CQUK on 2014 Equinox

[richy]

A repeat customer contacted me and wanted me to try to fit in this vehicle that they had factory ordered. It came in ahead of schedule, so I was able to fit it in Friday night as I had a car arriving Saturday morning. I ended up booking some time off work to make sure I could get it done in time.


The car is a 2014 Equinox that they've only had for about 2 weeks. It was getting my brand new vehicle coating package which is a wash, decon (2 stage), 1 step polish and a coating. They let me choose the coating and I had them go with CQUK. I think they're going to be very happy with how it holds out. Here it is as it arrived:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4032.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4032.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4033.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4033.jpg.html)



Now I want you to really examine how tight the clearance is between the caliper and the barrel. I'll tell you what I used and recommend for those tight clearances in a minute:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4034.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4034.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4035.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4035.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4037.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4037.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4038.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4038.jpg.html)



First up was the wheels, etc.


As I mentioned, the clearance on the calipers was really tight. So tight that I had to break out a special wheel brush that I reserve for these cases: the AutoGlym wheel brush with the green handle. I have yet to see a tight clearance it won't handle (no pun intended). It is even thinner than the small Daytona brush.
The barrels were cleaned with Tarminator followed by Zep Citrus and the faces done with Zep Citrus. The wells were done with LATA. The tires with Zep 505.

The car was then washed with DG 901 followed immediately by a decontamination wash of IronX paste (strongest one) with the Incredisponge.

The car was then clayed with the fine Speedy Prep clay towel using ONR as lube.

For the polishing stage, I thought I would go with Sonax Perfect Finish and a white pad. Maybe it was the mood I was in, I don't know, but I've used it before and have liked it. This time I was just underwhelmed by it. I also tried Ameridepth and wasn't as blown away by it as I was before either. Maybe I just needed a cigar?? Anyway, I ended up back with my go-to of M205 + white B/S + Flex 3401. That was followed by DG Squeaky Clean by hand.

The car then got coated with Fly-by-30 on the glass and CQUK on the paint and wheels. The UK was baked with an IR light. ReLoad was applied to all the paint. The bottom trim was treated to DG beta trim coating. The barrels and wells were shot with Permanon and the tires were shot with DG Wet Shine via an air gun. Here are some inside shots of the finished product.


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4039.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4039.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4040.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4040.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4041.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4041.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4042.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4042.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4043.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4043.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4044.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4044.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4045.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4045.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4046.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4046.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4047.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4047.jpg.html)

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4049.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4049.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4050.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4050.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4051.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4051.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4052.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4052.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4053.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4053.jpg.html)


It had rained the next morning but stopped prior to them picking it up. I was already working working on the next car so I didn't bother snapping a shot of the water beading from the UK/ReLoad as I just wanted to get it cleaned off prior to their arrival. I gave it a quick ONR wipedown while they were waiting and snapped off these few outside shots:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4060.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4060.jpg.html)

My Gosh, look at those clouds!!!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4061.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4061.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4062.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4062.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4063.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4063.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4064.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4064.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4065.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_4065.jpg.html)


Thanks for looking!

[jamesboyy]

Amazing job well done on that Equinox

[richy]

Amazing job well done on that Equinox
Thanks very much and thanks for commenting!

[Sicoupe]

Fantastic job:)

[fly07sti]

Great work Richy. On a side note, I just got some Zep Citrus and diluted 4:1 to use after Tarminator. Works great! Think I'll be saving my OPC for other tasks now. Thanks again man.

[GreatAvalon]

Looks awesome!

I'm going to be buying FlyBy30 very soon. I'm assuming you have had positive experiences with it? How long does it last for you? Do you polish w/ CertiGlass prior to application like the instructions say to?

Also, I am contemplating buying CQuartz or CQUK, but can't figure out which one. And I can't figure out the role Reload plays in coatings, since I thought coatings make it so you don't have to apply any LSP. Yet CQUK says apply Reload after an hour or so. I'm confused but am trying to come to a decision and order soon to get it by next weekend.

I almost forgot - in your professional experience, do you think CQUK darkens the paint?

Thanks and sorry for all the questions!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Beautiful work as always Richy! Im sure the owners were thrilled.

I see you are keeping busy.

[richy]

Fantastic job:)
Thanks very much!


