jlb85
New member
- Mar 31, 2008
- 734
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The owner of the MR2 and this M3 gathered a few other clients and sent us down to detail their cars. The MR2 was going to start in a new race series, but he really wanted to get his M3 properly detailed and protected. Yesterday we did the MR2, and it was hot. Today was even hotter! I took some paint temperature readings on various colors. The results are discussed further down.
This M3 was purchased at auction in 2007 with under 3000 miles on the odometer. 'Nuff said!
Upon arrival, the M3 was in decent shape. Not very dirty, hardly used
OK, so I know this will make for a boring thread, but the finish was in great shape! Almost no swirls and just minor RIDS:
Wheels needed love:
Time to take it out and start with the chemicals. But before, lets see what the paint temperature is. In the shade on the Metallic Grey M3: 86
On a black Jeep after sitting in the sun for about 20 minutes: 171F
Red MR2 sitting im the sun all day (it is about 11am): 141F
Yellow MR2 sitting next to the red one all day: 114F
Concrete floor is 101F
The M3 about 3 minutes in the sun: 132F and rising quickly
So, if you have a dark car, know your paint is getting fried on a daily basis if it sits outside all day. Also, know your waxes will last much less than a lighter colored car. It isn't a color, its a part time job! Make sure the car is cool before washing!
Starting with the wheels using P21S Gel and various brushes. Tires hit with APC 4:1, fenders hit with Super Degreaser 4:1 and the schmit:
With the temp raising, lets get the car washed ASAP: Foam'ed...
Clay after one lower portion:
Working the clay:
After clay we typically wash again. I decided to wash in the shade. It would be easier dealing with foam over everything in the garage (and my supplies) than deal with the sun's abuse on the paint (and my head):
This M3 was purchased at auction in 2007 with under 3000 miles on the odometer. 'Nuff said!
Upon arrival, the M3 was in decent shape. Not very dirty, hardly used


OK, so I know this will make for a boring thread, but the finish was in great shape! Almost no swirls and just minor RIDS:


Wheels needed love:






Time to take it out and start with the chemicals. But before, lets see what the paint temperature is. In the shade on the Metallic Grey M3: 86

On a black Jeep after sitting in the sun for about 20 minutes: 171F

Red MR2 sitting im the sun all day (it is about 11am): 141F

Yellow MR2 sitting next to the red one all day: 114F

Concrete floor is 101F

The M3 about 3 minutes in the sun: 132F and rising quickly

So, if you have a dark car, know your paint is getting fried on a daily basis if it sits outside all day. Also, know your waxes will last much less than a lighter colored car. It isn't a color, its a part time job! Make sure the car is cool before washing!
Starting with the wheels using P21S Gel and various brushes. Tires hit with APC 4:1, fenders hit with Super Degreaser 4:1 and the schmit:





With the temp raising, lets get the car washed ASAP: Foam'ed...



Clay after one lower portion:

Working the clay:

After clay we typically wash again. I decided to wash in the shade. It would be easier dealing with foam over everything in the garage (and my supplies) than deal with the sun's abuse on the paint (and my head):



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