Pontiac Solstice Detail w/ New Product Rayviews

[Ray@Autogeek]

By definition, a "solstice" is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year. Unfortunately for this Pontiac, it looked like getting a proper detail has been a less frequent event. :p

The owner knew his ride had seen better days and was starting to worry because the car sits outside by the beach, so he wanted the durability of a sealant for his paint. And his fabric top and interior would need some maintenance as well.

Here's how the car looked when I picked it up. The paint looked ok but very dull. I thought it was a non-metallic grey.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xUKcjs1-xbk/UPJnedLW76I/AAAAAAAAG68/FoOgDeGNMCM/s640/IMG_1154.JPG

The "shoes" would need some attention.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GOigw9aoZdc/UPJnefhsWYI/AAAAAAAAG64/HU1UHIsvZ1s/s640/IMG_1155.JPG

Caked on.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f-rZ_zr5HU0/UPJnf3RLKRI/AAAAAAAAG7M/BGutUQ_cr2I/s640/IMG_1157.JPG

The grey finish was doing a decent job of hiding water spots from a distance.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s1hk9AFq5ok/UPJnibg552I/AAAAAAAAG7k/HYBVa1yMHzc/s640/IMG_1160.JPG

Both sets of taillights and headlights would need a polish.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eqfPCI8Ismg/UPJoKiflOFI/AAAAAAAAHAs/6vC9A_D-bkM/s640/IMG_1197.JPG

The fabric top would need protection.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ueK13Ezsasw/UPJnlEIjS6I/AAAAAAAAG8I/nkba5x_GPXM/s640/IMG_1164.JPG

I started with the wheels and tires. I knew the brake dust was caked on pretty good so I went straight to CarPro Iron X.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BocQLYJkrbQ/UPJnlHQJMKI/AAAAAAAAG8E/NtE9pX6iMVw/s640/IMG_1165.JPG

The Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush was the perfect tool for the job.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ExqRjP6j1GA/UPJnmXdbJ-I/AAAAAAAAG8c/M1k0L59oOFI/s640/IMG_1166.JPG

With A LOT of agitation...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HpWo0I_dmQM/UPJnn0MuitI/AAAAAAAAG8k/hXCvELzvrg0/s640/IMG_1167.JPG

The build up was so bad I had to bring out the Iron X Paste. Meanwhile, I used Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner on the tires.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z6V76wioI98/UPJns8Q-n-I/AAAAAAAAG9Q/LVT3zi9u51k/s640/IMG_1172.JPG

Off to a good start!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PDCgBIj2ACg/UPJns0wS0xI/AAAAAAAAG9U/lZczzSe-QMg/s640/IMG_1173.JPG

After talking with the owner, I knew there was currently Mothers FX SynWax on the paint. I needed to strip the synthetic wax to really see the true condition of the paint. This was a perfect opportunity for me to try out Dodo Juice's NEW Total Wipe Out APC paired with one of my favorite shampoos (Dodo Juice Born to be Mild).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1153TIpmwsQ/UPJnxt-mHlI/AAAAAAAAG-A/ingtlMaQd9w/s640/IMG_1178.JPG

Like suds with high lubricity?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-291zYhIQ7MQ/UPJnzd8a4EI/AAAAAAAAG-M/l8lL-R5qjyM/s640/IMG_1179.JPG

This is with 3 capfuls of Born to be Mild Shampoo and 2 capfuls of Total Wipe Out APC. Usually adding an APC to your shampoo significantly reduces foam...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KmPd6hk9jDg/UPJnz_ivWHI/AAAAAAAAG-U/fGKDRSWkLyU/s640/IMG_1180.JPG

Smells great too :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yzVrqaLUguk/UPJn0rQC0yI/AAAAAAAAG-g/gOE-sXzunJY/s640/IMG_1181.JPG

I swear there's APC in that foamy concoction :props:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j5_HLnh-bJg/UPJn4gfJRhI/AAAAAAAAG_A/4XptKfeMl68/s640/IMG_1185.JPG

One thing I noticed while using the Dodo Juice combo, is the Total Wipe Out APC added tons of cleaning ability to the shampoo. Even very dirty areas like the wheel wells were no match for the Dynamic Dodo Juice Duo.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2TBtp0RHjmc/UPJn9vlCq_I/AAAAAAAAG_k/xVsmOcZnKEQ/s640/IMG_1190.JPG

For the Fabric Convertible Top, I used RaggTopp Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner with a their Natural Horse Hair Convertible Top Brush.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pasnbna6wZc/UPJoCK3IsmI/AAAAAAAAG_4/XrpKEtgdOVA/s640/IMG_1191.JPG

While I was scrubbing the top, I noticed a pattern...it's almost like the car was trying to tell me something....

