SVT Cobra w/ Heavy Waterspotting

Discussion in 'Show and Shine' started by mikenap, Dec 16, 2011.

  1. mikenap

    mikenap Jedi Nuba

    Although I've never been much of a Mustang guy, the SVT Cobras have always appealed to me. They have a more stripped-down, all-business look to them compared to standard Mustangs and GTs. The subtle decklid spoiler replaces the gaudy rear wings of other, lesser 'Stangs. No hood scoops are found here, just the inverted vents. In my eyes it's a cleaner, classier look.

    This car came to me to clean up some heavy waterspotting. In discussions with the owner, it seems the car is often washed with well water and had been rinsed without drying off several times. This resulted in many tiny above-surface spots which cleaned up easily along with some deeper etching that was challenging to remove. This car was initially scheduled for a one-step correction but ultimately that one step was performed multiple times on every panel. I guess it should be considered a multi-step detail, even though only one polish and pad type was used.:tongue2:

    On another note, the owner is very particular about this car. It's the first car he ever bought, so he has a definite emotional attachment to it. He also doesn't like driving the car at night, so it had to be completed with enough daylight to get it back to where it's stored. So I had to hustle to have it ready in time and didn't have a chance for too many pics. In all, I had about 16-17 hours into it.

    Process:

    Foamed with CG CWC, then rinsed
    ONR Washed
    Clayed with CM Blue
    Glass and underhood areas compounded with M105/orange
    Paint polished with D300/ MF cutting pad.
    Wheels polished with M105/orange and M205/white
    Exhaust polished with Meguiar's NXT Metal polish
    Wheels and exhaust coated with OPT Opti-Guard
    Foamed again with CG CWC
    Glass cleaned with Meguiar's D120
    LSP was Wolfgang DGPS 3.0

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    This was a cool pic from before the initial wash

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    The factory wheels were off the car, so I cleaned and polished those first and coated them.

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    Scratches before

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    Scratches after

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    Center caps before

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    Center caps after

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    Dull reflections on hood

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    No reflection from trunk

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    Trunk under fluorescent lights

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    Roof before

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    After several passes, some outlines of the deeper etching remained

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    Foaming after polishing. Aftermarket wheels had bubbling under the chrome, so the factory wheels were going back on.

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    In the end, some of the etching was too deep to fully remove this time, but the improvement in gloss and reflection was apparent. Thanks for looking, and any comments or criticisms are welcome!
     
  2. Kilo6_one

    Kilo6_one DB Forum Supporter

    outstanding work, the SVT rims look better if you ask me
     
  3. P1et

    P1et Official DB Moderator

    Very nice attention to detail.
     
  4. mikenap

    mikenap Jedi Nuba

    Thanks Karl. The Cobra R rims didn't look too bad to me, and they were a TON lighter as well. I don't think the SVT rims will stay on too long.

    Thanks for the kind words P1et!
     
  5. Meticulous-Detail

    Meticulous-Detail DB Forum Supporter

    Great job! Love those SVT Cobras
     
  6. Racer

    Racer Birth of a Detailer

    Super flake in that paint , great work :)
     
  7. Danny

    Danny Nuba Guru

  8. mikenap

    mikenap Jedi Nuba

    Thanks man. I see you decided to keep your Mustang, congrats!

    Thanks!

    Thank you Danny. Even though when it comes to cars I'm STILL more euro-snob than Mustang guy, that black beast is one of the most sinister looking cars I've seen. I hope you get it just so we can see more of it!
     
  9. Auto Concierge

    Auto Concierge DB Pro Supporter

    Water spot etch is a universal PITA, great work Mike!.
     
  10. mikenap

    mikenap Jedi Nuba

    Thanks Bob! Like that new avatar btw.
     
  11. RaskyR1

    RaskyR1 Jedi Nuba

    Great work Mike! Especially on the wheels! :)
     
  12. mikenap

    mikenap Jedi Nuba

    Thanks Chad!
     
  13. drew935

    drew935 Auto Salon Works

    Nice job Mike!
     

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