gt50035 Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Well I decided to have my car "professionally" detailed after almost three years of driving (19,5000 miles) and me washing, drying, waxing, etc....and creating the dreaded swirl marks. I found a real pro to do the work. I just wasn't comfortable with a porter cable polishing wheel in my hands. I feel like I have a brand new GT500. All swirl marks and other imperfections are gone and the shine is unbelievable. When this Vista Blue is at its best and in the bright sunlight it is stunning. Of course all the colors are beautiful but I am biased. A couple of notes: He said my clear coat was much harder than anticipated ( a good thing I guess)... He did two polishing passes using Optimum products, a sealant and then Pinnacle Sovereign carnuba wax.... I am happy. :happy feet: Now I don't want to wash it again. Here are a couple pics: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobrafan Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 There is nothing better than a clean car. They seem to run faster and quiter than before the detail. Looks fantastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 There is nothing better than a clean car. They seem to run faster and quiter than before the detail. Looks fantastic. You got that right! Thanks cobrafan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherri Leicht Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 looking good B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torch40 Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Very nice, Vista Blue the second fastest color. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SicShelby Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Good stuff, Geoff. Glad Todd worked out for you I need to stop by and see it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexandros Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 :happy feet: :happy feet: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Good stuff, Geoff. Glad Todd worked out for you I need to stop by and see it.... Thanks Gabe. I am definitely happy with his work. Thanks again for mentioning him to me! Pm or call and we will meet up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Very nice, Vista Blue the second fastest color. How did I know that was coming!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grabber Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Dang that looks nice. Wow !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6-Speed Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Looks good. I spent most of Sunday washing the car, spot claying and applying two coats of Zaino. Been sore for the past two days from the ordeal but well worth it. I only do this twice a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyPilot Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 How do you like the GTA axle backs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slabo Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Lookin' sweet! The Sovereign carnuba does produce a nice deep shine. Looks like he a good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 How do you like the GTA axle backs? Hey SkyPilot... I installed my GTA's about two years ago. I really like them. Some notes about them: 1. No drone 2. Great looking 4" Chrome Tips 3. Nice fitment and easy install. 4. Nice throaty rumble (I think just slightly quieter than the KR's) 5. Good price Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Lookin' sweet! The Sovereign carnuba does produce a nice deep shine. Looks like he a good job. Thanks Slabo. He actually spent about 10 hours on my car. It needed the work to get it looking "better than new". The deep shine of that carnuba wax blew me away when I saw it. That Pinnacle Sovereign wax is about $100 for 8oz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ackman70 Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Here is the complete write up: http://www.autopia.org/forum/pro-details-b...uto-detail.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 What a perfect JOB! the the time spent on that detail, the car is better than new. Just wonderling what a job like that cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShowCar Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 She looks great. Did you go over after care with the detailer to keep the finish that nice for a long time? Usually when theres scratches on the lenses then the wash procedure is much to harsh. Plastic doesnt scratch as easy as clearcoat. The autopia write up is excellent and the camera shots are even better. Enjoy that beauty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckstang Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Does anyone know of a good final stedp (wax or sealant) that does not actually attract dust and pollen and so forth maybe reples it? My car is black which does not help and it looks great, until I drive it and then return with everything almost stuck to the paint. Sorta like how stuff sticks to your tires after dressing them as well as under hood plastic. mabe a sealant would be better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XLR8 Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Spent 10 hours detailing mine last weekend (6 hours on Saturday, 4 hours on Sunday) Complete detail inside and out, from clay bar to final wax! Now I don't want to drive it! Looks too pretty to get dirty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Well I decided to have my car "professionally" detailed after almost three years of driving (19,5000 miles) and me washing, drying, waxing, etc....and creating the dreaded swirl marks. I found a real pro to do the work. I just wasn't comfortable with a porter cable polishing wheel in my hands. I feel like I have a brand new GT500. All swirl marks and other imperfections are gone and the shine is unbelievable. When this Vista Blue is at its best and in the bright sunlight it is stunning. Of course all the colors are beautiful but I am biased. A couple of notes: He said my clear coat was much harder than anticipated ( a good thing I guess)... He did two polishing passes using Optimum products, a sealant and then Pinnacle Sovereign carnuba wax.... I am happy. :happy feet: Now I don't want to wash it again. Here are a couple pics: I use Meguiar's "Ultimate Quik Wax" (http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G17516) for the most stunning, yet completely easy on/off wax protectant. It can be applied in direct sunlight and even to a hot surface - imagine that? All you need are two good microfiber cloths; have one sightly damp and use it as the application cloth - simply spray on the wax and spread onto your paintwork. There is no need to apply this product in circular motion, like traditional waxes/polish; just spread evenly over the surface (ONE SMALL SECTION AT A TIME) and then immediately buff it off to a brilliant shine with your other dry microfiber cloth. It takes me 15 minutes to completely wax my GT500 and I