Above 1200 Sq/FT DFB's Garage
- Thread starter D.F.B
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
For your first application, apply it HEAVY. Many people mist and wipe and then wonder why it doesn't last very long. Also, get those towels washed ASAP or at least into a bucket of water.
Ok, so I haven't put white wheels on the car.
It's a running gag I have with a guy online. I post a pic of one of my cars and he suggests it would look better with white wheels, he posts a pic and I suggest he should consider white wheels. In this case, he went one better and photoshopped white wheels on my car. I think it's his clever way of having a laugh at people who actually think white wheels look good and how it ruins an otherwise attractive vehicle.
It's a running gag I have with a guy online. I post a pic of one of my cars and he suggests it would look better with white wheels, he posts a pic and I suggest he should consider white wheels. In this case, he went one better and photoshopped white wheels on my car. I think it's his clever way of having a laugh at people who actually think white wheels look good and how it ruins an otherwise attractive vehicle.
Geoff289
Well-known member
Phew!
Today I came across a lawn mower with what was called a Yamaha MA190. I've never seen or heard of this engine before, or more to the point, a Yamaha lawn mower engine. The thing is, this engine looked familiar.
These Yamaha MA175 and MA190 units are rebranded Subaru (Subaru-Robin) EA175 and EA190 engines. The Subaru-Robin engines were made by a company called Changchai in...............China. When Subaru Fuji-Industries sold off their small engine brand in 2017 to focus on automotive, Changchai bought the Robin name and continued to make these engines. So, the MA175 and MA190 are contract manufactured in China by Changchai for Yamaha.
You'll note the OHC stamped on the rocker cover, like the Honda GC and GS engines. Unlike Honda, the camshaft is chain driven rather than a rubber belt. The cylinder head is also removable and serviceable without total engine disassembly. The 174cc version made 4.5 hp and 10.0 Nm, the 189cc version made 5.0 hp and 11.2 Nm. Both versions have a cast iron bore.
In Australia, you mostly got these Subaru engines on Ryobi mowers, but they were a popular pressure washer engine as well.
Just another example of white labelling that goes on in the lawn equipment industry.
These Yamaha MA175 and MA190 units are rebranded Subaru (Subaru-Robin) EA175 and EA190 engines. The Subaru-Robin engines were made by a company called Changchai in...............China. When Subaru Fuji-Industries sold off their small engine brand in 2017 to focus on automotive, Changchai bought the Robin name and continued to make these engines. So, the MA175 and MA190 are contract manufactured in China by Changchai for Yamaha.
You'll note the OHC stamped on the rocker cover, like the Honda GC and GS engines. Unlike Honda, the camshaft is chain driven rather than a rubber belt. The cylinder head is also removable and serviceable without total engine disassembly. The 174cc version made 4.5 hp and 10.0 Nm, the 189cc version made 5.0 hp and 11.2 Nm. Both versions have a cast iron bore.
In Australia, you mostly got these Subaru engines on Ryobi mowers, but they were a popular pressure washer engine as well.
Just another example of white labelling that goes on in the lawn equipment industry.
hewey
Well-known member
Beautiful dog. Hard to say no to those puppy eyes!
Heavily biased, but Cockers have the best puppy dog eyes, even when fully grown up.
ajohno
Well-known member
Growing quickly.
He's grown massively in the last 7 days, actually I'm quite surprised by it. The breeder did tell me she thought he would grow to be a big lad, and that is looking to be the case.
ajohno
Well-known member
You will be fine mate.
tweidman
Well-known member
Cockers and Springers make very cute puppies.
I'm sure you will do fine with the service.
I'm sure you will do fine with the service.
Stihl CF3 Trimmer Line Update -
To briefly recap, Stihl CF3 is polyamide trimmer line re-enforced with carbon fibre, which they say will last three times longer than their regular trimmer lines. Well......................
Before starting the comparison, I pre-treated both spools prior to use by soaking them in a bucket of water for 24-hours. Because trimmer line can sit on a shelf for years before being sold and used, soaking rejuvenates the material back to spec, and in this case negates any differences in production dates. Stihl even recommend doing this on their website. I then ran the CF3 back-to-back with Diamond Edge, alternating between the two over about two months.
So, was there a night and day difference? Not really, but a pattern was obvious. Actually, last week I ran out of Diamond Edge and had to switch over to the CF3 until a new roll was delivered, which promoted me to return to this subject.
As with most twisted/star shaped lines, the Stihl CF3 appeared to be more brittle and seemed to chip away noticeably quicker. The CF3 line required more frequent line advancement (bump feeding) and therefore required reloading more frequently. The only area where the CF3 had an advantage was the reduction in noise, the Diamond Edge otherwise lasted longer while costing about lineball.
Stihl CF3 - 0.36c to 0.69c per metre
Diamond Edge - 0.38c to 0.69c per metre
I can't say I'm surprised by the outcome here, mainly because I've seen this happen many times. Having said that, it was a worthwhile exercise, if anything to confirm that Diamond Edge is still the king.
To briefly recap, Stihl CF3 is polyamide trimmer line re-enforced with carbon fibre, which they say will last three times longer than their regular trimmer lines. Well......................
Before starting the comparison, I pre-treated both spools prior to use by soaking them in a bucket of water for 24-hours. Because trimmer line can sit on a shelf for years before being sold and used, soaking rejuvenates the material back to spec, and in this case negates any differences in production dates. Stihl even recommend doing this on their website. I then ran the CF3 back-to-back with Diamond Edge, alternating between the two over about two months.
