2004 Chevy SSR - Extreme Makeover by Blackfire - Modeled by Tasha

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

2004 Chevy SSR - Extreme Makeover by Blackfire - Modeled by Tasha

Here's my friend Sharif's black 2004 Chevy SSR right after he arrived and we moved the SSR into Autogeek's Show Car Garage...

Here's how it looked when it arrived...

To say the paint was in good shape or bad shape depends upon your point of view...

If you're hoping for a a lot of swirls and scratches to make buffing out the paint a challenge, then the paint is in excellent condition.

If you're inspecting the paint and trying to categorize the condition of the paint in an accurate manner... then it's a swirled out mess!

We like the challenge so we thought the paint looked horrible but in a great kind of way!


The paint literally looked like it was washed with a scotch brite pad...

Feeling the paint with just our clean hands revealed a surface that felt like 80 grit sandpaper so we clayed using Blackfire Poly Clay and Blackfire Clay Lubricant

Some kind of grunge all over the paint. Not surprising, this is Sharif's daily driver so it's exposed to the environment at least 5 days a week.

Adam and Todd are going to do the Test Spot, here Adam has taped off an area to do some buffing...

The paint on Chevy SSR's is known to be hard and since the entire finish is just as bad as the swirl pictures of the hood we're going straight to a wool pad and Blackfire Scratch Resistant Clear Compound

Adam quickly cuts out the swirls and scratches...

Next up, Todd switches over to a Lake Country 6.5 Foam Finishing Pad and Blackfire Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish to remove any swirls left by the fibers of the wool pad and polish to a clear, high gloss.

Here are the results...

The Compounding or Major Correction Step

Once we had a two-step process dialed-in everyone tooled-up and started buffing...

Adam also tested the Hydro-Tech Cyan Pads with the Blackfire Scratch Resistant Compound and found with the Flex 3401 that it too was very effective at remove the swirls and scratches just not quite as fast as the wool cutting pad. We had a number of people that were brand new to machine polishing so we set a few people up with the Cyan Cutting pads on Flex 3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polishers.


This is Sharif, the owner of the SSR machine polishing for the first time...

Rene using the Flex 3401 with a 4" Cyan Pad...

This was Jeff's first time to Autogeek's Show Car Garage and while Jeff is experienced with Rotary Buffers and Porter Cable DA Polishers he wanted to try out the Flex 3401

Took him about 2-3 passes over the paint to dial-in his technique... note Rene in the background...

Here I am tackling the roof... note Rene in the background...

Someone is having too much fun...

Here's Rene inspecting Adam's head for swirls...

Adam's finish was mostly swirl-free but Rene found a few RIDS...

Much better...

Here's me tackling the driver's side of the roof...

Here's Jeff working on the back of the SSR...

And Rene working with a 4" Cyan Pad with the band new 4" Backing Plate from Lake Country...

More to come...


:xyxthumbs:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

The Polishing or Minor Correction Step

After compounding the paint we switched our polishers over to Tangerine Hydro-Tech Pads and re-polished each square inch of the SSR using Blackfire Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish.


Here's Jeff, Rene and Jarret machine polishing the paint to a crystal clear high gloss....

Jeff is a local detailer that's proficient with a rotary buffer and PC DA Polisher but this was his first time using the Flex 3401, he told me he like using the 4" pads with this tool.

This is me tackling some of the lower panels with the Flex 3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher...

If it has paint it gets polished - Working the paint just under the license plate...

Here's Jarret using the Meguiar's G110v2...

Rene's all over the place, here he is machine polishing the driver's door...

Here he is tackling the paint on the roof...

Rene has become a paint polishing MACHINE!

This is the first time Dave has ever machine polished, tonight he had a chance to use the Flex 3401 and also the Porter Cable 7424XP. Now that he's learned how safe these tools are we'll see him back with one of his cool cars including a 1956 Chevy Bel Air and a Mercedes-Benz AMG and I think a 1932 Ford.

You can see him working the front-to-back and side-to-side pattern after first spreading the product out over the area he's working...

50

Also, if you look at the paint in front of where Dave's working you can see how clear and glossy it has become after compounding and polishing...

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

The Protection Step
Adding a layer of protection and locking in the shine by machine...

To seal the paint and all our hard work we first machine applied a coat of BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection


Here's Jaret using the Meguiar's G110v2...

The owner Sharif is using a Porter Cable 7424XP with a Crimson Hydro-Tech Pad....

