E30 M3, Multi-Step Correction and Partial Wet Sanding

RaskyR1

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The owner of this fine example of German Engineering recently purchased the car and wanted me to do what I could to get the paint looking its best within his budget. Upon inspection it was evident that it had been repainted some time ago and that there was some excessive shrink on the top panels and a few other paint issues that needed to be addressed.


Car as it arrived (nice and clean) :)


Shrink on the hood can be seen from the lack of gloss and distorted reflection


Washer nozzles removed for sanding and polishing


Close up of shrink


Sanded with 1500/3000 grit Meguiar’s sanding discs (hand and DA)


After compounding with the Rupes LHR21 and KBM205 method




Close up of shrink on the spoiler




At a distance


Close up of spoiler after sanding and compounding




At a distance…notice the difference between the spoiler and the trunk


Spoiler removed


A few areas on the car had these “goose bump” protruding from the paint. I’m not 100% certain what causes this but I’ve seen it before on repaints. Its likely solvents or moisture trapped under the paint, possibly in the primer or base coat, which are trying to escape. I don’t suggesting trying to sand these defects out, for obvious reasons, but it looked bad and I decided to test out sanding in a discrete area, which turned out great. It’s not 100%, but a huge improvement. I lightly sanded them here so they were easier to see. The touched up chip can be used as a reference point.


After


Swirls and RIDS throughout




50/50 shot




I spent about 10-12hrs carefully wet sanding and compounding….


An example of when the rotary is the better tool for the job.


Great example of where the Rupes TA50 and 2” pads shine


Finished shot prior to LSP….two different aperture settings


I like this one :)


After pics….I had hoped for sun, but I’m grateful that the owner made it home without getting rained on.




















As always, thank you for viewing my work.

Rasky
 
E30 M3. One of my all time favorites. Great job on the clean up!
 
Great job, I've been considering the rupes 2". Thanks for sharing
 
Fantastic result.

I am particularly impressed with the spot sanding you did on those repaint defects. Most people would have just let that sleeping dog lie.
 
Wish I could own one of those! Great work! What did you use for the LSP?
 
Wow, I really wish to do things like this in the future, what a professional and clean job.

Car looks nothing but AMAZING at the end.

No need for sun shots on this one after all that 50/50 and different lightings pictures.

Wait! Mirror, mirror... hahaha Again, you kicked them out.

Thank you for sharing,

Much impressed.

Kind Regards.
 
Beautiful work Chad.

The Rupes TA50 is a tool I think everyone's going to love for sanding, cutting and polishing thin panels and tight areas.


Beautiful transformation. Lets hope the owner will "touch" the paint carefully moving into the future.


:dblthumb2:
 
Wow and e30 M3 that's just amazing and what a job you did that's even more amazing. E30 M3 and the Z8 are the only two cars BMW has made in the past 25 years that have appreciated in value. I think a decent condition e30 goes for about 30-40k while the Z8 goes for about 145-180k. But the e30 is an all time great a true legend and you Def showed it some tlc. Well done sir well done.

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Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone. :thankyousign:



Wish I could own one of those! Great work! What did you use for the LSP?

Blackfire Wet Diamond :props:

Great work

2" pads from B.D.?

Yep. Pads were from Kevin Brown....aka, Buff Daddy! :dblthumb2:

Lake Country has some in the works too and I should have some samples soon.

Beautiful work Chad.

The Rupes TA50 is a tool I think everyone's going to love for sanding, cutting and polishing thin panels and tight areas.


Beautiful transformation. Lets hope the owner will "touch" the paint carefully moving into the future.


:dblthumb2:

Thanks Mike!

I think as more people start using them others will realize how helpful they can be. I will say they aren't needed for most cars, but if you plan to do a lot of exotics or cars with tight areas, they're a very valuable tool to have! :)

Rasky
 
My dream car and wow what a job. It looks absolutely stunning and I am actually very jealous you got to work on that car lol. But anyway fantastic job looks great. Also that's a single stage paint right or did they do a multistage paint when it was re sprayed

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