DA JeLLie

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.












This is what happens when you let your dad clean bird deposits from his own car that has soft paint.




Hardwater Spots

DA JeLLie

Some of the etchings (there were probably 5-6 total)




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.


Here are a few examples of the wax residue left behind.




Look at all the wax inside the nozzles






before side


after side

DA JeLLie

Tested all of these out, and then decided to try some of the new stuff that I just purchased.


Sun shots before wax




I have only done the front half, minus the bumper


Maybe my dad will get me a haircut for doing all this


Waxing


It's coming along nicely.

DA JeLLie

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.


Before


After


Before - Is it crazy to even clean the keys?


After


Before


After


Before Different Angle (This actually makes it look 10000% better than it started)


After


Before

DA JeLLie

After


Before


Afters




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.

DA JeLLie

And the finale






Remember this?


Bye Bye

1.5Slowmatic

which wax did you like the best? Great results

DA JeLLie

The liquid applied waxes have a lot smoother feel to them, but I ended up going with lusso oro (not pictured) because it just came in. I probably would have gone with fuzion otherwise, it is so easy to apply and take off, and it looks great. I wanted to try it on a dark car since all mine are light colored.

RoadRage212

Looks great. Good job!

1.5Slowmatic

i love the poorboys nattys blue and pinnacle XMP, i have both and both go on like butter and come off so easy as well.

DA JeLLie

Ive had a hard time removing PB I've used the red and the blue. It could have been a little too thick, I'll have to try it again.

1.5Slowmatic

i put it on fairly thin, judging by your pics above, maybe a touch thinner than what you have. I do something different though, got this from redboost10. I use the EX-P sealant first. Apply it, let sit for 60 mins than wipe. Let cure over night than do the Nattys. I have yet to see shine that great.

DA JeLLie

I'll have to try that next time. I have both EX and EXP

1.5Slowmatic

never tried the EX, just the EXP. works incredibly though. The pinnacle XMP is IMO exactly the same as the PB's as far as ease of application and removal and shine. Autogeek gave me a tub when i ordered about 130 worth of stuff thats why i have it. Its really nice but not for 30 bucks when PBs is 15

icuracing.com

Would you detail my civic hatch?

DA JeLLie

Sure

Tru_Shine

Wow! what a turn arround? how did that dodo supernatural work? and what was your process on the back windows?

icuracing.com

How mcu would you want? Can you send me your email so I can send you pics? My car has been sitting for a while its just a bare shell right now no windows or anything but needs to be cleaned up really well. Do you colorsand too?

DA JeLLie

PandaMan - Supernatural looked the same as alot of the other stuff I had. I just wanted to try it out to see what it looks like, and for $30 I figured I would give it a shot, but I can't see myself spending $175 on wax. The back windows were rubbed by hand with PlastX on a foam pad.

icuracing - Im guessing you would need me to go to your place. I don't colorsand sorry, but feel free to email me m.schoelen AT yahoo DOT com Exterior only correct?