Here's Dave using a PC 7424XP - Don't watch the camera Dave... focus on the task at hand...

Jaret moving around to the back of the truck...

Here's Jaret on one side and Jeff on the other side...

Here's Sharif waxing half the roof...

After wiping the liquid paint sealant off we waited about a half hour and then machine applied BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax


Applying paste wax to Jeff's pad so he can get busy machine applying a paste wax...

Jeff machine applying wax...

DA Polishes like the Porter Cable 7424XP work really well at machine applying waxes and paint sealants...

Here's Kyle tackling the hood...

Sharif laying down a thin coating of paste wax...

The Porter Cable, Meguiar's and Griot's DA Polishes are light enough and small enough most people can hold the tool in one hand while machine applying wax...

Me applying some paste wax to Dave's Crimson Hydro-Tech pad so he can join in the fun!

Kyle tackling the passenger side door...

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Wax Removal
After machine waxing we carefully removed the excess wax...


Here's Todd and Rene removing the BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax

Here's Rene getting the frontend...

Adam's really good about getting any metal or brightwork cleaned and polished, as you can see here the rims needed some attention...

Adam to the rescue...

Time for some beauty shots...


:xyxthumbs:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Beauty Shots...

Here's our Transformation Team

Left to right...

Dave, Kyle, Sharif, Jeff, Jaret, Adam, Todd, Rene and I'm down in front...

:xyxthumbs:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Our newest Swirl Girl Tasha came by to inspect our results...

First she gives the paint a final wipe to remove any trace residues we might have missed. To do this she's wearing a pair of Microfiber Gloves and our Super Soft Deluxe Green Microfiber Towel with a rolled edge for extra gentleness to this highly polished finish.

Now that the finish has been wiped to a clear, hard shine, Tasha will now use the Brinkmann Swirl Finder Light to inspect for swirls...

The forum nickname for the Brinkmann Swirl Finder Light is "The Cruel Master"

Even though we applied the Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax by machine, it's just as easy to apply and remove by hand...

Here's Tasha using a Gold Wax Finger Pocket to spin over the top of the wax, which liquefies it so it will seep into the foam...

Then gently spread the wax out over the paint...

Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax can be removed immediately after you apply it, there's no need to let it dry...

Always fold your microfiber towel 4-ways to provide cushion between the paint and your hand pressure and to also give you 8 sides to wipe with...

Blackfire car care products create a deep, wet shine that everyone loves, especially on dark colors like black...

The finish on Sharif's 2004 Black Chevy SSR now has a Mirror Finish that Tasha can use to put on her lipstick...

This SSR is ready to cruise!

Please join with me in welcoming Tasha our newest Swirl Girl!


:xyxthumbs:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Your turn...

Anyone can get show car results as long as they use quality products and good technique. Below is a list of pads, products and tools we used to remove the swirls and scratches out of the paint and maximize gloss and clarity for a true show car finish.


On Autogeek.net

Cleaning

Detailer's Pro Series Waterless Auto Wash



Claying

BLACKFIRE Clay Lubricant

BLACKFIRE Poly Clay Bar 200 grams



Buffing Pads

6.5" Lake Country Hydro-Tech Pads

5.5" Lake Country Hydro-Tech Pads

4" Lake Country Hydro-Tech Pads




Tools Used

Flex 3401

Flex PE 14

DeWalt DWP849X

Porter Cable 7424XP

Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher

Meguiar's G110v2




Backing Plates

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate

Meguiars Solo Easy Buff W66 Rotary Backing Plate 6 Inch

LC-43-125DA Dual Action 5 Inch Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate



Compound

BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Compound



Polish

BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish



Protection

BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection

BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax



Microfiber Towels
Super Soft Deluxe Green Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges
Super Soft Deluxe Blue Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges, 3 Pack



Miscellaneous Items

Gold Wax Finger Pocket


[URL="http://www.autogeek.net/pairglov.html"]Microfiber Gloves[/URL]

Brinkmann Swirl Finder Light

Kreepstool Rolling Utility Seat

Autogeek Detailing Cover-Up Towel

Pad Conditioning Brush

Flitz Metal Polish

Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer & Detailing Cart Combo

Detailer's Pro Series Polishing Pad Rejuvenator

Lake Country Wool Pad Spur




How-To Information Resources

All the tips and techniques used for detailing this 2004 Chevrolet SSR can be found in either the e-book or paperback version of The Art of Detailing as well as the DVD.


