Autolux Detail

Autolux Detail Your cut and polish experts manawatu and wider regions!

There’s something cool about a vehicle that still has a purpose 32 years after it rolled off the production line.This 19...
31/05/2026

There’s something cool about a vehicle that still has a purpose 32 years after it rolled off the production line.

This 1994 Chevrolet Starcraft came in for an exterior clean, interior detail, and carpet extraction, ready for its next chapter.

You might get a bit of that School of Rock vibe when you look at it. Different van, sure, but it’s got that same big American personality. Plenty of space, plenty of character, and impossible to mistake for anything else on the road.

What makes this one even cooler is that it isn’t being tucked away in a shed somewhere. Its owners have plans for it. This van is going to be hauling music equipment, travelling to gigs, and doing what it was built to do… carrying people, gear, and stories from one place to the next.

We love that.

Too often old vehicles get judged against modern standards, but that’s missing the point. Vehicles like this aren’t special because they’re perfect. They’re special because they’ve survived, they’ve been loved, and they’re still being used for the things that matter.

After 32 years there’s a few marks, a few scars, and plenty of signs of a life well lived. But after a thorough clean inside and out, it’s looking fresh, presentable, and ready to hit the road again.

Here’s to keeping old vehicles alive, making memories, and giving them a job to do rather than letting them fade away!

We can’t wait to see where this old Chevy ends up next.

30/05/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions in detailing is that there’s a single magic product for every problem.

There isn’t.

This lump of tar was buried deep in the carpet of a 32-year-old vehicle and required a combination of products, tools, and techniques to safely remove it while preserving the carpet underneath.

For this job we used a combination of stain remover, carpet shampoo and brightener, tar remover, controlled agitation with a drill brush, and extraction with a steam extractor. Each step had a purpose. Break down the contamination, lift it from the fibres, flush it from the carpet, and restore the finish without causing unnecessary damage.

What you don’t see in videos like this is the decision-making process. Knowing what product to use, in what order, how long to leave it, how aggressively to agitate, and when to stop. That’s where experience comes into play.

In the spirit of being completely upfront, there is still some minor staining left behind. After all, we’re dealing with contamination that’s been sitting in 32-year-old carpet for who knows how long. At a certain point some staining can become permanent within the fibres themselves.

But when you compare the before and after, I think we’d all agree this is a much better outcome than leaving a lump of tar embedded in the carpet.

Detailing isn’t about promising perfection where perfection isn’t possible. It’s about using the right process, setting realistic expectations, and achieving the best result the materials will allow.

For a 32-year-old carpet, we’d call that a win!

30/05/2026

Not every vehicle that comes through the studio is a supercar, and that’s exactly how it should be.

This ’94 Chevrolet Starcraft has seen some life. Road trips, family adventures, years of memories, and plenty of kilometres along the way.

For this one, the goal wasn’t chasing perfection. It was bringing it back to a clean, fresh, enjoyable space that its owners could be proud of again.

We carried out a full exterior clean, detailed the interior, and deep extracted the carpets to lift out years of built-up dirt and grime. The difference wasn’t just in how it looked, but in how it felt to climb back inside.

One thing we’re big on at Autolux is being honest about outcomes. Not every vehicle needs a paint correction, ceramic coating, or a five-step process. Sometimes the biggest improvement comes from giving a well-loved vehicle the attention it’s been missing.

Whether it’s a brand-new RS6 or a 30-year-old Starcraft, the approach stays the same. Good advice, quality workmanship, and treating every vehicle according to what it actually needs.

We appreciate every client who trusts us with their vehicles and their stories. This old Chevy was a cool reminder that some of the best vehicles aren’t always the newest ones.

1994 Chevrolet Starcraft. Cleaned up and ready for the next adventure.

28/05/2026

Trust matters when you hand someone the keys to a car like this.

Not because we “treat it like our own” but because we understand what these cars actually are to people. Investments, passion projects, rewards for hard work, sometimes even dream cars.

