Dr_Pain
New member
- Nov 28, 2012
- 2,196
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If you read my last Show 'N Shine, you know that I made a vow to show more "average Joe" type transformation so to inspire. As detailers we have a tendency to show transformation on top end "supercar" which was well maintained and have unlimited funds to beautify, however the meat and potatoes are the limited budget regular car owner who are looking to "fall in love" with their own ride all over again.
The subject of this Show 'N Shine is a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD custom which is used as a FARM TRUCK! It hauls heavy equipment and trailers a helicopter used for spraying sugarcane fields. The owner approached me saying that his beloved truck (which has over 121k+ miles) was in desperate need of some attention and wanted to "make it shine". He admitted that the truck had NEVER been waxed and that it had seen a lot of "suds in a bucket" car washes. I was scared!!
The truck was dropped off and this is what I saw:
Yep, not only are we talking about a work truck but we are talking about a BLACK work truck. My first reaction was "Holy Cow", how am I going to price this to make it affordable and to accomplish the owner's goals.
First thing I did was to wash and clay the truck (see above picture). Once that was accomplished and the wheels and wheel wells (and undercarriage) were cleaned I brought the truck in the shop to inspect it under various lights. As suspected the truck was molested a bit. It had a lot of dings and deeper scratches around the bed because the owner normally has a tank and pump system for his helicopter in the back as well as a fifth wheel hookups (and yes the tailgate was abused). It also had a couple of deeper gouges but nothing that was requiring a repaint, just a little finessing.
Under closer inspection of the paint this is what I saw
and this was one of my 50/50 test spots
Obviously I could not make the paint "flawless" because of the depth and variety of the defects but I made it as close to 80% as I could. The process involved a Rupes 21 and GG6 both equipped with orange LC flat pads and my trusty PF2500 and FG400. I did try using the megs MF pads and yellow LC flat pads but it created some nasty micro marring which would have required me to do a 2 step compound/polish. The orange pads and Menzerna product allowed me to do a single step process with some minor technique (machine and hand speed) adjustment during my 6 passes. :buffing:
Since the owner admitted that he will not be planning on waxing the truck periodically, and will continue frequenting the car wash I made a plan to use the Pinnacle surface coating. This will offer him a lasting protection and the increase gloss will give him an incentive to better maintain his truck. I did suggest that instead of using the "scratch and swirl" car wash that he should use the touchless, which he was receptive to. I also offered to maintain the truck quarterly. Only time will tell though.
So what kind of results did I achieve???? It was a nasty overcast weekend with periodic downpour so I started taking the glamor shots indoors
I did eventually bring the truck out for a few picture but as I did it started misting (.... and yes I did allow a minimum of 12 hrs before exposing the truck to moisture)
So does the Pinnacle product work well?? I was very pleased to see the hydrophobic qualities of the product first hand, with even the lightest mist. Small tight and high bead which shedded off the paint with the slightest breath. I've seen plenty sealants and waxes that would not come close to that level of hydrophobia with just a light misting.
Before someone highjacks the thread I will preemptively answer YES to the question: "You do know that beads does not equal protection, right?" but will offer that any product which serves to expedite water off the paint is quality protection in my book..... and Pinnacle BL coating is quality protection in my book!
Here is a final shot of the truck!
I hope you enjoyed. I wish I had some sun shots but..... So was the owner pleased?? I hate boasting about getting the WOW factor but he was so thrilled that we received a $350 tip on a slightly discounted bill (I had given him the friends and family discount!). He insisted on paying full regular price and added a bonus on top of that! Talk about jaw to the ground! In any case, we have his wife's car on the schedule for a coating!!
Feel free to leave a comment and/or ask questions
The subject of this Show 'N Shine is a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD custom which is used as a FARM TRUCK! It hauls heavy equipment and trailers a helicopter used for spraying sugarcane fields. The owner approached me saying that his beloved truck (which has over 121k+ miles) was in desperate need of some attention and wanted to "make it shine". He admitted that the truck had NEVER been waxed and that it had seen a lot of "suds in a bucket" car washes. I was scared!!
The truck was dropped off and this is what I saw:
Yep, not only are we talking about a work truck but we are talking about a BLACK work truck. My first reaction was "Holy Cow", how am I going to price this to make it affordable and to accomplish the owner's goals.
First thing I did was to wash and clay the truck (see above picture). Once that was accomplished and the wheels and wheel wells (and undercarriage) were cleaned I brought the truck in the shop to inspect it under various lights. As suspected the truck was molested a bit. It had a lot of dings and deeper scratches around the bed because the owner normally has a tank and pump system for his helicopter in the back as well as a fifth wheel hookups (and yes the tailgate was abused). It also had a couple of deeper gouges but nothing that was requiring a repaint, just a little finessing.
Under closer inspection of the paint this is what I saw
and this was one of my 50/50 test spots
Obviously I could not make the paint "flawless" because of the depth and variety of the defects but I made it as close to 80% as I could. The process involved a Rupes 21 and GG6 both equipped with orange LC flat pads and my trusty PF2500 and FG400. I did try using the megs MF pads and yellow LC flat pads but it created some nasty micro marring which would have required me to do a 2 step compound/polish. The orange pads and Menzerna product allowed me to do a single step process with some minor technique (machine and hand speed) adjustment during my 6 passes. :buffing:
Since the owner admitted that he will not be planning on waxing the truck periodically, and will continue frequenting the car wash I made a plan to use the Pinnacle surface coating. This will offer him a lasting protection and the increase gloss will give him an incentive to better maintain his truck. I did suggest that instead of using the "scratch and swirl" car wash that he should use the touchless, which he was receptive to. I also offered to maintain the truck quarterly. Only time will tell though.
So what kind of results did I achieve???? It was a nasty overcast weekend with periodic downpour so I started taking the glamor shots indoors
I did eventually bring the truck out for a few picture but as I did it started misting (.... and yes I did allow a minimum of 12 hrs before exposing the truck to moisture)
So does the Pinnacle product work well?? I was very pleased to see the hydrophobic qualities of the product first hand, with even the lightest mist. Small tight and high bead which shedded off the paint with the slightest breath. I've seen plenty sealants and waxes that would not come close to that level of hydrophobia with just a light misting.
Before someone highjacks the thread I will preemptively answer YES to the question: "You do know that beads does not equal protection, right?" but will offer that any product which serves to expedite water off the paint is quality protection in my book..... and Pinnacle BL coating is quality protection in my book!
Here is a final shot of the truck!
I hope you enjoyed. I wish I had some sun shots but..... So was the owner pleased?? I hate boasting about getting the WOW factor but he was so thrilled that we received a $350 tip on a slightly discounted bill (I had given him the friends and family discount!). He insisted on paying full regular price and added a bonus on top of that! Talk about jaw to the ground! In any case, we have his wife's car on the schedule for a coating!!
Feel free to leave a comment and/or ask questions
rops: What a turn around!
Trust me it was a 7.5/10 at best but a major improvement from where we started.