PDA

View Full Version : 2003 50th Ann. Corvette - Wheels off CQuartz Finest Service



KMG
05-18-2016, 08:21 PM
The owner of this Corvette contacted me after seeing pictures from the previous 50th Anniversary I worked on. He had just purchased the car and was looking to have the car gone over and returned to be best condition possible. I originally had looked at this car the previous fall but was decided to wait until spring to work on the car. We had decided on a Premium Wheels off Service along with a Leather Coating to keep the light colored seats protected and safe.

Before Photos
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_6086ed7ec3ed4626b2fe5c64acefc0da.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_6086ed7ec3ed4626b2fe5c64acefc0da.jpg
The car was quite dirty when it was dropped off and was in need of a very thorough wash.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_2987fdc073234f05a9fc97e508e7a6cd.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_2987fdc073234f05a9fc97e508e7a6cd.jpg
The Borla performance exhaust on the car, which sounded amazing had quite a bit of carbon built up on the tips.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_c91bdb14544141cfb7ba6c03aa81d6e9.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_c91bdb14544141cfb7ba6c03aa81d6e9.jpg
Dirt and other road debris built up behind the rear tires.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_8eae8230df9c437ebde856c8af805957.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_8eae8230df9c437ebde856c8af805957.jpg
Same dirt build up behind the driver side rear.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_571406a7c01e49cebba00c4ca3be24f7.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_571406a7c01e49cebba00c4ca3be24f7.jpg
The chrome wheels were quite dirty with a good amount of brake dust on the surfaces and barrels.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_86af72c37f184294808fc74120713f2b.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_86af72c37f184294808fc74120713f2b.jpg


Wash Process
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_48b7a4b3659149539ef2974a43d5a222.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_48b7a4b3659149539ef2974a43d5a222.jpg
As always, I started with the wheels in the cleaning process. Not a lot of time was spent on the wheels at this time as they would be pulled off the car later on for a more thorough cleaning.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_02732958eb304605b08f30b188db06f0.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_02732958eb304605b08f30b188db06f0.jpg
Once the wheels were cleaned the convertible top was cleaned with a fabric top cleaner to remove some minor staining and restore the natural color.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_c7c5888831fe4f25888dd09595a4490f.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_c7c5888831fe4f25888dd09595a4490f.jpg
With the top cleaned the car was placed on lifts and treated to strong foam pre-soak to strip the surface cleanof any prior protection that might have been on the car. After dwelling for a few minutes the car was rinsed before receiving a 2 bucket method wash.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_2410ba65786e4f16b5b6b1ba9649acd0.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_2410ba65786e4f16b5b6b1ba9649acd0.jpg
Once the paint was cleaned I moved my attention onto cleaning up the exhaust tips. The tips on the left had been cleaned, while the ones on the right still have the carbon build up on them.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_9ff82ad50ebe43f5a7d90cb2fba3c23d.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_9ff82ad50ebe43f5a7d90cb2fba3c23d.jpg
I also cleaned the wheel wells up at this point.

Paint Correction Process
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_60d7dbe685d0448fbae5a334a760fba3.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_60d7dbe685d0448fbae5a334a760fba3.jpg
Once the car was fulled cleaned and dried, it was pulled into the garage and the wheels were removed.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_efb7f6ffc4584f0f927aee5a8149f439.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_efb7f6ffc4584f0f927aee5a8149f439.jpg
The tail lights were removed so that these area could be polished, and other areas were taped off prior to starting the compounding process.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_67a3eb6585134452a0539ae10df2244f.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_67a3eb6585134452a0539ae10df2244f.jpg
This is a picture of the test spot that I tried on the front of the hood. You will notice that there was quite heavy swirling on the hood, which was removed during the compounding process just to the right of the headlight door.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_8effb82ab10a4bc1920ac6993dcc490b.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_8effb82ab10a4bc1920ac6993dcc490b.jpg
A few different machines and pad sizes were used while working on the hood. In this picture I am using my Rupes 15 mkII during the compounding stage of the paint correction.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_413b296270484f939d77401147939380.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_413b296270484f939d77401147939380.jpg
This is a 50/50 shot of the driver side rear quarter.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_2a58b051f151497793d92dc5d86c14e8.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_2a58b051f151497793d92dc5d86c14e8.jpg
With the swirls no longer on the surface the metallic in the paint was really coming to life.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_ce14052fb6b14c578629dc5dbaf8a3f6.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_ce14052fb6b14c578629dc5dbaf8a3f6.jpg
This is a before photo of the driver side mirror.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_577995af96d745a8ae879dfd10da2112.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_577995af96d745a8ae879dfd10da2112.jpg
The same mirror after being compounded to remove the swirling and restore a glossy finish.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_104571a119ea42d2b6ed3f7c629fc327.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_104571a119ea42d2b6ed3f7c629fc327.jpg
Before photo of the passenger side fender with swirling and fine scratches.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_4769e83084a34ba793998acb91fa989e.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_4769e83084a34ba793998acb91fa989e.jpg
Passenger fender after being compounded.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_a36fbb3194a549f49e0033c4a025844f.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_a36fbb3194a549f49e0033c4a025844f.jpg
Passenger rear quarter before correction.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_06e4ad0334f843ecb65355a3d61f3e64.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_06e4ad0334f843ecb65355a3d61f3e64.jpg
Rear quarter panel after being compounded.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_6cc82437f4134156ab3136d93b8236ab.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_6cc82437f4134156ab3136d93b8236ab.jpg
Once the entire car was compounded, the next step in the correction process was the polishing phase. The entire car was gone over with a high gloss enhancing polish prior to the application of the coating.

