My Pop's SL500

MDetail

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So a couple weeks back I get a call from my dad. While he was at work a little birdy left a present. He called me since I have been telling him to get this thing detailed anyways, so he told me to take it. He has a couple cars, so he doesn't really care how long I have this one for. I think its a 1999 SL500 with 28,000 miles (4k mi. less than my 08 fit), and the front has been repainted at least 3 times, the whole car I think has been repainted once. He used to look at everything closely, and nit pick everything, It was at the dealer at least once a month to fix what they tried to fix last time, but now that he's getting older (only 53) I think he spends his time & energy elsewhere. For the most part he takes really great care of this car, it's just that he doesn't have the knowledge to keep it swirl free. But he does wash & wax it all the time (as you will see left over wax pictures down the page)

Process

Body
Quick detail wipe down (it wasn't dirty)
Clay w/LTD 1:1 lube
m105 polishing pad
m205 finishing pad
m66 finishing pad (where needed)
Lusso Oro Wax

Wheels & Tires
LTD to clean
Poorboys Wheel Sealant
Hyper Dressing 4:1 for a natural tire look
APC 4:1 Clean Wheel Wells
Hyper Dressing 4:1 Dress Wheel Wells

Engine
APC 10:1 (it's pretty clean already)
Hyper Dressing 4:1

Top
APC 10:1
303 Protectant
PlastX for rear window

Interior
APC 10:1 to remove dirt/stains
Megs Quick Interior Detail Spray for Dash and side panels
Megs Detailer Line Leather Cleaner & Conditioner for seats.

I thought I had some full exterior shots in the sun before I went to work, but I guess the inside shots are going to have to do.
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This is what happens when you let your dad clean bird deposits from his own car that has soft paint.
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Hardwater Spots
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Some of the etchings (there were probably 5-6 total)
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He used to be VERY nit picky about the car. It seemed like every time he took it to the dealer, he took it back to fix something they did wrong. But now that he is getting older I think he is spending his time and energy elsewhere. From the last paint, it seems the dealer prepped it incorrectly and it was left with deep sanding marks which I think can only be removed by a re-paint.
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Here are a few examples of the wax residue left behind.
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Look at all the wax inside the nozzles
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before side
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after side
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Tested all of these out, and then decided to try some of the new stuff that I just purchased.
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Sun shots before wax
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I have only done the front half, minus the bumper
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Maybe my dad will get me a haircut for doing all this :)
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Waxing
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It's coming along nicely.
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There were still some RIDS, and I didn't have time to dig the wax out of the front window washer nozzles, and maybe a couple of other things. In all I am happy with the outcome, considering my dad said the paint will never look like new (I know he is going to try to take better care of it, but not 100%.)

Here was my work chair, I found that the cup holder comes in handy to place your polish/wax whatever you are using.
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Before
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After
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Before - Is it crazy to even clean the keys?
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After
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Before
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After
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Before Different Angle (This actually makes it look 10000% better than it started)
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After
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Before
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After
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Before
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Afters
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I had more befores of the interior, but I don't have the matching afters. I will just show you what I have from after.

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And the finale
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Remember this?
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Bye Bye
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Awesome detail. Great looking paint and flawless interior. :xyxthumbs:
 
Wow! Looks great! There's just something you gotta love about impressing dad. I told Meghan when I ordered my dad's Christmas present that staying out of trouble, getting college scholarships, or having his only grandchildren didn't seem to impress him nearly as much as a clay bar and some Invisible Glass on his windshield.
 
Car looks great, beautiful work
Hell, my dads 78 and I've been detailing his '89 560 SEC since brand new and I'm 50. So I kinda know how you feel. It doesn't get any better the older they get.

just a pic of his
 
Thanks guys.

LDJaxon - very true.

Impressions - That car looks mint! great job.

Sully - Here are the befores, and I didn't have time to get afters, but I will see the car again here shortly.
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EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! what did you use on the antenna, and all the black plastic...??
 
I must say that was an amazing job! Dad must be very happy!
 
Great turnaround!

What camera/lens were you using, and what was your take on fuzion/dodo juice?
 
Car looks great, beautiful work
Hell, my dads 78 and I've been detailing his '89 560 SEC since brand new and I'm 50. So I kinda know how you feel. It doesn't get any better the older they get.

just a pic of his


omg... beautiful car!!! I want one of those soo bad!
 
Great turnaround!

What camera/lens were you using, and what was your take on fuzion/dodo juice?
I was using the Canon 40D w Tamron 17-35 2.8/4 I love Fuzion, and I haven't done a full car in dodo juice, I feel like the Fuzion comes out smoother, but in bright light i can't see much. I ended up going with the lusso oro only because I just got it in a couple days prior.
 
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