So, was there a night and day difference? Not really, but a pattern was obvious. Actually, last week I ran out of Diamond Edge and had to switch over to the CF3 until a new roll was delivered, which promoted me to return to this subject.
As with most twisted/star shaped lines, the Stihl CF3 appeared to be more brittle and seemed to chip away noticeably quicker. The CF3 line required more frequent line advancement (bump feeding) and therefore required reloading more frequently. The only area where the CF3 had an advantage was the reduction in noise, the Diamond Edge otherwise lasted longer while costing about lineball.
Stihl CF3 - 0.36c to 0.69c per metre
Diamond Edge - 0.38c to 0.69c per metre
I can't say I'm surprised by the outcome here, mainly because I've seen this happen many times. Having said that, it was a worthwhile exercise, if anything to confirm that Diamond Edge is still the king.
Washed the XR6 ready to be rotated back under cover this afternoon, XR6 in, Mustang out.
Something that's impressed me over the last week has been this Optimum Power Wheel and Tire Cleaner. Now, I was probably a little harsh on this product when I first tried it, but it seems to have redeemed itself.
https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...wheel-and-tire-cleaner?variant=48098206449879
Below is after one single pass with the product, then blown dry. Regular readers will know that I struggle getting these tyres properly stripped, which tenaciously hold onto a dressing and require nuclear grade artillery to fully strip (Tarminator, Eulex). The result here is the best I've seen from an alkaline tyre cleaner. Some slight residue remained, but not to the point where a follow up pass with a solvent would be warranted. Also, because I clean tyres at every wash, I never really get much or any browning. Well, this OPT product turned a greyish brown under agitation, impressive! I just wish it lathered a little better, it would be perfect otherwise.
So once I had the tyres clean, what did I do? Yep, went and made them greasy again with a fresh layer of OG Tire Dressing. In this case, I brushed it on and allowed to sit for about 10-minutes, then buffed the excess to knock it down to this deep, dark finish. Perfection!
I also went and booked the old girl for a comprehensive service next month. Above the usual oil and filter, its getting coolant, brake fluid, diff fluid, rear bump stops and hopefully sorting out the front caliper rattle its developed.
I've also decided it's time to remove the Falcon's away from dealer servicing, something I should have done a long time ago, but I just liked the idea of it being attended to by a Ford dealer. The thing is, a Falcon passing through a Ford dealership service department these days would be extremely rare. Every time I'd go in there, the workshop and carpark were full of Ranger's and Everest's, maybe a lone Mustang or Transit. If these guys aren't working on Falcon's, then they are hardly the "experts" anymore. And a petrol powered Falcon is a world away from a Ranger or Everest with tractor engines. So, the shop that fitted my brakes will be working on it in a few weeks, the mechanics are both Ford guys. I'll supply the OEM parts and fluids and let them handle it for me.
And one other comment I want to make, I'm losing patience with the internet. Wow, so what you say. I put a lot of effort into what I do online, be that on forums, Facebook and Instagram. I do it for my own mental health, it gets me out of my own head. In the process, I learn new things, and by association, others might as well. I make no money doing this, it's purely a labour of love and sanity. In doing so, I try to make sure I cover all the bases, hopefully to provide a balanced review or opinion, addressing both pro's and cons.
And so, when you have people cutting you down over trivial matters over and over again by passive aggressive ar.eholes, it gets old. Especially when its clear the person did not even bother to read what I had written, if they had the comment they made would not have been needed. And it's this can't be bothered, short attention span, TLDR society we live in is incredibly toxic. And my fatal flaw is that I'm very thin skinned, a fault I've always had and probably always will. So, when you've just spent hours writing something and all you get is an argument, I'm left with the why bother question.
For example, I've just finished writing an extremely comprehensive, near 8000-word article covering the Miami V8. From the very beginnings, to the development programme, the production, the numbers, the specs.............the complete story. Why? Because as it stands, there simply isn't anywhere on the internet that covers the entire start to finish account on this engine in one place. I know this because I went looking for it myself and found I had to bounce around several websites, reviews, magazine articles, Facebook posts, Youtube videos and countless images to get the full picture. And in collating that article, I had so much fun tracking it all down, learning new things about an engine I've owned for 11+ years. And I can't be the only one who would want to read about such a thing. So, I created it myself. But.....................
Do I even bother posting it? I mean, I can see what will happen. People will read the title, scroll through the photos without even reading the text, then make an uneducated scathing comment at the bottom, then argue to the death about something they have no idea what they are talking about. So rather than perhaps learning something and being a gentleman, they leave a nasty personal insult instead. So, even though I have something I believe others will want to read, I just don't know if its worth the hassle, the arguments and trolling.
What pis.es me off the most? That "people" let this behavior continue, but then step in on ME when I quite rightly arc up. So, why bother?
What pis.es me off the most? That "people" let this blatant trolling behavior continue, but then step in on ME when I quite rightly arc up or play that trolling back. It has to be consistent. So, do I continue to bother?
