After seeing several detailers work their magic on classic Nihon steel, we wondered how such things are done in Japan. We weren’t able to unearth a video of anyone cleaning a full-on rat poop-infested husk, but we were able to find one of a shop thoroughly detail a TE27 Toyota Corolla Levin.
Unfortunately there isn’t much narration in the video so we don’t know exactly what products were used. One notable difference that we don’t typically see in the US is the use of iron powder remover. The spray turns purple when it encounters iron, which includes brake dust and other contaminants that can cause rust. That’s followed up by a limescale remover.
Knowing typical Japanese drivers, the cabin is likely already flawless, but it would’ve been nice to see how they cleaned the interior and engine bay. What we do get to see is still incredibly satisfying and acts as soothing automotive ASMR, and the end result is spectacular.
It might’ve been “soothing automotive ASMR” (whatever ASMR means) for YOU to watch Steve, but for this old fart it meant multiple visits to the loo due to the excellent soundtrack of water running throughout the video!
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A pity they didn’t put the standard wheels back on and remove those awful bulgy flares, but it is what it is and it certainly looked pretty smart by the end of the process.
The flares were a factory item to differentiate the Levin (USDM SR5) from regular Corollas.
They are a common add-on to make it LOOK like you have a real Levin (or SR5). There are a few other differences as well.
Those are factory flares for the TE27.
In Japan, they are called over-fenders.
One way to determine a honmono Levin (SR5) from a nisemono, is the little lip between the fender and the flare. Plus, there should be NO gasket, although it looks like one was added here. The actual fender without the flare is different than the standard TE27, it actually looks funny without the flare.