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Hello everybody! It’s been a while since I’ve directly posted my work on AZ, so I figured I’d drop in and give you a few updates on what I’ve been up to this summer.

Between detailing and writing articles for DI, I haven’t had a lot of time for much else. There are a lot of people without work these days, so I won’t complain!

I’ve also just recently joined forces with a highly regarded independent Ferrari shop here in the Columbus area, which is going to keep me quite busy. Ferrari owners from all around the country have their vehicles worked on here because of the high level of service, so I’m dealing with some top-notch people. I am still performing work on my own, but it looks like a significant amount of my work will be done on Ferraris in particular.

I know that many of you have been following my articles this summer (I get a LOT of emails!) and may have seen a few of these cars already, but I believe there’s no such thing as too much eye candy.

First up is a 1985 288 GTO. There were only 272 of these special homologation vehicles ever built, and they were the first in the line of Ferrari’s supercars (288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo). They came with a 2.8l, twin-turbo V-8 that produced 400hp and they were the first street legal production cars to break 300km/h. The owner took me for a joy ride in this and drove it the way it was intended…wide open! I prepped this car for the GTO Owner’s Reunion in Pebble Beach.

Swirled as expected:


After about 17 hour’s worth of work inside and out:














While I was there, I did some leather preservation on his equally rare 1967 275 GTB/4. I only have a few photos, but I figured everybody would appreciate seeing a 7-figure car!









And here’s an F430 in the new shop. It sure is nice having a lift to work off of! My back and knees thank me.



















That’s it for today’s news…thanks for tuning in.

MD03CL-S

iTrader: (1)

WOW!

I don't even know what to say!!! Just love the work that you do...very much appreciated for all your write ups

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Todd, you should do a coffee table book about your details! Seriously, I'd spend the whole 17 hours just watching you work-so I could learn how you do it.

exceldetail

Todd, your a credit to the true enthusiast!

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

todd great work as always...

f430... oh yes one day you will be mine!!!

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Thank you, and I'm glad you find the articles to be helpful.

Steven...thanks! Don't get me started thinking about yet another project. I think I have too many as it is.

Thanks Patrick!

Thanks. Yeah, I could see myself in one of these as well.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

As long as it also turns into a coffee table.

Wow, truly beautiful. Great work.

Todd, what's it like working on the 4cam or any car so highly valued and rare?

Now name the movie...

"I saw three of these parked outside the local Starbucks® this morning, which tells me only one thing. There's too many self-indulgent wieners in this city with too much bloody money! Now, if I was driving a 1967 275 GTB four-cam ...

You would not be a self indulgant weiner sir, you'd be a conniseur

Precisely. Champagne would fall from the heavens. Doors would open. Velvet ropes would part.

FirePR2002

^^Even better - what's it like working on a car more expensive than your house?

Costco

Fantastic work Todd!!!

I never get tired of your detailing threads. Stunning cars, the 288 GTO is one of my all-time favorites and I have always liked the F430. I really have nothing else to say.... your work simply speaks for itself.

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Thank you. There are those who say: "it's just paint, or it's just a car"...they're lying! You proceed with caution and respect, that's for sure. Cars like the GTO and GTB/4 are priceless pieces of automotive history, so you can say that deep down inside you're a little nervous.

As for the movie quote...you're good! I consider myself to have more worthless movie trivia crowding my brain than any one person should have, but you have me stumped on that one! Please enlighten us all...

Gee, now you've made me feel really good about my achievements in life. And I thought I was having a good day. It's never good to have such a big reality bomb dropped on you so early in the morning.

Seriously though, it is pretty wild seeing all of these cars that sell for more than the average home price in America. My hat's off to those who have (honestly) achieved that level of success to enjoy toys like these!

Thank you!

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

Gone in 60 secs. it was just on this weekend...

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

ding ding ding....I love that scene.

Keep up the great work Todd. You certainly inspire us all.

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Thanks guys!

I just watched (part of) that movie this weekend! I guess I need to pay better attention to what they're saying, and not just stare at the cars and Angelina Jolie!

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

Congrats on the Ferrari deal Todd, you continue to amaze and inspire me

Denzil

iTrader: (1)

Amazing work there Todd!

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

two rogers don't make a right...

onebadna1nsx

Jesus!!! That 288GTO I love that car, awesome work you do!! Keep it up

TheMegalodon

A much deserved partnership. An asset to the enthusiast world should be given the privilege to work on Ferrari's. Enjoy your time with them Todd

Bee tee dub: NSXNEXT, I caught your quote from the first few words. Love that movie, as cheesy as it can be at times. It's really all about the cars though.

PortlandRL

Great work, Todd!

sr4dt

Todd, Congratulations on your new found relationship with Ferrari shop. I am so happy for you. More *Eye Candy* for us, but mostly I am happy that your enthusiasm and energy is being recognized. Keep us posted on how things go ...

P.S.: How you manage to keep up with all the PM's and forum discussions on top of all the other work you do is also something that has me amazed....

mrclrider

Glad to see you back Todd, even though you really never went anywhere.

Did it take a while to set up a pay structure with you and the dealer? If anything I hope you are making a little more than usual. Congrats on landing such a sweet deal, are you still working your day job too??

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Wow...a lot of tremendous replies, and as always I really appreciate the support. It may sound a bit redundant, but here it goes...

Very kind words my friend...thank you!

Yeah, the GTO is one of my all time favorites...wonderful car. Thank you.

I'm just a car nut like everybody else, and like to share in the experiences. Thank you!

Thanks Andrew!

Thank you...although I don't do it for the recognition, I sure do appreciate it. I haven't figured out yet how I get it all done either!

Thanks buddy. The pay structure was easy. I told them what I get paid per hour, and they said OK.

Yes, I still have my day job...I guess you can say I keep quite busy. Sleep is overrated!

SweetJazz

Todd,

Your work has finally caught the eye of a true legend in Ferrari. That GTO is still one of my all time favs. Last time I saw one was on a trailer in Emeryville, CA about 15 years ago. Keep doing what you do.

Oh yeah, is the Ferrari paint still pretty soft?

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Thanks buddy!

The newer ones use ceramic clears and they're quite hard!

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

can you please explain what exactly ceramic clears means?

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Quoted by PPG Industries who developed CeramiClear:

CeramiClear clearcoat is the first automotive clearcoat to use
nanoparticle technology and raises the standard for combined resistance to
scratches, mars and acid etch. The patented nanoparticle technology creates a
highly cross-linked network at the surface of the coating for superior
resistance to damage caused by day-to-day use, car washes and environmental
hazards such as acid rain and tree sap.

Mercedes first started producing cars with CeramiClear in 2004 (I believe), and others have adopted it since.

They're hard clear coats that require more time to correct than our soft Acura finishes, and it's also best to address these with polishes forumulated specifically for CeramiClear clear coats. Menzerna polishes were at the forefront of this technology when it came out.

siegs

Dream job.
Well earned.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Todd, you must get a lot of immediate satisfaction from your job. My job has so much stress in it, there's not much satisfaction at all. I've got to think there's a lot of excitement seeing the beautiful job you do on these cars. Plus, working on unique automobiles like this one is such a rarity-its got to be cool.