89 Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace Car Restorative Detail by Richie's Custom Detailing

[lovesolderplymouths]

CRAP ! after coming back from lunch i noticed a white bird dropping spot on my hood (blk car). It isn't big but it's there and its dried. It's definitely not more than a day old cuz i stare at my car all the time.

Unfortunately, i'm at work. I have no QD stuff with me. WHAT DO I DO?

anyway i can clean it off temporarily till i go home later? what do i use? paper towel and water from the office?



I did just Z5 last week so i feel like i a have a 'lil' protection... is this thing going to be a big deal or am i just overreacting?

 

[imported_Intel486]

I wouldn't try to remove it without any QD.

 

[laynlow]

Wait till you get home, and take care of it properly.

 

[imported_BretFraz]

Gotta disagree. I'd take care of it with a couple of wet paper towels. Just remove what you can for now then QD when you get home. Inspect the area closely in case further cleaning is needed. Water and paper towels isn't going to do any damage to your paint but acidic bird crap will. Remove stuff like this ASAP even if you don't have the ultimate, perfect cleaning items on hand.

 

[imported_killerjg]

There was a discussion (imagine that) few months back. Tried to find the link to RonK, but couldn't, anyway he recommended carrying a 50/50 alcohol mix to spray on the impact area. Despite wiping it off you must neutralize it. He said the alcohol would do that.



Did Ron ask to have his name removed? Did not see him under users?

 

[lovesolderplymouths]

all i can say is WOW!

i was all worried about it on the way home I stopped by the store to pick up some microfiber towel (the nicsand, i heard it sux compared to others, but i didnt have a MF and i thought it must at least be better than a cotton towel).

Anyways, i got home. looked at the bird dropping... anticipating some huge battle.

I got the Z6, and guess what? the SECOND i sprayed some Z6 on to the bird droppings, it came SLIDING OFF!!!!!

I didnt even have to wipe and it just SLID off like it was coming off the final turn in downhill skiing in the olympics. well i did have to wipe w/ the MF to clean off the Z6 but it was shiny as a champ.

Pretty much , the bird dropping dried, flaked and slid off.

up to this point i never was TOO impressed w/ my Zaino. but now i'm a believer. i trust it's invisible shield powers :xyxthumbs

 

[db2]

If you don't carry a QD do so and if not find a soft cloth or really dampen a paper towel and clean it carefully same goes for gas.

 

[vettefan67]

Even if you had to do it with tissues and water from the office, you should have removed it. The resulting swirlmarks would not be as bad as the etching you'll get from it. If you didn't get etching (check in fluorescent lights after cleaning it) consider yourself lucky . I've gotten etching in an hour.



Many here carry a small detail kit (actually, some carry a GIGANTIC one, do a search) containing at the minimum QD and some towels to remove bird poopies. I also have alcohol in my kit, as well as interior dusting MFs for traffic lights.



Likecars, check your PMs.

 

[rstype]

Yep, I believe Ron once said that alcohol is effective for completely neutralizing acids from bird droppings. It worked really well for me, as QD seemed to only remove the hardened stuff, not the acids. I later found some minor etching under 1000w spotlights the day I only used QD to remove it.



Now I like to carry a bottle of Eagle One Window cleaner (mostly alcohol and water) and Meguiar’s Final Inspection along with 6 or so Microfiber towels.



~bw

 

[imported_killerjg]

Concur BW, I run out with my EO1 as well and spray it away.



Got it P...back at ya.

 

[imported_Intermezzo]

SC5spd, glad to hear it worked out for you! You were lucky this time bro. Never leave home unarmed without a small detailing kit in the future!

 

[lovesolderplymouths]

Intermezzo330I, haha, i'll remember to carry some weapons next time into battle. at least i know i'll ALWAYS have ARMOR

 

[Don2000g]

Good info BW. Really like the Eagle One Window cleaner idea. And as you know, I've been pretty impressed with the quality of the Eagle One line. Laters

 

[Richie's Custom Detailing]

A long time of client of mine recently purchased this 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace Car Edition.

He wanted it prepped for the Cars for the Cure show.

The car is an all original 3700 mile example except the tires.

This car is # 848 of 1550 built and is complete with all documentation from the bill of sale right down to the original dealer temp tag.

Sticker price back in 89 was $34,000 which was higher than the Corvette of the same year.

These cars were shipped to California where PAS fitted them with the 3.8 GN Turbo V6.

They are also equipped with larger Corvette brakes which explains the different offset for the front wheels.

The paint was also out sourced and is a nice solvent based urethane, unfortunately they didn't know how to properly finish down paint as you will see in the before shots.

Ok lets get on with the detail.

When I arrived.

Defects under the lights.

Drivers door before.

Corrected.

More defects.

Lower portion of drivers door.

Before.

Corrected.

 

[Richie's Custom Detailing]

Taillights.

Before.

50/50

Wheels were sent out for some new rubber.

Rear taillight filler panel.

Before.

Corrected.

More defects.

Front bumper cover before.

Corrected.

Other side. Notice the DA sanding marks.

Corrected.

Got the wheels back with some new safe rubber. (previous set of tires were dated 1999)

Then the wheels were sealed.

Exhaust. The car sat for long periods of time. That's not carbon build up..it's rust.

50/50

Done.

Wheels re-installed and torqued to spec.

Afters.

LED.

More afters.

 

[Richie's Custom Detailing]

Interior after.

This shot reminds me of ET's profile.

Early morning shots day of the show.

Vehicle stats.

Shots from the show.

Original sticker kit in the original box along with the owners manual.

 

[bmw5541]

Very nice work as usual Richie. You really made that white look great (which is hard to do).:hurray:
How did you clean up the defects around the decals if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Street Dreams]

Thats impressive, awesome work on a pretty unique car Richie!

 

[Tuck91]

Great work sir.

 

[imported_kakeuter]

Nice work Richie, pretty cool car to work on.

-Kody-