I was glad to see it go: 2011 QX56

[richy]

Some vehicles seem easy...others...not so much. This thing just had me bushed by the end. Both for the coating choice and for the paint.


Here it is as it arrived:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7228.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7228.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7229.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7229.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7230.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7230.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7231.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7231.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7232.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7232.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7233.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7233.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7234.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7234.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7235.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7235.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7236.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7236.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7237.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7237.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7240.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7240.jpg.html)


So, first up was to wash it with Megs HW and do the wheels, barrels and wells.

Next came another wash using IronX paste.

After that was to clay it using a CarPro clay mitt.

Now, there was a dirt dimple in the paint that he hated (the whole front of the vehicle had been painted). Here's what it looked like:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7241.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7241.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7242.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7242.jpg.html)


I took paint readings and had ample paint to work with which is often the case with a re-paint. I wet sanded using the Megs 1500 grit disc with my Griots 3" DA. After that it was done again with a 3K disc. Here's the sanding process:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7244.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7244.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7245.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7245.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7246.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7246.jpg.html)


That was corrected with my Flex 3401 + TB black wool + M105. Here it is after that stage:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7247.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7247.jpg.html)


Now, I had just received a few of the new Megs foam cutting pads and was looking forward to trying them out. This was a great candidate as the front re-paint area had no scratches, but just swirls. I used that with M105. Man, oh man, was I getting great results using that combo. I was comparing it in my head to using the B/S yellow cutting pad. I'd say these cut more and finish down just as well. My only gripe with them is that they seemed to load up with spent paint residue very quickly. Whereas with the B/S yellow, I might do the whole hood with one pad before needing to clean it, with these I was finding I had to clean it after a smaller area (like 1/2 the hood). As far as cleaning them goes? A dream. Rinsed out very easily and well. Spin dry with rotary at 3,000 and you're good to go again.

The compounding stage was followed with a white B/S + M205 + 3401. I am now going to order the Megs finishing foam pads to try out. Christopher Brown was telling me they rock, and if the performance of the cutting pads is anything to go by, I'm looking forward to getting some in to play!


So far, so good. The front corrected easily and reacted how it should. Now for the rest. The paint was so soft and finicky, that I ended up completely changing gears and my approach. Time for a new cigar! I broke out my Rupes 21 and a new Megs mf disc (they're thicker now than they used to be) and found that M205 would do the job on just about every panel. A few nastier defects needed M105 + mf pads but for the most part, 205 did the trick. That stage was followed as above with M205 + white B/S + Flex 3401. I was using DG Squeaky Clean by hand to ensure honest paint correction and to make sure I got proper bonding with the coating.

It was time to coat. $ was an issue for this job, so I had suggested CQuartz UK. It had worked so well on that '69 Vette with single stage paint that I was looking forward to using it again. Boy, how that sentiment changed. I was so fed up with how long it took (just shy of 3 hours for the first coat) that I had changed my opinion completely on UK. Don' t get me wrong; for protection, when you can't afford Finest, I think it can't be beat. But the PITA factor in using it doesn't make up for that fact. Anyway, finally after 17 hours, here it is. As the title says, I was happy to see it go!


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7260.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7260.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7255.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7255.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7249.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7249.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7248.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7248.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7261.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7261.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7264.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7264.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7250.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7250.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7252.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7252.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7262.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7262.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7254.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7254.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7265.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7265.jpg.html)


Some Sun and some Flawless Reflection Shots:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7257.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7257.jpg.html)


This next shot, you can see the house that is 3 doors down the street! (And we have big lots)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7258.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7258.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7256.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7256.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7263.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7263.jpg.html)


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t12/rhowitt/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7259.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/rhowitt/media/Detailing%20shots/Detailing%20shots001/DSC_7259.jpg.html)


Thanks for looking. As always, comments are appreciated!

[wing commander]

Looks great you added great value and pride of ownership to that tank.They are like doing two normal sized cars.

[Sicoupe]

Wow! Outstanding job Richy, that is definitely a beast to do:)

[bill walsh]

nice job/ title reminds me of electrical short job on pickup truck

[richy]

Looks great you added great value and pride of ownership to that tank.They are like doing two normal sized cars.

Thanks so much! Yes indeed it was. I wouldn't want a vehicle that large.


Wow! Outstanding job Richy, that is definitely a beast to do:)

Thanks! Yes, it was like a super-sized vehicle. I'm glad I quoted more time.


nice job/ title reminds me of electrical short job on pickup truck


Thanks Bill. I can only imagine messing with an electrical problem. I remember my father restoring an English vintage Morgan with its Lucas electrics....why do Englishmen drink warm beer? Because they have Lucas refrigerators!!


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[series1]

First off, nice work it looks phenomenal! I was curious about your comments with cquk though. What kind of difficulties were you having, and what make finest easier?

[RMM]

Nice job as always richy! :dblthumb2:

"I was glad to see it go: 2011 QX56" - I can relate to this title: thats one truly ugly vehicle!

[Dmb5450]

I love those reflection shots!

[Kamakaz1961]

Wow beautiful work!! That is a big beast!! Lots of time spent to make it beautiful. Awesome job!

[richy]

First off, nice work it looks phenomenal! I was curious about your comments with cquk though. What kind of difficulties were you having, and what make finest easier?
Thanks!! Removal was a big PITA. Too time consuming.


Nice job as always richy! :dblthumb2:

"I was glad to see it go: 2011 QX56" - I can relate to this title: thats one truly ugly vehicle!
Haha. I actually like the design better than the Escalade, but, damn, it's a lot of work! Even to wash the bloody thing!!


I love those reflection shots!
Thanks so much!


Wow beautiful work!! That is a big beast!! Lots of time spent to make it beautiful. Awesome job!
Thanks kindly; I appreciate you commenting.

[oldmodman]

Really nice turn around.

I just hope the owner either uses you for wash and maintenance or learns to do a two bucket wash himself. It won't look that good for long if it gets driven through the death tunnel again.

[Pats300zx]

Great work Richy. I am sure the owner was blown away with the results.

[Jaddie]

Dear Richy

That's some mighty awesome work!

I can identify with your being glad to see it go. Our 2012 Odyssey was off the road from April 11 until May 8 so I could give it a full detail. That huge SUV you finished in 17 hours would've taken me about 60.

[HUMP DIESEL]

Great work as always Richy.

HUMP

[RTexasF]

That thing is a whopper!! I hope the owner admires it as much as I do, just really terrific work sir.