Something that's impressed me over the last week has been this Optimum Power Wheel and Tire Cleaner. Now, I was probably a little harsh on this product when I first tried it, but it seems to have redeemed itself.
https://detailingshed.com.au/collec...wheel-and-tire-cleaner?variant=48098206449879
Below is after one single pass with the product, then blown dry. Regular readers will know that I struggle getting these tyres properly stripped, which tenaciously hold onto a dressing and require nuclear grade artillery to fully strip (Tarminator, Eulex). The result here is the best I've seen from an alkaline tyre cleaner. Some slight residue remained, but not to the point where a follow up pass with a solvent would be warranted. Also, because I clean tyres at every wash, I never really get much or any browning. Well, this OPT product turned a greyish brown under agitation, impressive! I just wish it lathered a little better, it would be perfect otherwise.
So once I had the tyres clean, what did I do? Yep, went and made them greasy again with a fresh layer of OG Tire Dressing. In this case, I brushed it on and allowed to sit for about 10-minutes, then buffed the excess to knock it down to this deep, dark finish. Perfection!
I also went and booked the old girl for a comprehensive service next month. Above the usual oil and filter, its getting coolant, brake fluid, diff fluid, rear bump stops and hopefully sorting out the front caliper rattle its developed.
I've also decided it's time to remove the Falcon's away from dealer servicing, something I should have done a long time ago, but I just liked the idea of it being attended to by a Ford dealer. The thing is, a Falcon passing through a Ford dealership service department these days would be extremely rare. Every time I'd go in there, the workshop and carpark were full of Ranger's and Everest's, maybe a lone Mustang or Transit. If these guys aren't working on Falcon's, then they are hardly the "experts" anymore. And a petrol powered Falcon is a world away from a Ranger or Everest with tractor engines. So, the shop that fitted my brakes will be working on it in a few weeks, the mechanics are both Ford guys. I'll supply the OEM parts and fluids and let them handle it for me.
And one other comment I want to make, I'm losing patience with the internet. Wow, so what you say. I put a lot of effort into what I do online, be that on forums, Facebook and Instagram. I do it for my own mental health, it gets me out of my own head. In the process, I learn new things, and by association, others might as well. I make no money doing this, it's purely a labour of love and sanity. In doing so, I try to make sure I cover all the bases, hopefully to provide a balanced review or opinion, addressing both pro's and cons.
And so, when you have people cutting you down over trivial matters over and over again by passive aggressive ar.eholes, it gets old. Especially when its clear the person did not even bother to read what I had written, if they had the comment they made would not have been needed. And it's this can't be bothered, short attention span, TLDR society we live in is incredibly toxic. And my fatal flaw is that I'm very thin skinned, a fault I've always had and probably always will. So, when you've just spent hours writing something and all you get is an argument, I'm left with the why bother question.
For example, I've just finished writing an extremely comprehensive, near 8000-word article covering the Miami V8. From the very beginnings, to the development programme, the production, the numbers, the specs.............the complete story. Why? Because as it stands, there simply isn't anywhere on the internet that covers the entire start to finish account on this engine in one place. I know this because I went looking for it myself and found I had to bounce around several websites, reviews, magazine articles, Facebook posts, Youtube videos and countless images to get the full picture. And in collating that article, I had so much fun tracking it all down, learning new things about an engine I've owned for 11+ years. And I can't be the only one who would want to read about such a thing. So, I created it myself. But.....................
Do I even bother posting it? I mean, I can see what will happen. People will read the title, scroll through the photos without even reading the text, then make an uneducated scathing comment at the bottom, then argue to the death about something they have no idea what they are talking about. So rather than perhaps learning something and being a gentleman, they leave a nasty personal insult instead. So, even though I have something I believe others will want to read, I just don't know if its worth the hassle, the arguments and trolling.
What pis.es me off the most? That "people" let this behavior continue, but then step in on ME when I quite rightly arc up. So, why bother?
What pis.es me off the most? That "people" let this blatant trolling behavior continue, but then step in on ME when I quite rightly arc up or play that trolling back. It has to be consistent. So, do I continue to bother?
littlebean
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2018
- Messages
- 761
can certainly understand this
and this too
well if it helps, I appreciate what you post, even about mowers which aren't really my thing but it's great to read a write up from someone who's passionate about their hobby/work
I've been chronically online for 25 years. I'd say this is probably the least toxic place I frequent.
Just FYI, I have learned a few neat tricks from your posts. Specifically engine bay detailing with Hyper Dressing and brake buster in a foam cannon. There is probably more but those two stick out the most right now.
Just FYI, I have learned a few neat tricks from your posts. Specifically engine bay detailing with Hyper Dressing and brake buster in a foam cannon. There is probably more but those two stick out the most right now.
gilr
Well-known member
I've never commented before on your topics, but I'd say just ignore the Aholes, they will always be around looking to bully anyone that happens to offer information or help. Their immaturity and ignorance shows and arguing with them will only encourage them to continue, so just ignore them, you can just hover your mouse pointer over their online name and select ignore. No sense in letting them upset you. I enjoy your writeups, especially on detailing and appreciate the time, effort and advice that you offer. Having been to Australia, spending several weeks there, I have found most Aussies to be friendly, helpful and a pleasure to be around. It is the one country I'd most like to return to again. Keep on posting, and I look forward to pictures of your new pup!
littlebean
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2018
- Messages
- 761
I'd agree with all that - arguing with aholes is pointless, they just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Puo looks gorgeous
Puo looks gorgeous
Geoff289
Well-known member
I agree with this entirely. This is a great community.
hewey
Well-known member
It's easy to say, but it's worth only taking criticism from people you value enough to take advice from.
