had played. This was before the days of miming, the music was live and, since the idea was to air new sounds, many of the bands were making their first television appearance. The title’s opening sequence featured an animation of a man kicking a star. He was to become affectionately known as The Starkicker.

Presenter Bob Harris (whispering Bob) recalls how the show's name was inspired by the doormen (in grey suits) who worked at the music publishing houses in London's Denmark Street, known as 'tin pan alley':

"It was a 'tin pan alley' phrase from years ago. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys. The ones they could remember and could whistle having heard it just once or twice had passed the old grey whistle test".

                                                           

 My adaptation:

The old grey whistle test infers that the blokes with a little grey in their hair have tested these products or tools in real world situations, on many different car marques and various automotive paint system’s, they are recommended as they have been found to do what they were designed to do, usually more than adequately.

~The Keys to Success~

·     PRACTICE ~ learn ‘how to’ use tools

·     PREPARATION ~ the final finish can only be as good as the prepared surface it’s applied to

·     PROCESS ~ learn what products really work and in what order to apply them

·     PRODUCTS ~ what’s available and what ‘fixes’ a given paint condition

·     PATIENCE ~ it’s the journey not the arriving, so enjoy

·     PRIDE ~ in a job done to the best of your ability

Thank you for spending the time to learn from this book. I've made every effort in providing you with as much information as possible to enable you to obtain results that are without equal.

I have learned a lot from various detailing forums, most noticeably Autopia and the various contributors who are prepared to share their knowledge and experience and they are in large part the inspiration for this book, 

I would also like to make a special mention to Bill Doyle and others from Autopia for their suggestions and for proof-reading. I would be remiss if I did not also give recognition to the following Autopia members for their inspiration; Accumulator, BlgZ28conv, DETAILKING, DavidB, Ron Ketchum (Grumpy), MPhillips, The other PC, Scottwax, et al

This is not a product vendor’s catalogue, nor a vendor pretending to be an educator, as there are a lot of companies that are now writing online books and DVD’s on detailing and preaching that only the product they sell or manufacture are suitable. In reality they are just advertisements, with the appearance of educators as opposed to mere salesman. Those who have something to sell can be very persuasive, often using marketing facts (i.e. blurring the distinction between science and fiction) to make a great case while completely ignoring meaningful points, like their product adds nothing of real value.

 Commercialism brings with it concerns of honesty and true representation. In other words, it’s difficult to know what is true when someone is motivated by income, i.e. directly targeted at product sales, more so than an unbiased opinion.

I think that the more real facts you know the better. I don't set hoods on fire, or subject paint to a laser beam, nor do I pour acid on the paint. Detail products work on their real merits, not on smoke and mirrors. It is my intent to educate and pass on five decades of experience to my readers in not only the “How it works’ but “Why it works”. Because I’m passionate about I do and care about making sure detailing is a fun and rewarding experience for the enthusiast

I have no affiliation, professional or otherwise with the listed companies, or their products. I use and recommend them as they do what the manufacturer says they will. There are many other products in the marketplace that may be equally suited to the tasks listed, however I have used the products listed and found them satisfactory for my use.

The advent of materials like detailing clay, micro fibre technologies and finely milled micro abrasives suitable for ceramic hard paint are examples of why it’s so important to monitor the industries new products, chemical technologies and ideas that are constantly being introduced, as are the techniques for applying them, hence this e-book will be up-dated and revised on a regular basis

Detailing combines chemicals, equipment as well as a knowledge of vehicle surfaces, ‘Chemicals’, refers to the cleaning and protection products used, ‘Equipment’, refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name a few. ‘Vehicle Surfaces’, requires a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition making objectives observations based upon the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques used as necessary

Detailing also takes willingness to experiment, which usually means deviating from the product manufacturer’s directions, making objectives observations based upon the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques and products used as necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their products.

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