Detailed: 180K Mile 1999 Tahoe

justin_murphy

justin_murphy

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Well, I was going to take Saturday off until a buddy mine called me. He has built 2 homes for me and several for friends and family so I decided to help him out. The wife was going Christmas shopping anyways! The high was going to be 70* and sunny so what better to do than detail. He has been dring this thing since 2000. He racked up alot of miles and alot of scratches. He has just been going through the brushed car wash. There was also a nice build up of their sealant/wax. He is putting it up for sale on Monday and just wanted the exterior done. Interior was OK I guess. He gave me 300.00, told me to me do what I can, and left for the day.

Here's the process and pics.....

Start Time:
8:30am (35*)
Finish Time:
12:00pm (68*)
Payment:
300.00

Washed with Meguiar's NXT and Dawn
(Used Yellow ShMitt)
Man, this thing can clean off some grime and bugs!

Meguiar's #80 Speed Glaze
(EDGE2K Yellow Cutting Pad at a #6 PC setting)
That's Meg's on this one. I wanted to used something with conditioning oils since it's been so long since it was detailed if ever. I'm still always amazing by the finish tha #80 leaves. Soft and clean. Takes care of most of the swirls/scratches. I knew that they all were not gonna come out and so did the customer. He just wanted it better and this worked.

DP's Max Wax (X2)
(Applied and removed by hand)
I wanted to use Max Wax since this paint had alot of metallics in it. I got a call later yesterday with the customer telling me he didn't eve know it was a metallic finish! Max Wax goes on smoother than any wax I have ever applied by hand. Comes off just as easy. When I started on the second coat (after an hour of waiting and lunch), I could not believe the gloss that was appearing. Like a whole new layer of clear. It also helped to fill any remaining swirls.

Other Products Used:
Meguiars Detailer Line Super Degreaser
(4:1 on tires and wells)
Meguiars Detailer Line Wheel Brightner
(4:1 on wheels. Let sit for 2 minutes per wheel and brushed)
Armor All Tire Foam
(Tires and wells. Let sit for 5 minutes and wiped clean with MF mitt)
Armor All Tire Gel
(Applied with supplied applicator)

Befores....
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Some half & half....
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Alot of the swirls did not come out. I consulted with customer before hand and he said that he's paid up to 150.00 just to have a car waxed. He insisted on paying me and called me later complimenting the job. I was pretty hard on myself with the remaining swirls. That's why I ordered my rotary just a few minutes ago.

Thanks guys.
 
Nice turn-around for what you used though, famous GM orange peel in that last pic lol:D
 
justin30513 said:
Alot of the swirls did not come out. I consulted with customer before hand and he said that he's paid up to 150.00 just to have a car waxed. He insisted on paying me and called me later complimenting the job. I was pretty hard on myself with the remaining swirls. That's why I ordered my rotary just a few minutes ago.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Have you ever done an sc400 lex? Now that is a paint that wont let you remove swirls, christ it still haunts me. Im about 13$ short of having enough for my vector, ty btw for that link!

I know Im going to start polishing everything I can get my hands on. I really want to learn how to take my work up a notch!

Glad the customer liked your work! That metallic blue is very pretty when fixed up.
 
You made a world of different's in it. I'd bet he can sell it for more now! You did take a lot of swirls out! Looks great to me! Outstanding job. Orange Peel are on most newer car now, I hate Orange Peel. You the man! Best pic, tree on the hood.
WOT WOT! :awesome: You order a rotary! I can't wait for the review! And what pads?
 
oh you know he's getting edge pads haha
which rotary are you going with?im thinking if i mention it enough i might get a nice Xmas present hehe... you did a great job with the paint on that thing but i just realized how ugly the body shape is on that thing! anyways i think you just earned yourself a repeat customer with that work!
 
justin30513 said:
Alot of the swirls did not come out. I consulted with customer before hand and he said that he's paid up to 150.00 just to have a car waxed. He insisted on paying me and called me later complimenting the job. I was pretty hard on myself with the remaining swirls. That's why I ordered my rotary just a few minutes ago.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Hi justing,

Well if you ask me it's much better now compared to what it used to be. So if I understand this correctly, you felt that because you left so many swirls you did not deserve to get paid? I don't think it's your fault. I mean, if the paint was taken care of then I'm sure the results would have been better. It's like taking a car with rust every where and saying please make it look like new by detailing it. For the amount of money the customer paid, you did a great job...but that's just my opinion.

Let us know how you make out with the rotary..looking forward to the write ups.
 
Juztang said:
Justin, did you decide to do with the Vector?
Click to expand...

Yep, went with the Vector. For 70.00 I couldn't go wrong. Now I just need to get my EDGE rotary adapter and I'll be set for now. Gonna use my 6"s for now.
 
Surfer said:
Nice turn-around for what you used though, famous GM orange peel in that last pic lol:D
Click to expand...
My new silverado has orange peel,I know what you mean!Who do they have painting their vehicles?Rejects from earlScheib???!!!!:D
 
supercharged said:
Nice turnaround. Why did you only use #80?
Click to expand...

I wanted to polish and compound in just one step. Plus, #80 has cedar oils for conditioning older paints giving them a refreshed look.

I CANNOT wait till my rotary comes. Work less and get better results.
 
It truly astonishes me how you can get such amazing results in such a short time frame.....and using a PC at that. Your friend will recoup his expenditure I'm sure.
 
Awesome as always! Your results and speed are simply amazing. I'm trying to become more efficient every time I work on a vehicle. Please keep posting your multi-tasking and timing tips they really help.
 
justin30513 said:
I wanted to polish and compound in just one step. Plus, #80 has cedar oils for conditioning older paints giving them a refreshed look.

I CANNOT wait till my rotary comes. Work less and get better results.
Click to expand...
I see. I always wanted a rotary myself, but it scares the heck out of me.
 
Last edited:
Justin with a rotary? Wow, you already humble us with your remarkable pc work. The rotary results is sure to put us to shame.

Another vehicle justinized!
 
justin30513 said:
Yep, went with the Vector. For 70.00 I couldn't go wrong. Now I just need to get my EDGE rotary adapter and I'll be set for now. Gonna use my 6"s for now.
Click to expand...

Justin, what Edge adapter are you talking about? I can't fine it on AG's store site. I went to search EDGE rotary adapter and nothing!
 
sparkie said:
Justin, what Edge adapter are you talking about? I can't fine it on AG's store site. I went to search EDGE rotary adapter and nothing!
Click to expand...

Well it come with the 8" rotary pad kit from EDGE. It just screws over the stud on the rotary and stays put with some loc tite. I guess I'm gonna have to call Meghan and order one since you can't find one on the site.
 
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