Black Jaguar XK-R Why not to let the dealer wash/detail your vehicle

[Nth Degree]

This customer contacted me after having his 2007 Jaguar XK-R in to the dealership for service.` The dealership performed a complimentary wash.` I don’t know what the paint looked like before the wash but this is what I saw.


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1741_zpse9c0f6a7.jpg


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The long, straight scratches that flank the camera in the reflection are evidence of washing with a brush.` The entire car had similar marring.` The dealership accepted responsibility for the damage.` The customer told me the service manager said “To be honest, all our black cars look like that.�` I can confirm this fact since I took a good look at the vehicles in the dealership showroom and found similar marring.` The sad thing is this is a dealer that deals in $100k+ vehicles.` Their detailer took a stab at fixing it.` I later learned his “fixing it� consisted of claying and waxing it.` I was rather surprised to learn that, out of nearly 20 dealerships in the area under the same ownership that their detailer didn’t have any clue how to deal with this issue.` This is an important point to keep in mind when purchasing a new vehicle.` DON’T LET THEM TOUCH IT!`


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Here is another indicator of the poor quality of the dealership detailing:`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1755_zpse12d5103.jpg


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Greasy tire dressings may look good when first applied but they attract and hold dirt… until it slings up onto the side of your car.


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1757_zps0324bc5a.jpg


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In this case the dealership paid for the work to correct the paint.` When I went to the dealership to pick up the check I met with the service manager.` He was very appreciative that I was able to make the customer happy and was open-minded to making some adjustments to their wash methods.` After observing their process (my suspicion was confirmed that they are using a brush on a broom handle, one bucket method, starting at the bottom and working up then using a 12�x12� chamois to dry the entire vehicle.) `I made some suggestions and offered further training to their staff should they be interested.


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This car is 7+ years old and the current owner has had it for about a year.` Once it was washed and inside I was able to get a good look at it.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1760_zpsda98a59f.jpg


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Once again the pattern of the scratches are long straight lines and turned out to be quite deep.` For comparison here is a picture of another black car that has wash induced marring in the typical circular pattern.


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Black%20ZR_1/93BlkZR-127-1.jpg


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A test 50/50.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1766_zpsbf37312b.jpg


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Ultimately M101 on a 5.5� orange LC pad got the job done but was a little slower than I wanted.` To speed things along I used a 5.5� yellow LC pad on a Makita 9227c on the flat, open spaces, then did the final couple passes with the orange pad on a GG6.` This helped to see better to make sure I got the desired correction and not camouflaged them.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1778_zpsd2148896.jpg


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For the tighter areas and concave curves I used a 4� orange LC pad on a PC7424.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1776_zps2a9c4eee.jpg


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The car was not without its issues.` Front bumper and rocker panels had heavy road rash and the left fender had some sort of chemical splatter that etched and altered the paint.` Possibly transmission or power steering fluid.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1784_zps92d8abb2.jpg


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Also some evidence of a wool pad on rotary finishing work.


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Several before and afters (compound only):


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1767_zpsf6d71d93.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1769_zps328c60cf.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1770_zps264fd615.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1819_zps3bda95fc.jpg


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More of the straight line marring.


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1781_zpsa997f431.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1783_zps09121f23.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1792_zps4ca9a7ab.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1794_zps34dc91ad.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1795_zps143dd6b9.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1796_zps4b0478c5.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1790_zps85ddc4b4.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1791_zps5f0e93a0.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1803_zpsb666f006.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1804_zpsa1f78488.jpg

[Nth Degree]

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1806_zps6cbff1eb.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1807_zpsc2986c9c.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1808_zps42d88e17.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1809_zps9797c998.jpg


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No correction Is complete without the taillights being corrected as well.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1810_zpsafb1b26d.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1812_zps9cac83a5.jpg


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The wheels were not too dirty.` I presume they were cleaned prior to the purchase about a year ago.` Cleaned with Eagle1 AtoZ wheel cleaner diluted 1:1.` On close inspection the clear coat is failing in areas and they will need to be refinished within the next few years.`


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1875_zps8564e8c7.jpg


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Some afters:


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1821_zps7fde736a.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1842_zps8915de1e.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1831_zps8a904946.jpg


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The owner having a drink and enjoying his beautiful car.


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1850_zps800d2ebd.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1865_zpsb39061dc.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1884_zps56bebfa6.jpg


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Jaguar%20XK-R%20Black/DSCN1897_zps804e54bd.jpg


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Prior to this detail I had someone locally contact me through a forum looking for an opportunity to shadow and learn a little.` He said he has a passion and wanted to learn more; primarily polishing/correction.` I had a perfect opportunity with a trashed vehicle that I was able to let him get some hands on experience with.` It just happened to be the day this Jaguar was brought by for an estimate.` He expressed interest in watching the full process of this detail.` While he didn’t stay for the entire process he did see all the steps, from initial inspection to final delivery.` As someone who reads the forums and knows more than the average person I think he still learned a lot and had an eye opening experienc.` I hope he will post his thoughts and observations as I think he might provide good insight to those looking to attempt their first correction.`


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Thanks for looking


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http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x471/nthdegreenc/Logocar6cardrbg.jpg (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/nthdegreenc/media/Logocar6cardrbg.jpg.html)

[Scottwax]

Nice job correcting the paint! Hopefully the dealer takes to heart what you told them...but I wouldn`t hold my breath waiting for them to implement any changes.

[Dellinger]

Awesome job, Mr. Chandler!


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High-five, fist bump, hand clap... whatever the `cool` thing is to do these days... you get one from me!


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-Gabe

[IHA Mark]

Great turn around!

[DaGonz]

The dealer hammered that car... nice work bringing it back to where it should be!

[imported_madwax]

The Stealership does it again...great job on the turnaround. `Looks like a different car.

[Woob]

Woohoo.

[BMW Man]

Hello. This is my first post on this forum. I like to read and watch videos on detailing to learn the actual process. I am the guy whom Chris is referring to in his post about someone contacting him to watch a full correction. Let me first say that Chris is an excellent detailer,teacher and overall a nice person.Not only did he agree to teach me some hands on things,he invited me to his home and to one of his clients homes to watch the Jaguar correction. I know I slowed him down with some questions,but he still answered and helped me.Thank you again Chris!http://www.detailcity.org/forums/images/smilies/yourock.gif

I learned a wealth of info and tips from watching Chris work and the hands on experience I got.It`s one thing to watch a video but seeing the actual steps in person,allows you to see and learn things a camera can`t pick up.

I learned the importance of a paint thickness gauge,the test spot,when and where to use different tool and techniques,and not to chase after every single scratch etc. I also learned how passionate one must be AND in shape to be able to do this.I think I have what it takes. I would recommend that anyone doing their first correction to find a good,experienced detailer to shadow and get some hands on experience and tips.

Taking what I learned over the years on detailing forums and my experience with Chris,I planned to do a full paint correction on my personal car very soon.This was going to be my test mule.Unfortunately,while on a road trip this week,I fell asleep behind the wheel at 75mph and ran my BMW down an embankmenthttp://www.detailcity.org/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif Hopefully it isn`t totaled and I will get to do a correction on it.

Anywho,nice work on the Jag Chris! You did an excellent job and the car looked even better in person!

[Jake11375]

Excellent work! Wow, what a transformation!

[Nth Degree]

Thanks everyone.


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Nice job correcting the paint! Hopefully the dealer takes to heart what you told them...but I wouldn`t hold my breath waiting for them to implement any changes.



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I`m not holding my breath either. `If they just implement a 2nd bucket for rinsing and start at the top and work down they could reduce a lot of damage. `I will just never understand why a dealership that deals in $80k-$120k cars will pinch pennies when it comes to washing. `Even if customers aren`t complaining their cars will look that much better than all the other dealerships around and sales could increase as a result. `They shelled out $600 for this fix that could have been prevented by simply properly training the staff and spending ~$50 on better materials.

[David Fermani]

Wonderful job not only on the car, but also teaching the gospel of detailing!`

[spoocobra]

Great job on the car, but also helping others to learn from you.

[I'm_ILL]

Great work and great teaching!