It would be great to find a worthwhile 'home' for all that research. Not sure what that is though.
It would be great to find a worthwhile 'home' for all that research. Not sure what that is though.
I have to agree with this. I've found the encouragement and support from this forum is greater than the others I frequent, and comfortably so.
I hope that I haven't offended anyone here with my comments, it was a reflection of something that's been building recently, and earlier this week in particular.
That is something I'll hopefully be looking into this year. The problem I face is not knowing what form that will be, and how I can monetise it to at least make the exercise a worthwhile endeavor beyond it being a pass time.
Earlier this week, we had a tradesman doing some work around the house. Well, I may have had a melt down over the state he left the worksite in.
First of all, he made an absolute mess in the driveway cutting concrete to install a fence post. So, there was concrete dust and debris everywhere, and concrete slurry splattered all over the fence and bins.................and my very expensive garden hose. Then the millions of little metal shavings left after cutting fencing slats to size. Naturally, mess is always a part of construction, I'm not totally ignorant of that. But to LEAVE the worksite like that after "finishing" the job is frustrating and just sloppy workmanship.
Then I discovered said fence posts had been dumped under my pressure washer, scraping the paint off the wall. And that became the catalyst to my melt down.
Unless the client specifically insists otherwise, I would never leave a jobsite in a worse state than when I had arrived. Afterall, they are paying me for a service. You can't show up, make a giant mess, jack up the owner's property, then pi.s off. I know I'm a fussy pri.k, but I'm not unrealistic. I shouldn't have to clean up and rectify the mess and damage caused by the tradie at my own time and expense.
So, I had to do some painting this morning......................
At least the fresh paint looks good.
First of all, he made an absolute mess in the driveway cutting concrete to install a fence post. So, there was concrete dust and debris everywhere, and concrete slurry splattered all over the fence and bins.................and my very expensive garden hose. Then the millions of little metal shavings left after cutting fencing slats to size. Naturally, mess is always a part of construction, I'm not totally ignorant of that. But to LEAVE the worksite like that after "finishing" the job is frustrating and just sloppy workmanship.
Then I discovered said fence posts had been dumped under my pressure washer, scraping the paint off the wall. And that became the catalyst to my melt down.
Unless the client specifically insists otherwise, I would never leave a jobsite in a worse state than when I had arrived. Afterall, they are paying me for a service. You can't show up, make a giant mess, jack up the owner's property, then pi.s off. I know I'm a fussy pri.k, but I'm not unrealistic. I shouldn't have to clean up and rectify the mess and damage caused by the tradie at my own time and expense.
So, I had to do some painting this morning......................
At least the fresh paint looks good.
Included as part of the handover, my little man will come home with a starter supply from a company called Lyka. This has been the litters food supply since they transitioned from mumma's milk to solids. In addition to the starter pack, I was given a discount code for the first two purchases with the brand.
Lyka focuses on fresh food that is free from excessive processing, preservatives, and toxins. They also put a lot of emphasis on "real nutrients and the health benefits to match". Three things caught my attention when investigating this brand -
Meat by-products - Ultra-processed dog food may contain parts from 4D animals. That's dead, dying, diseased, or disabled.
Extreme heat, toxic results - It's cooked at up to 200°C which destroys natural nutrients and creates carcinogenic byproducts called AGEs.
Dangerous toxins - Mycotoxins are a toxic chemical compound produced by fungus that can contaminate ultra-processed dog food. They can cause neurological problems like tremors and seizures as well as gut issues.
Naturally, there is some marketing guilt going on here, but considering the discount, I've decided to give it a go. At the very least, I'd need to wean him off the Lyka to avoid potential upsets if I decided to go with something else.
Lyka is a scheduled subscription service, which makes comparisons harder to make in terms of price. Let me say, this is NOT an inexpensive service. The food is selected to suit each dog's life stage, weight and overall health. It's then cooked using 85 - 95% Australian ingredients, then delivered in frozen form. From there, you portion the food out as per the recommended eating plan.
Lyka focuses on fresh food that is free from excessive processing, preservatives, and toxins. They also put a lot of emphasis on "real nutrients and the health benefits to match". Three things caught my attention when investigating this brand -
Meat by-products - Ultra-processed dog food may contain parts from 4D animals. That's dead, dying, diseased, or disabled.
Extreme heat, toxic results - It's cooked at up to 200°C which destroys natural nutrients and creates carcinogenic byproducts called AGEs.
Dangerous toxins - Mycotoxins are a toxic chemical compound produced by fungus that can contaminate ultra-processed dog food. They can cause neurological problems like tremors and seizures as well as gut issues.
Naturally, there is some marketing guilt going on here, but considering the discount, I've decided to give it a go. At the very least, I'd need to wean him off the Lyka to avoid potential upsets if I decided to go with something else.
Lyka is a scheduled subscription service, which makes comparisons harder to make in terms of price. Let me say, this is NOT an inexpensive service. The food is selected to suit each dog's life stage, weight and overall health. It's then cooked using 85 - 95% Australian ingredients, then delivered in frozen form. From there, you portion the food out as per the recommended eating plan.
Went and picked up the replacement blower shroud from Stihlch this morning.
For $65.00, you think they'd throw in the orange fan grill as well. In theory, this really isn't needed on this machine as its always setup in vac mode. The fan grill on the BG-series is spring loaded so that you can easily switch between blower and vacuum modes.