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YqmzMN789nc/UPJoD2v5JsI/AAAAAAAAHAI/BhWrWTterbo/s640/IMG_1192.JPG

I pulled the car into the AG Show Car Garage to inspect the paint.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lFsLh5R2abQ/UPJpIh1UcGI/AAAAAAAAHBM/79Rbwo8V5MA/s640/IMG_1199.JPG

After stripping the paint, it looked to be in better condition than I had expected.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dT4wTPIcQuI/UPJoG5wgQFI/AAAAAAAAHAc/X0S4PCX4P1k/s640/IMG_1195.JPG

I performed "The Baggie Test" to check for contaminants. If you're not familiar with "The Baggie Test", you can read about it here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27967-baggie-test-how-inspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jaQZTEJdevo/UPJpIoi2JbI/AAAAAAAAHBI/iDkui37v89c/s640/IMG_1201.JPG

Sure enough the paint felt very gritty, so I grabbed Optimums NEW Opti-Eraser and Detailers Pro Series Universal Clay Lubricant.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xKwPDROYyq0/UPJpKI_OHaI/AAAAAAAAHL4/_Y8EyebFmVY/s640/IMG_1202.JPG

EZPZ

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z5S_avUWuHY/UPJqIa6FHnI/AAAAAAAAHDU/D-q72K6Douc/s640/IMG_1207.JPG.

Here's what the Opti-Eraser looked like after half the rear hatch was cleaned.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--euKEcGq9sQ/UPJqK74guEI/AAAAAAAAHDg/YNCXZdj1Suk/s640/IMG_1210.JPG

[Ray@Autogeek]

After checking the results...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--FqFTLbNklc/UPJqIYbDboI/AAAAAAAAHL8/Z_8aIBKb3QI/s640/IMG_1208.JPG

Optimum Opti-Eraser gets a thumbs up from me :xyxthumbs:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ID4wck4kJzs/UPJqKL81V8I/AAAAAAAAHDY/GFQu7mmZYuc/s640/IMG_1209.JPG

I knew the paint wasn't in terrible shape so I didn't need anything very aggressive. Following the "use the least aggressive method" rule, I did a test spot with Dodo Juice Supernatural Micro Prime.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1QK5ZPjs61M/UPJqQQMv8CI/AAAAAAAAHEc/86ixK-alrQw/s640/IMG_1217.JPG

The Micro Prime cleaned things up, but I thought using something just a little more aggressive would get the paint nice and shiny. So I stepped up to the Dodo Juice Lime Prime (w/ abrasives) on a Pink CCS Pad, or as I like to call it..."PrimeTime".

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qQbtg9-WW74/UPJqSWWEaDI/AAAAAAAAHE4/7EGydcP6Ohc/s640/IMG_1219.JPG

Lime Prime did the trick.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1HPWMY5YmE4/UPJqTcSkfcI/AAAAAAAAHFE/g_pQeux5guY/s640/IMG_1221.JPG

Here's the front end after it spent some time with the Lime Prime.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sK7RkleA2KQ/UPJqbNEXZ-I/AAAAAAAAHGQ/uRabEcQUpp0/s640/IMG_1230.JPG

Now the paint was ready for the NEW Dodo Juice Iron Gloss Paint Sealant.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qP-bv0mfRpc/UPJqeDDl_FI/AAAAAAAAHGs/fcb_O0AFcf0/s640/IMG_1234.JPG

I applied the sealant to the entire vehicle by hand, then came back to where I started and removed the residue. It was very easy to wipe off and check out the finish...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6tQ8PU37oGk/UPJqkKHvZTI/AAAAAAAAHHc/XdA3X6gSqFM/s640/IMG_1239.JPG

Easy on...easy off.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fQRkpAImLB8/UPJqmppMWQI/AAAAAAAAHHw/GA1sp13QE98/s640/IMG_1243.JPG

The interior was vacuumed then cleaned with Pinnacle Leather & Vinyl Cleaner and protected with Wolfgang Cockpit Trim Sealant.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fW9KPibAYJg/UPJq6OqRBII/AAAAAAAAHKU/dXYmDv9O604/s640/IMG_1260.JPG

Drivers door after a good scrubbing.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zjHlRe7kSDA/UPJq5SnZ-WI/AAAAAAAAHKI/JdFL_dVdezk/s640/IMG_1261.JPG

I love the finish Wolfgang Cockpit Trim Sealant leaves behind. Even the owner commented on how everything felt brand new.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xzIgS2TTkLE/UPJq-xQle0I/AAAAAAAAHK8/HkfWx4d9M4c/s640/IMG_1266.JPG

The owner was ecstatic. It did seem like the longer DJ Iron Gloss Sealant was on the paint the better it looked.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yJWhBGN2oaQ/UPJqzxjRluI/AAAAAAAAHJc/LqyOk_pligk/s640/IMG_1255.JPG

And my favorite shot.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ONcmR4eBNI/UPJq0xkNJoI/AAAAAAAAHJs/PYbjVqdTOPY/s640/IMG_1256.JPG

Thanks for reading!

