Project XJ - EXTERIOR Detail Started

TTQ B4U

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So I didn't have much time this weekend but I couldn't help but begin the process of bringing the finish of the old beast back to life. I pulled the front bumper, grill and headlight surrounds off as it makes for easier cleaning and polishing overall. I also completed the hood and front fenders. Overall it is covered with oxidized clear coat and muck. My son took hold of the Flex 3401 polisher fitted with purple wool pads and I followed next with the Rupes Mille and a yellow finishing pad. Being I've not had a chance to try them, I leaned in with Megs New #110 Compound and #210 polish. More on those later.

The slightly sad news is the hood has early signs of "crows feet" or early signs of clear coat failure. It's light to medium in nature so not bad enough to repaint but not perfect. I'm a little bummed but will get over it. It's not going to all be perfect right? I suspect the roof may have some as well but I didn't even get up there yet other than for a quick look-see.

The side panels however are just fine which is great. That said, here are a few shots of what will soon be a full transformation. Next weekend I should have more time to do some 50/50 shots and some before and after vids. The other great news is the paint thickness measures in between 4-5 mils. Plenty of material to work with.


Starting point - and the photo looks better than it really is. Notice the oxidation, tons of swirls an stains that were set in, likely from soap and car wash stains of water not fully rinsed just soaking into an oxidized clear finish. Ignore the dust. All part of compounding with wool. No avoiding that.

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Results are showing promise. The color is Patriot Blue Pearl and it really shows. This is a great color for an SUV. Some typical Jeep orange peel but overall the paint is correction just as expected.

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Another NEW product I've not had a chance to use until today is Mothers CMX Spray coating. I left a few comments on it under that specific thread but overall, I plan on layering 2-3 coats of this over the entire vehicle once the correction work is done. If it holds up for 6-9 months and is as hydrophobic as I hope then it will indeed be a game changer.

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That's all for now, as I'm going to be swamped this week. Saturday next week I'll make quite a bit more progress with plans to hopefully complete all the paint correction leaving Sunday for Coating the paint, trim and glass. Monday marks the day for new tires and wheel polishing and coating. Stay tuned!
 
In for updates. Color is going to be great when you are done!
 
Great work and thanks for updates. Excited to see how it turns out. Does it hurt, seeing how great of a detailer you are and the condition your son kept this in? ��
 
The fact that you found an XJ that's as clean and straight as that one already was is a miracle in itself. Can't wait to see the end product!
 
Does it hurt, seeing how great of a detailer you are and the condition your son kept this in? ��
Not my son, the previous owner. My son is as OCD as me. I just bought it for a steal last week.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using Tapatalk
 
Awesome!

Will be fun to follow you and your son progress. And what a great father and son thing to do.

/ Tony
 
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