The old shroud breached in two places, top and bottom. This is now the third shroud I've had on this machine, the previous one below I bought used for $33 on eBay. You can see how crazed and brittle the plastic had become, a combination of age and sitting in the sun for hours.
Spending $65.00 on an old machine like this probably isn't smart, especially when it would barely be worth that much now. But then it's a fraction of the price of a new unit, not to mention the connivence of having it permanently set up ready to go rather than messing about converting it on the job.
For $65.00, you think they'd throw in the orange fan grill as well. In theory, this really isn't needed on this machine as its always setup in vac mode. The fan grill on the BG-series is spring loaded so that you can easily switch between blower and vacuum modes.
The old shroud breached in two places, top and bottom. This is now the third shroud I've had on this machine, the previous one below I bought used for $33 on eBay. You can see how crazed and brittle the plastic had become, a combination of age and sitting in the sun for hours.
Spending $65.00 on an old machine like this probably isn't smart, especially when it would barely be worth that much now. But then it's a fraction of the price of a new unit, not to mention the connivence of having it permanently set up ready to go rather than messing about converting it on the job.
When I was in at the Stihl dealer last week to order the blower shroud, I was surprised to hear that the business had been sold.
Going back to the early 2000's, a large local farm machinery company took on Stihl. I'm not sure how it panned out, the previous dealer either sold off or lost the rights to the Stihl brand in this area. At the time I wasn't happy because they were the best lawn equipment shop in town, and a few years later they closed down for good.
The new dealer had a separate showroom for Stihl, which was selling alongside John Deere. Over time, the Stihl side got so big that they ended up needing their own building. At one point, the local Home Hardware started to sell a select range of entry level Stihl's, most people just went to the Stihl shop. From what I pieced together over the last 20-years, be that in observation or conversation with the Stihl manager, the parent company was ruthless with staff, even though they were killing it for sales and service.
Despite Stihl being a money maker, the machinery company sold off the Stihl distribution to a multi-franchise business from Geelong. No doubt an uncertain period for the remaining staff, but it sounds like they are happy with the change. But the biggest bonus I spotted when I walked in was two brand new Victa's on the showroom floor.
I asked if they had taken on Victa, to which I was told they are the new Victa dealer in town.
In fact, they had sold two new Victa's before I came in just before closing time. Apparently RGS, the new owner of Victa, is excellent to work with in terms of getting what they need. So, that was very promising to hear, and hopefully I now have a local outlet for service parts for my current Victa fleet.
Going back to the early 2000's, a large local farm machinery company took on Stihl. I'm not sure how it panned out, the previous dealer either sold off or lost the rights to the Stihl brand in this area. At the time I wasn't happy because they were the best lawn equipment shop in town, and a few years later they closed down for good.
The new dealer had a separate showroom for Stihl, which was selling alongside John Deere. Over time, the Stihl side got so big that they ended up needing their own building. At one point, the local Home Hardware started to sell a select range of entry level Stihl's, most people just went to the Stihl shop. From what I pieced together over the last 20-years, be that in observation or conversation with the Stihl manager, the parent company was ruthless with staff, even though they were killing it for sales and service.
Despite Stihl being a money maker, the machinery company sold off the Stihl distribution to a multi-franchise business from Geelong. No doubt an uncertain period for the remaining staff, but it sounds like they are happy with the change. But the biggest bonus I spotted when I walked in was two brand new Victa's on the showroom floor.
I asked if they had taken on Victa, to which I was told they are the new Victa dealer in town.
In fact, they had sold two new Victa's before I came in just before closing time. Apparently RGS, the new owner of Victa, is excellent to work with in terms of getting what they need. So, that was very promising to hear, and hopefully I now have a local outlet for service parts for my current Victa fleet.Is it winter yet? Hell, I'd settle for a little autumnal bliss. This is day 4 of a 7-day heatwave with temps above 40-deg C (104-deg f), apparently this is the hottest place on earth at the moment.
Despite the heat, I still got out in the garage, EGO fan misting away and a Yeti bottle full of ice water. Even with some cloud cover, I still washed inside the garage today.
The Wildtrak was in line for a much-needed wash after its 1500km round trip to Adelaide over the last week. Being the dirtiest it's been since last winter, the poor thing was covered in dust, road film and plenty of dead bugs............par for course after a road trip.
My first port of call was the engine bay. After an initial rinse, I sprayed it down with Green Star and went at it with an assortment of brushes. Another rinse, I applied Hyper Dressing and blew down the engine bay to disperse the dressing and remove excess water. Finally, the washer bottle was topped off with more Bowden's Dry Spell before the hood was closed. Not perfect, but much better.
After cleaning the floor mats with Green Star, it was time to address those filthy tyres! For this, I grabbed SS Wise Guy and got scrubbing! From there, the usual foaming with Brake Buster to clean the wheel and wheel arch, followed by some KCx Wet Gloss. I also used Wise Guy and Wet Gloss on the plastic side steps.
Next, it was time to nuke those bugs! For this, I applied P&S Bug Off to the front bumper, headlights, windscreen and wing mirrors, then foamed the entire vehicle with KCx Active Foam. That combo easily removed the bugs, but there was still some road film on the lowers that I wanted to remove before the contact wash. For this, I sprayed these areas with Green Star, allowed to soak then rinsed. Sorted!
