project: 2000 SSEi (black)

[lewis26]

That dent removal is incredible.

[harofreak00]

You guys are right... why wasn't I detailing like this before?!? I have only done half the hood and I already had to stop and share my excitement!

So, my supplies arrived this afternoon and I went straight to work. I did 3 passes with menzerna super intensive polish (medium cut) and then 1 pass of the super finish (light cut).


Here are the results...

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After


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Video of both sides


It may not be perfect, but I'm happy. I'm listening to all criticism, comments, or helpful tips.

[repinS]

WOW. Ryan was saying at the Michigan meet how awesome it would be if you picked up a good buffer and did something like this.

[PRD2BDF]

One critique.

That's not my car you're polishing.

Otherwise, looking forward to more pictures.

[2000Silverbullet]

It looks great Andrew! You never cease to amaze me. If you were working for me, with your skills, I'd pay you $40/hr and still make money.

I have a rear door that is in dire need of paintless dent repair!! I know you didn't do it but I'm trying to arrange a similar repair during WCBF10 in Corvallis......if Bill would come out of hiding.

[*B2*]

I really have no suggestions for you. It looks like you have it figured out. That pad/polish combo is really incredible, especially after messing with a ton of others. I have nothing to add, but great work. It's tough to explain to someone what a difference real detailing makes. One word of caution though: this will make you want to repaint every slight flaw on your car.

EDIT: If I must criticize, there are a couple VERY minor swirls(look like light spider webs). They look like they are from the finishing steps and are not deep at all. This is really pushing it to be that critical though. And to be honest, it will hide completely with wax(even though 99% of people couldn't possibly find them in the first place). Oh, and you have a ding.

[crash93ssei]

VERY nice! You picked up on it just like I thought you would

Your flips will now be even more desirable to future customers as a good paint job can make all the difference in a potential buyers eyes as to whether or not the car has been taken care of. Also, trust me, this will turn into another side job type hobby for you. When you are comfortable with your skills, and word gets out what you are capable of, you won't likely have any problem getting $100 - $300 or more for your work

Only thing I would say is that the guy in the video you PM'd me earlier seemed to be going quite fast with his PC. I would go with a slightly smaller area then he showed and move the machine a little slower as it will help remove the defects faster.

[olblueeyesbonne]

I saw it in person. It's incredible what it did.
As soon as he's done testing it on the black SSEi he said he wants to test it on a black Grand Prix. I even am giving him a case of beer of his choice for it.

[harofreak00]

Good one Marty... LOL

Got a little more done yesterday between everything else going on around me. I have found its much easier to work on horizontal surfaces than vertical. I need a frame rotisserie to do the doors! Here are some more results.

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Side to side on the roof



I have a question about my pads. They seem like they are caking up. I am only using a dime/nickel size portion for every section (about 2’x2’). Am I using to much? Do I need to clean the pad out? Apply it on the edge instead of the middle? Help!

[sonoma_zr2]

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-484-univ ... ately.aspx

you need something like this

[*B2*]

You are getting very good results, so it's tough to suggest making any changes, but I use very little polish. I typically spray the pad with a quick mist of water for lubrication, then lay a thin, maybe .5" line of polish. Everyone has different methods though. However, if you continue the same exact procedure you're using now, I would clean the pads more often. You could just keep a bucket of warm water nearby to soak and squeeze the product/clear out. I think part of the caking problem is due to the severity of the damage to that clear. Those are some very heavy imperfections which require removing a bit more clear than a normal routine detail. The clear then cakes up more than normal on the pad and looks white. But seriously man, great work. These last pics show even more damage, but the after pictures are better than before.

[crash93ssei]

You can try using a little less polish and see if you still get the results you want. Basically, the less polish you can use, the better, but a nickel / dime sized amount is a good starting point and you can work from there.


The pads caking up like that, from my experiences is pretty normal, which is why I suggested three of the orange pads. I usually clean the pad or swap to a fresh one for every panel. A clean fresh pad will cut better and faster then a dirty caked up pad.

Many people will say not to use dish soap to clean the pads as it can make the felt back on the pads come off, but I have been using Dawn for almost three years to clean my pads and have never had an issue.

[00Beast]

Looking great Andrew!! You guys are making me want to get one of these, lol.

[harofreak00]

I didnt know I need to clean the pads out, so thats why they are so caked up. I haven't cleaned them yet. I will clean every panel from now on.

Do you clean the pads out completely before you put them away? Do you store them in ziplock bag?

[93 SSE 4 ME]

They should be cleaned completely prior to storage. Cleaning them between panels might be a bit of overkill. They can be rinsed and wrung out or spun to clear the majority of water while in use, prior to the next panel. I soak them in a bucket with Dawn when finished, them thoroughly rinse them until the water runs clear then wring them out and let them air dry. If you chose to put them in zip locks, make sure they are completely dry first. You did a fantastic job, hard to believe it your first attempt. Find an '03, and I just might fly out and road trip back to PA.

Mark

[crash93ssei]

I don't like to store them in airtight bags for fear of any left over moisture that may still be in them. I use the stackable plastic drawers that you can get a WalMart or other places like that.

I do try to clean them before putting them away, but there has been a couple times that I wasn't able to. The next day I went out and cleaned them and they were just fine. It likely decreases the life of the pad some, but I don't think it would destroy it right away.

[*B2*]

Obviously everyone has different approaches, but I clean the pad between every panel or couple of panels depending on how much work it has done. I don't feel like the pads do their jobs as well when they have much polish and clear in them. And again, my cleaning routine is merely clean, warm water. I rub my hand aggressively over the surface to free up the embedded clear, then I squeeze out the rest until it's clean. I'm sure you'll find a different but equally useful method. Congrats again on the results.

[harofreak00]

Put a few more hours in this afternoon... this is hard work for just standing there! The only good part making it worthwhile is seeing the results.

I found that using the sprayer in the kitchen sink got all the caked in gunk out. I also found that the pads must be completely dry before you use them or you get platter everywhere ...ugh

If you haven't figured it out, I am working only on the left side, and from front to back, and all above the door trim. I finished the trunk lid today, and now I'll begin the process of working forward down the right side of the car. After that I'll work on the bumpers and rocker moldings.

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I did the top part of the bumper cover where it meets up with the trunk lid because I was curious. It didn’t all come out, but its better, and way shinier.
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Here is the biggest scratch on the trunk lid. It didn’t come out, but it’s a lot better. After I polished it, I used a paint pen on it, and I’ll buff it again tomorrow after its dry.
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[Gumball]

looking great Bud, just think, you get to do Your Own car next

[crzydmnd72]

thats really nice. Next car I own with paint left, may get this treatment lol