Articles by Iain Kelly

The lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Metallica, James Hetfield, isn't just a legend in heavy metal music. He's also an internationally renowned car collector who has built a swag of hand-built custom cars to call his own.

Everyone wants their new car to look factory-fresh for as long as possible, but this can be a challenge. Tree sap, road tar, bird poo and even industrial fallout can take their toll on your ride, which is why car paint protection is so important.New car paint protection is generally a chemical spray put on by the dealer or a qualified detailer, providing a barrier between the painted surface and the outside world. This can be a chemical layer, like a super-strong wax film, or even a ceramic layer and there are several ways to obtain the paint protection.The big question most people face is: is paint protection worth it? The cost to respray a car’s paint work or fix small imperfections is very high, running into the tens of thousands of dollars in some cases, so for a minimal outlay of up to $2000 it seems prevention is a far better option than cure.Most paint protection products will spray on as a liquid and dry clear, although some products in the past featured a clear plastic film applied to at-risk parts of the car to prevent stone chips or scratches from road grime. Companies like 3M still sell these wraps, which will do a good job of preventing light damage and are fairly cheap.Paint protection can also be applied to second-hand used cars, though often these vehicles will need to have a professional detailer to a full paint correction detail first, adding to the expense. The benefit of this is that it gets your paint locked in looking as good as possible before the protective layer is then applied, sealing the car’s duco.This doesn’t mean you can then abuse your car, or leave it filthy dirty, but it just means your car is better protected. Some paint protection products will need to be reapplied as often as once-a-year if the car is left outside in harsh conditions. Unfortunately, in Australia harsh conditions is just about anywhere the sun shines as the high levels of UV light does huge damage to modern paint products.You can purchase a paint protection kit from websites that sell professional-grade detailing equipment. For the car enthusiast used to polishing and waxing their car at home, some of these products will be easy to apply themselves, but novices should seek out professional detailers.If your car came with a pearl or candy-style paint job, like the type offered by Mazda, you should definitely seek out this service. Mazda paint protection is a good option, and adding a high-quality European ceramic aftermarket sealant on top will ensure your car looks its best for years to come.Similarly, Toyota paint protection would be a good starting point for anyone with a HiLux, LandCruiser, Kluger, HiAce, or any vehicle that is going to get dirty or be used for work.There are many options for car paint protection in Sydney with some businesses able to come to you if you have somewhere undercover and clean to apply the product. The same is true for paint protection in both Melbourne and Brisbane.When it comes to applying paint protection in Adelaide and Perth the harsh summer sun means you’re likely better off with a high-quality ceramic sealant, and booking your car in for a full detail annually to keep your paint fresh.

The trend of digging old cars out of the bush has really hit YouTube but user blown64vette has just upped the stakes massively. He and his crew of Hot Rod Hoarders recently went through the process of saving a vintage front-engined dragster which had been rotting in a forest for several decades.

Old cars have style for days, but often they handle as well as a wheelbarrow full of wet cement, but not this Hudson Super Six coupe.

Our road laws in Australia mean the notion of digging an old, dilapidated car out of a field or junk yard and driving it hundreds of kilometres home just doesn't fly.

The McLaren F1 was, for a long time, the most expensive new car in the world, and now it's one of the most expensive second-hand cars in the world.

The Bullitt Mustang is up for sale. As in, THE Bullitt Mustang. Yes, that 1968 GT-A Fastback which Steve McQueen used in the classic movie that features what many regard as the greatest car chase in Hollywood history.

Keeping your car factory fresh and well looked-after is a hard task in Australia.

Anyone have a spare $800,00 laying around?

Nissan's legendary GT-R badge was celebrated in style at Sydney Dragway this past weekend at the GT-R Festival.