Anything else remaining on the car was easily dealt with during the contact wash with NV Snow. This is a soap I know I can rely upon when that extra cleaning edge is required, it will easily out-clean Carpro Reset. Following the wash, I had to add some Hydr02 to the lower doors, which is always the first area to degrade on an LSP. Following the blow down, I went around and applied ADS Ceramic Spray Sealant, then the door jambs with ECH20.
The interior fared well, so I just gave it a vac and wiped everything down with ONR, then Invisible Glass for the interior and exterior windows. From there, some Perl for the tyres and the job done!
Baking in the Adelaide heat did no favours to the headlights, they need to be polished AGAIN! And that's WITH the fancy $11.80 per ml Opti-Lens ceramic coating applied. I only got about 6-months out of the coating, that's despite "maintaining" it with toppers like any other ceramic coating, at which point you are no better off with or without the coating.
And so, tomorrow is the big day, my little man is coming home. I'm both excited and nervous, fearful of the unknown, but also optimistic of what's to come. The past week has been tough, I've been pining for his company even though we haven't even met yet. I just hope he doesn't get too lost without his siblings around. According to the breeder, he is more of a people dog than a dog dog and completely happy to entertain himself during alone time. Also helping the cause, he is one of three pups yet to go to their forever homes, which I hope means he has already begun adjusting.
"............... mrgh, merha, what, how dare you interrupt nap time!.............."
Despite the heat, I still got out in the garage, EGO fan misting away and a Yeti bottle full of ice water. Even with some cloud cover, I still washed inside the garage today.
The Wildtrak was in line for a much-needed wash after its 1500km round trip to Adelaide over the last week. Being the dirtiest it's been since last winter, the poor thing was covered in dust, road film and plenty of dead bugs............par for course after a road trip.
My first port of call was the engine bay. After an initial rinse, I sprayed it down with Green Star and went at it with an assortment of brushes. Another rinse, I applied Hyper Dressing and blew down the engine bay to disperse the dressing and remove excess water. Finally, the washer bottle was topped off with more Bowden's Dry Spell before the hood was closed. Not perfect, but much better.
After cleaning the floor mats with Green Star, it was time to address those filthy tyres! For this, I grabbed SS Wise Guy and got scrubbing! From there, the usual foaming with Brake Buster to clean the wheel and wheel arch, followed by some KCx Wet Gloss. I also used Wise Guy and Wet Gloss on the plastic side steps.
Next, it was time to nuke those bugs! For this, I applied P&S Bug Off to the front bumper, headlights, windscreen and wing mirrors, then foamed the entire vehicle with KCx Active Foam. That combo easily removed the bugs, but there was still some road film on the lowers that I wanted to remove before the contact wash. For this, I sprayed these areas with Green Star, allowed to soak then rinsed. Sorted!
Anything else remaining on the car was easily dealt with during the contact wash with NV Snow. This is a soap I know I can rely upon when that extra cleaning edge is required, it will easily out-clean Carpro Reset. Following the wash, I had to add some Hydr02 to the lower doors, which is always the first area to degrade on an LSP. Following the blow down, I went around and applied ADS Ceramic Spray Sealant, then the door jambs with ECH20.
The interior fared well, so I just gave it a vac and wiped everything down with ONR, then Invisible Glass for the interior and exterior windows. From there, some Perl for the tyres and the job done!
Baking in the Adelaide heat did no favours to the headlights, they need to be polished AGAIN! And that's WITH the fancy $11.80 per ml Opti-Lens ceramic coating applied. I only got about 6-months out of the coating, that's despite "maintaining" it with toppers like any other ceramic coating, at which point you are no better off with or without the coating.
And so, tomorrow is the big day, my little man is coming home. I'm both excited and nervous, fearful of the unknown, but also optimistic of what's to come. The past week has been tough, I've been pining for his company even though we haven't even met yet. I just hope he doesn't get too lost without his siblings around. According to the breeder, he is more of a people dog than a dog dog and completely happy to entertain himself during alone time. Also helping the cause, he is one of three pups yet to go to their forever homes, which I hope means he has already begun adjusting.
"............... mrgh, merha, what, how dare you interrupt nap time!.............."
ajohno
Well-known member
Good luck tomorrow mate.
littlebean
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2018
- Messages
- 761
you know we'll require pics of him at home 3 seconds after you get him there...............
hope all goes well
Meet my little Olly……………………..
With 40-degrees predicted today, we got on the road at about 7.30am and arrived at about 9.30am. The outskirts of Melbourne was far kinder temperature wise, only 20-degrees.................I need to move! We then arrived back home at about 11.30am, basically before the heat set in.
My boy is very tired in these shots. In preparation for the 1 hr 40-min ride home, he had been allowed to run riot with his two remaining siblings and momma Lola. Both Olly and Lola met us at the door, Lola doing exactly what Faych's mum did, jumping up on the back of the couch with sheer delight. Classic Cocker's, they love to be up at your height and just love meeting new people. Momma was beautiful, very trusting, very happy. I'm told pappa is a gentle soul, I just wish some of his blue roan coat had passed on, but a black and white Cocker is somewhat rare.
Olly cried a little as we left his mother behind, which breaks my heart and has me on the verge of tears, but it's a totally natural part of a dog's life. He was also very tired and hungry as his last meal was timed so as to not upset him on the way home. He fell asleep in my arms, well as much as any soul could traversing the horrible Hume highway. He actually slept better when I took him off my lap and into the back seat................actually, he made that decision, I just gave him a little hand to climb over the console.