Wheel Cleaning
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_56c00551039449a29297eac9d392f263.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_56c00551039449a29297eac9d392f263.jpg
At this point in time the wheels were going to receive a very thorough cleaning. As shown in the picture above there was a lot of brake dust baked onto the barrels of these wheels. The chrome on a few of the wheels is actually failing due lack of cleaning and protection.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_4462e350486646799ed66dfcca64d5e0.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_4462e350486646799ed66dfcca64d5e0.jpg
There was a large difference in the finish once the brake dust and other dirt was removed from the barrels.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_b0818a4c2be74b059a769c7e30f77529.jpg/v1/fill/w_637,h_423,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_b0818a4c2be74b059a769c7e30f77529.jpg

Final Pictures
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_3fbf0eea153d4a0b9014afb0482d8b7e.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_3fbf0eea153d4a0b9014afb0482d8b7e.jpg
This paint color was amazing in the sunlight after being finished. The tri-coat paint color shifted colors depending on the lighting.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_7186d925d4d14b07b521d88ea1220c5f.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_7186d925d4d14b07b521d88ea1220c5f.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_a7f7cd1d61a2456da5f8e1dbce633f45.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_429,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_a7f7cd1d61a2456da5f8e1dbce633f45.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_b7faf448ea694d5ca9cf44d8bcb77e40.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_b7faf448ea694d5ca9cf44d8bcb77e40.jpg

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_6c98c4c6262c47aca9eff9768951df08.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_6c98c4c6262c47aca9eff9768951df08.jpg
The gold base coat in this paint really glistened in the sun.


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_872a4158e38f42baa72152a5185ac65a.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_872a4158e38f42baa72152a5185ac65a.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_508cc24176c94266b148dea7555520ab.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_508cc24176c94266b148dea7555520ab.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_52460623d50241bf909761fc984e515a.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_52460623d50241bf909761fc984e515a.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_35f6b037e2344acbaa211982cdb85b4b.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_35f6b037e2344acbaa211982cdb85b4b.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_a20fd37a611343a795ba59ebb64a6cb7.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_390,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_a20fd37a611343a795ba59ebb64a6cb7.jpg


https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cae0fc_eb9d2881aedb46aaba6a8e9cc1830e4b.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_419,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cae0fc_eb9d2881aedb46aaba6a8e9cc1830e4b.jpg


Thanks for looking!

buddy01
05-18-2016, 08:30 PM
Beautiful!

Shooterf15
05-18-2016, 08:46 PM
Fantastic work! What car lifts are you using? I'd love to get a set.

KMG
05-18-2016, 08:48 PM
Beautiful!
Thanks!


Fantastic work! What car lifts are you using? I'd love to get a set.
They are the Quickjack bl-5000 lifts made by Ranger. I have had these for over a year now and I love using them.

Mantilgh
05-18-2016, 09:14 PM
Very nice!!! I have always liked this color combo on the Vette, you make it look wonderful.

Sizzle Chest
05-19-2016, 01:04 PM
Again, great work and pictures!!!

RangerDetails
05-19-2016, 01:26 PM
You do amazing work. Thank you for sharing. I love to see the work people do with lots of pictures.

87lxblue
05-24-2016, 06:19 AM
Wonderful job on the wheels.

idriveblackcars
05-24-2016, 06:44 AM
Fantastic transformation

TTQ B4U
05-24-2016, 06:47 AM
Nice work! Gotta love Quick jacks. I use mine all the time. Makes doing tire swaps for track meets oh so easy.

XT Redline
05-31-2016, 01:10 PM
Awesome Job! Turned out amazing! Great turnaround on those wheels!

asd60303
06-09-2016, 08:32 AM
Amazing work.

haris300
06-09-2016, 12:52 PM
Outstanding work and great documentation! Love that little jack/lift.

coles_paint_correction
06-10-2016, 01:36 AM
Man that's awesome so jealous of the garage and lift u got there bud! Great work dude!

chriskraft3
06-13-2016, 09:08 AM
Great job. It needed a lot of attention.

As well, those jacks look awesome.