I do this for fun, as a hobby, and I am not a Pro. Have learned a LOT from my fellow Autopians! I have been practicing my technique and sticking with the basics. This is my first picture post.
The back story:
My parents were pretty impressed at what I had done to their previous 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, after having NEVER been waxed and having seen only tunnel washes. I was pretty impressed myself at how well it came back to be honest. In fact, I worked on it after they shopped it around for trade-in values. When they went back to shop it around more after I was done, every dealer they visited offered at least $3,000 more than the highest offer they received before! Could be coincidence, but I take it as a compliment. Especially important to me, since it allowed them to purchase the new vehicle they wanted.
Now:
I convinced my parents that when they bought a new vehicle, that I needed to work on it first thing. They didn't understand how a new vehicle could need work, but they agreed.
And so, they brought home a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit. Nice ride. This thing has everything. Even things I didn't know existed. And of course, they bought it in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl. First black vehicle I have ever worked on. Yes-- I was nervous when they called me and told me this, but I headed right over.
Upon inspection, I found that since it had sat on the lot, it was full of washing scratches all over the hood and sides. Even the wheels had scratches on them (how?!?). Didn't really notice any swirls, just lots of fine scratches everywhere.
I started with the usual wash, strip, clay routine. Amazing what came off of this Jeep. Only what I could describe as rail dust-- turned my clay black and I used about half a bar! Then I took my trusty GG 6" DA, as well as the 3" DA, and went to town. I used all GG's One-Step Polish and Sealant and orange pads. I also pulled the wheels, clayed, polished, and sealed inside and out as well.
I was able to eliminate every scratch I found. The polish really brought out the metallic in the paint, which I was not able to capture. Doing this also added lots of depth and reflectivity, which I think will show in these pictures.
Still need to work on my photo ability, but here are the results:
DSCN1735 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
DSCN1730 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
DSCN1726 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
DSCN1724 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
That's actually a reflection in the paint, of the neighbor's house. He came over to ask why I was working on a new car. When I started trying to explain, he rolled his eyes. Typical!
Grand Cherokee Wheel 1 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
Grand Cherokee Wheel 2 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
The side steps in the pictures are gone now. My parent's told me they did not want them, and they had negotiated removing them with the dealer. Told me after I was finished with everything else of course. They were scheduled to take the Jeep back in and have them removed. I politely intervened, and took them off myself. No thank you Mr. Dealer-- I have seen your work. They brought them back in hand with no problems, and obtained the correct body plugs that had been removed to install them.
My parents are really, REALLY happy with their new Jeep, and now see the difference that a little work can make-- even on a new car.
Thanks for checking this out.
Adam
The back story:
My parents were pretty impressed at what I had done to their previous 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, after having NEVER been waxed and having seen only tunnel washes. I was pretty impressed myself at how well it came back to be honest. In fact, I worked on it after they shopped it around for trade-in values. When they went back to shop it around more after I was done, every dealer they visited offered at least $3,000 more than the highest offer they received before! Could be coincidence, but I take it as a compliment. Especially important to me, since it allowed them to purchase the new vehicle they wanted.
Now:
I convinced my parents that when they bought a new vehicle, that I needed to work on it first thing. They didn't understand how a new vehicle could need work, but they agreed.
And so, they brought home a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit. Nice ride. This thing has everything. Even things I didn't know existed. And of course, they bought it in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl. First black vehicle I have ever worked on. Yes-- I was nervous when they called me and told me this, but I headed right over.
Upon inspection, I found that since it had sat on the lot, it was full of washing scratches all over the hood and sides. Even the wheels had scratches on them (how?!?). Didn't really notice any swirls, just lots of fine scratches everywhere.
I started with the usual wash, strip, clay routine. Amazing what came off of this Jeep. Only what I could describe as rail dust-- turned my clay black and I used about half a bar! Then I took my trusty GG 6" DA, as well as the 3" DA, and went to town. I used all GG's One-Step Polish and Sealant and orange pads. I also pulled the wheels, clayed, polished, and sealed inside and out as well.
I was able to eliminate every scratch I found. The polish really brought out the metallic in the paint, which I was not able to capture. Doing this also added lots of depth and reflectivity, which I think will show in these pictures.
Still need to work on my photo ability, but here are the results:
DSCN1735 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
DSCN1730 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
DSCN1726 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
DSCN1724 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
That's actually a reflection in the paint, of the neighbor's house. He came over to ask why I was working on a new car. When I started trying to explain, he rolled his eyes. Typical!
Grand Cherokee Wheel 1 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
Grand Cherokee Wheel 2 by A.Bursell, on Flickr
The side steps in the pictures are gone now. My parent's told me they did not want them, and they had negotiated removing them with the dealer. Told me after I was finished with everything else of course. They were scheduled to take the Jeep back in and have them removed. I politely intervened, and took them off myself. No thank you Mr. Dealer-- I have seen your work. They brought them back in hand with no problems, and obtained the correct body plugs that had been removed to install them.
My parents are really, REALLY happy with their new Jeep, and now see the difference that a little work can make-- even on a new car.
Thanks for checking this out.
Adam
