From Australia - Aston Martin DB9 Volante | Modesta & Swissvax

[Vivant511]

This beautiful DB9 Volante came to us for an entire detail and protection both inside and out. After lengthy consultation discussing every aspect of the car, the client knew exactly what he wanted by the end choosing Modesta as coating protection and requested for Swissvax products even though it’s not part of our usual offering. That said, a few phone calls later, orders made and we got our hands on Swissvax Lotos for fabric protection, Swissvax Milk for leather nourishment and Swissvax Crystal Rock as icing on the cake.

As it was presented, you first can’t help but fall in love with the timeless lines of an Aston with its proportions elegantly penned but at the same time hiding a brutal demeanour with its 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 450 hp and 569 Nm of torque.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15096296249_8afdfa0d9e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11sVP)

Before - the engine bay was only lightly dusty which would be cleaned via steam opposed to using chemicals, degreasers and pressure wash.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/15096490077_1df5c6b380_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12sxF)

We started off with the wheels by decontaminating with TAC Systems Iron Zero as they were heavily soiled

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/15282652592_9956911814_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phtAbd)

Agitating each wheel with various brushes to get the best coverage and work in the product

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/15096283349_5717d3b85a_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11p6p)

Moving on to the pre-wash to strip any existing waxes on the car as well as cleaning out the wheel barrels too.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/15096337240_56dc19a025_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11F7y)

Giving all intricate areas such as badges, grills, sills and petrol cap some brushwork to loosen stubborn build-up of polish residue and dirt

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/15279909591_af227e502d_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phewM6)

Rinsing the car down, and before washing, the amount of swirls and scratches were rather severe after we stripped all the protection masking up the damage

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5567/15096292769_38b3b667d7_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11rTP)

Once it was safely washed with the two bucket method, it was brought in, dried and inspected. Plenty of polish residue trapped within sensors, door handles and petrol cap which would be cleaned up at the end as part of the finishing touches and final inspection.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/15096260849_a40641fff6_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11hpt)

Under the workshop bay lights, we saw this was going to be a long detail considering this was hard factory paint we're dealing with mixed with deep random isolated scratches and swirl marks.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15096476027_9d8446d0d4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12onr)

The first test panel to gauge which combinations of machine, pad and polishing compounds would give us the best results. I started with the Big Foot but the paint laughed it off mocking me in its English accent. So, out came the Flex rotary, Scholl wool and HD Cut.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15283027325_72da0d276f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phvvz8)

Before – the seemingly mile long hood

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15283034025_92a85837d9_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phvxyD)

After – The initial compounding stage

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/15096325670_f2cdf07a7f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11BF5)

The headlights were also swirled and oxidised at the top which was later on restored

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/15096258249_30afc9cc5b_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11gCD)

Before - plenty of scratches concentrated on and around the flush designed door handles. Residue left over from the previous detailer within the handle gaps and key hole.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/15280520001_115f9f364a_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phhEep)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/15283235832_48289faf5f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phwzy5)

Before - side skirts scuffed from getting in and out

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15097047828_b32258ea21_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p15jm5)

Before

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/15283598925_1578dcd1ca_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phyrui)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/15280439881_cfe1adbec8_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phhfq2)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/15260534736_8a556d39a6_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pfweiS)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/15096770809_0769f0d365_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p13TZT)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/15280384991_272f3604f1_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phgY6D)

Whilst the concentration of paint correction taking place, we couldn’t take many progress shots as so many hours were invested in doing the actual work. Especially when using a rotary there isn’t much room for error.

Moving on to the interior, it was given a steam treatment to supple the leather as well as killing bacteria.

50/50 shot - top half of the seat steam cleaned bringing back a natural matte finish to the leather

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/15283503245_851a698552_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phxX3D)

50/50 shot – left side of the door card steamed

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/15283483275_17c4e4fcab_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phxR7k)

50/50 shot – right side of the steering wheel steamed

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/15280331481_afd730745f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phgGc4)

50/50 shot – right side of the centre arm rest steamed

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/15096889667_38a4b42b23_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p14vka)

Once the interior was cleaned, all leather including dash, door cards and seats were treated with Swissvax Milk for a nourishing and natural sheen

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15280303331_1403b409b8_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phgxPH)

OEM factory touch up was ordered directly from Aston Martin UK and couriered over as Onyx Black wasn't available from the local dealership

