Flashback to about two weeks ago. I was heading out to get some grub after waking up late on a typical Saturday morning. I was surprised to see a bit of equipment around my neighbour's Swift Dzire. Then I saw (whom I later came to know to be) Nirmal.
On a hunch went over to chat with him and confirmed that he indeed was part of UCD. I was super excited to know that they also were active in my area of Bangalore, which is a bit out of the way - or so I thought. Immediately took his number and got an informal quote for my 2008 Chevy Spark - Black. It needed work, due to the combined efforts of Bangalore traffic and our friendly neighbourhood car "cleaner". The were swirls on every external panel, and scratches too.
Armed with Nirmal's number and the quote, I approached the Home Ministry. My suggestion was promptly shot down. Being a bit short in the pocket, I capitulated, and did not confirm to Nirmal the "sometime this week" that I'd previously promised.
Jump to Friday, July 29 - Salary!! I sent Nirmal a message (who remembered me!) and we confirmed early Monday as D-Day. Came home and told the Home Ministry again and there was a mini-war. I finally had to say that I was paying for it and if it didn't turn out good, then I would quietly listen when being told "I told you so" as many times as the HM felt was necessary to drive the point home.
Change in Programme:
I'd planned to get the car washed on Sunday in preparation for the Monday morning polish, but on Saturday evening Nirmal called and told me that a slot had opened up on Sunday morning. I don't really plan things for the morning, so was glad to oblige. Plan fixed for Monday morning. Didn't tell HM :P
Set the alarm (Sunday, understandable) and woke up early (again Sunday) and got ready. Left home after quickly informing HM and then realised that the car was filthy! Called Nirmal up & asked if I should get it washed, but he (very kindly) told me not to bother and that he'd take care of it.
Was (earlier) quite surprised to know that Mohsin actually lives very close to where I stay, so made for the place. When I reached, they were already working on a Ford Fusion (a few months old). I met Nirmal and Mohsin, and also Ashok.
Process:
Nirmal washed the car with Amway Car Wash (low suds & anti-static, I believe) and rinsed it off - much to my discomfort, because I was a little overwhelmed at someone washing my car while dressed in Nikes and Levis
Then he got rid of all the dust with the use of clay (first time I've seen it done)
They then started the polishing work (Nirmal - Bonnet & Ashok - Roof with the 105 cutting polish and Mohsin polishing the surfaces, and using the IPA (I think?) to get rid of excess compound that collects in the crevices)
It was like watching magic. Before my eyes the car transformed from a matte-finish (slightly exaggerated) to glass like reflection (NOT exaggerated!)
Once all the polishing was over, the car was then given a clear preserving polish coat and left for a bit (Can see the slight whorls of the coat in these pics)
After which it was polished again with the Micro fibre (what else) cloths to a wonderful shine
Since I will be changing the tyres soon, I asked that they not polish them, but they did still clean the hub-caps. Once all that was done, time to take the car out for a photo session. Cloudy day, so you can't really see the fantastic shine. Also I only had my phone to take pics with
I'll let the pics speak for themselves. The car looks as it did when new, and even the HM was impressed. Very impressed.
I picked up a bottle of ONR as well, and asked for a quote for the 3D floor mats for which UCD are now dealers. Superb mats, and I'm sold. Unfortunately HM has vetoed the plan. Will wait for next month
PROS: Guaranteed personal service, superb results, friendly and free tips and tricks to maintain the car as new. They also have an AMC package
CONS: None
Sparky's got her wink back
