Detail: Black 2007 TrailBlazer SS

[2BlackChevys]

OK so it's finally done. It took quite a while but looks awesome now! These pics start after a thorough cleaning with simple green and vinegar in an effort to remove/lessen the spotting.

This truck was covered from top to bottom in hard water spots from an automatic sprinkler system in a hard water area...

Paint transfer from where it "rubbed" on a white painted post.

Hood prior to polishing.

Close up of spots.

I used a PC 7424XP with M105/205 then topped it with Megs UPW and M26.

Here is the hood 50/50 after 105.

Greyed out plastic.

Wheels before and after.

Wheelwell before.

Wheelwell after.

Interior after.

And now some beauty shots.

Mirrors after.

Reflections

Doors

Hood

That paint transfer.

Those spots on tailgate.

This was quite an experience. I learned a lot and I am much better prepared for the next one!

 

[530inv]

Very nice!! It looks great!! Wayyy better than before.

 

[cartman57]

Nice black SS!!

 

[2BlackChevys]

Thanks guys!

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Very nice job!

 

[Corey@OptimalDetailing]

My wife's '08 TBSS is on my list this spring. How long did it take you to accomplish the 2 step? Finish looks great!

 

[2BlackChevys]

My wife's '08 TBSS is on my list this spring. How long did it take you to accomplish the 2 step? Finish looks great!

The whole project was quite an adventure. I basically worked on it for the biggest part of 21 days. That being said if it was just the paint correction it probably would have taken a lot less time. The water spots and the etching they caused was very difficult to remove. For example I think I completed step 2, the M205 in 2-3 days.

 

[Corey@OptimalDetailing]

Holy cow, you put a lot of effort/time into it! Great turnaround.

 

[JAF06SE]

What did you use on the plastic?

 

[OMRebel]

What did you use on the plastic?

+1. And can you report back in a few weeks on how the plastic held up?

 

[sharpreflection]

looks good did you use Chemical guys bare bones on the fender well areas?

 

[jjj]

Nice job!!

 

[2BlackChevys]

+1. And can you report back in a few weeks on how the plastic held up?

I actually used the Meg's UPW on it. 2 coats just like the paint. I did lay it on pretty heavy and really work it in. The truck will be living outdoors now as the Vette wants its garage back so we will see how it works.

 

[2BlackChevys]

looks good did you use Chemical guys bare bones on the fender well areas?

I used some Black Magic spray protectant that I had because it slings off tires and too greasy for interior.

 

[Hoytman]

Stellar paint for sure.

You know, I still can't figure out how, or why that Trailblazer black paint does what it does. As I recall from your other thread a sprinkler system made those spots, but I can tell you that hood and fender photo resembles how I'm seeing a lot of black Trailblazers around here. Dull, faded, and oxidized. They couldn't have all been hit by a sprinkler system. I know the wife and I have noticed at least 20 like this with 4 of them being in our little town. It's like they fade so easily for some reason. It's hard to explain. The other Trailblazer colors, even though they may be/could be a swirled out mess, don't appear to lose nearly the amount of shine. Like I said, it's hard to explain.

One thing is for certain, comparing your job and mine, the paint seems extremely hard given the time frames both yours and mine took to finish.

You should be excited how it turned out for all your efforts. Nice work, for sure.

 

[MattGraf]

Excellent turnaround. I used to have a red jewel tintcoat 2007 tb ss, that color didn't seem to be any more susceptible to water spotting etc. than any other car/color. Mine, however, was purchased new and always garaged so that obviously has a lot to do with it. As stated, for some reason many of the black ones seem to be dull and oxidized.

 

[Hoytman]

Excellent turnaround. I used to have a red jewel tintcoat 2007 tb ss, that color didn't seem to be any more susceptible to water spotting etc. than any other car/color. Mine, however, was purchased new and always garaged so that obviously has a lot to do with it. As stated, for some reason many of the black ones seem to be dull and oxidized.

I'm glad someone else besides me has noticed this.

 

[2BlackChevys]

Mine has faded out on the hood/fenders a couple times but always comes right back. It sits outside all the time and the wife will have it washed but that's usually it. Now I will be a lot more active in driving it and keeping it looking this nice!

 

[Hoytman]

Mine has faded out on the hood/fenders a couple times but always comes right back.

Really? That's interesting that it does that. I'm sure it washed on a regular basis, right? I find it odd that these paints do this. As I stated earlier, I haven't noticed on other colors like dark blue and other colors, only black.

Here's the kicker though...

I'm pretty certain ours has been repainted and it still seems to have this issue. Plus, our hood has clear coat fracturing on it. It's hardly visible now, but it did dissappear and come back, just a TuscaroraDave thought it might.

I wonder if something like a regular polishing with M205, or a paint cleanser such as Duragloss 501/601 or Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion could prevent the paint from "going back"? Perhaps a cleaner wax? I don't know.

Now I will be a lot more active in driving it and keeping it looking this nice!

I'm sure you will drive it more. We felt the same way. People who know us thought we'd gotten a new ride.

One things for sure...when it's right it looks awesome don't it?rops:

 

[VP Mark]

Great job sir! A truly amazing transformation.