Immaculate Reflections Detail Rig - 1st detail - full correction

**white gecko** · 11-25-2010, 05:08 PM

A few months ago I was fortunate enough to upgrade my detail rig from a small 2dr coupe with great gas mileage, to something that was actually functional and more enjoyable to drive. Also a vehicle that represented my business better. This is the new-to-me 2005 GMC Sierra SLT ext cab that I bought. Its fully loaded and wonderful to drive. After putting in the rolling toneau cover from ReTrax, I get a regular 22-23 mpg on the freeway with a 5.3L V8, gotta love that. Aside from the good power, its wonderfully comfortable and is loaded with all options (I didn`t even have cruise control in my last car!).

Bought during my busy season, I didn`t have time to detail it properly for about 6 weeks! But I finally got to it and man did I have a lot of work ahead of me! I will be personalizing the truck more next year but for now, let me introduce the Immaculate Reflections detail rig!

Process:

Exterior

-Foamed with Dawn

-Rinsed and Dawn wash

-Megs APC 4:1 on wheels/tires

-Daytona EZ detail brush

-Swissvax Wheel brush

-Mothers Chrome polish on bumpers

-Clayed with Z18 and ONR as lube

-Tires and black trim with Zaino Z16

Interior

-Vacuumed

-Leather with Megs APC 5:1

-Zaino Z10 conditioner

-Stoner`s Invisible Glass on windows

-Vents and console cleaned with various brushes/qtips

-Dash and all plastic panels wiped down with Megs APC 4:1

Correction

-Makita Rotary + LC PFW + M105

-Flex Rotary + LC orange + Menz SIP

-PCXP + LC black + Menz PO85RD

LSP

-Blackfire Wet Diamond

-Blackfire detail spray

Total time: 26 hours

Before pics....

Lots of buffer trails, holograms, swirls, RIDS, etc...

Previous owner had it "detailed" for me as a courtesy... It was one of those times where I really wish I could have been there to say "Thanks but you really don`t need to."

Exhaust tips were looking pretty rough and beat up. Some Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish + #0000 steel wool worked wonders. Tips sealed with Zaino ZAIO.

**white gecko** · 11-25-2010, 05:11 PM

You can see here the water was still beading well from the previous "detail".

Pics of the swirls/holograms/RIDS in my 1000w halogens

Truck had a minor accident and repainting was done, paint thickness gauge confirmed this. The paint work was actually decent for the most part.

First two steps of correction: Makita rotary + LC Purple Foamed Wool + M105. After that was my new Flex rotary + LC orange + Menzerna SIP.

Finishing was done with PCXP + LC black + Menzerna PO85RD.

50/50 shot after 2 steps of correction

Evidence of the bodyshop`s work here... Left side corrected fully, right side untouched.

**white gecko** · 11-25-2010, 05:12 PM

A couple of interior shots. Didn`t have time to take before pics, but interior was in good shape. Just needed the oily-armor-all removed from EVERY single plastic surface, dash, AND SEATS!. Couple pics after cleaning it up.

Finished pics after working in the 85RD, multiple IPA wipedowns, and a coat of Blackfire Wet Diamond. *note: water streak on windshield was cleaned up later*

Truck was "clean-looking" when I got it, but it didn`t have that mirror finish. Now it does

End result of hours and hours of correction work....Swirl free paint

Thanks for looking!

**Thomas Dekany** · 11-25-2010, 10:39 PM

Stunning transformation!!!!!

**LS1-MEX** · 11-26-2010, 03:31 AM

looks great jeff, very nice truck!

**TLMitchell** · 11-27-2010, 02:17 AM

A lot of sheetmetal, isn`t there? Before you`re finished it seems like a couple of acres. :chuckle:

I`ve owned two of those in 4WD back to back. The first was black.. CC polished like it was hard but marred easy like it was soft. Which is why the current `04 Z71 is white. After over 150,000 miles between the two of `em they`re the most reliable and trouble-free vehicles I`ve ever owned. Well, except for the front brakes. Pads are shot every 30k like clockwork and there`s never enough rotor left to turn so they get replaced. And I`m real easy on brakes! Man, they`re making `em paper-thin these days to keep Mr. Goodwrench`s Parts Dept in business.

Have to find one of those rear underseat storage modules. When they first came out they were only available with the purchase of a vehicle, couldn`t get `em separately. You`d think you`d find one in a salvage yard or on eBay but so far no luck.

Nice looking rig made better with a deep, flawless shine! :xyxthumbs

TL

**white gecko** · 11-27-2010, 02:33 AM

Originally Posted by TLMitchell

A lot of sheetmetal, isn`t there? Before you`re finished it seems like a couple of acres. :chuckle:

I`ve owned two of those in 4WD back to back. The first was black.. CC polished like it was hard but marred easy like it was soft. Which is why the current `04 Z71 is white. After over 150,000 miles between the two of `em they`re the most reliable and trouble-free vehicles I`ve ever owned. Well, except for the front brakes. Pads are shot every 30k like clockwork and there`s never enough rotor left to turn so they get replaced. And I`m real easy on brakes! Man, they`re making `em paper-thin these days to keep Mr. Goodwrench`s Parts Dept in business.

Have to find one of those rear underseat storage modules. When they first came out they were only available with the purchase of a vehicle, couldn`t get `em separately. You`d think you`d find one in a salvage yard or on eBay but so far no luck.

Nice looking rig made better with a deep, flawless shine! :xyxthumbs

TL

Thanks!

I actually still have my storage container. I`ve got a stereo in its place now. I`ve been toying with the idea of selling it...