2005 CTS-V Paint Correction

[LuxuryMobile]

2005 Cadillac CTS V Paint Correction

The owner of this CTS-V contacted me to clear up some issues with the paint. This paint was hammered, one of the worst cars I have ever worked on. These defects were deep and this clear coat was hard, that is never a good combo.

The front bumper, side mirrors and rear spoiler were all beyond saving. The hood had very deep RIDS that were better left “as good as we could get” for a 125k mile daily driver.

Here are some before pictures after a wash using APC to remove any prior waxes. Paint was rough everywhere on this vehicle.

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/1-1.jpg

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Once clayed and dried, the true condition of the paint was revealed.


http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/9.jpg

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http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/16.jpg




Test spot on the hood to get a process dialed in. There were some very deep rids on the hood.



http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/17.jpg

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/18.jpg





The process was a three step. First step was using the Flex 3401 and Lake Country Hybrid Power Blue wool pad and M105. Second step was also with the Flex 3401 and now a Lake Country Hybrid Power White polishing pad and Meg Ultimate Compound. The last step was with the Griots Garage DA and a Lake Country CCS White pad and M205. On the tighter areas a Flex rotary and 4 inch pads were used.

Some places improved better than others but overall I would say about 85%+ of the defects were safely removed.


http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/19.jpg

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[LuxuryMobile]

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[LuxuryMobile]

Please excuse any dust, smudges, etc. LSP here was Collinite 845, in hopes of several months of protection. Final wipe down was down after the final pictures were taken.
http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t422/LuxuryMobile3/2005%20Cadillac%20CTS-V/54.jpg

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Thanks for viewing.

[mr-proper]

i DONT POST much, but THIS IS AMAZING:dblthumb2::dblthumb2::dblthumb2: PERIOD

[SR99]

Great work. Appreciate the time it took you to photodocument. Many of these photos really are worth a thousand words, as the old saying goes.

Did you complete all this in one (very long) work day?

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Wow you werent lying. That car was hammered. Great job.

How long did it take you to complete the car?

[aqcivic]

awesome turn around. looks great.

[LuxuryMobile]

Thanks guys. I had about 10 hours into this car.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

HELL OF A JOB, Stephan!!! :D

Only 10 hours for a 3-step??? That's QUICK!!! :props:

[Porsche Pilot]

Hammered is an understatement! I guess I was lucky I was out of town and couldn't assist. I am truly disappointed that I couldn't come over and play this weekend. Exceptional turnaround Stephan!! This one will definitely go in my favorites folder. Stunning!


Sent via telepathy.

[LuxuryMobile]

Thanks Mark. 10 hours with no real breaks. I was moving. But once I got a process dialed in I was good to go.

Thanks Ed. Definitely could have used your help but it got done. We will team up on the next one.

[Theostoubos]

Awesome work mate. Very very nice and thorough. I like the triple masking tape .... Only 10 hrs ? That is really quick.... Very efficient...

I hope the owner understands the difference in his paint finish and actually do something to maintain it. even for a DD.

Congrats. Amazing work.

[LuxuryMobile]

I talked at length with the owner to help him understand how to better care for the paint.

I think he will do a good job at maintaining the finish. Thanks for the compliments.

[richy]

That is a very impressive job! 10 hours doing it is even more impressive! I just spent 11 hours on an 11 Explorer that only needed a one step and OG. That's quick and good!

[Grifftech]

This is an ABSOLUTELY impressive show of high quality work!