2005 Mazda 3 GT

[devst8]

Detailed my good friend 2005 Mazda 3 GT last weekend. This car only sees car wash and was never clayed before. Last time it was wax was around this time of the year with Megs Medallion wax. I also know he’s a big fan of eagle one “wax as you dry” and I saw dried spots in cracks everywhere.

Overall the car was not that in bad shape but definitely needed care. Especially after our long Canadian winter! It had medium/small swirls and a couple of scratch but the biggest problems were water spots, oxidations and TAR! Below the molding on the sides, it was full of tar, most likely from last summer so it was caked onto the car. I removed it all with my clay but it took me 2h30 to clean the body, maybe more! What product could I use to remove tar more easily without rubbing the clear? I’m thinking Meg’s body solvent? Suggestions?

It was also my first experience with XMT 360 and I was very pleased with the product! Definitely a must in my arsenal! It did just exactly what the product says: clean, light polish and seal! Just after a couple of pass you could the difference. I topped it with Klasse SG, should I have waited 8-12h before applying the Klasse? Also, how long does it take usually before 360 disappear? After 8-9min, there were still traces of 360.

And lastly, sorry for the crappy pictures, my camera needs good quality batteries and I only had otc energizer and it only last a couple of minutes so I had to rush for pictures. Last night I received 8 powerex 2700NiMH batteries so there will be no more power problems! It was also the first time I used my new polarizer filter which is what caused the white balance fuckup in my pictures. I will practice with it this week so hopefully next time I will have better pictures.

Here’s my process, enjoy:

Wash
Washed the car using the 2 bucket method with grit guard with Megs GC soap and Micro Chenille mitt

Wheel / Tires
Cleaned with Simoniz Wheel Cleaner with Megs wheel and tire brush
Klasse AIO on wheels
AA Extreme Shine on tires

Clay
Clayed the entire car with Ricardo “yellow” clay using Mother’s Showtime

Paint Correction
I did the front bumper, hood and spots with XMT 3 w/ LC orange pad
Then proceed with XMT 360 on the entire car

Wax / Sealant
I finished the day with one coat of Klasse SG for protection and waited 12h before waxing.
LSP was Souveran SSII (I can’t praise this stuff enough!)

Misc
Black trims with Black Again (did an awesome job on the mirrors!)
Stoner’s Invisible Glass on all windows
Plexus on front and taillights


Comments or suggestions on my work please!


Before




This is the back, the front had severe brake dust! yeah i need the DP kit



After









Money shot




Look at all the flakes SSII did! I'm glad i bought 2 when it was on sale!

[klumzypinoy]

Wow flake poppage! Your car looks sweet

[mshu7]

Very nice work! If he doesn't know already, tell him to check out the Mazda3Forums(.com) sometime.

Great job!

[Rsurfer]

AWESOME REFLECTIONS

[devst8]

Originally Posted by mshu7

Very nice work! If he doesn't know already, tell him to check out the Mazda3Forums(.com) sometime.

Great job!

will do
but I know he chat on a local mazda forum, don't remember the site though...

[Gary Sword]

Very nice job! I like this shot the best:

[Nica]

I'm with Gary, that is a good picture because the sun is the ultimate test. I don't see any swirls so you did a great job at the paint oh and not to mention the flakes...just look at the flakes...nice!!

Thanks for sharing. The pictures turned out fine....well to me they are fine.

[guidosrx8]

Agreed with Gary.... the flake looks incredible!

[devst8]

Originally Posted by Nica

I'm with Gary, that is a good picture because the sun is the ultimate test. I don't see any swirls so you did a great job at the paint oh and not to mention the flakes...just look at the flakes...nice!!

Thanks for sharing. The pictures turned out fine....well to me they are fine.

actually there's still a couple of swirls on the roof that the 360 couldn't handled and I was runing out of time. I told my friend to come back in 4-5 week and I'll rebuff his roof and put a feash coat of SSII on the car


what do you guy use for removing tar (lots of tar)? Recomendation?

[Truls]

Looking good, dark blue looks sweet when detailed