Bella Macchina Perfection on a 1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster

[fergnation]

The car looks awesome, but this is no suprise. The two of you just do some completely sick work. Seriously, I can't tell you how much your work pisses me off. Thanks to the two of you, I continually find myself going back over certain aspects of details, knowing that you guys wouldn't let it go. I have honestly cussed your name a couple of times while I go over a panel for the third time or am laying on the ground trying to get to that spot that no one would ever see. But there is no way I could let these small details pass after seeing the work you two do. All of us profesional detailers believe we are the best, but you sure do make me question that.

One question though. What is up with the #7. It has been used in your last couple of details. Also, are you changing away from the Zaino products?

[TH0001]

Originally Posted by tom p.

I'm glad to see he's wearing gloves when using the RO.

How did you feel about the leather when it was all done?

Awesome fotos, awesome job

The leather felt great IMO. Soft and supple, I wanted to snuggle against and carress it, but the owner probably would not have felt comfortable.

[TH0001]

Originally Posted by EisenHulk

That is simply ridiculous!

That is as close to perfect as you can get.

Thank you Eisen Hulk!

Originally Posted by karburn

I am thinking of upgrading the lense anyways, does it make a big difference? -

For me it made a big difference. That VR feature makes it easier to drag the shutter a little w/o the blurring. In truth, this lens is way too good for my D70 - it would probably perform better on the D300 or the D80. BUT...the $850 price tag for the lens alone is pretty steep. I am thinking seriously of getting a smaller point-n-shoot unit like the Coolpix P5100 for those times I don't want to carry the big camera bag around.

Besides, with your typical subject matter, it's hard to take a bad picture.

Thanks Karburn, you just cost me 850 dollars

Originally Posted by Got_Leather

I was wondering when a 4inch wool pad would be available. Great job on the detail once again.


DJ

Thanks DJ. Autogeek has them and I love them!

Originally Posted by zoomzoom mazda5

Totally perfect the both of you have done to a fine piece of art! Puro Bella!!!!!!!You got to give Brian some of those small wools pad so i can try them out someday! Always looking up to the both of my amigo's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.........Angelo

Thanks Angelo! I will be in Tampa on the 30th-2nd doing a huge concours detail on a vintage Ferrari. Come check it out then!

Originally Posted by tdekany

Another excellent finish!!!!!!

Red is beautiful when mint.

Thanks Thomas!

Originally Posted by baseballlover1

AMAZING JOBBBBBB! Todd you always do amazing work! Hey did you by any chance document the Enzo Or carrera GT? I REALLY want to see a write up of those. or how bout the f40 i saw you worked on. I need my ferrari fix again todd! Btw im guna call you soon about the beetle im working on.

I didn't bring my camera for the GT. I did take some pictures of the Enzo, but there was a lot of work to be done. I have done 2 or 3 threads on F40's, but I can do another (I have two more to add). I'm just not motivated to do click and brags anymore.

Originally Posted by G35stilez

Todd: Truly about as good as it gets. I commend you.

You two are truly inspirational in the work you do. The fact that a customer is willing to shell out countless dollars for perfection, pay you for it, then you guys hit a grand slam.

I do have a couple questions for you:

- You used 3 different metal polishes for interior, exterior, and engine - why?
- What type of washing media do you use (sheepskin, sponge, schmitt, chenille)?
- I see you using #7 and while the difference is in the prep, why not shoot for something like Clearkote RMG, which is light years easier to use and looks great?


Again, phenomenal work.

Thanks Sean.

1) No reason
2) Sheepskin or grout sponges
3) I like both, but prefer RMG by machine and #7 by hand. After a long day of polishing and holding a machine, I usually go by hand. I personally love #7 and think it among the best glazes out there.

Originally Posted by charlesaferg

Found it! Thanks!

Specifically, it's a 3.5".
Foamed Wool 3.5 inch Buffing/Polishing Pad, spot polish with Lake Country Foamed Wool Pad, wool buffing pad, small wool pad
What backing plate do you use with that? Mine doesn't seem suitable, nor does this one from autogeek...
2-3/4 Hook & Loop Backing Plate

Also, explain what you mean by, "Custom cut into hand applicator?"

I cut some foam pads with foam sheers into custom hand applicatiors and ran a strap across the back. Works nice.

Originally Posted by P1et

Stunning work, hard to beat it!

Thanks P1et!

Originally Posted by MotorCity

Superb work as always Todd & Brian...

Originally Posted by fishbonezken

thanks for answering my questions

Thanks for asking them and compliments!

Originally Posted by baseballlover1

I belive that that is suitable. I use something that looks exactly like the pic but i thought mine was 3 3/4 in. I guess not. It works great!

Agreed

Originally Posted by autobahnshine

Beautiful write up, beautiful detail... Bella Macchina has come a long way since the first thread, that's for sure! A great marketing strategy, and great people to talk to on the forums, with loads of information to share to the other beginers. What could be better?
I really enjoy seeing this level of detailing. I like the 'look' of Bella Macchina, and the standard of quality they hold to themselves. Way to go guys, keep it up!! By the way Todd, are you planning on pursuring a different career in the future (medicine?)?

I would love to see pictures of the custom applicators...

I will get pictures. I finished pre-med so now I have two degrees, but I am enjoying being a car washer. I really have no idea what the future holds, it is nice to have something to fall back on. Now I just need to work on my spelling.

Originally Posted by DaGonz

Absolutely incredible!!!

Thanks Gonz!

Originally Posted by drew.haynes

Nice job. And yeah, I was noticing those three little triangle-formation specks of sensor dust also.. like a little poke in the eye on some of those pictures. lol.

