Mercedes E350, Porsche 928, Shelby GT

Scottwax · 07-28-09, 09:16

Got a call from a coworker of a customer of mine (the black C5 Corvette and black Porsche Cayenne S I posted last fall) who just bought a low mileage Mercedes E350 from CarMax. He said he wanted the buffer "lines" removed. Based on previous cars I have done after CarMax has got their hands on them and some I've seen posted here, I knew it would be a long day. He also wanted the interior cleaned, said they didn't do a good job on that either.

Lovely weather, not a cloud in the sky and about 105 for the high, did all the polishing in the full sun.

As expected, it wasn't pretty:

Since the paint was PPG Ceramiclear (C paint code), I thought I'd have to go pretty hard into the paint. However, I always like to start somewhere in the middle before I go right to a compound. Meguiars #205 using a yellow Meguiars polishing pad at 1400-1600 rpms (finishing under light pressure at 1000 rpms) really did a great job, not only on the holograms but the light to moderate spider swirls. In a few areas I had to use a compound, I tried a sample from a company that probably won't release what I used (some dusting issues) but it did do a number on the deeper swirls. I then used 3M Ultrafina with the blue Ultrafina pad at 1000-1800-1000 rpms. I then went to grab lunch and let the sun bake out any oils that might have been left behind.

This was after using the test compound (mostly on the hood) and #205 only.

I took these after polishing (compound, #205, UF) and letting the car sit in the sun and before I waxed it.

I then pulled the car into the shade to apply and remove Clearkote's Carnauba Moose Wax and clean the glass with Quikshine.

Final shots:

Scottwax · 07-28-09, 09:26

1989 Porsche 928. Former autopia member referred this customer to me (through rennlist, I believe). Overall it was in decent shape, had some surface oxidation but otherwise looked well cared for.

Miserable working conditions, rained overnight and during the detail (for an hour or so), then the sun came out. Combined with no wind and temperatures that reached the low 90s with humidity nearly as high, it was all I could do to not drip sweat on the car when I was working on it. Changed my shirt 4 times, would have changed my shorts and underwear too if I had brought extra. My shirts were not simply damp with sweat but absolutely SOAKED!

Anyway, back to the detail. The owner is selling this car so he didn't want me to go too nuts on it, said to save it for his 997 Carrera he also wants done. I did a couple test sections with Meguiars #205 with a yellow Meguiars polishing pad via G110 and it did an amazing job on the oxidation.

I had the car in the garage while polishing because it was raining so this isn't the best lighting for a before and after.

Before

After

I followed #205 with a coat of Carnauba Moose, really turned out deep and wet for just two steps.

Scottwax · 07-28-09, 09:31

2008 Shelby Mustang. Owner contacted me through a message board we both post on. Basically he was looking to improve the gloss and add some protection, not necessarily make the car 100% flaw free. Same steps as the 928, #205/Meg's yellow via G110 and Carnauba Moose. The placement of the car for the pictures wasn't ideal but the owner had someplace to be and really didn't have time to move the car into a better spot.

jswhitley · 07-28-09, 10:10

lookin good man!

TheMethod · 07-29-09, 07:25

Great work in the sun on the Benz, I'd be afraid working in direct sun on a hot day like that.

jordanrossbell · 07-29-09, 08:06

Great work scott, 205 sure seems like a winner.

Accumulator · 07-29-09, 08:55

[Insert usual

regading Scottwax's work here...]

Scottwax- Hey, that's a cool paint on the Benz! Interesting that the M205 was sufficient, especially with that pad.

That 928 sure turned out nice for a one-step! Can't beat quality single stage, huh? It looks nice with those later-model wheels on it, hope he finds a buyer who'll take good care of it.

maxepr1 · 07-29-09, 09:44

Scottwax nice work!! Isn't the weather great!! I ask myself, "Why did I move down here?" Nice work again!

Bigpoppa3346 · 07-29-09, 10:20

Beautiful work as always.

I love that 928, you don't see too many of those around any more.

bigfoot · 07-29-09, 11:18

The awesomeness!

Scottwax · 07-29-09, 03:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

[Insert usual

regading Scottwax's work here...]

Scottwax- Hey, that's a cool paint on the Benz! Interesting that the M205 was sufficient, especially with that pad.

That 928 sure turned out nice for a one-step! Can't beat quality single stage, huh? It looks nice with those later-model wheels on it, hope he finds a buyer who'll take good care of it.

I was suprised with how well #205 worked as well. I do feel the heat has something to do with it though.

The 928 was not as deeply oxidized as I had feared. Claying was actually removing some of the oxidation. Plus, that guard's red paint is absolutely stunning once you polish it out.

bufferbarry · 07-29-09, 05:21

Scott very nice work on all the cars. I admire work and respect your attitude for the business. In all honesty I don't know how you polish in that direct sun and humidity. excellant work. That prosche looked killer!