Paperback



E-book
(Displayed on iPad - iPad not included)

Mike Phillips' Principles of Machine Polishing



Autogeek.net
Customer Service: 1-800-869-3011



:xyxthumbs:

 

[Impressions]

Welcome Tasha to the madness!
Adam....looks like you have clearcoat failure on that dome

 

[Jaretr1]

Those comments on Adam and Rene were hysterical!

 

[Bobby B.]

WOW! The SSR looks amazing. The Black paint looks like you can swim in it. Sorry I didn't make it last night. I would have loved to help out Sherif on detailing his truck. I love is Corvette that he brings out to local car shows. I like the new Swirl Girl. Hi Tasha

 

[Tasha]

Hey everyone! Thanks for welcoming me to the 'Swirl Girls!' Max runs a top notch operation at Autogeek and I had a blast working with Mike and the rest of the guys on the 2004 Chevy SSR project. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!

 

[Finemess]

Hello and welcome Tasha.

 

[IID]

Hey everyone! Thanks for welcoming me to the 'Swirl Girls!' Max runs a top notch operation at Autogeek and I had a blast working with Mike and the rest of the guys on the 2004 Chevy SSR project. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!

My My Tasha,aren't you a looker.You remind me of someone
Welcome to the forum.

Great job to All on the SSR-Looks Great(almost as good as Tasha)

 

[thedodo]

:xyxthumbs:

good to see Todd doing some polishing - inbetween all the traveling i mean 8)

Took him about 2-3 passes over the paint to dial-in his technique... note Rene in the background...

Here I am tackling the roof... note Rene in the background...

Someone is having too much fun...

:xyxthumbs:

what have you done to Rene... i am not gone one week and people over there start loosing it 8)


GREAT WORK GUYS - sorry i missed it.

 

[Rencor]

Great time again last night. It is always a fun learning experience for me. Got to use new machines, pads & products. The icing on the cake for me was how appreciative Sherif was. It is nice to give and tis the season. Sherif took a vehicle in that looked good from far, but far from good. We turned that around! This SSR looked bad a**!

PJ, you coming back over the pond for detail fest? I need to fulfill a promise.

Rene

 

[Old Pirate]

Adam's dome is protected by Blackfire Wet Diamond! :dblthumb2:

 

[thedodo]

PJ, you coming back over the pond for detail fest? I need to fulfill a promise.

Rene

abso-dodolly diddely - will be there and ready to rock the big block BBQ Meghan has promised to bring in 8)

 

[Sharif]

I'd first like to thank Max for having such a great operation and for allowing events like this to take place. Also I'd like to thank all the guys for your hard work on the car, I forgot to tell you all last night that I name my cars and the SSR is called Elvira, so thank you very much for making Elvira shine!! and for all the teaching tips.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again! Last but not least our great host Mike...you're the best!:dblthumb2:

 

[jreblackGT]

Hello and welcome Tasha. Nice job on the SSR too Mike and crew.

 

[Harleyguy]

Welcome Tasha to the madness!
Adam....looks like you have clearcoat failure on that dome

I'm way past clear coat failure

Those comments on Adam and Rene were hysterical!

The second best part of doing this makeovers is the great time we have . Sometimes we see a worry look on the owners face and we can tell his asking himself did he make the right decision letting this guys touch my car . All kidding aside the end results always turn out amazing .

Great time again last night. It is always a fun learning experience for me. Got to use new machines, pads & products. The icing on the cake for me was how appreciative Sherif was. It is nice to give and tis the season. Sherif took a vehicle in that looked good from far, but far from good. We turned that around! This SSR looked bad a**!

PJ, you coming back over the pond for detail fest? I need to fulfill a promise.

Rene

Renny another awesome time and another extreme makeover . Always a ton of fun working beside you and Kyle .

Adam's dome is protected by Blackfire Wet Diamond! :dblthumb2:

Watch it Angelo if weren't my friend I would of used Wolgang .

I'd first like to thank Max for having such a great operation and for allowing events like this to take place. Also I'd like to thank all the guys for your hard work on the car, I forgot to tell you all last night that I name my cars and the SSR is called Elvira, so thank you very much for making Elvira shine!! and for all the teaching tips.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again! Last but not least our great host Mike...you're the best!:dblthumb2:

Sharif hope your happy with the way your SSR turned out I feel with all the extreme makeovers we have done yours really was extreme .Thank you for entrusting your truck to us and letting me use a rotary since it was only the second time I have used one .:joking: