Detroit Modern Muscle: 2010 Camaro 2SS by AutoLavish featuring Mark Kerckaert

[MarcHarris]

Cars less than a year old usually show minimal wear, but without a thorough new car prep, they can still have issues. Dealerships using their goons to "prep" new cars usually leave swirls, halograms, and of course; they always skip over must needed claying.

While we have 10+ cars still to post, we wanted to get this write-up out asap for multiple reasons: it`s an awesome ride (a 6.2liter v8 kicking out 426 hp and 420 ft/lbs stock helps), it`s "new" (we`d like to show how new cars can need love too!), and we had the chance to work with a great local photographer to truly capture the end result in a way that we could not.

We were introduced to this client after he had already seen some of our work. He had plans on getting it detailed properly to remove the light swirl marks already accumalating on the finish, and gave us a call to set up an appointment. Not much longer and we arrived ready to work.



First look: Clean? No doubt a well maintained vehicle that gets babied quite a bit. Once looking around further, we could see some of the areas we`d need to give a little more attention to.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02746.jpg



Every vehicle has it`s highs and lows. While this might only be less than a year old with less than 15,000 miles, it requires additional attention to detail to bring the rest of the car to a better-than-new state.

Exhaust tips:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02747.jpg



Wheel faces weren`t bad, but the wheel weights shouldn`t cause someone to frown on your upkeep, nor should wheel wells:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02748.jpg



Camaro badge with some gunky build-up:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02750.jpg



Plate removal



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02754.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02758.jpg



In the sun, it was clear to see why our services were requested



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02760.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02765.jpg



Even some light etching was present in some areas.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02769.jpg



Taking initial readings - even with a new car you never know if you may find something odd. Best to know prior to polishing and to alert the owner.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02777.jpg





Starting with the wheels, wheel wells, brakes:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02784.jpg



Wheel weights 50/50 - you can see the weights behind the spoke haven`t been touched yet



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02787.jpg



For a realitively "clean" wheel - you can see how much nasty stuff was agitated that eventually got rinsed free.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02794.jpg



Much cleaner!



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02820.jpg





Exhaust tips need love too!



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02880.jpg



After working on exhaust tips... Jacob`s hands need love too! (why it pays to remember to wear gloves!)



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02881.jpg





Initial foaming to loosen grime



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02822.jpg



Then rinsed:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02823.jpg



Followed by foam+wash



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02824.jpg



Rinsed off...



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02827.jpg



No beading!



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02828.jpg



Claying did yeild some nasty stuff that was stuck to the clear-coats. This is the norm for newer cars as they are often in huge parking lots for awhile waiting on shipping.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02839.jpg



Lower portions were particularly grimey



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02844.jpg



Only the best and highest quality microfiber drying towels were used to dry in addtion to our blower.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02850.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02852.jpg



Some tar specs got hit with bug and tar remover which quickly cleared-up the contamination



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02857.jpg

[MarcHarris]

After taping, we experimented with a half a dozen combinations until we could achieve the desired result:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02859.jpg



Other than the polishing dust specs, you can easily see the visual difference in finish of what has and has not been worked during the testing stage of polishing:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02864.jpg



Smearing polish prior to starting to avoid start-up splatter, you can still see the area that hasn`t been worked on :D



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02867.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02870.jpg



The four-suns of approval



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02875.jpg



Last step was 3M Ultrafina:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02879.jpg



Final Foam Showdown



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02883.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02885.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02887.jpg



What it must feel like to be a make-up artist for Halle Berry



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02888.jpg



Final rinse means special attention should be paid to ensure no polish residue is left behind.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02891.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02899.jpg



Sealant choice was simple: Menzerna Powerlock. Jacob works it on with a gold pad while I hit the wheel wells with Meg`s All Season Dressing



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02903.jpg



I applied Optimum tire shine while Jacob finished applying Aquapel to the windshield:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02904.jpg



Oh no!!! What`s that?!??!



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02906.jpg



...oh nothing... Just clean wheel weights :)



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02907.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02909.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02917.jpg



David (of StreetDreams Detailing) gave some quality in-depth reviews of this new sealant and I have to give it to him; I really like it so far. What blew me away was he was actually right: it`s so easy to use, you can use the blower to remove it!



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02921.jpg



High shine, very slick (not as much as BFWD), and less chance than most sealants to streak. A+ in our book so far, now to find out about durability.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02925.jpg



The owner with Jacob: "So you`re telling me you waxed the wheels?"



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02927.jpg



Yes... Opti-seal on the wheels, calipers, wheel barrels, and behind the spokes even.



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02945.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/jacobbunyan/2010%20Chevrolet%20Camaro%20SS%20Detail%20-%20April%202010/DSC02956.jpg

[MarcHarris]

A week later, we were lucky enough to have Mark Kerckaert come out and do a quick photoshoot. We take pride in all aspecs of our work, to include doing our own photography work, but sometimes leaving things to a professional has it`s advantages. The skill, dedication, equipment, and passion for photography allows for pro`s to do what they do best.



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4528135452_7a2468a415_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4528138146_e07fec2efb_b.jpg






I was contacted by AutoLavish to shoot this beautiful Camaro SS. I`ve been wanting to photograph more of the muscle car side in the automotive industry so this was the perfect opportunity. I was told it was a black car so I decided to shoot earlier in the day, using my circular polarizer to help really bring out those reflections.



We went to a couple local locations to shoot this car. I took roughly 500 photos but I`m very picky when it comes to which I use. I will let the photos do the talking!



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4536133297_ab52440842_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4536784894_7063ed1b0e_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4527494621_3bff905c90_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4536142209_495aa14a51_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4528143970_314799db23_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4528129952_57728016e5_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4536139637_6b6a81b97b_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4528129164_536968b5d2_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4527488085_5386c375df_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4536147633_718beee8be_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4527510073_0e7a34ef81_b.jpg







More of Mark`s work can be seen on his flickr: Flickr: markkerckaert`s Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/avengermark)




I am looking to diversify my portfolio and though I`m located in the metro Detroit area, I`m willing to travel. If anyone is interested in having a photoshoot, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact me!





Thanks for taking a look, and special thanks to our guest photographer Mark, who helped bring the best out of this modern muscle car.



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4528125752_5931e08ca0_b.jpg

[MrCLRider]

Holy crap! I think GM needs to use those pictures from Mark for their ads, absolutely amazing! You went above and beyond on bringing that car back!

[Leadfootluke]

Awesome work Marc and team. I would love to meet you guys on a trip to the east side of the state to see the true artists in person.



Keep up the good work!

[D Tailor]

You guys are funny! LOL! You also do awesome work!! thanks for sharing guys.

[Tuck91]

Awesome job guys.

[Shane731]

Wow oh wow! Absolutely gorgeous! :2thumbs:

[Hotel Guy]

This is my dad`s car! He told me you guys did an amazing job and it sure looks like it... I love the professional shots too.

[RaskyR1]

Awesome work guys! Very detailed and entertaining write up!





Love the pics too! makes me want to go out and buy a Camaro now! :D

[Pats300zx]

Awesome job. The pictures are amazing. What polishes did you guys end up using?

[a_guerrajr]

dayum that paint was rough.



very good work fellas.



tag-team seems like a good idea.



how long did you guys take?

[ShineTech]

That was a great write up and the photos look awesome. Nice work fellas!

[Apollo_Auto]

Enjoyed that one, you guys are rockin` like Dokken! I love it when the customer is awed with the "you did what?" look on their face... Nice work guys!

[imported_JoshVette]

excellent work, very nicely finished.



That last pic is insane, I love it.



Josh