2018 is off on a flash – flash technical session that is. What is a flash tech session? Well think of it as a spur of the moment event – something spontaneous. Most of our club events are planned well in advance. Flash events are planned a few days in advance. In this case I was preparing my 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Wagon for sale and I was detailing the car. It occurred to me that there might be some interest in the detailing steps as I was working on the headlights. After I finished the first headlight and it actually looked reasonably good, I thought why not have a tech session and finish the second headlight?
And so the flash event was born! I’m thinking most flash events will be tech sessions, but there is no reason why they can’t be drive tours (and yes, we can get PCA insurance on short notice) or social events. Weather looking great next weekend? Why not schedule a tour? Want to round up a few friends for a dinner at a local restaurant? Why not post it on our calendar?
Word went out about the tech session on Thursday, January 11 and Rich O’Larey and Ron Lewis bit and met at my home on Saturday, January 13 (I am thinking we need more than two days notice). We had a chance to compare the headlight I had already finished to the unfinished one and then I set to work.
The headlights were not hazed, but rather pitted from 82,000 of driving. The restoration process began with dry hand sanding using 800 grit sandpaper which renders the lens very opaque. But no worries, the next steps gradually bring back the clarity. These steps include damp hand sanding with 1000, 1200, 2000 and 3000 grit sandpapers. This was followed by using a 3” orbital buffer with aggressive and medium compounds and then a polishing step. Finally, an aerosol UV sealant is used to protect the lens. The end result is a remarkably smooth and clear lens in just two hours of work.
As I continue to work on my cars I plan to do sessions on paint correction (removing swirl marks and light scratches), windshield polishing, car washing (you’ll be surprised by what you are doing wrong), wheel cleaning/waxing and more. Check your email and snv.pca.org for announcements.
Are you working on you car and have some expertise to share? Then I encourage you to step forward and host your own tech session!