[FUNX650]

Thanks for posting your processes/products for this detail!!
Solstice looks great!


I may have missed these...
-But what did you use to correct the headlight/taillight-lenses?
-Did you use RaggTopp's Fabric Protectant on the rag-top?
-Any 'dressing' on the tires?
-Wheels: Wax/Sealant?
-What machine, if any, did you employ?

Thanks.

:)

Bob

NOTE: Nice detailing facilities!!

[Wors]

Very nice work Ray. It is great to see all the new Dodo products in action.

[rmagnus]

Ray great work and review. I've never used DoDo products so I appreciate the insight. Very funny about the rag to scrubbing pattern. Working inside is almost always a good thing when working outside in SoFL.

[Ray@Autogeek]

Thanks for posting your processes/products for this detail!!
Solstice looks great!


I may have missed these...
-But what did you use to correct the headlight/taillight-lenses?
-Did you use RaggTopp's Fabric Protectant on the rag-top?
-Any 'dressing' on the tires?
-Wheels: Wax/Sealant?
-What machine, if any, did you employ?

Thanks.

:)

Bob

NOTE: Nice detailing facilities!!

Thanks! Being so limited on time for this detail, I was forcing myself to stop and take pictures and I knew I missed photographing a few steps.

-But what did you use to correct the headlight/taillight-lenses?
Diamondite Clear Plastic Enhancer w/ an Orange CCS Pad. Then protected with Diamondite Clear Plastic Liquid Armor applied by hand.

-Did you use RaggTopp's Fabric Protectant on the rag-top?
Yes. After the top was allowed to dry.

-Any 'dressing' on the tires?
Yes. 1 coat of Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel.

-Wheels: Wax/Sealant?
DP Wheel Glaze

-What machine, if any, did you employ?
Flex 3401 and Detailer's 8 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Auto Detailing Vacuum


Very nice work Ray. It is great to see all the new Dodo products in action.
Thanks! There are a few more new Dodo products I'm ready to try...


Ray great work and review. I've never used DoDo products so I appreciate the insight. Very funny about the rag to scrubbing pattern. Working inside is almost always a good thing when working outside in SoFL.
Thanks! I'm very grateful to have access to the Show Car Garage :)

[FUNX650]

Thanks! Being so limited on time for this detail, I was forcing myself to stop and take pictures and I knew I missed photographing a few steps.

-But what did you use to correct the headlight/taillight-lenses?
Diamondite Clear Plastic Enhancer w/ an Orange CCS Pad. Then protected with Diamondite Clear Plastic Liquid Armor applied by hand.

-Did you use RaggTopp's Fabric Protectant on the rag-top?
Yes. After the top was allowed to dry.

-Any 'dressing' on the tires?
Yes. 1 coat of Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel.

-Wheels: Wax/Sealant?
DP Wheel Glaze

-What machine, if any, did you employ?
Flex 3401 and Detailer's 8 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Auto Detailing Vacuum


Thanks for your reply to my inquiries...
I appreciate it!! :xyxthumbs:

:)

Bob

[ScottB]

nice work Ray ..

[texan solstice]

Nice job on that sol, is using the convertible top cleaner better than using Meguiar's APC+? Btw the exhaust system with the center outlet fascia looks awesome.

[cleanmycorolla]

Great job Ray! How much of the 100ml bottle did you use? For $30 I'd hope it would at least get me through five cars....

[Ray@Autogeek]

Great job Ray! How much of the 100ml bottle did you use? For $30 I'd hope it would at least get me through five cars....

I have the bottle on my desk and it looks like I used 1/6th of the product. The Solstice is a small car so I would expect to get around 5 cars per 100ml bottle.


Nice job on that sol, is using the convertible top cleaner better than using Meguiar's APC+? Btw the exhaust system with the center outlet fascia looks awesome.

Thanks! The manufacturer of that convertible top (HAARTZ) actually endorses RaggTopp and it did a great job. The top was one of the things the owner was really excited on how much better it looked and instantly noticed a protectant was applied.

+1 on the exhaust. It sounded nice too getting to 5th gear :cool:

[Mike Phillips]

Very nice work and excellent write-up Ray.


I love this picture... classic...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ID4wck4kJzs/UPJqKL81V8I/AAAAAAAAHDY/GFQu7mmZYuc/s640/IMG_1209.JPG




:laughing:

[Pinpoint_Precision]

Awesome job Ray.