Todays detail, 04 GMC Z71

**a.k.a. Patrick** · 08-04-2007, 12:58 AM

I had my hands full today, and my buddy was right when he said "rest up, its a challenge".

He told me via email it had some water spotting which didnt budge with his PC and Optimum Polish (not unusual, OP is much too gentle for that).

When I arrived, I was greated by his housemaid with such hospitality, I was actually startled. This was my first trip to his place which sits back in a secluded valley. Beautiful home sitting atop a hillside with a gorgeous view. 4 car garage, tons a room to work in when his cycles and ZO6 and Turbo Carrera arent occupying it. Those are his weekend fun toys, the truck is the workhorse, and the FJC is his daily cruiser.

SO that leaves the poor ol truck exposed to the elements when not in use. The first pic is AFTER the wash.

I immediately knew I wasnt going to get this with a 6.5" pad, in very short order. So I started with "short order" right off the bat. 4" at a time. I went with a 4" yellow pad, 3.5" BP with the UDM, on about 5 for the majority of the time. I used Four Star Body Shop MC to start with, until I got comfortable with pad size, speed setting, technique and product. Then I played around with Optimum Compound which worked nearly equally as well, just a little slower. Then I tried Formula One Polish, which to my utter surprise worked very well for a "can do all" polish. Its not as lubricating as the other two, and loaded up the pad a little, but it did manage to cut through the mineral deposits pretty good. Course this was my first time using it also, so allow a little for user error.

Heres a progress shot with FS BSMC. Notice the areas at the top of both pics have been successfully cleaned of water spots. This by far, has been my most challenging H2O issue to date.

The glass on the shell was covered in water spots as well as about 75% of the truck, including front chrome peices, rear chrome bumper. I cleaned those areas with Perfecar Chrome cleaner which did a great job, both by hand and with the 4" yellow pad/UDM combo.

Heres a shot or that above panel all polished out. I completed the truck a second time with FS BSSMR, and an old Green P2 pad.

Sealed it up with FS UPP (Of course!)

Shell got a light polish with that Formula One, Orange pad, then sealed with DG 105.

6 hours on this one, not including the inside! Im ok with tomorrows cancellation also!

**SpoiledMan** · 08-04-2007, 01:08 AM

Good job gettn` er dun Pat.

**a.k.a. Patrick** · 08-04-2007, 01:13 AM

Now ya know why I was too busy to talk today!

**BigAl3** · 08-04-2007, 01:15 AM

good job patrick!

**SpoiledMan** · 08-04-2007, 01:17 AM

Originally Posted by a.k.a. Patrick

Now ya know why I was too busy to talk today!

I applaud you for even taking a minute to call me and tell me that you couldn`t talk.:cooleek:

**Brian_Brice** · 08-04-2007, 08:59 AM

looks great pat, awesome job!

**99blackSE** · 08-04-2007, 10:17 AM

Nice turnaround! I don`t think I have seen etching in that quanity/strength before.

**imported_Denzil** · 08-05-2007, 06:44 AM

Heh, I haven`t checked these forums for weeks and I`m not surprised at how consistent your results are Patrick. Great work!

**gmblack3** · 08-05-2007, 08:13 AM

That was nasty for sure Patrick. Nice work bringing it back.

**imported_smprince1** · 08-05-2007, 08:38 AM

Nice work! I`m often surprised how stubborn water spots can sometimes be .... and you really did a great job bringing back the shine.

**Thomas Dekany** · 08-05-2007, 09:13 AM

Wow Patrick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a HUGE difference. Unbelievable.

Great job.

**Todd@RUPES** · 08-05-2007, 10:30 AM

Great turnaround!!!!

**Way2SSlow** · 08-05-2007, 10:47 AM

The first pic is AFTER the wash?! I bet you got that "it`s gonna be a long day" feeling. VERY nice work Patrick!

**Accumulator** · 08-05-2007, 11:16 AM

Patrick- Nice job, that spotting was really something!

**a.k.a. Patrick** · 08-05-2007, 12:52 PM

It was definetely my most challenging. Thanks for the many comps guys!

I bet you got that "it`s gonna be a long day" feeling.

The clients hospitality overwhelmed the task at hand, it was difficult, but when the client says, "whats mine is yours", "can I get you something to eat", "if you need anything to drink, help yourself to the refrigerator", and so on and so on....It help take away the burdensom of such work. Now if they had invited me over the following day for an European massage to care for my weary muscles and bones, and breakfast, well, I probaby would have forgot everything.....Oh, and on another note, a $75.00 tip on top of the bill sure is sweet!