2003 Nissan 350Z - Mike's Showroom Service

[Thaboymike]

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to detail a 350Z. Coincidentally, it's the same year and color as the 350Z that I own.

The car had it's front bumper and passenger fender recently painted, so those areas did not receive correction. The car didn't look to bad on the surface, however, when I started to clay, I've never had to make so many passes over the same area to ensure all contaminants have been removed. After claying, under the lights, the true story was told. I wish I would have gotten more spot specific before/after shots, but I was under a time crunch.

As received:










Test Spot - Hood:

- 2x passes with 6.5" Optimum Microfiber Compound Pad using D300 and M105 (Flex 3401)
- 6.5" Optimum Microfiber Polishing Pad using D301 (Flex 3401)

I ended up using the Wool Pad for most of the car because the microfiber was having a little trouble getting out the imperfections I thought it should.

For smaller areas I used a 3" Meguiar's MF Cutting Disk with D300 and M105. (7424XP) This was my first time using a 3" pad and . Where has this been all of my life?!?!






Roof - Before

More hazed paint.




Roof - After

After 1 pass with the Wool Pad and D300 and M105.

I didn't do a good job with the focus on my camera here, but you can still see that the hazing has been removed.




Finished Results


















The vehicle was topped with Wet Glaze 2.0 and CCS Blue Finishing Pad.


A little bonus:

I had to put my Z outside while correcting the customer's Z. It had rained earlier that day. After finishing up, I came outside to this:



LSP is Four Star UPP and Poorboy's Natty Blue.

Enjoy!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Nice work. Im surprised that the mf disc and d300 and m105 didnt take care of the imperfections especially under the Flex.

Looks like your Z is stanced. Could I see it?

[Thaboymike]

Nice work. Im surprised that the mf disc and d300 and m105 didnt take care of the imperfections especially under the Flex.

Looks like your Z is stanced. Could I see it?

To be fair, I am still improving my technique with the Flex. I found it a little difficult to apply consistent pressure on the machine because the pads felt jumpy. However, I wouldn't rule these pads out yet. Once I can improve my technique with the Flex, I will give the MF pads another go.

The Optimum MF Polishing Pads worked great however!

As requested:

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

One of these days I am going to pick up a Flex. Im sure the MF disc and the machine could tackle almost anything.

Sweet ride you have there Mike. She is properly stanced. I love it. Are those wheels DPE or HRE?

[TimmyG]

How hard or soft was the clear coat? I've heard the earlier generation 350Z's were harder and the more recent ones are much more soft. Any truth to that?

[shoeless89]

Great job on that Z! And yours is amazing! Rollin on pots and pans!

[LuxuryMobile]

Nice job.

I used to own an 03 350z, and the paint was pretty soft IMO.

It is always fun when you get to work on a ride that you know inside and out. Great turn around on a good looking Z.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I found it a little difficult to apply consistent pressure on the machine because the pads felt jumpy.

MF pads do not work well with the Flex 3401. They work MUCH better with a traditional DA.

Nice job on the car, BTW. I just picked up an 09 370z.

[Thaboymike]

One of these days I am going to pick up a Flex. Im sure the MF disc and the machine could tackle almost anything.

Sweet ride you have there Mike. She is properly stanced. I love it. Are those wheels DPE or HRE?

Great job on that Z! And yours is amazing! Rollin on pots and pans!

Thanks for the compliments! The wheels are actually sold by a company called Venaci. Work actually manufactures the wheels.

How hard or soft was the clear coat? I've heard the earlier generation 350Z's were harder and the more recent ones are much more soft. Any truth to that?

Nice job.

I used to own an 03 350z, and the paint was pretty soft IMO.

It is always fun when you get to work on a ride that you know inside and out. Great turn around on a good looking Z.

I haven't dealt with that many cars to accurately say. Based on my experiences, I wouldn't call the paint soft, neither hard. I remember going at my Z the very first time with the 7424XP. I spent about 12 hours on it and only had 50% or so swirl correction. At the time, I had a Poorboy's starter kit with SSR 2, SSR 1, and a orange CCS pad. I went ahead and ordered a yellow CSS pad and SSR2.5 and I got way better results. I'm sure most of my troubles were because of lack of experience and technique, however.

MF pads do not work well with the Flex 3401. They work MUCH better with a traditional DA.

Nice job on the car, BTW. I just picked up an 09 370z.

Thanks! My 3" MF pads were getting the job done well on my 7424XP. I have two cars scheduled for next weekend. I think I am going to do a side-by-side of the the Optimum MF / Flex 3401 combo and the Meguiar's MF / PC 7424XP, if anyone is interested.

[Mike Phillips]

Nice restoration to the Z

To be fair, I am still improving my technique with the Flex.

I found it a little difficult to apply consistent pressure on the machine because the pads felt jumpy.

Jumpy is a good word to describe the characteristic, another word used is grabby...

You'll find the microfiber pads work better with polishes than the compounds, just a little too grabby for most people's taste.