2007 RL Perfected - Nighthawk Black

[OCDinPDX]

This `07 Nighthawk Black Pearl Acura RL belongs to my dad and he has owned since new. It doesn`t get used much except for commuting so there are only 33,000 miles on it. I`ve polished it before using the random orbital so it was not all that bad to begin with so there are no before photos. There was, however, room for improvement and I was itching to break out my Makita and work some magic. :rockon

Process

Wash with Griot`s Car Wash & Microfiber Wash Pad
Dry with MF WW Towels
Clay with Griot`s Clay and Speed Shine as lubricant

Makita 9227C
Lake Country 3" and 6" backing plates
LC Orange for hard water spots on the roof
LC Green for rest of body
LC White and Black for finishing down
Menzerna SIP
Menzerna Super Finish (106FA)
Menzerna Micro Polish (PO85RD)
IPA Wipedown

Re-wash after polishing
One coat of Blackfire Wet Diamond applied by hand - Cured for 1 hour
Au natural look on the engine (no dressing)
Griot`s Tire Dressing
Vacuum out interior and fitted carpeted floor mats

Spent about 15 hours on it, spread over three days...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5469.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5466.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5464.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5467.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5471.jpg

I absolutely :love: this shot!
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5474.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5468.jpg

Somebody told me the halos in these photos are indicative of moisture in the upper atmosphere.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5465.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5470.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5475.jpg

I went au natural on the engine bay.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5472.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5473.jpg

For some reason, the RL`s Nighthawk Black doesn`t have as much flake as the rest of the Acura/Honda line. I believe it has to do with the aluminum body panels requiring a different paint formula but have yet to have anybody confirm or deny that this is the case. Anyway, this is the best flake shot I could get.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/Detailing%20How-To/IMG_5476.jpg

Thanks for looking! :bigups

[tuscarora dave]

Wow!! That looks incredable!! Especially being done with the rotary only. Great job!!

[termigator]

Looking good. Car looks brand new. Honda`s NB Pearl is one of my favorite colors. Great job!

[Calogero]

Rotary only eh?

Great job.

I have never used rotary only on a job. Always go down to the DA as a final polish.

Great work.

I`m with you on the engine bay. Don`t always like an overly shine to it. Looks good.

[G.T.Subie]

Looks great!!!

Wish I could get my black car to look that good. I may need to step up from the PC.

[OCDinPDX]

Thanks, guys. I`m VERY happy with how it turned out.

I might have gone to my Griot`s random orbital for finishing but it`s completely bit the dust. It won`t hold a steady speed (the dial has no effect on speed anymore) and is having some serious problems. I have no room to be mad...I paid $115 for it brand new in 2008 and I think I more than got my money`s worth out of it. Eventually I probably pick up a PC for just in case.

[black bart]

That looks awesome I love Black it is so rewarding when detailed right. :bigups

[tmacsad]

Looking good :bigups

[mrclean81]

I`m a rotary only guy myself and love to see results like this from them. Outstanding work with it.