January Contest: Ford Cobra Convertible

2JZFAN · 01-14-06, 09:55

Hey guys! I didn't know if there was a contest this month but I had to show everyone this detail. I didn't take the pictures thinking of entering the contest, I'm sure you'll understand. The whole car was color sanded up to 2000 grit and sat for months:

Before

Problem Areas
Trunk - after PG & IP

Trunk - after detail

Hood - after PG & IP

Hood - after detail

These shots don't even show these areas at their worse. These comparison shots show the areas AFTER my first attempt using Menzerna Powergloss & Menzerna Intensive Polish via PC. I took these photos to help aid my description of trouble areas I couldn't quite lick. Luckily I finally figured out the process to use PG correctly via the PC and I took care of the mess.

Process
Wash w/Turbo Wax Car Shampoo
Pinnacle Poly-Clay Claybar
Menzerna Powergloss via PC + Yellow Cutting Pad
Menzerna IP via PC + Yellow / Orange Light Cutting Pads
Menzerna FPII via PC + Blue Polishing Pad
Clearjote Red Machine Glaze via PC + Blue Polishing Pad
Pinnacle Souveran by hand + MF applicator

all products wiped off with MF towels..

Turbo Wax Tire Care Gel on tires via Foam Applicator

Lessons Learned
I can't even BEGIN to explain what I've learned about detailing from both this community and my own experience. I had no experience with a PC nor the Menzerna line I was using. The single biggest thing I learned that MADE this detail was how to work Menzerna PG in with the PC and a yellow cutting pad. I honestly think if it wasn't for the PG I wouldn't have removed the 2000 grit sanding marks from the surface. If it wasn't for everyone being so thorough and sharing all of their details I wouldn't have been able to pull this detail off. From the beginning to the end I was trying different speeds and different techniques.. As time went on I found what combinations actually worked.. It was sooo rewarding to achieve similar results to the experts here @ Autopia. All I ever wanted was a beautiful wet macro shot like so many of you post up daily. Thanks everyone!

2JZFAN · 01-14-06, 09:57

Thanks!

Autopia

Pontman43 · 01-14-06, 10:22

Man, that turned out good!

Mad iX · 01-15-06, 12:22

I remember this car being posted before.
It's finally turned out great.
I've removed 2000grit marks with IP or SSR2.5, so that must've been pretty bad to need PG, so major kudos to you for attempting it. Huge difference.

2JZFAN · 01-15-06, 10:27

thanks for the kind words. I still can't believe it myself, the car hasn't looked this good the whole time I've owned it. I get compliments about it all the time and I feel better going out knowing I finally put the time in it.

roadmaster_Tx · 01-16-06, 03:40

great job!

how long did the swirl removing part take you?
I think the value of this car just went up a couple of thousand dollars because of that

2JZFAN · 01-16-06, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadmaster_Tx

great job!

how long did the swirl removing part take you?
I think the value of this car just went up a couple of thousand dollars because of that

The swirls took over 5 hours on their own.. The hardest steps were claying the car and the initial repir with PG and IP.. I just couldn't get the results I wanted with the PG at first.. I took a break came on Autopia posted about my issue with my progress got a second wind and some comments and nocked em out.

I hope the value went up, I may be ripping my combo out and throwing it in a coupe. That will in turn make my vert a calm daily driver again!

gmblack3a · 01-16-06, 10:45

Great Job!!

I spend some serious hours on the wifes BMW and still did not get the water spots all the way out. It looks alot better, but no where near as good as your Cobra came out.

theveed · 03-20-06, 12:54

Last pic... Awesome shot. Would've made a bigger impact if lights were on...

Great job.

ScubaStevo · 03-24-06, 04:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by theveed

Last pic... Awesome shot. Would've made a bigger impact if lights were on...

Great job.

Just the running lights, or something. His normal lights would make hte picture way to bright.

Great looking car though. Now paint the bumper.

MattZ28 · 03-24-06, 05:09

Very nice dude...you should post them on SFR in the detailing forum!

artikxscout · 07-30-06, 09:19

would you care to elaborate on what you did to take them out that you learned? I know for sure that the IP SHOULD take out scratches with the 2000 grit sandpaper, as i did them myself. But I have never used the PG before. You think you could have had the same results if you used the LC orange pad with the PG or was the Yellow Pad ncecessary. Was the problem that you were having not working in the product long enough? I had that problem when i first started with the Menzerna & PC, but after i added more pressure and bumped the speed to 6, everything worked out great.