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/15280268541_1436b2e180_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phgntT)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/15260401056_77eb405922_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pfvxz3)

Both wiper arm rivets were rusting so was de-rusted and touched up with matte black paint

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15280226841_bce5bab150_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phga5V)

After - Freshly applied which looks blue, but blends in to black once dried

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15260324756_1a19f028a3_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pfv9Tw)

More touch up’s

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15096567789_c5f1f99e5c_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12RDx)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/15280188641_9a14e13850_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phfXJi)[

Completed - brushed, vacuumed and treated with Swissvax Lotos

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/15282992542_0e573dba2a_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phvkeq)

The carpets under the boot lid were given the same treatment.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/15280242411_9c661b1a8a_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phgeHn)

Polish residue were steamed and removed with Q-tips

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15260014556_8b96fdad6f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pftyFf)

Completed - Modesta P-01A and BC-05 laid on, cured overnight and Swissvax Crystal Rock applied.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15283310255_f30327bda0_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phwXFe)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/15096532339_08d50aa42e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12F7k)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/15096577560_1759aa3c4d_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12Uy1)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/15096502199_9210e6ae48_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12w9F)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/15096590678_1042a3a669_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12Ysb)

[Vivant511]

No camera tricks, no extra lighting, just pure reflections

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15096686697_cbaf721cde_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p13sZF)

Worth to note the unique modification the owner has done, changing the transmission buttons from plastic to glass and all halogen bulbs to LED

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/15280099681_3c5a7fa3fc_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phfvhv)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/15283218065_eec93a1651_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phwugK)

Some souvenirs to take home

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15096499050_1abbe28e3e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12vdo)

Engine was left undressed for the most natural look

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15096488450_e8d1a4966b_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p12s4C)

The underside of the hood was hand polished for some extra gloss with an all-in-one product

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15096416239_5b83990a59_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p125AB)

The plaque proudly mounted in the centre of the engine bay

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/15282769642_1441175ecc_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phubYj)

Before laying on a few layers of Lotus, the roof was lint rolled

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15261310366_e361cfbebb_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pfAcSN)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5561/15261297066_b12818dcc4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pfA8Vu)

Testing out Lotos fabric protection. One of the best we’ve ever used.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15280005991_d8f06c4582_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phf2ra)

Finally, some quick shots in the sun as the car was picked up by the client

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/15282714182_8201a11f9f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/phtUu7)

The metallic flecks showing off marvellously in the afternoon sun

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/15279994891_79e2645628_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pheY8M)

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15279952461_9e5b8f6a46_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pheKwe)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/15096366290_09ae8d81d5_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p11PKq)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/15260077406_7e30cb8d10_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pftTmS)

Thanks for looking through this major detail. It took over 40 hours of work on this future classic over the course of a week, but definitely one of our most enjoyable knowing that we've given our best for the owner's pleasure for the years to come.

Cheers, Anthony

[EVOlved]

Beautiful well documented work on that great machine!!

[AeroCleanse]

Why would you go over Modesta with a wax? You need a few weeks for Modesta to cure fully.

[haris300]

Wow those after shots were great. Nice job.

[Vivant511]

Beautiful well documented work on that great machine!!

Thanks EVOlved! Much appreciated :)


Why would you go over Modesta with a wax? You need a few weeks for Modesta to cure fully.

Correct, it takes a fortnight for the coating to completely cure. The wax protects the coating during this curing process and minimises the chances of water spotting on the coating itself.

As mentioned, it was really icing on the cake requested by the client.


Wow those after shots were great. Nice job.

Cheers haris300 :D

[jamesboyy]

Marvelous work pampering that Aston martin

[Tato]

Really a pleasure to read and see this thread, looking at the before pics it was impossible to imagine you'd come with that kind of results. Great work!, thanks a lot for sharing.

Kind Regards.

[Vivant511]

Marvelous work pampering that Aston martin

Thanks jamesboyy...really was a pleasurable detail working with this paint. Hard and extremely low peel makes reflections a killer!


Really a pleasure to read and see this thread, looking at the before pics it was impossible to imagine you'd come with that kind of results. Great work!, thanks a lot for sharing.

Kind Regards.

Thank you Tato! I'm very glad you enjoyed reading it...nice to know that I'm not writing it for myself to read hahah!