Black Audi S8; before, after and WAY after + engine detail

[tssdetailing]

Last summer, Todd Cooperider of Esoteric Detailing (Columbus, OH) was contracted by the owner of this black Audi S8 (in Cincinnati) to recondition the paint to it's rich deep luster. The swirls impregnated in the paint were a result of a local detailer neglecting proper autopian techniques during weekly routine washes. Todd even tried to educate the detailer on some better techniques (IE 2-bucket and grit guards) but was bluntly confronted with "that's just how black cars are, you can't prevent swirls!). The S8 owner ended service with the original detailer, had the car reconditiond by Todd who then referred ts|s Detailing to perform the routine work. The customer has told me many times that his cars continue to look amazing after each PitStop performed. The first two photos are of the S8 before and right after Todd's Work. The 3rd photo is 8 months later, and some 20+ washes later.

Sun wasn't as clear in this shot, but you can see there is minimal swirling evident after many PitStop routine washes.

ts|s PitStop technique:

Interior is vacuumed and dusted with a mini-crevace tool then wiped down with Megs QID. Windows cleaned with DP Krystal Vision.

Wheels/wells are sprayed with CG Grime Reaper (6:1) and washed with CG Citrus wash/gloss (using various brushes)

Body is washed with two-bucket method w/grit guards, using CG Citrus Wash n Gloss, rinsed and while wet I apply Adams QD then dry with Adam's gold towels. (I honestly think this is the key to keeping paint swirl free).





Bonus ENGINE DETAIL!

Technique:

Wrap alternator and a/c pulley with aluminum foil

Pressure Washer + Foam cannon with CG's wash n gloss

Spray with CG's Grime Reaper 6:1

Aggitate with brushes of various size

Rinse and examine for left over residue

Blow dry majority of the engine-particularly nooks and crannies, MF towel for very saturated areas.

Run engine for 20 minutes with A/C on full (you want the engine fans to kick on and the block to heat up to finish drying everything you can't reach).

Adams QD on painted areas under the hood and CD2 for engine dressing-it's an aerosol which evenly coats everything in high-gloss.

 

[Accumulator]

tssdetailing- Good work, especially keeping it decent for so long.



What's the story of the engine compartment...sheesh that was *filthy* He oughta have you give it a quickie at every wash or something, I feel sorry for his mechanic.

 

[tssdetailing]

thank you!



That's exactly why he wanted it cleaned up, he popped the hood to refil the washer fluid and said "this is embarassing, what if I need work done?!"



Oh, and he put a killer exhaust on it too, K-Tech with a mild-to-wild electric switch. Sounds like a Lambo @ WOT!

 

[Accumulator]

..Oh, and he put a killer exhaust on it too, K-Tech with a mild-to-wild electric switch. Sounds like a Lambo @ WOT!

Heh heh, I bet he likes that... though to be honest, he sounds exactly the opposite of me

 

[Barry Theal]

Heh heh, I bet he likes that... though to be honest, he sounds exactly the opposite of me

Whys that? Im thinking probaly because his car stay's Marring Free! :tape::nana:



LOL "Barry chalks a point up on Accumulator" :bounce



Nice work Jason.

 

[tssdetailing]

Nice work Jason.

J-a-i-s-o-n :director:



and thank you!

 

[MarcHarris]

Great write-up on how proper care can keep expensive paint correction work looking awesome months later.

 

[LS1-MEX]

nice engine clean up. do you guys make the customer sign wavers for engine cleaning?

 

[tssdetailing]

Thanks guys! Yes, I make my customers sign waivers for everything. Feel free to use this if you'd like.





• Customer agrees to listed payment arrangement with signature.

• ts|s Detailing is not liable for any defects in the paint, trim, upholstery nor mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or other vehicle operation issues that may occur as a result of services performed.

• Customer will disclose any pre-existing vehicle issues which may cause injury to ts|s Detailing; prevent services from being completed; or result in future vehicle issues.

• Initial quote is subject to change if additional services are requested after customer approval of original service order.

 

[Accumulator]

LOL "Barry chalks a point up on Accumulator" :bounce

Heh heh...watch it Theal, you're skating on thin ice my boy.... :bat



That crack about "why drive a Crown Vic when you can roll in a Caddy?" was bad enough, but now this!



You just wait til I see an opening.... :fencing:

 

[STAGE1]

Nice work!

 

[tssdetailing]

stage1: interesting name. I use 'stage #' to indicate levels of detailing for customer selection (ie stage I, II, III)

 

[TSC17]

Nice job of keeping this beast looking great, Jaison. And yes...it's all in the wash/dry method, which is why I have focused so much effort to promote the various articles I've written on that very subject.



He showed me the engine compartment while I was there, but given the amount of time I had available during that trip for two paint corrections on black cars, we decided to hold off. It was really bad even last summer!

 

[tssdetailing]

Thank you Todd!