Great work Richy. On a side note, I just got some Zep Citrus and diluted 4:1 to use after Tarminator. Works great! Think I'll be saving my OPC for other tasks now. Thanks again man.
Great man, glad to hear it! I love that combo. I use my OPC for interior plastic now. And..thanks!


Looks awesome!

I'm going to be buying FlyBy30 very soon. I'm assuming you have had positive experiences with it? How long does it last for you? Do you polish w/ CertiGlass prior to application like the instructions say to?

Also, I am contemplating buying CQuartz or CQUK, but can't figure out which one. And I can't figure out the role Reload plays in coatings, since I thought coatings make it so you don't have to apply any LSP. Yet CQUK says apply Reload after an hour or so. I'm confused but am trying to come to a decision and order soon to get it by next weekend.

I almost forgot - in your professional experience, do you think CQUK darkens the paint?

Thanks and sorry for all the questions!
No, I've never used the Ceriglass. To be honest, I don't get feedback from the customers on how long it lasts. I had heard that others were complaining that it wasn't lasting as long as they thought it should have, so what I started to do last year was to immediately add a 2nd coat. I'm assuming that will make it last a long time.

As far as using ReLoad goes, it is an insurance policy against water in the immediate curing time. In my case, I didn't need to use it b/c I had flash cured it with the IR lights. I just love the slickness and added protection it gives so I like to use it anyway. I'll sometimes use UWW instead. The other great thing about ReLoad is that it's a great thing to use periodically (once every few months) to keep the surface at 100% hydrophobic. It's a product that you'll be glad you have once you get it. Just follow the instructions or you can get streaks.

This was my first time using UK. No, I didn't find it to darken the paint. It did not mute the gorgeous flake that was in the paint and really didn't change the appearance other than locking in the gloss that I gave it from polishing. Don't do too big an area at once with the UK and you'll be golden.


Beautiful work as always Richy! Im sure the owners were thrilled.

I see you are keeping busy.

Thanks very much! Yes, in fact I've never been booked this far in advance this quickly. I feel very fortunate indeed. :xyxthumbs:

[zmcgovern45]

Great work, as usual!

[GenesisCoupe]

Good job on the car! I'll be doing a CQUK this upcoming Saturday.

Did you apply it on the wheels, and plastic trim as well ?

[GreatAvalon]

No, I've never used the Ceriglass. To be honest, I don't get feedback from the customers on how long it lasts. I had heard that others were complaining that it wasn't lasting as long as they thought it should have, so what I started to do last year was to immediately add a 2nd coat. I'm assuming that will make it last a long time.

As far as using ReLoad goes, it is an insurance policy against water in the immediate curing time. In my case, I didn't need to use it b/c I had flash cured it with the IR lights. I just love the slickness and added protection it gives so I like to use it anyway. I'll sometimes use UWW instead. The other great thing about ReLoad is that it's a great thing to use periodically (once every few months) to keep the surface at 100% hydrophobic. It's a product that you'll be glad you have once you get it. Just follow the instructions or you can get streaks.

This was my first time using UK. No, I didn't find it to darken the paint. It did not mute the gorgeous flake that was in the paint and really didn't change the appearance other than locking in the gloss that I gave it from polishing. Don't do too big an area at once with the UK and you'll be golden.
Great, thank you very much for the help! I appreciate it :props:

[richy]

Great work, as usual!
Thanks Zach, I appreciate you taking the time to comment!


Good job on the car! I'll be doing a CQUK this upcoming Saturday.

Did you apply it on the wheels, and plastic trim as well ?
Thanks very much! Yes, it got applied to the wheels and paint. The plastic trim along the bottom was done with a beta trim product from Duragloss that I'm currently testing.


Great, thank you very much for the help! I appreciate it :props:
My pleasure. :xyxthumbs:

[silverfox]

Awesome work...however I'm curious of your choice of coatings, considering you're the AG resident Duragloss expert, and most likely has tested the DG ceramic coating long before it ever went officially on the market.

CQUK is a great product for sure. Curious minds....

[richy]

Awesome work...however I'm curious of your choice of coatings, considering you're the AG resident Duragloss expert, and most likely has tested the DG ceramic coating long before it ever went officially on the market.

CQUK is a great product for sure. Curious minds....

I had never used the CQUK before and wanted to. I figured this would be a good vehicle to do so with: black and a repeat customer so it had to be done right!

[GenesisCoupe]

Thanks for the response, looking forward to my first CQUK application!