Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
The Ferrari 288 GTO is a landmark car, and a rare one. This example, one of only 272 produced, remains a true example of Ferrari's passion for race car technology in a hand-built road variant. In a time when Corvettes had 225 horsepower, the GTO had (an underrated) 400. When lightweight sports cars pushed 4000 pounds, the GTO was around 2500.
This hand built super car featured a composite body made of kevlar fiber, aluminum, or fiberglass. The value of these cars have skyrocketed in the last 2 years, with this example being worth 1.43 million dollars. It was my mission to make it look like the million dollar Ferrari that it is.
Initial Condition:
With only 4000 miles (6000 km) on the clock, this GTO is very original. However 30 years have passed since its creation and the tell tale marks of improper handling were evident: scratches, swirl marks, oxidation, water marks and more:
Grease and road pitch had accumulated into the side vents.
Buffer trails:
Wax and compound lined every jamb and body seam.
Despite some minor cracking in the leather seats, the original interior was in great shape. Just a little soiling from being moved around:
The engine was another story, as 30 years of grime, grease, and soil was everywhere! Ferrari's famous 2.8L Twin Turbo V8 needed some major attention and time.
Engine Detailing:
Products Used:
Mytee VS1500 Fiberbird Vapor Steamer
BLACKFIRE All-In-One APC
All Purpose & Wheel Microfiber Towels
Menzerna Polishing Cream Metal Polish
Sonus Trim & Motor Kote
An old toothbrush (Sponge Bob)
Old cotton towels
The Mytee Firebird is an easy-to-handle steamer that is big on power and cleaning ability. It is very easy-to-use as well. Simply add deionized water into the machine and turn on. It super heats the water into a grease killing steam.
The entire engine was covered in a greasy soot. It was very evident on the red colored intake covers:
With the nylon brush attachment, I gently agitated the surface while spraying steam.
A light wipe with an old terry cloth towel....
And the resulting "clean" spot:
The right-side cover after cleaning...
For stubborn spots (such as round the horse and in the ribs of the cover) the surface was lightly brushed with a 4:1 diluted mixtured of BLACKFIRE All-In-One APC before steaming.
Looking at these suspension mounts, it is clear to see the grime in the valley, around each bolt, and on the head of each bolt.
After carefully cleaning.
The throttle linkage before...
And after...
Metal pieces where lightly polished with Menznera's fast-acting Polishing Cream.
This picture really shows the amount of cleaning (and care) required. Many hand built Ferrari's have numerous paint marks and marker scripts that were scribbled on as the car was built. Cleaning around these marks, while removing all soiling, is time consuming... However, it is important to maintain the car's history.
The last thing that needed a light clean up was the rear shielding. This should have a shiny (although not chrome like!) appearance void of any stains, water spots, or oxidation.
Once again Menzerna Polishing Cream was used, this time with a Griot's Garage 3-Inch Polisher and Meguiar's DA Microfiber Cutting Disk. In order to AVOID creating too much gloss I purposely short cycled the polish and used the aggressive microfiber disk. A longer-cycle and shorter pad would have resulted in a finish with too much gloss (and thus detract from the vehicle's originality).
This hand built super car featured a composite body made of kevlar fiber, aluminum, or fiberglass. The value of these cars have skyrocketed in the last 2 years, with this example being worth 1.43 million dollars. It was my mission to make it look like the million dollar Ferrari that it is.
Initial Condition:
With only 4000 miles (6000 km) on the clock, this GTO is very original. However 30 years have passed since its creation and the tell tale marks of improper handling were evident: scratches, swirl marks, oxidation, water marks and more:
Grease and road pitch had accumulated into the side vents.
Buffer trails:
Wax and compound lined every jamb and body seam.
Despite some minor cracking in the leather seats, the original interior was in great shape. Just a little soiling from being moved around:
The engine was another story, as 30 years of grime, grease, and soil was everywhere! Ferrari's famous 2.8L Twin Turbo V8 needed some major attention and time.
Engine Detailing:
Products Used:
Mytee VS1500 Fiberbird Vapor Steamer
BLACKFIRE All-In-One APC
All Purpose & Wheel Microfiber Towels
Menzerna Polishing Cream Metal Polish
Sonus Trim & Motor Kote
An old toothbrush (Sponge Bob)
Old cotton towels
The Mytee Firebird is an easy-to-handle steamer that is big on power and cleaning ability. It is very easy-to-use as well. Simply add deionized water into the machine and turn on. It super heats the water into a grease killing steam.
The entire engine was covered in a greasy soot. It was very evident on the red colored intake covers:
With the nylon brush attachment, I gently agitated the surface while spraying steam.
A light wipe with an old terry cloth towel....
And the resulting "clean" spot:
The right-side cover after cleaning...
For stubborn spots (such as round the horse and in the ribs of the cover) the surface was lightly brushed with a 4:1 diluted mixtured of BLACKFIRE All-In-One APC before steaming.
Looking at these suspension mounts, it is clear to see the grime in the valley, around each bolt, and on the head of each bolt.
After carefully cleaning.
The throttle linkage before...
And after...
Metal pieces where lightly polished with Menznera's fast-acting Polishing Cream.
This picture really shows the amount of cleaning (and care) required. Many hand built Ferrari's have numerous paint marks and marker scripts that were scribbled on as the car was built. Cleaning around these marks, while removing all soiling, is time consuming... However, it is important to maintain the car's history.
The last thing that needed a light clean up was the rear shielding. This should have a shiny (although not chrome like!) appearance void of any stains, water spots, or oxidation.
Once again Menzerna Polishing Cream was used, this time with a Griot's Garage 3-Inch Polisher and Meguiar's DA Microfiber Cutting Disk. In order to AVOID creating too much gloss I purposely short cycled the polish and used the aggressive microfiber disk. A longer-cycle and shorter pad would have resulted in a finish with too much gloss (and thus detract from the vehicle's originality).