That means using the right processes, the right products, proper lighting, proper wash methods, and taking the time to do things properly. No rushed jobs. No hiding defects with fillers. No smashing dirty wash mitts over expensive paintwork just to get onto the next booking.

At Autolux we’re big on being upfront and honest with our clients. If something is realistic, we’ll tell you. If it isn’t, we’ll tell you that too.

As the only IDA certified detailer in the Manawatū/Whanganui region, we operate under recognised detailing and business standards because professionalism matters just as much as the finish itself.

This RS6 though… matte grey paint, HRE wheels, subtle aero. Absolute class.

We genuinely appreciate every client that trusts us with their vehicles aye. Relationships are a massive part of why we do this.

Some clients become more than just clients and Rob’s definitely one of them.Rob was our very first customer when we star...
16/05/2026

Some clients become more than just clients and Rob’s definitely one of them.

Rob was our very first customer when we started Autolux and since day one he’s backed us, trusted us, and supported what we do. From the bottom of our hearts mate, thank you.

It’s been awesome watching this thing grow and knowing you’ve been part of that journey from the beginning means a lot to us. We always look forward to catching up each month and getting your vehicles sorted.

People like Rob are the reason small businesses keep pushing forward. Genuine support, word of mouth and backing local means everything.

We appreciate you mate 🤝

15/05/2026

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

No explanation needed, this thing has presence 😮‍💨

This one received our maintenance clean to keep the ceramic coating and PPF performing at their best while keeping appearances sharp. Wheels decontaminated, tyres cleaned and dressed, with the interior getting a careful maintenance vacuum and wipe down using UV inhibiting cleaners to help protect the soft delicate interior materials long term.

We’re Autolux, the only locally certified IDA detailer specialising in premium ceramic coatings, paint correction and high end vehicle care. Studio based or fully self contained mobile detailing using some of the best certified coatings on the market.

14/05/2026

Maintenance you can trust 🤝

Anyone can wash a car. Maintaining a high end vehicle properly over time is a different story.

As an International Detailing Association Certified Detailer, we follow internationally recognised standards around safe wash methods, paint care, chemical knowledge, decontamination and vehicle protection.

Why does that matter for you?

• Safer wash methods to reduce swirl marks and marring
• Correct products for coated, matte and sensitive finishes
• Professional processes backed by real testing and education
• Consistent results every visit
• Long term protection for your investment

Your maintenance detail shouldn’t feel like a gamble every time someone touches your car.

From daily drivers through to supercars, we’re trusted to maintain some seriously special vehicles across the Manawatū and beyond 👀

Mobile or studio based, we keep it easy, professional and properly cared for from start to finish.

www.autoluxdetail.co.nz

Mobile detailing across Palmerston North & Manawatū 👌No water? No power? No worries. Autolux is fully self contained wit...
14/05/2026

Mobile detailing across Palmerston North & Manawatū 👌

No water? No power? No worries. Autolux is fully self contained with onboard water, power and professional detailing equipment ready to go wherever you are.

Perfect for:
• Work vehicles
• Family cars
• Fleets
• Farm utes
• Busy people who don’t have time to drop vehicles off

From maintenance cleans to full interior and exterior details, we bring professional car detailing straight to your home or workplace.

📍 Mobile car detailing Palmerston North
📍 Mobile detailing Manawatū
📩 Book with Autolux Detail

12/05/2026

There’s always more hiding underneath 👀😬

This one had been buried in a bog up to the windows and the amount of dirt, silt and mud packed into the underbody was next level. What you see on the outside is only half the story… underbody cleans always uncover the real damage 😅

Safe to say this one left a few kilos lighter.

Address

Palmerston North City

Opening Hours

Monday 2pm - 10pm
Tuesday 2pm - 10pm
Wednesday 2pm - 10pm
Thursday 2pm - 10pm
Friday 2pm - 10pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm
Sunday 9am - 10pm

Telephone

+64272255605

Website

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