1991 Honda NSX – A Legend Reborn (Pt 2)

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

In last week’s blog, ‘A Legend Reborn (Part 1)‘, we featured the decontamination, cleaning and paint correction processes carried out on a classic 1991 Honda NSX. In Part 2 we conclude the detailing work.

Having corrected and refined the soft paintwork, the bodywork was wiped with a solution of Gtechniq Panel Wipe to remove any polish residues that may be lingering as these would interfere with the chemical bonds the coating needs to form. In this instance, Kamikaze Collection ENREI Coat was selected in keeping with the Japanese theme. ENREI is Kamikaze Collection’s flagship ceramic coating, combining state-of-the-art technology and the latest in innovative glass coating components. ENREI is a two-step system: No. 1 Base Coat provides a uniform layer with a high chemical affiliation for the No. 2 Top Coat. An innovative mix of organic and inorganic layers creates an enhanced number of chemical bonds that provides ENREI with industry leading longevity.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

An important part of the performance of ENREI is not only in the engineering of the coating, but also in the application method. Kamikaze Collection experimented extensively with different ways of laying down the coating to find the optimum method to ensure enhanced performance. Thus, ENREI must be applied following a strict methodology, with specific curing times allowed between the application of the two coats whilst controlling temperature and humidity. As a result, ENREI is only available as a service through Kamikaze Collection trained and certified detailing studios.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

Once ENREI is cured, it provides extreme water and dirt repellency, preventing contamination from adhering and helping to keep treated surfaces cleaner longer. This results in the car being easier to clean, reducing the chances of scratching or swirling the paintwork during the weekly wash. In addition, ENREI provides a gloriously reflective shine that compliments any colour of paintwork!

Part of the work specified by the owner was to detail the 3.0 Litre Vetec engine. The initial cleaning of the bay to remove grease and dirt was completed using a combination of Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner and various detailing brushes to get into the nooks and crannies.

Cleaning under the bonnet of modern cars is relatively straightforward as sensitive electronics are covered in plastic housings. With older vehicles, however, there are many more sensitive components exposed. The NSX’s engine bay had various original stickers and if I had used steam, I’m sure they would have peeled off. Instead, I agitated grimy areas with a selection of detailing brushes and microfibre cloths to clean and dry the engine bay. – Matt Back, UF Detailing Studio

Once free from dirt and grease, the metal surfaces were polished using Britemax Easy Cut Metal Polish to remove tarnishing and then protected with Britemax Metal Sealant to help prevent corrosion. The painted cam covers along with other exposed parts were coated with Autoglym Silicone Free Spray for a natural finish. The plastic covers were treated with Swissvax Protecton. Enriched with jojoba and other essential oils, Protecton is an emulsion containing care agents with active detergents and UV-protection additives. Finally, the rubber hoses were treated with Swissvax Seal Feed. Developed exclusively for rubber, glycerine-based Seal Feed re-invigorates seals and hoses keeping them pliable for years.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

Having removed the wheels, the calipers and wheel nuts were carefully cleaned using a detailing brush and a solution of Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner. A BigBoi BlowR Pro was used to dry the calipers thoroughly. The plastic linings inside the wheel arches were protected with Swissvax Protecton. The wheel nuts were polished by hand using Britemax Easy Cut Metal Polish.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

The wheels were treated for iron contamination front and back and a clay bar was used to ensure any remaining spots of contamination were removed. After washing with Swissvax Wheel, the wheels were dried using a BlowR Pro. The wheels, wheel nuts and calipers were sprayed with Panel Wipe and then coated with Kamikaze Collection Stance Rim Coat. This provides a hydrophobic and oleophobic barrier, repelling dirt, grease, road grime and brake dust accumulation. Highly heat resistant, Stance Rim Coat will not burn off when the components become hot.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

The wheels were replaced on the NSX and the tyres treated with Gtechniq T2 Tyre Dressing to finish the look, providing a long-lasting, natural satin sheen.

The fabric interior and synthetic engine cover were vacuumed to remove surface dirt.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

The leather interior was cleaned using Colourlock Mild Leather Cleaner. The foam is working into the leather using a Leather Cleaning Brush, lifting the dirt out of the grain.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

The surface is then wiped using a soft microfibre to reveal a clean finish. The leather was then protected with Colourlock Leather Protector to inhibit the drying and fading action of UV, helping to keep the material supple.

Colourlock leather care products are highly effective, so much so that even the Mild Leather Cleaner is sufficiently capable of removing all but the most stubborn of ingrained dirt. Leather Protector is ideal for older leather but they also produce Leather Shield for modern leather. The leather in the NSX was in fairly good condition, but had it needed recolouring or repairing, Colourlock has a range of products to address these problems. Their dyes are mixed using the manufacturer’s colour codes to ensure an exact match. – Matt Back, UF Detailing Studio

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

The rubber seals around the doors were treated using Swissvax Seal Feed. This product has been specially formulated to help rubber, a natural substance, regain its form and become plump once more, providing a better seal between the doors and the frames, cutting wind noise.

The glass was cleaned using Gtechniq G6 Perfect Glass in preparation for a hydrophobic coating. The windscreen was polished using Gtechniq G4 Glass Nano Polish to remove any fine scratches and to ensure absolute clarity.

Windscreens get dirty and this gets caught in wiper blades and so each time they’re used, the dirt is wiped back and forth over the windscreen. It’s easy to see how glass can become hazy over time. Before applying a hydrophobic coating, the glass needs to be as clean as possible. G4 contains tiny abrasive particles which gently eliminate hazing as well as any residual contamination to leave the glass crystal-clear. – Matt Back, UF Detailing Studio

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

The windows were coated with Kamikaze Collection Intenso Window Coat. This provides a hydrophobic barrier to rain, causing drops to bead and blow away, even when driving at relatively low speeds. The windscreen wipers were cleaned with residue remover before also being given a gentle wipe with Intenso. The super slick formulation eliminates wiper judder and helps keep windscreens clear of waterborne contamination.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

To the owner, the NSX is a romantic and aspirational car, a triumph of engineering. Taking a concept car and delivering it to a production line involves many challenges, from keeping the costs affordable to developing new technologies for painting aluminium bodyshells. To his eyes (and many others who remain passionate about this model) the NSX looks ‘uncluttered’, a pure sports car, ‘a boy’s dream’.

With the work now completed, the legendary NSX was looking as it did (if not better) than when it rolled off the Japanese production line in 1991.

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

1991 Honda NSX - Paint Correction Treatment

UF Detailing Studio – Award Winning Detailing. Call 0333 800 8004 to discuss your requirements.