1995 Black Civic returns from the grave by Got Leather

Got_Leather · 03-01-09, 12:35

Been a while since I was able to post but I have been slammed with work and my regular customers so haven't had alot of time to share what I have been doing. Well this is a 1995 Honda Civic that was covered in white road paint, heavy swirls and extremely deep scratches. This is a project car and there are still a few things that need to be taken care of (some trim, needs new hood, etc) but overall the paint looks really good now and shows its potential. Under all the grime, defects and everything else this car has seen with its 225,000 miles on the BODY, once sanded and polished this car's paint revealed an awesome finish where the flakes popped and really stood out. I never knew this paint would look so good when complete, until I read the paint code

This car is a k20z1 motor swap and has nearly 230whp Naturally aspirated out of 2.0 liters.

Thanks and enjoy...

Process Was:

Wash with a gentle dilution of degreaser and car soap to really loosen all dirt, grime, etc that has sat on the car. Pulled inside the shop and did a DAWN wash to remove anything remaining. ( I do the same way as an ONR wash)

Clay
3M 1500 Grit Wetordry Sand Paper
Meguiars Unigrit 3000 Sand Paper
Hi-Temp Extreme Cut via PFW @ 1700 RPM's
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish via white pad @ 1500 RPM's
Meguiars #80 via black pad @ 1200-1400-900 RPM's
Chemical Guyz EZ Creme Glaze via black pad on PC @ speed 6
Clearkote Caranuba Moose via red pad on PC @ speed 4

Started out with the trunk lid to see what it would take to to restore this paint. Under first inspection this is what I came across.

A little closer look at what I had to work work.

There was no clarity and no pop to this paint at all.

Did some sanding and polished it out and this is what I got. The other scratches were too deep and 1500 grit sand barely touched them.

A little closer look.

All paint was measured before, during and after for safety reasons.

Let's see what we have here. You can go from THIS..

Then Get THIS..

and end up with THIS..

Another rough area. Here you can see the thousands of white specs of road paint that have sat for years.

Got_Leather · 03-01-09, 12:36

During the sanding I polished an area to make sure the process I was using was correct.

Another 50/50

Majority of the driver side sanded.

Took the car outside to power wash and remove some dust and polish residue from the car.

Here are the ever waited afters. Still a few area we needed to wipe down and give some attention to but the sun was perfect and we needed some pictures before I had to leave.

The clarity that you get from sanding and polishing is truly amazing.

Got_Leather · 03-01-09, 12:37

Thanks for looking,
DJ @ Reflections Detailing

Apollo_Auto · 03-01-09, 12:52

Now that my friend, is what I call an awesome save!

bsibold96 · 03-01-09, 12:52

what a transformation.... I love it.

TSC17 · 03-01-09, 12:55

Nice save DJ. Great job...

shine · 03-01-09, 02:48

Great recovery!

Sludge · 03-01-09, 02:59

First class work. I love a great turnaround. Look forward to more of your terrific posts.

dsms · 03-01-09, 03:00

Some great 50/50 and very impressive correction work. Cars like this make me feel the need to buy airsanders, I couldnt do all that by hand

Cleaning Fool · 03-01-09, 03:26

Can I get an amen Brothers! Killer work DJ! Lazarus, come forth!

AcuraYYZ · 03-01-09, 03:48

The car looks amazing! What a save. I just don't understand how the sanding doesn't permanently damage the finish. When It think sanding I think of removing clear/paint.

civicgeek133 · 03-01-09, 03:53

Big turn around! Was that your boys civic you had down when you did my car? Looks good mang!