Detailed: 2003 Acura CL Type S in Aegean Blue Pearl
06-10-2009, 02:16 AM
#1
Detailed: 2003 Acura CL Type S in Aegean Blue Pearl
I worked on this car in the last week of May. It has 105xxx miles and it showed. The paint is badly faded, there are signs of clear coat failure on 40% of the hood and some on the trunk lid. There are signs of bird droppings that dwelled on the paint for too long.
The headlights were severely faded, one of them has bad condensation too. The car spent its entire life parked outside. It was waxed probably twice in its life. The paint is very weak, I couldn't go faster than 900 rpm with foam pads, because the paint overheats very quickly and bubbles. Considering the age, the paint condition, and the fact that it's for sale, I was aiming for 75% correction.
The interior shows signs of heat damage, such as warped dash and faded trims here and there. The leather seats are stiff and rough and hard to the touch.
After about 24 hours of work, the car has much better curb appeal. The swirls are almost completely gone. The paint has very clear reflection that could put newer cars to shame. The interior is vastly improved, the leather seats are softer and appear matte. The engine bay is (almost) as clean as new cars.
Tools and products used:
Lake Country assorted orange, white, and black pads.
Makita 9227C and PC 7464.
Prima Swirl, Amigo, Epic.
Lots of MF towels
Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
LOTS of Meguiar's Professional Blue Clay
Meguiar's Last Touch
Meguiar's Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum Polish
Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus
Meguiar's Hyper Dressing
Black Wow on the severely faded trims
Assorted brushes and sponges
On to the pics:
Before:
Looks decent? Don't let the angle fool you:
Headlight before:
Headlights after:
Driver's side fender before:
After:
Exhaust tip before:
After:
C pillar before:
after:
50:50
Afters:
The headlights were severely faded, one of them has bad condensation too. The car spent its entire life parked outside. It was waxed probably twice in its life. The paint is very weak, I couldn't go faster than 900 rpm with foam pads, because the paint overheats very quickly and bubbles. Considering the age, the paint condition, and the fact that it's for sale, I was aiming for 75% correction.
The interior shows signs of heat damage, such as warped dash and faded trims here and there. The leather seats are stiff and rough and hard to the touch.
After about 24 hours of work, the car has much better curb appeal. The swirls are almost completely gone. The paint has very clear reflection that could put newer cars to shame. The interior is vastly improved, the leather seats are softer and appear matte. The engine bay is (almost) as clean as new cars.
Tools and products used:
Lake Country assorted orange, white, and black pads.
Makita 9227C and PC 7464.
Prima Swirl, Amigo, Epic.
Lots of MF towels
Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
LOTS of Meguiar's Professional Blue Clay
Meguiar's Last Touch
Meguiar's Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum Polish
Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus
Meguiar's Hyper Dressing
Black Wow on the severely faded trims
Assorted brushes and sponges
On to the pics:
Before:
Looks decent? Don't let the angle fool you:
Headlight before:
Headlights after:
Driver's side fender before:
After:
Exhaust tip before:
After:
C pillar before:
after:
50:50
Afters:
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06-10-2009, 03:07 PM
#10
Team Owner
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Wow..you really brought that one back from the dead. Nice job!
06-10-2009, 11:17 PM
#13
03 ABP tls
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great job!
man, i need to invest in a rotary, my pooor udm cant handle all the swirls and water etching on the hood of my ABP tl. it is a beautiful color tho, especially coupled with the DWG and fourstar UPP
man, i need to invest in a rotary, my pooor udm cant handle all the swirls and water etching on the hood of my ABP tl. it is a beautiful color tho, especially coupled with the DWG and fourstar UPP
06-11-2009, 12:08 PM
#15
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iTrader: (6)
Wow, looks like a totally different car, great work
06-27-2009, 12:38 PM
#22
Definitely works...
I know some local detail companies that have used car specials that are marketed for people selling their cars.
You get back what you pay for the detail in the selling price and depending on scenario, maybe much more in value.
Interesting marketing tactic.
I know some local detail companies that have used car specials that are marketed for people selling their cars.
You get back what you pay for the detail in the selling price and depending on scenario, maybe much more in value.
Interesting marketing tactic.
06-27-2009, 01:12 PM
#24
Well they actually market it as "selling your used car" special... 
They have testimonial of all these people that spent $500 on a detail right before selling and were able to sell their car for $1000 more and make $500 on it.
They say it's a "win-win" haha...def. a win for them.
They have testimonial of all these people that spent $500 on a detail right before selling and were able to sell their car for $1000 more and make $500 on it.
They say it's a "win-win" haha...def. a win for them.
06-29-2009, 03:18 PM
#26
10th Gear
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
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gorgeous work! now i feel embarrassed about my Acura's appearance. any advice for a newbie. in regards to products and starter equipment?
it would be appreciated.
thanks,
misty
it would be appreciated.
thanks,
misty
07-06-2009, 12:02 PM
#30
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Wow, I dont know how anyone can let the engine bay get that dirty.
I cant comment on the paint, as my car isnt much better. PO never took care of it, and I havent had the time/energy to start on it.
Seeing this though just lit a fire under my ass. Hopefully later this week I can start on it.
I cant comment on the paint, as my car isnt much better. PO never took care of it, and I havent had the time/energy to start on it.
Seeing this though just lit a fire under my ass. Hopefully later this week I can start on it.
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