In the days after I lost my best mate Faych, the grief was unbearable, the most intense I’ve ever felt. I’ve lost special humans in my life, but this was on a completely different level. And that also led to an element of guilt, that I would feel such pain losing a dog over and above the loss of a human. The notion of “he’s just a dog” is therefore hurtful on many different levels because not only does it devalue the relationship you had, but also instils unhelpful guilt.
Within the first few days after he left us, my morning coffee and social media scroll was triggering. I kept seeing photos and videos of dogs, but my heart was so broken that I would quickly skip ahead, I just couldn’t handle it. And yet, pictures and videos of a particular proud momma nursing her new-born babies was persistently populating my feed. But then I started to take notice of them, and you know how that goes with social media algorithms.
Over the following week, the support I got was overwhelming, particularly the advice that sometimes the best way of healing is to just get back on the horse. And so, I allowed myself to at least think about what the future could look like. And so, a Google search and 5-minutes later, I unintentionally landed on the same puppies that had been spamming my feed. I read their story, fell in love with the momma and pappa, noticed that they weren't too far away. Three of the eleven puppies were left unallocated, one black, one black and white, and one tri-colour. After sleeping on it, I made an application and listed my request for tri-colour. Within half an hour I was contacted by the breeder and accepted, but the tri-colour had only just been allocated. The all-black pup had a white muzzle would have been a little tender considering Faych was almost the same. And so, little black and white Aston became my little Olly.
The name Olly was never in question, it’s a name I’ve had stored away for years. I had always wanted to introduce a puppy while Faych was still with us, give him a little friend to mentor. But Faych was so clingy, I just didn’t know how he would take it, I’d never want him to feel like he was being replaced. I know that’s stupid, but when you have such a close bond, I feel like I was protecting him and myself by feeling that. And so, I kept the name for safe keeping in my head for the day I’d need it.
As the days and weeks went on, the breeder kept in touch with updates, videos, photos, messages of support. For whatever reason, I didn’t take note of when this litter of puppies was born. And then it hit me. Faych left us on the afternoon of November 28th, 2025, and Olly was born in the morning of November 29th, 2025. I hadn’t planned on adopting another companion so quickly, and in early December it was just too soon. And yet here I was diving headfirst into commitment, which led to another level of guilt, like I was replacing my Faychie boy like a light bulb. But with how those photos and videos kept popping up, despite my disinterest, and then learning of Olly’s birthday, I truly believe it was meant to be, that someone or something was guiding me in this direction. And from that point on, I knew I had made the right decision……………..or perhaps that decision was already made for me, I just had to let the universe do its thing. And I say all of that as a non-spiritual being, but I think sometimes we have to allow ourselves to believe, especially if it helps us heal.
I’d also like to acknowledge something I was told in the days after Faych passed away, because it truly made all the difference…………………..
"The dog you have today, was sent to you by the dog you loved yesterday."
The breeder wasn't kidding when she said Olly is an outdoors dog! I'm told he was always the last puppy to come inside and was completely content with his own company out there. However, while the puppies had access to a backyard, there was only lawn and concrete paths for them to contend with, no garden beds. Well, the garden seems to be of particular fascination, and from what I've seen so far, I think I may have a digger on my hands.
After wee wees, some food and a little play, he's completely zonked. Despite the expensive fluffy bed and soft rugs at his disposal, it seems the coolness of the bare tiles is his preference.
We're a little lost at the moment as we figure each other out, its a big adjustment for the both of us. I also have to be mindful not to expect Olly to behave in the same way Faych did. In that I mean from a personality sense, but also the fact one is an 8-week-old puppy, the other a 13-year-old senior. Time and patience will sort things out.
With 40-degrees predicted today, we got on the road at about 7.30am and arrived at about 9.30am. The outskirts of Melbourne was far kinder temperature wise, only 20-degrees.................I need to move! We then arrived back home at about 11.30am, basically before the heat set in.
My boy is very tired in these shots. In preparation for the 1 hr 40-min ride home, he had been allowed to run riot with his two remaining siblings and momma Lola. Both Olly and Lola met us at the door, Lola doing exactly what Faych's mum did, jumping up on the back of the couch with sheer delight. Classic Cocker's, they love to be up at your height and just love meeting new people. Momma was beautiful, very trusting, very happy. I'm told pappa is a gentle soul, I just wish some of his blue roan coat had passed on, but a black and white Cocker is somewhat rare.
Olly cried a little as we left his mother behind, which breaks my heart and has me on the verge of tears, but it's a totally natural part of a dog's life. He was also very tired and hungry as his last meal was timed so as to not upset him on the way home. He fell asleep in my arms, well as much as any soul could traversing the horrible Hume highway. He actually slept better when I took him off my lap and into the back seat................actually, he made that decision, I just gave him a little hand to climb over the console.
In the days after I lost my best mate Faych, the grief was unbearable, the most intense I’ve ever felt. I’ve lost special humans in my life, but this was on a completely different level. And that also led to an element of guilt, that I would feel such pain losing a dog over and above the loss of a human. The notion of “he’s just a dog” is therefore hurtful on many different levels because not only does it devalue the relationship you had, but also instils unhelpful guilt.
Within the first few days after he left us, my morning coffee and social media scroll was triggering. I kept seeing photos and videos of dogs, but my heart was so broken that I would quickly skip ahead, I just couldn’t handle it. And yet, pictures and videos of a particular proud momma nursing her new-born babies was persistently populating my feed. But then I started to take notice of them, and you know how that goes with social media algorithms.
