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Dr_Pain
01-06-2015, 03:50 PM
Well, I just realized that I haven't shared a Show and Shine since last year LOL! So here it is.....

Sugarcane grinding is now over, YEEPEE!!! What that means is no more muddy field tractors and trucks hauling sugarcane to the mill..... but having said that I have to point out that the roads are a MESS!! To make things worst, it's been raining almost non-stop. What does that produce?? Cars that look like this most of the time.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10906547_827743000621409_8112207144367254807_n.jpg ?oh=b2b10879cfa3a43e50fffa0bda5caafa&oe=552E1BB9

The owner of this fairly new (but well used) SRX came to me for my expertise considering I live within a mile of a sugar mill and my truck looks better than the day it was bought. Obviously the answer is "clean the darn thing", but I can attest that this alone does not help because this road "junk" just gets all over your car in no time and clings like you would not believe. We spoke at length and explored a couple of options, but finally settled on coating the car. Why?

1) Ease of maintenance
2) Level of protection
3) Self cleaning effect (especially beneficial when raining)
4) He does not have to keep track of quarterly "waxing"

So off we go with plans on a complete exterior and basic interior. For budget reasons he opted not to coat the interior and we made plans to coat the glass as soon as he gets the windshield replaced.

The Process

It took us a 1) pre-rinse with the pressure washer, 2) a pre-foam and rinse, 3) a foam and 3 bucket wash, 4) a rinse, 5) a chemical decon with IronX and TarX followed by 6) a clay decon using CarPro's Polyshave towel to get the car ready for inspection. A six step process that took quite a bit of time.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10896925_827743043954738_3498294679847295972_n.jpg ?oh=1858dfd4e7ec34f6820ec55c843d8886&oe=553D59D4&__gda__=1428946028_100c10cbcaa6f62ae3f88c4dcbd3919 4

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10888896_827743023954740_2024125282712194706_n.jpg ?oh=30ea78951273254d218f0b491037a23f&oe=5530FD09&__gda__=1430576341_f9308ba560989b4d9b8f8c05102a4b3 3

Fortunately for us the level of contamination was slight but did have some road tar which TarX took care of easy. After the car was properly prepped we brought it in the shop and did a more thorough inspection. PTG readings was healthy enough for us to be aggressive.

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10360606_827743463954696_2648372988641039860_n.jpg ?oh=44b01d416245c774b7b778f66a3d6d9b&oe=55432CF8

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10922463_827743483954694_8908729528687467380_n.jpg ?oh=7f5c489930145831649f778f80705808&oe=553B66EC&__gda__=1429850469_95156ebe63063767b887a3f9ac4258d 0

Inspection revealed scratches and swirls throughout. The vehicle was maintained in the local traditional car wash, which was running an "All you can wash for a flat fee" which seems to be appealing to a lot of people, but unfortunately you can see the level of damage it produces. As they say you get what you pay for.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10891996_827743080621401_8554481693368951937_n.jpg ?oh=c5a7b9175aa27dc1aa769047891c7141&oe=5521068A&__gda__=1428453974_82e659afb2c1f56647bb7146e426b49 4
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10518843_827743127288063_7986204196349196773_n.jpg ?oh=0d3adc112550d1138d41878db56ac226&oe=553D8A2D&__gda__=1429458325_958ab51fc5e5b5f6642416f51403f15 9
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10888671_827743193954723_3150205245355858252_n.jpg ?oh=052c6bd9e8bffc24c71ab4d73aff4cbd&oe=5528EEDB
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10923599_827743333954709_876046596057483913_n.jpg? oh=5dff6c5620da3df3da3bd91eddbe6646&oe=552ADFBF&__gda__=1430331262_e7d116dbe1ced268454755fc15f5641 4

Some heavier defects were present as well

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10365720_827743107288065_861673408796142963_n.jpg? oh=7b3800ff235f4e2c8d0c06b077d8bfad&oe=552E5F80

We selected a few pads and products and found that the best combo was an orange LC flat pad and Scholls S3XXL which made minced meat of those defects. This was followed by Reflect on a white LC pad.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10906189_827743227288053_9021747988679762043_n.jpg ?oh=92774cb60708cb0e08f4a3f221ef0c0a&oe=5522AC59&__gda__=1428965509_4469552951d05f173af76d03a534e65 a
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10712889_827743317288044_760072234792817716_n.jpg? oh=c8fa22e2db794fb34dc91fbaad269d80&oe=556D6DB9"]https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10712889_827743317288044_760072234792817716_n.jpg? oh=c8fa22e2db794fb34dc91fbaad269d80&oe=556D6DB9

Here are some nice before and after

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10898075_827743247288051_915413523994109149_n.jpg? oh=6389980bb5312cc066db981a450ea5c3&oe=55438883&__gda__=1429027018_7a5696214fb4f4f1c3f1bdcc560f6cb f

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10294385_827743287288047_8143615328647325691_n.jpg ?oh=5205b8336b79fabf1d59aae7606a6982&oe=5523A937

