My first time detailing my car...

[evilwrx]

First off, for those detailers that do this on a regular basis my hats off to you. This is a very time consuming endeavour. Don't get on me too much as this is my first time. I need to come up with a better order to take my pics, I promise to do better the next time.... Now onto the pics:

2008 Chevrolet Impala

Wash:
Dawn Wash
Grit Guard
2BM

Clayed:
OTC Meguiar’s clay
DP RWG mixed to Quick Detailer

Paint Correction:
Hitachi SP18V | Meguiars W68 Rotary Backing Plate
PC | LC 5 inch Backing Plate
Meguiars M105 | LC Orange Kompressor 7 inch pads
Meguiars D151 | LC Orange Kompressor 7 inch pads
Brinkmann Maxfire Dual Xenon Spotlight
Many, many Cobra microfiber towels
Protection:
Jetseal109

LSP:
Meguiars M16

Glass:
Stoner’s Invisible Glass

Wheels:
EZ Detail Brush
Meguiar's Wheel Bright 4:1
Meguiar's All Season Dressing

My Dad was up visiting for the weekend and his car was trashed!!! Needless to say I could not in my OCD mind allow him to keep his car in my driveway looking this way. His car sits out 24/7 and does not get any love, so here is what I have to work with:

Don't you love cats that jump on cars

After a Dawn wash, there is definitely no protection going on here

Better shot of the cat scratches

Various shots of marring

Plenty of swirls and rids here

My goal was to do the polishing as quickly as possible to be able to spend more time with the family as they do not visit too often, so my first test area was 2 section passes with D151 and the Orange LC Kompressor pads. Although there was a substantial improvement it wasn't what I was looking for. Here is a few 50/50 shots with D151 on the right and not touch ont he left.

So I stepped up to 3 section passes with M105 with the Orange LC Kompressor pads and this took more artifacts out and provided a greater level of clarity. Again the goal was for speed and not perfection. I know that there is still some micro marring left, but the next time I see the car again I will refine the finish further.

Here is a shot of the cat scratches, not totally gone, but much, much better

A couple of reflection shots

And finally some afters

Total time was just under 4 hours from start to finish. Dad was ecstatic and I was no longer embarrassed!!:awesome:

 

[cooksnj]

looks like it came out real nice. nice job.

 

[JonMiles]

next time you work on the car, you may want to consider using feather sanding with 2500 grit on the cat scratches. Follow with the rotary and 105 and they will disappear with no problem.

Finish with some polish to restore clarity and it will look like they were never there. The car overall looks great. Good luck with detailing and keep it up, there is a lot of satisfaction in knowing your car is the cleanest and shiniest of all your friends.

 

[evilwrx]

looks like it came out real nice. nice job.

Thank you!

next time you work on the car, you may want to consider using feather sanding with 2500 grit on the cat scratches. Follow with the rotary and 105 and they will disappear with no problem. Finish with some polish to restore clarity and it will look like they were never there. The car overall looks great. Good luck with detailing and keep it up, there is a lot of satisfaction in knowing your car is the cleanest and shiniest of all your friends.

I will try wetsanding those spots in the future, but time was more important this time around. Thanks.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Awesome work and show car results... plus it never hurts to make Dad happy!

Nice photography work too.


:xyxthumbs:

 

[CEE DOG]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[cobalt9123]

Great work! Red always looks so great when it's polished out!