Show 'N Shine: 2014 Mercedes SLK250 protected by CQuartz Finest (Picture Heavy)

[Dr_Pain]

Well, here is another Mercedes Show 'N Shine, I hope you don't mind. It seems that this brand of car is very popular in my area, lol! The story behind this car is pretty simple. The husband found out that his wife loved to drive his Mercedes so he bought her one :dblthumb2:

The car came to me for an initial detail, and for inspection, and it was decided that a full protection package was going to be part of this vehicle's pedigree. The car appeared perfect to the husband (at first glance) but he became aware of those pesky reflection "detractors" very quickly after putting the light to it. Now this fellow is funny! He is a very intelligent and well studied man, but could not care less about the process or the science. Before I had a chance to offer my recommendations he told me to write up an invoice for the paint correction and protection.... AND.... for a full year maintenance which he will pay on reception of the car. He wants the car washed every 2 weeks, wants the quarterly boosters, the bi-annual claying and a yearly full interior etc... Did he say all of that? NOPE! He said "write up an invoice". So we did the "works", wrote up the invoice, delivered the car, and had a check in hand with not a single word exchanged. I have to admit that I was disappointed because I LOVE to talk detailing. I am an admitted NERD, and enjoy discussing the intricacies of the process and products etc.... Oh well, the only thing we did discuss is how many people were interested in a yearly maintenance plan, to which I replied that most people don't want to be "locked in" for some reason (as if they feared I would become complacent in my details just because I am already prepaid).

So what went in the correction and protection of this car. To be honest, it is pretty straight forward:

The Subject: 2014 Mercedes SLK250 hardtop convertible
The Process: 2 BM wash
TarX decontamination
IronX decontamination
Nanoskin fine clay decontamination
2BM wash
Drying with the MasterBlaster and Cobra Waffle Weave
Two step polish with Rupes 21, orange LC flat pad and Menzerna PF2500, followed by Menz SF4000 on a white pad.
Erasor wipe down (2x heavy)
Inspection
LSP: CarPro CQuartz Finest
Interior: Wolfgang Interior Surface Protectant
Tires: Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel
Windows Interior: Pinnacle Crystal Clear (exterior windows were coated)

Note: I did have to adjust the original invoice as he did not see the need of coating the plastics, glass and rims, but I did coat his glass and rims as a "Thank You" for your repeat business (and to ease the maintenance ;) )

How did the car come to me?

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/1526423_725055544223489_4967755589543622538_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t1.0-9/10505359_725055577556819_1984549836581759275_n.jpg

This required some CarPro TarX and a little patience!!!

I tried my new light panel and played with a few variety of lights to inspect the defects. Minor water spot etching, light marring, a few scuffs.... but no DISO or holograms!!

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10501938_725054950890215_8099564134179251029_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10394511_725054947556882_4891083744331751107_n.jpg

I'll spare you the polishing pics which are terrible and terribly boring, so let's see it SHINE!!!! Lets say that all surfaces, including the headlight and taillights (and glass) was polished, then wiped off and coated. So, on to the pretty pictures.....

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10494866_725055024223541_9119887087988104750_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10509731_725054944223549_6757285225320640546_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10463012_725054984223545_5028811912988848510_n.jpg
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https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10492582_725055190890191_3391089475300609465_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10352280_725055204223523_1710831605870948297_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10343663_725055267556850_3305802685554159974_n.jpg
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https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10438914_725055494223494_6795291191237677042_n.jpg ?oh=8320895c47220d75871dd1c72bce3427&oe=540DE8FD


Although my 6'6" frame does not really fit in that car, it was a pleasure to take care of, drive... and photograph. I am looking forward to your comments and questions.

P.S. Did you catch the shameless business advertising LOL! The picture came out great but I chose a different cover for my FB page :Picture:

Claude

[Sizzle Chest]

That really looks nice! Good to hear that you take care of your customers! That'll ensure some more repeat business for sure.

[281]

Wow, very nice Claude!

[Tato]

Wonderful work Claude, and awesome write-up.

The shine pictures looks like taken from a famous Car Magazine just during the release of this car. Beautiful photo work, your model looks better than new.

Congratulations my friend.

Kind Regards.

[zmcgovern45]

Gorgeous!! Sometimes I don't mind the "Just do whatever it takes and I'll write you a check" clients, but usually I will agree that I enjoy chatting with most of my clients about the process. Many of them appreciate my passion for detailing and can tolerate listening to me blabber about what I will do to their car for at least a few minutes :)

[noslef]

That red looks deep and glossy. Good work!

[Dr_Pain]

That really looks nice! Good to hear that you take care of your customers! That'll ensure some more repeat business for sure.

Thank! Couldn't imagine doing it any differently.


Wow, very nice Claude!

Thanks! I did come out real nice!


Wonderful work Claude, and awesome write-up.

The shine pictures looks like taken from a famous Car Magazine just during the release of this car. Beautiful photo work, your model looks better than new.

Congratulations my friend.

Kind Regards.

Thanks Rafael.... I am surprised your online that much considering FIFA is in your neck of the woods ;)


Gorgeous!! Sometimes I don't mind the "Just do whatever it takes and I'll write you a check" clients, but usually I will agree that I enjoy chatting with most of my clients about the process. Many of them appreciate my passion for detailing and can tolerate listening to me blabber about what I will do to their car for at least a few minutes :)

Thanks Zach, blabber is what we do in an attempt to empassion others to our craft. I wish it worked better, but at the same time if it did, we would be out of business lol!


That red looks deep and glossy. Good work!

Thanks. My favorite cars to photograph are red and black, and this one is red so WINNER!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

That lipstick red Mercedes looks great Claude! Well done good sir!

Great to hear about the business this car brought.

[TheMinister]

Clean up Nice!