The paint was coated with 2 layers of CQuartz Finest and all the hard exterior plastic was restored using CQDlux. Following application, the coating was baked under IR lamps

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10906448_827743403954702_4703863105167625818_n.jpg ?oh=773b23555dd6c3bedbafffd539f86f90&oe=552B734C
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10420094_827743393954703_2106423012138124496_n.jpg ?oh=16efc1f069f1890096fb1add36a1ea02&oe=55302C03&__gda__=1428658537_a0a0a52d1a553c21f9f37d49ae5b301 8

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10888413_827743373954705_2193565521610151465_n.jpg ?oh=f21ff3fb6af087db2e37d51a9eec285a&oe=5536AA73&__gda__=1433287087_a4f05eb7ab28ec65c09c7ce660b84ef 0
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10922678_827743450621364_8819016143427568514_n.jpg ?oh=76bd97eb4e1db82a82a4ee8381b6b10f&oe=5522045D&__gda__=1428333029_3b31ee1cb32b4463f584a0cbb38cdbc 5

Now for those of you that actually read (and have read) my Show and Shine, you know how much I hate to take pictures of white cars. The contrast is always a mess and it ends up that the best representation are the high contrast pictures taken in the shop. Trust me when I say that this car looked GREAT in person and that the pictures do not do it justice. Here comes the glamour shot (some in the shop and some in the overcast sun)

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10917468_827742683954774_794091261479952724_n.jpg? oh=cef651f9ad33ffd245c488cce62c051c&oe=5527B536
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1506518_827742650621444_2812380917248294651_n.jpg? oh=bd603c878307362904262c0d6392ed92&oe=55371B04&__gda__=1433296069_52603a80ce554b119c0a7ed18a93c79 0
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10915207_827742987288077_787951305904845088_n.jpg? oh=9b97c7756e5e1edd05a7ce17afa7db8f&oe=552893FC
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10805538_827742840621425_6731963194407121121_n.jpg ?oh=45e213cd951675e19ba6dbc5d7f14f1b&oe=55341A27&__gda__=1428711501_6b778ee765f1b9d3c4cde0bed90ad17 1
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10906435_827742667288109_331253155656641864_n.jpg? oh=4f76c3dee976b038b2e4e0e8558a1417&oe=5538461E&__gda__=1429802327_d7dbae476fd4bee9f7b45b0008853a1 f
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10888694_827742710621438_7176869207571299499_n.jpg ?oh=66c3da13aaf92b6337ef6ba9bdf79f3d&oe=55413B9D
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10922452_827742750621434_7229449045067397180_n.jpg ?oh=67c30a7fbcc7f66b826d67490dc24969&oe=552DA9EE&__gda__=1428509287_216a60354965aabc12326a60a8256c1 c
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10897848_827742893954753_226501130319737213_n.jpg? oh=d127e4ac49b47b48a18f5bd868ecd403&oe=552B69AE
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/8989_827742943954748_866135885318492330_n.jpg?oh=e 007dd2f93276d755ec7afd61a68c768&oe=55377EA4
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10487200_827742797288096_644222559924286139_n.jpg? oh=8e645df14da399d7ddff227ae399af4a&oe=55397BC7
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10898318_827742767288099_2812976509516343767_n.jpg ?oh=ad93d4692387dcf58199e1172ef4cb09&oe=55215904

In this 2 step paint correction I used a new compound (Scholls S3XXL), which I am planning on reviewing for you guys. I used it as a replacement for my favorite compound of all time, namely Menzerna FG400. I am not sure when I will have a chance to put this review together but be on the lookout. I also have plans to review the LC HD Orbital pads which David Patterson sent me to test. For some reason the box came in, but my secretary forgot to let me know that my package had been sitting in the front office for MONTHS!! On that note I will apologize to David for this MAJOR delay in reviewing the pads. A few more goodies are coming, which includes the PE8 I won from Flex for naming the mini rotary. This is going to be EXCITING! I am waiting for it to come in (to see what is included) and I will most likely delay the review to buy some pads and backing plates, unless Nick had the foresight to throw some in for me :)

I hope you enjoyed my first Show and Shine of the year, and are looking forward to some product review. As always I welcome and look forward to your comments.

runrun411
01-06-2015, 04:04 PM
Wow Claude, that SRX looks fantastic. Talk about a clean surface!!! 3 bucket, 6 step wash. That's so clean you can have dinner on the hood. I have a white Honda Pilot and I love to see details involving white cars. If the pictures don't do it any justice I can't imagine how blinding it must be in person.

Dr_Pain
01-06-2015, 04:20 PM
Wow Claude, that SRX looks fantastic. Talk about a clean surface!!! 3 bucket, 6 step wash. That's so clean you can have dinner on the hood. I have a white Honda Pilot and I love to see details involving white cars. If the pictures don't do it any justice I can't imagine how blinding it must be in person.

