Turbo LT1 Unicorn: Proof of Existance

**harner** · 05-24-2015, 11:50 PM

Very cool, great looking car!

BLS- how about some detail around the detail (lol)? Products used, what all you did, etc. I enjoy hearing that stuff.

**blackbirdws6** · 05-25-2015, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by harner

Very cool, great looking car!

BLS- how about some detail around the detail (lol)? Products used, what all you did, etc. I enjoy hearing that stuff.

No problem. No real magic here except for some experienced technique and solid product choice. I started off with a good wash with dawn and a wookie fist mitt to remove any wax that may be pre-existing (yeah right - sorry SNM). Wheels were cleaned with Sonax which is safe for all wheel finishes and contains no harmful acids (daytona wheel brush). The stuff goes on green and then turns a dark purple. From there, I clayed the entire vehicle including the glass and wheels. With the surface prepped, I used a Chemical Guys orange pad, Griots orbital and Menzerna polishing compound to remove paint imperfections. The car was wiped down and then I applied a couple coats of Souveran liquid wax. I like this stuff a lot for generally lighter color cars. I also applied the product to the wheels. The glass received a light polish.

I moved onto the interior which needed a good solid vacuum. I used 0000 steel wool with a good plastic cleaner on the dirtier interior plastics. All interior plastics were then conditioned with Aerospace 303. This stuff gives everything a satin shine versus the Armor All greasy look. The product also has nice UV blockers and such to keep things protected. The glass got a good cleaning inside and out.

As for the engine bay, this didn't need much help since this is where SNM spends most of his time. I simple wipe down was all that was needed here.

I'm considering picking up a Flex or Rupes polisher in the future as I hear they work very well and have much more power than the Porter Cable/Griots machines. For my car (black), I have a couple new products I've been using that are working very well. These include Chemical Guys Black Hole, Blackfire polishes, etc. I'm going to give my car a thorough cleaning and see how the Blackfire sealant works. Ultimately, I may have have a professional apply Opti-Coat (professional version) at some point.

***Fastbird*** · 05-25-2015, 09:26 AM

Ah, another Menzerna user. Love that stuff. Getting ready to give my Vette the same treatment, though I'm a Zaino guy.

**blackbirdws6** · 05-25-2015, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by Fastbird

Ah, another Menzerna user. Love that stuff. Getting ready to give my Vette the same treatment, though I'm a Zaino guy.

Been using their products for a while. Their new stuff is even better.

***Fastbird*** · 05-25-2015, 01:20 PM

I bought two big bottles a few years ago, IP and FP. Haven't looked into their new stuff as I still have PLENTY of those bottles left, lol.

***SSlowBoat*** · 05-25-2015, 05:34 PM

Got any recommendations on a car that was neglected and is a darker color such as dcm? @blackbirdws6 @Fastbird ? Clay it then polish then wax?

***Fastbird*** · 05-25-2015, 05:46 PM

Wash with dawn to strip any previous was residue off. Claybar. Depending on shape of paint, use a cutting compound or cut/polish compound and appropriate pad. Polish using a polishing compound and appropriate pad. Final wax/polish of choice.

**blackbirdws6** · 05-25-2015, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Fastbird

Wash with dawn to strip any previous was residue off. Claybar. Depending on shape of paint, use a cutting compound or cut/polish compound and appropriate pad. Polish using a polishing compound and appropriate pad. Final wax/polish of choice.

^^ This. Any idea if the paint has been compounded before? Is the clear at least fully intact? If the paint hasn't been touched, I would go with the Menzerna SIP and a heavy cutting pad (medium pad if you are scurred). Harbor Freight sells the Meguiars 105 and 205 which work well too if you want to grab something local. Work a small, inconspicuous spot first to test the results.

***SSlowBoat*** · 05-25-2015, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by blackbirdws6

^^ This. Any idea if the paint has been compounded before? Is the clear at least fully intact? If the paint hasn't been touched, I would go with the Menzerna SIP and a heavy cutting pad (medium pad if you are scurred). Harbor Freight sells the Meguiars 105 and 205 which work well too if you want to grab something local. Work a small, inconspicuous spot first to test the results.

Clear is questionable, back bumper has clear fading. Rest of car seems to be intact. I have no idea paint history, and I feel a strong cut would be a bad idea. The paint scratches easy if that's any indication