The Last Detail: '02 Firebird Paint Correction

[530inv]

Hello everyone, I knocked out an '02 Firebird today and decided to post some pics since I got some great results out of it. Overall it took me 8 hrs.

First off, this car is a one owner vehicle, owned by a co-worker of mine. He was stationed in Alaska for a few years, so that means the car had been through some pretty rough weather and driving conditions. The car lacked protection so it got hammered pretty well.

The owner dropped her off this morning and told me he didn't expect a miracle since due to the condition it was in, but he hoped I could get it to look slightly better. I was surely up for the challenge to test out my skills .. :). The goal was not to accomplish a show car finish, but it came damn near close.

Products used:
GG6 DA
Meguiars Car Wash
Wolfgang Uber Wheel Cleaner
Meguiars APC
Mothers Clay bar
Ultima Waterless wash as clay lubricant
Menzerna FG400 + some secret stuff
Meguiars D300
Menzerna SF4000
Eraser
Duragloss 111
Duragloss Aquawax 952
Meguiars tire gel
Eagle One Nevr-dull

Enough talking, picture time :buffing:

On drop off and swirl/haze and mystery residue pics:
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL016_zps5c2f4de6.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL016_zps5c2f4de6.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL017_zps6cab5f30.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL017_zps6cab5f30.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL006_zpse0f15226.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL006_zpse0f15226.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL018_zps91db4ce4.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL018_zps91db4ce4.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL026_zps07f757d8.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL026_zps07f757d8.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL021_zps4c1f4119.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL021_zps4c1f4119.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL021_zps4c1f4119.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL021_zps4c1f4119.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL005_zpsd2e19d00.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL005_zpsd2e19d00.jpg.html)
After cleaning wheels with the UBER wheel cleaner, there was still some remaining brake dust since it has probably been there for the past 4 years.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL034_zps74b3ea14.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL034_zps74b3ea14.jpg.html)
I had to break out my trusty Eagle one Nevr Dull. After a quick test spot polishing I took this pic. The wheels were polished more after this picture was taken.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL036_zpse1a82983.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL036_zpse1a82983.jpg.html)
Clay bar in work
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL030_zps5716f684.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL030_zps5716f684.jpg.html)
50/50 shot. First pass. I had to end up using Megs D300 cut compound for a specific area on the driver door that had a mystery liquid remain. All of my compounds were drying up and were extremely difficult to remove. The D300 was liquid enough to remove the residue and still be somewhat easily removed.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL045_zps61aa8f37.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL045_zps61aa8f37.jpg.html)
Back to my regular cut compound combo 50/50's
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL052_zps9bfa68bb.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL052_zps9bfa68bb.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL049_zps3acf191e.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL049_zps3acf191e.jpg.html)
Before
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL053_zps8f431e06.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL053_zps8f431e06.jpg.html)
After
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL056_zpscd5c1744.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL056_zpscd5c1744.jpg.html)
Before (Water spots)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL063_zps0f1d54c6.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL063_zps0f1d54c6.jpg.html)
After
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL064_zps4d2ef776.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL064_zps4d2ef776.jpg.html)
Now.. shots after DG952
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL068_zps52fd7cc7.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL068_zps52fd7cc7.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL069_zps463acd29.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL069_zps463acd29.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL071_zpsd50f2e02.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL071_zpsd50f2e02.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL076_zps542c2e64.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL076_zps542c2e64.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL078_zps6f3ac146.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL078_zps6f3ac146.jpg.html)
Sun shots
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL072_zps724dd397.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL072_zps724dd397.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL084_zpsff96841a.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL084_zpsff96841a.jpg.html)
Wheels after polishing..
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL081_zps84fb2b84.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL081_zps84fb2b84.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL085_zps9257af21.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL085_zps9257af21.jpg.html)
My infamous hood reflection shots :)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL087_zps48ad6119.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL087_zps48ad6119.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL088_zps5a0bf3a3.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL088_zps5a0bf3a3.jpg.html)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL089_zps12571d40.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL089_zps12571d40.jpg.html)
Another correction complete!!
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/06_300_c/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL091_zpsec3cc1f0.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/06_300_c/media/Edwards%20Firebird%20detail/EdwardsDETAIL091_zpsec3cc1f0.jpg.html)

Thanks for looking everyone.

[KillaCam]

Only 8 hours? Impressive. That paint looks wet.

[MoparAddict]

Man, I bet your co worker was stoked! Amazing turn around, great job man!

Sent from my XT907 using AG Online

[530inv]

Only 8 hours? Impressive. That paint looks wet.

Yes sir..Thank you very much. I go non stop. I get in the zone and get lost into the job.


Man, I bet your co worker was stoked! Amazing turn around, great job man!

Sent from my XT907 using AG Online

Mann. he was so happy..lol.. He didn't think it could look like that again. He said he was about to call a tow truck because he didn't want it to get dirty on the way home.. hahaa. Then he said he was gonna drive 10 mph all the way home.

The time/effort is definitely worth it after seeing the reaction on pick-up. I get so anxious.. lol.

[Sicoupe]

Awesome work my friend:)

[530inv]

Awesome work my friend:)

Thanks brotha!! I try my best.. :)

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Way to go Jace. Car looks much better now after being in your hands. You are on the right track to improving your skills and turning out quality work. Keep up the detailing mindset to further your knowledge and improve your skills.

You are making me miss my setup in Vegas.

BTW, pretty soon you should be able to swing a 3401....

[LatinFG2]

Firebird looks awesome

[530inv]

Way to go Jace. Car looks much better now after being in your hands. You are on the right track to improving your skills and turning out quality work. Keep up the detailing mindset to further your knowledge and improve your skills.

You are making me miss my setup in Vegas.

BTW, pretty soon you should be able to swing a 3401....

Thanks a lot Mike..I learned so much from this correction job. Its amazing how these products react at different temps. I also went through 4 different cut compounds to correct the door due to some solution he spilled on his driver door. All except the Megs D300 would just dry up and stick to the paint. It was driving me insane... I was able to cut through it eventually and its protected now so that issue is no more.

I already hinted to the wife about the 3401!! I really think I need one to take it to the next level. After a couple more correction jobs I am surely picking up one of those bad boys.


Firebird looks awesome

Thank you sir. That was a very valuable correction job for me. I gained some good knowledge from it.

[dcjredline]

Awesome work!

[BlackHawk]

Second sun shot is showing a bit of marring present, but hey it still looks better!

[530inv]

Awesome work!
Thank you sir!!


Second sun shot is showing a bit of marring present, but hey it still looks better!

Thanks..Yes it isn't a show car finish. I would be there all day to get it to that level. For a car that went through Alaskan winters unprotected and drive through car washes for 12 years the owner was very satisfied for an 8hr. I posted the sun pics to show the actual results..not trying to hide anything.

[Wes Bremec]

Wow 8 hours that's rolling

[530inv]

Wow 8 hours that's rolling
Yea I probably took 2 mins worth of brakes total throughout the 8 hrs. I get in the zone and keep going to the end.

[Euphoria64]

Excellent job!