Thanks bud! The day I took the pictures was overcast as you can see but he came and picked it up on a sunny day at about 2pm and I could literally not look at the sun reflection off the hood (and I have transition glasses). I just wish I could really capture lighter colored vehicles on film the way they look in person. :Picture:

Sicoupe
01-06-2015, 04:28 PM
Outstanding CLAUDE!!! It looks better than new my friend:)

dad07
01-06-2015, 04:55 PM
Another home run Claude! The SRX looks stunning!

And By the way Claude, what's wrong with you making us wait 6 days into the new year for a Show and Shine........I swear you are getting slack in 2015! LOL!




All Kidding aside thanks for your time and efforts putting things up here and sharing your processes. We all know how much time is involved not only in the detail itself but the extra time to put together a show and shine or even a review for that matter.

I for one appreciate all of it!

JSou
01-06-2015, 04:59 PM
What a mess! Incredible turn around. Way to ring in the new year! I actually enjoy seeing paint corrections on white vehicles. Those are some skills Dr.!

FrankS
01-06-2015, 06:02 PM
Excellent work Claude and excellent photos as well :dblthumb2:

allenk4
01-06-2015, 06:22 PM
Another great S&S from you

I really appreciate the close-ups, 50/50 and quality Before and After shots

Nice work

WRAPT C5Z06
01-06-2015, 07:21 PM
Nice job!

What polisher did you use?

dsg03gt
01-06-2015, 07:32 PM
That's some nice looking paint! Nice job!

Tato
01-06-2015, 08:10 PM
I remember one of your epic threads and after that there's a word recurrent in my mind when I watch your shownshine: The Boss.

Defelsko, IR lamps, prime quality work, pictures, write-up. What to say? Named the Flex PE8... Claude, you're 1st Class act.

Thank you so much for sharing such quality,

Really looking forward to follow your trend in 2015, keep in touch.

Kind Regards.

Dr_Pain
01-07-2015, 09:27 AM
Outstanding CLAUDE!!! It looks better than new my friend:)

Thanks bud! It does have a couple of "scars", but there is enough enhancements on it that one will overlook those imperfections.


Another home run Claude! The SRX looks stunning!

And By the way Claude, what's wrong with you making us wait 6 days into the new year for a Show and Shine........I swear you are getting slack in 2015! LOL!




All Kidding aside thanks for your time and efforts putting things up here and sharing your processes. We all know how much time is involved not only in the detail itself but the extra time to put together a show and shine or even a review for that matter.

I for one appreciate all of it!

I know Tim :( . In my old age I tend to slow down a bit. In all honesty, it is not the work that's missing but the time to take the pictures worth a Show and Shine. There is a HUGE difference in taking documentation pictures vs. Show and Shine pics. With documentation pics you point and shoot regardless of framing, lighting, DOF, perspective etc... Now that the season is slowing a little I will have the opportunity to take my time so should be able to post a little more quality threads.


What a mess! Incredible turn around. Way to ring in the new year! I actually enjoy seeing paint corrections on white vehicles. Those are some skills Dr.!

Thanks Jake! White is not as gratifying as a darker color although you do tend to still be satisfied when you put the inspection light to it (before and after). Tests spots on a black car are dramatic and most often you "know" the results. With a white car, you look at it and wonder why you even need to polish it.... until you do and can see the 50/50.


Excellent work Claude and excellent photos as well :dblthumb2:

Thanks Frank!


Another great S&S from you

I really appreciate the close-ups, 50/50 and quality Before and After shots

Nice work

Thanks Allen. There is always a "tape line" fear with polishing a 50/50, but man does it show in a dramatic way the improvements.


Nice job!

What polisher did you use?

I use the Flex3401 for my brute work and the Rupes 21 for my finishing work (although I have used them interchangeably many times, depending on the clear I work on)


That's some nice looking paint! Nice job!

Thanks bud!


I remember one of your epic threads and after that there's a word recurrent in my mind when I watch your shownshine: The Boss.

Defelsko, IR lamps, prime quality work, pictures, write-up. What to say? Named the Flex PE8... Claude, you're 1st Class act.

Thank you so much for sharing such quality,

Really looking forward to follow your trend in 2015, keep in touch.

Kind Regards.

The only "Boss" I am is the boss my wife allows me to be ROFL! but Thanks for the compliment Rafael.

As for the quality I produce, I have to admit that a large portion of my success comes from the fact that I do have the right tools doing the right work (same as what you do). Beyond that it becomes artistry which is driven by passion and a constant desire to learn and experiment.

I believe the New Year will be good to both of us. Looking forward to seeing more of your details and product reviews, my friend!

AndrewBigA
01-07-2015, 01:04 PM
excellent work claude buddy! great job!

builthatch
01-07-2015, 01:15 PM
agree with Kyle: good thread OP, nice result. shows actual work performed, discusses some stuff and refrains from google earth vehicle shots lol

Shark Politur
01-07-2015, 03:31 PM
When all the roads will be covered in snow, this Cadillac you've detailed will become invisible it's so white.
Frankly speaking you gave this car more sparkle than it deserves.