Over the following week, the support I got was overwhelming, particularly the advice that sometimes the best way of healing is to just get back on the horse. And so, I allowed myself to at least think about what the future could look like. And so, a Google search and 5-minutes later, I unintentionally landed on the same puppies that had been spamming my feed. I read their story, fell in love with the momma and pappa, noticed that they weren't too far away. Three of the eleven puppies were left unallocated, one black, one black and white, and one tri-colour. After sleeping on it, I made an application and listed my request for tri-colour. Within half an hour I was contacted by the breeder and accepted, but the tri-colour had only just been allocated. The all-black pup had a white muzzle would have been a little tender considering Faych was almost the same. And so, little black and white Aston became my little Olly.
The name Olly was never in question, it’s a name I’ve had stored away for years. I had always wanted to introduce a puppy while Faych was still with us, give him a little friend to mentor. But Faych was so clingy, I just didn’t know how he would take it, I’d never want him to feel like he was being replaced. I know that’s stupid, but when you have such a close bond, I feel like I was protecting him and myself by feeling that. And so, I kept the name for safe keeping in my head for the day I’d need it.
As the days and weeks went on, the breeder kept in touch with updates, videos, photos, messages of support. For whatever reason, I didn’t take note of when this litter of puppies was born. And then it hit me. Faych left us on the afternoon of November 28th, 2025, and Olly was born in the morning of November 29th, 2025. I hadn’t planned on adopting another companion so quickly, and in early December it was just too soon. And yet here I was diving headfirst into commitment, which led to another level of guilt, like I was replacing my Faychie boy like a light bulb. But with how those photos and videos kept popping up, despite my disinterest, and then learning of Olly’s birthday, I truly believe it was meant to be, that someone or something was guiding me in this direction. And from that point on, I knew I had made the right decision……………..or perhaps that decision was already made for me, I just had to let the universe do its thing. And I say all of that as a non-spiritual being, but I think sometimes we have to allow ourselves to believe, especially if it helps us heal.
I’d also like to acknowledge something I was told in the days after Faych passed away, because it truly made all the difference…………………..
"The dog you have today, was sent to you by the dog you loved yesterday."
The breeder wasn't kidding when she said Olly is an outdoors dog! I'm told he was always the last puppy to come inside and was completely content with his own company out there. However, while the puppies had access to a backyard, there was only lawn and concrete paths for them to contend with, no garden beds. Well, the garden seems to be of particular fascination, and from what I've seen so far, I think I may have a digger on my hands.
After wee wees, some food and a little play, he's completely zonked. Despite the expensive fluffy bed and soft rugs at his disposal, it seems the coolness of the bare tiles is his preference.
We're a little lost at the moment as we figure each other out, its a big adjustment for the both of us. I also have to be mindful not to expect Olly to behave in the same way Faych did. In that I mean from a personality sense, but also the fact one is an 8-week-old puppy, the other a 13-year-old senior. Time and patience will sort things out.
littlebean
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2018
- Messages
- 761
that's a great saying
hewey
Well-known member
Great to see you've finally got Olly home. Hoping the settling in period goes smoothly for you all and he doesn't do too much digging!
As expected, I didn't really sleep last night. I caved to his cries and ended up stringing together a few hours on the couch. I know I know, but he's coming from a big litter and two adult momma dogs, there is a lot of adjustment for him. Pleasingly, without prompt he's ventured into his pen to sleep several times today, and I plan to be a little tougher tonight.
The grass is his favourite place to be, if it wasn't so ****** hot outside. He is much more confident today, observant and curios but also willing to follow and explore at full tilt, which is just so dam cute. And last night he learned how to climb stairs, if not make his way down again. I also caught him looking intrigued by pool....................I suspect he will be a water dog.
And those little teeth are as sharp as they look!
The grass is his favourite place to be, if it wasn't so ****** hot outside. He is much more confident today, observant and curios but also willing to follow and explore at full tilt, which is just so dam cute. And last night he learned how to climb stairs, if not make his way down again. I also caught him looking intrigued by pool....................I suspect he will be a water dog.
And those little teeth are as sharp as they look!
littlebean
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2018
- Messages
- 761
puppy teeth are lethal hope he continues settling in well
hope he continues settling in wellI do love a good catalog, just wish I could get a hardcopy to thumb through.
Carpro Product Catalog 2026
Carpro Product Catalog 2026
Bedtime was more successful last night. Despite his cries, Mr. Olly eventually ran out of steam and settled into his pen for solid 6 hours. I checked in on him at 5am but was woken at about 6.30am with a protest. A trip outside for wee wees, it was time for cuddles and a nap on the couch before breakfast and playtime on the lawn at 8am.
The thought of these moments kept me going over the last two months.
Look who can climb the stairs, but can't yet make his way down again.................................
I also introduced him to a few centimetres of water in the paddle pool before lunch. Despite the heat, he didn't seem all that interested other than it being a chance for a drink. Unprompted, later in the day he was checking it out again, so it's early days.
The thought of these moments kept me going over the last two months.
Look who can climb the stairs, but can't yet make his way down again.................................
I also introduced him to a few centimetres of water in the paddle pool before lunch. Despite the heat, he didn't seem all that interested other than it being a chance for a drink. Unprompted, later in the day he was checking it out again, so it's early days.