do it about once a week. Now, if you want to take it one step further, then try this - Meguiar's "Ultimate Quik Detailer" (http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G14422). It is applied and buffed off the same way as the "Quik Wax", and is targeted at those "between wax & wash" cycles. It does not need to be applied to a clean surface, although I always wipe-down my car with a damp microfiber cloth before applying any product. The manufacturer does however recommend that you apply this detailer in a shaded area and to a cool surface. Used as a combo, you will almost never need to wash you car again - period. Run your fingers over the painted surfaces, especially the sections facing the sky and if it doesn't feel like glass, i.e. you notice little bumps, then you need Meguiar's Clay-Bar (http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G1016) - guaranteed to restore your car's painted surfaces to a smoothness you will always be amazed at. I swear by these products. Use them and tell me if you agree. Hope this helps. - BORG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopsgt500 Posted June 15, 2009 Report Share Posted June 15, 2009 Well I decided to have my car "professionally" detailed after almost three years of driving (19,5000 miles) and me washing, drying, waxing, etc....and creating the dreaded swirl marks. I found a real pro to do the work. I just wasn't comfortable with a porter cable polishing wheel in my hands. I feel like I have a brand new GT500. All swirl marks and other imperfections are gone and the shine is unbelievable. When this Vista Blue is at its best and in the bright sunlight it is stunning. Of course all the colors are beautiful but I am biased. A couple of notes: He said my clear coat was much harder than anticipated ( a good thing I guess)... He did two polishing passes using Optimum products, a sealant and then Pinnacle Sovereign carnuba wax.... I am happy. :happy feet: Now I don't want to wash it again. Here are a couple pics: That looks absolutely amazing. Very deep shine. Enjoy :happy feet: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 That looks absolutely amazing. Very deep shine. Enjoy :happy feet: Thanks Hopsgt500. The detailer published a write up on his forum and website regarding the process of detailing my car. He sent me a link describing each step with a few pics to go with it. Thought it was very valuable and interesting information. For anyone in the Central Ohio region, I highly recommend him. http://www.autopia.org/forum/pro-details-b...uto-detail.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ackman70 Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 You must have missed Post #16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6-Speed Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 Does anyone know of a good final stedp (wax or sealant) that does not actually attract dust and pollen and so forth maybe reples it? My car is black which does not help and it looks great, until I drive it and then return with everything almost stuck to the paint. Sorta like how stuff sticks to your tires after dressing them as well as under hood plastic. mabe a sealant would be better? Zaino Z2 polish followed by Z6 Gloss Enhancer Spray works good for me. Z2 seems to be less greasy than the Z5 polish so there is less smearing; I have stopped using Z5 alltogether. Applying Z6 detailer between each coat and after the final coat seems to reduce the amount of dust that likes to collect on the finish after waxing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
me32 Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 looks great man. you are right it does look brand new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 You must have missed Post #16 Sure did. Thanks for posting that Ackman70. Didn't go back far enough in the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 She looks great. Did you go over after care with the detailer to keep the finish that nice for a long time? Usually when theres scratches on the lenses then the wash procedure is much to harsh. Plastic doesnt scratch as easy as clearcoat. The autopia write up is excellent and the camera shots are even better. Enjoy that beauty. Thanks ShowCar. Yes we did discuss a new wash procedure and in between wax application. I really believe the culprit over time was my wash mitt. It is a microfiber mitt but I was using it to wash the entire car instead of using a separate mitt for the top/sides and for below where the brake dust lies. I think brake dust residue was causing most of the swirls over time. So I will now use two separate microfiber towels for the wash process. Also, will rinse the towel after each section. Then damp dry with a clean waffle microfiber towel and finish it off with Optimum Instant Detailer http://www.detailedimage.com/Optimum-OPT-M...-P286/17-oz-S1/ and then Optimum Spray Wax http://www.detailedimage.com/Optimum-OPT-M...-P280/17-oz-S1/ Hopefully I won't screw it up again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt50035 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 What a perfect JOB! the the time spent on that detail, the car is better than new. Just wonderling what a job like that cost? Hans, It is not cheap but well worth the price to me if done right IMHO. I had not done this to my car since I picked it up new almost three years ago. So after about 10 hours of work at $50 per hour, well you get the picture. I figure treating your baby to this makeover every three years is a small pay back for the pure joy she gives you back every time you step on the accelerator! :happy feet: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharabi Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Well I decided to have my car "professionally" detailed after almost three years of driving (19,5000 miles) and me washing, drying, waxing, etc....and creating the dreaded swirl marks. I found a real pro to do the work. I just wasn't comfortable with a porter cable polishing wheel in my hands. I feel like I have a brand new GT500. All swirl marks and other imperfections are gone and the shine is unbelievable. When this Vista Blue is at its best and in the bright sunlight it is stunning. Of course all the colors are beautiful but I am biased. A couple of notes: He said my clear coat was much harder than anticipated ( a good thing I guess)... He did two polishing passes using Optimum products, a sealant and then Pinnacle Sovereign carnuba wax.... I am happy. :happy feet: Now I don't want to wash it again. Here are a couple pics: Am amazed from the close up shots on Autopia link ...what an amazing job. How did you approach the search for the pro in your area, was it the word of mouth or certain certification/qualification a detailer has to acquire to trust him on the car. if i want to do the same thing in my area what will be your advice on finding the pro that i will allow to work on my car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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