Reflections Detailing of Utah: Jet Black Jag

[Greg Nichols]

This was a very busy summer for both detailing and working on my home. Some of my long time followers will notice some changes to my shop. In the near future I hope to post some photos of the entire process done to the shop.

This jet black jag was a new car to one of my old time clients, a guy that views a lot on Autopia. I’ve done his green Vette in the past. Got a call that he just bought a new to him black Jag and it needed my love. It was a good looker from 20’ away, but turned a greyish color upon close inspection.

The dealer tried their best to cover up all the issues, but the owners eye knew better. As I deconed the paint with Autoint 3 stage system, it quickly became clear the paint was flogged pretty bad. Being on the easier to correct level of hardness, my trick was to preserve as much paint as possible and try to get out all the defects. The inital paint meter readings indicated I was in luck with thickness. After a few test spots, more readings, more leveling, readings, inspections......I was feeling good about what needed to happen to meet all the goals of this detail.

Process:

Decon the paint to see what the canvas would show using Autoint 3 step system
Test some panels
105 purple foam wool and my rotary would level the paint and minimize the amount of after polishings needed. Using the KBM style on the rotary worked great
Secondary Polishing of Menzerna 203 and Megs 205 on black pads took out any pad marring and wool haze left behind.
I tried to finish down with 85rd, but no go
Broke out the 3M UF and UF pad and glossed it up perfectly. Yes UF can invert fill with its oils, but rest assured 70/30 IPA made sure I was golden.
My lsp of choice was BFWD on a red pad and PC. The paint was workable, but seem to haze when wiped too much with a MF, and I use Eurow Plush towels! The BFWD is easy on, easy off IME, and it looks amazing on black. A sealant is ideal as this is a daily driver here in UTAH. Winter is harsh on cars!

The interior leather got a good ole leatherique treatment, as the leather was a tad stiff.

Carpets steamed clean, hard surfaces cleaned and 303’ed.

Total time 15hrs to give her the glory deserved.










The hood had some very unlevel paint, chips, water etching










Afters! looking at all those befores give me anxiety! Now this should calm the nerves and sedate the neurons some










In process on this one, sorry to revert to some anxiety again





















Dont’ you feel less anxiety after all these “AFTER” photos? Turned out just like the client wanted, the both of them walked around, and around saying nothing.........I was concerned! He then stated it looks and is perfect. Not perfect exactly, I made the decision to leave a few deep RIDS in to preserve the paint thickness as the best option, that is why I consider my workmanship perfect because I make the tough decisions and preform taking in all the possible outcomes.

Cheers,
GREG

[James442]

Love it! thats a pro workin there! Some times it is difficult to convey to a client what the end result will be with massive undertaking. 15 hrs and well worth it.

[Fast Eddie]

Wow, that Jag was jacked up something serious, nice turn around.

[jwellsii]

Great Job!!!!!

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Nice job! You did four steps?

[ANeat]

Wow, very nice.... thats some curvy hood, its like a funhouse mirror (now)

[XB70]

"Deconed?" I'm guessing decontaminated??

By the way, shouldn't half of your company logo be upside down?

[Shawn T.]

Wow! That car was a mess. Awesome job!

[BobbyG]

Greg,

That was a phenomenal amount of work! I looked closely at the photos you posted and the not only was the paint in tough condition it was also black!

I'm wondering why the Menzerna PO85RD didn't finish well? I've never had this fail to bring the polish all the way home when I need that extra gloss.

I see you used Blackfire Wet Diamond, any particular reason for choosing this as your last step?

Congratulations on a fantastic job!

[dad07]

great job!