Chicago Tommy
New member
- Sep 9, 2013
- 130
- 0
Lately I've been practicing on friend's and family members cars. Trying to nail down how to work effectively, while keeping costs under control. This is my Dad's 2008 Impala LTZ. I love the guy, and he means well, but he kills the finish on every car he owns. He washes it regularly, at the local swirl-o-matic. His car always clean. We're talking through the rack every time it rains. Unfortunately his health keeps him from being more involved in this aspect of vehicle care. That said, I had a few days where my CTS-V was in the dealer, so I gave him my Escalade loaner (seriously love my dealer) and tackled the seemingly impossible.
Overall condition was poor. To the lay person, it was clean and shiny, but swirls, rids, scuffs, etc were all present. After my first wash with Meguiar's purple bottle Car Wash, the paint had a texture that I can only accurately describe as 80 grit sandpaper. This was going to be a long one. Wheel wells were degreased and scrubbed. Wheels were done with Meguiar's Hot Rims, barrels were agitated with a Daytona Speedmaster Jr brush. I must say I was surprised how well the wheels came clean. All brake dust and residue was removed.
Half hood clay shows the true story of the paint. This car is outside 100% of the time. It is usually parked under trees that sap heavily all summer. It is unfortunate, but there isn't an alternative. Gigantic old growth trees surround their home and business.
Once I clayed the whole car, I started attacking the hood. I knew I would need a 50/50 for this one. Laid down tape, and snapped a pic. Lighting is provided by a 300w incandescent bulb. Holy swirls! It might be the worst I've come across.
Pics suck because I just grabbed my iphone on this one. But it tells the story. Zero gloss.
Applied Meguiar's Ultimate Compound on a 7 inch maroon Soft Buff 2.0 pad (Speed 5).
Here you can see that some depth and gloss had returned! Maybe it could be saved after all!
Finished the whole hood, and my my, what a shine. This is just after compound, no polish yet! What swirls?!!?
Actual water beading had returned. I haven't ever seen water bead on this car. It usually runs off flat.
It seems I'm at a loss for pics on this one. Guess I will update after I get to Wisconsin this weekend. Car was finished with Meg's Ultimate Polish, and Ultimate Wax. The interior was thrashed, due to 5 years of stuff being spilled and my Dad not really caring about the interior. Ugh, it was a complete interior transformation too. Beige leather with beige carpet that was just completely soiled. Probably 6 hours spent inside this car. Hmmm... Enjoy this dancing banana as a place holder til I get back with pics. Im the MAN
Overall condition was poor. To the lay person, it was clean and shiny, but swirls, rids, scuffs, etc were all present. After my first wash with Meguiar's purple bottle Car Wash, the paint had a texture that I can only accurately describe as 80 grit sandpaper. This was going to be a long one. Wheel wells were degreased and scrubbed. Wheels were done with Meguiar's Hot Rims, barrels were agitated with a Daytona Speedmaster Jr brush. I must say I was surprised how well the wheels came clean. All brake dust and residue was removed.
Half hood clay shows the true story of the paint. This car is outside 100% of the time. It is usually parked under trees that sap heavily all summer. It is unfortunate, but there isn't an alternative. Gigantic old growth trees surround their home and business.
Once I clayed the whole car, I started attacking the hood. I knew I would need a 50/50 for this one. Laid down tape, and snapped a pic. Lighting is provided by a 300w incandescent bulb. Holy swirls! It might be the worst I've come across.
Pics suck because I just grabbed my iphone on this one. But it tells the story. Zero gloss.
Applied Meguiar's Ultimate Compound on a 7 inch maroon Soft Buff 2.0 pad (Speed 5).
Here you can see that some depth and gloss had returned! Maybe it could be saved after all!
Finished the whole hood, and my my, what a shine. This is just after compound, no polish yet! What swirls?!!?
Actual water beading had returned. I haven't ever seen water bead on this car. It usually runs off flat.
It seems I'm at a loss for pics on this one. Guess I will update after I get to Wisconsin this weekend. Car was finished with Meg's Ultimate Polish, and Ultimate Wax. The interior was thrashed, due to 5 years of stuff being spilled and my Dad not really caring about the interior. Ugh, it was a complete interior transformation too. Beige leather with beige carpet that was just completely soiled. Probably 6 hours spent inside this car. Hmmm... Enjoy this dancing banana as a place holder til I get back with pics. Im the MAN