Thanks, sorry about the dust.

Originally Posted by gmblack3a

Perfection at it's finest!

Thanks Bryan!

Originally Posted by charlesaferg

Is that your home? It's beautiful!
Is this your main occupation?

Also, figured I'd repeat my inquiry regarding hand polishing the louvers, the "custom cut to fit" applicators.

No not my home, I don't charge that much. Louvers recieved hand polishing (same as the buckets).

Originally Posted by dmw2692004

amazing detail. as usual. great work.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by rydawg

Amazing job Todd and Brian!

That is one hell of a collector piece.

One hell of a cool car as well, thanks Ryan!

Originally Posted by charlesaferg

This was in the hangar of the Malibu Piper I detailed a little more than a month ago...

Look familiar?
I didn't get a chance to really look it over, but the owner of the aircraft told me that the owner of that car is seriously interested in getting it detailed.
One big question for you guys, what type of paint do these cars have from the factory? CC? SS? Hard, soft? I'll figure it out on my own, but any feedback would be helpful to know before meeting with the client.
Heck, I could go to the hangar now if I wanted to.
Anyways, let me know guys.

Again, that red jag is a sight, people look up to such perfection. You're a role model to be admired and a great teacher as well.

Thanks. Car was repainted, so I don't know how the orginal paint is. Should be a fun car to do!

Originally Posted by Moutee

Your work goes beyond what I ever imagined a detail could be. Bella Machina sets the standard, bar none, and from this point on it's nowhere else but up for you as your techniques improve. Hats off to the two of you, Todd and Brian; your knack for perfection is beyond compare.

- Marc

Thanks Marc!

Originally Posted by simracer

Awesome job, great pics and the Jag E-type is sex on wheels.

Just wish he could lose those bumper extensions. They detract from the otherwise beautiful lines.

I have another XKE lined up (dark blue) with out the extensions, should be awesome!

Originally Posted by Petrucci_M3

Simply AMAZING work guys. WOW!

Truely masters at their work.

Thanks Petrucci!

Originally Posted by maesal

Wow, congratulations, amazing work as always

Thanks Maesal

Originally Posted by RickRack

Todd & Bryan,

Your work is absolutely amazing!!

The pictures look great too!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by jpochile

WoW Scott what a super detail . That red paint really looks out of this world . Had a girlfriend back in college that had a type E V12 1974 that was a dream to drive but not very friendly to the gas pump . Back on those days in college money was never easy to come by .


Cheers , Jean Paul

Thanks Jean Paul.

Originally Posted by Raz5219

Fantastic work! The E-Type is one of my favorite cars of all time! I'd love to have the priviledge of owning one someday.

I would love to have the priveledge of detailing it for you

Originally Posted by fergnation

The car looks awesome, but this is no suprise. The two of you just do some completely sick work. Seriously, I can't tell you how much your work pisses me off. Thanks to the two of you, I continually find myself going back over certain aspects of details, knowing that you guys wouldn't let it go. I have honestly cussed your name a couple of times while I go over a panel for the third time or am laying on the ground trying to get to that spot that no one would ever see. But there is no way I could let these small details pass after seeing the work you two do. All of us profesional detailers believe we are the best, but you sure do make me question that.

One question though. What is up with the #7. It has been used in your last couple of details. Also, are you changing away from the Zaino products?

Thanks ferg and sorry about the OCD I am causing you (I have it too, trust me). I have only posted a small handful of the cars I have been doing, which 80% get Zaino. I still love Zaino, but I do have clients that prefer carnauba wax so I enjoy using that as well.

[baseballlover1]

Originally Posted by TH0001

I didn't bring my camera for the GT. I did take some pictures of the Enzo, but there was a lot of work to be done. I have done 2 or 3 threads on F40's, but I can do another (I have two more to add). I'm just not motivated to do click and brags anymore.
.

Its all good, i can understand why you feel that way. Your details just re inspire me every time i see them. See ya man. Hope your staying busy (but not too busy).
,Daniel

[zoomzoom mazda5]

Todd call me when you get in town, i can come by on the 1st all day to help you guys out..............Angelo..........

[MakitaNinja]

That is just rediculottomous!


I just made a word up after seeing your work.


How many of you guys are there? Is there a convoy of work vans that leave the wharehouse or is it a smaller organazation?


Work like this deserves it's own magazine, you should call Oprah.

[TH0001]

Originally Posted by MakitaNinja

That is just rediculottomous!


I just made a word up after seeing your work.


How many of you guys are there? Is there a convoy of work vans that leave the wharehouse or is it a smaller organazation?


Work like this deserves it's own magazine, you should call Oprah.

LOL. Bella Macchina is two guys, myself and Brian Brice who operates my company in Tampa, Bella Macchina- Gulf Coast Perfection. We try to do as much work together as possible, and are looking at opening a shop in South Florida.

No work vans, just two people who strive for perfection. We actually where in a magazine (detailersdigest) as the cover story, but thank you for making up a word for me!

[Pats300zx]

you should call Oprah.

Yeah...I can see Todd and Brian jumping up on her couch like Tom Cruise

[Scottwax]

Nice work as always, the paint has an incredible richness.

One of my all time favorite cars too, we had a neighbor when I lived in Scottsdale (AZ) who had one.

[joyriiide1113]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Nice work as always, the paint has an incredible richness.

One of my all time favorite cars too, we had a neighbor when I lived in Scottsdale (AZ) who had one.

I thought you were born and raised in TEXAS!

[Afinn4]

three words; what a car! great job

[baseballlover1]

DId you polish the vents on the hood by hand? Did you go 105 then 1z ip then scratch x? or did you use a 4 inch?