2008 Porsche Turbo Cabrio - Paint Perfection & Protection

David Fermani · 12-29-07, 10:58

Today I had the privilege of working on this brand new 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet that the owner custom ordered in Blood Orange. This car is actually the 1st one of its kind/color to be shipped to the US. According to the owner, this vehicle was ordered with a substantial amount of options and is equipped with almost 500HP and costs almost $175,000. I recommended that the owner insist to the dealership to not prep the car to insure that no silicones or waxes would interfere with the paint preparation process. The paint finish is very nice and had little, to no, orange peel (ironic for this color). There were a few defects that really stuck out though. I noticed there were really deep compounding swirls on both bumpers and mirrors as well as the rear spoiler in addition to tiny swirls throughout (probably from the remove the transit wrap off it). These trim pieces are hand painted off-site by Porsche suppliers and unfortunately were not final finished/polished properly. After polishing, sealing & waxing this car for over 8 hours, the finish was 100% defect free (perfect) and was extremely deep & wet.

Here’s some pictures of the car the day it was delivered to the dealership (Champion Porsche – Pompano Beach, FL).

Although the dealer followed the order not wax it, they still managed to douse the tires with tons of greasy dressing that slung all over the sides of the car.

PROCESS / PRODUCTS:

I hand washed the exterior with Meguiars #00 car wash soap via a brand new HD grout sponge. Water beaded rather nicely on the paint as well as on the fabric cabrio top.

After washing and rinsing, I used Auto Magic Blue Clay Magic on all the painted surfaces and glass. After that, I carefully felt the entire surface by hand with a small sheet of cellophane. This allows any contamination roughness to be magnified and felt, so that I could inspect and re-clay that area again to insure a perfectly smooth and contaminant free surface prior to polishing. One of the biggest reasons I love using AM blue Clay Magic is the fact that it cleans thoroughly and does not mar the finish (even on Porsche soft clear!). Kneading constantly is the key too. Total time washing & claying was approximately 2 hours.

Here’s some shots of the compounding haze and micro swirls prior to buffing:

Any exposed trim was taped off and covered to avoid unnecessary splatter and rubbing. I also removed the license plate for buffing and protecting.

David Fermani · 12-29-07, 11:00

After wiping down all the paint with 50/50 IA, I used Menzerna 106ff with a green Edge foam pad on the trim that had compounding haze. On the rest I tried Menzerna 85RD. At 1st I tried a LC black foam CCS pad and then stepped up to the green EDGE, but was not impressed with the depth of the finish and felt there was room for much more improvement. I then stepped up to 106ff with the green EDGE pad and bingo – big difference! I then pulled it outside for wipe down and inspected/confirmed that the finish was ready for sealing.

All the paint & wheels received 1 medium coat of 1Z Einszett Glanz Sealant Wax. I applied this product to ¼ of the vehicle at a time and then wiped it off. After that I pulled the vehicle outside into the sun to speed up the cross-linking of the polymers. This process would have taken a little longer because of the garage I was working in was Air Conditioned!

I then brought her back inside and applied 2 coats of chilled Zymol Carbon to all the surfaces (jambs/wheels/interior carbon fiber) again. Each coat brought out a deeper and wetter looking finish after the sealant. Plus, I love the smell!

AFTERS:

Grouse · 12-29-07, 11:11

That my friend is my next car but not in cab. I am going for the hard top. Fantastic work David.

David Fermani · 12-29-07, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grouse

That my friend is my next car but not in cab. I am going for the hard top. Fantastic work David.

Thanks. I owe it all to you.

Grouse · 12-29-07, 11:16

lol hardly, I love orange. all my tools are taped orange, my logo has orange in it, my son even inherited my love or orange. I will show him the pics tomorrow and see if he approves of the orange car.