First Detail of my Super Black 350Z

Pats300zx

Pats300zx

Super Moderator
Well I finally had a chance to detail my new 2003 Super Black 350Z. WOW...I really think that I should have reconsidered getting this color.



Here was my complete process..



QEW

Clay with Clay Magic Bar

Megs #80 with Megs 8006 pad (didn't do a thing lol)

Megs #83 with Megs 8006 pad

Vanilla Moose with Lake Country Finishing Pad

Poorboys EX-P Plus (new sample sent to me by Steve)

Pakshak micro fiber bonnets on PC for removal

Pakshak Waffle Weaves and Ultra fines used for drying and final wipe down.

Quickshine QD

NXT Tech Protectorant on interior

Eagle One Wet for Tires for EO Tire Swipe



I was exhausted. It took me almost 4 hours just on the exterior.



Here is how I started:



After QEW'ing the car I turned on two big 500 watt halogen lights that I was using in the garage....

:scared :scared



My heart almost sank when I saw the amount of swirl left over from the dealer and previous owner. As I clayed the clay was becoming filthy after one panel and I had to constantly change it. My guess is that the car had never been clayed. I broke out the PC and tried some #80 which basically did nothing. I then moved up to #83 and it did remove alot of the marring but not all of it. I was afraid to try the yellow cutting pad on the black cause of micro marring etc. The Vanilla Moose was a big plus after the #83.



The car came out Ok and looks 100% better than it did. I apologize for the pics. I wasn't able to get it outside before it got dark.



The car is covered now and its pouring here in Pennsylvania...Oh well..I had fun doing it.



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After using #83 with a cutting pad, follow it up using #83 with a polishing pad. Just remember to work both until it is powdering on the paint, an indication it is fully broken down. The polishing pad after the cutting pad should completely remove any marring left be the former. When that is done, hit it with something even finer - I'm not a big Megs guy, so I use Menzerna FP as it is just abrasive and water, so any fillers and oils will be completely removed. With a finishing pad and the paint will become highly burnished - bright and glossy on its own. Works best with a rotary at moderate speed, but yields acceptable shine with a PC at #6
 
Sean....I thought of you the whole time. It was Scottwax's pics and yours that inspired me. After 3 hrs I was like...."press on" lol....
 
Now the fun REALLY begins...keeping it looking as great as it does!!!! That car makes me drool everytime I see it!!

And hey if you ever get tired of that black car let me know and I'll be more than happy to take it off your hands :D
 
Pat,



If anyone can solve the age-old problem of detailing a metallic black car, it will be you! I still remember how beautiful your red Z32 was, even back in the days I frequented www.twinturbo.net



I also have a 2003 350Z, but in silverstone. This is a very forgiving color. I'm not up to the challenge of dealing with another black car.



One question: Does your 350Z have paint protection film? i.e. Xpel, Stongard, Rockblocker, etc?



If it doesn't, how is the front bumper holding up? Is chipping as major a problem as it is in Infiniti G35s'?



I self-installed the Xpel kit within 100 miles of owning my 350Z. I'd highly recommend it, even if your car has more miles. Get a professional to do it, since the clear bra film is especially challenging on black cars.



Dean



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Dean...



Thanks for the info. I was able to track down the prior owner who traded the car in at the dealer. He said that a small piece of metal fell off a truck and hit the lower part of the air dam. The trucking company paid to have the front end piece repainted so the front is in awesome shape.



BTW...your Silverstone looks incredible. What are you using on it????
 
Pat,



I've used Zaino on the 350Z since new. On the clear bra, I'm using Plexus and Klasse AIO, just to avoid all the fussy Zaino steps.



Since your 350Z has a repainted front bumper, you may be spared all the paint chipping problems. Body and paint shops are still permitted to use solvent based paints, which are much more durable than the EPA-mandated water borne paints that the factory is using.



If the leading 15" of your front hood is relatively chip-free, I'd bet that it was also repainted. Every 350Z that I've seen with over 5k miles is chipped in this area.



I'd still consider the 3M paint film to protect the front bumper at least.



Dean
 
Dean,



I have been thinking about a clear bra also. Does it complete eliminate chips or just monster ones?



How is it to care for? Have they solved the problem of the bra material yellowing?
 
I'm seriously considering Pinnacle Souveran as a topper. I have used it on red and its incredible.



Thoughts?????



I also have Natty's and S100....
 
Lee,



I think that 3M has solved any potential yellowing problem with their 2nd generation paint protection film. I have no financial interest at all in the product, but I will NEVER own another vehicle without this protection.



I have such confidence in it that I recently had it installed on my 2001 Championship white Integra Type R and 1997 Supra. The film will not hide existing paint chips, but it doesn't necessarily make them look worse. The key is finding a good installer in your area.



Dean

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