Cammed LS1 vs. Hell and Back Again

S

ScubaStevo

New member
2000 Camaro SS. Has some work done to it, not sure exactly, but he mentioned cam and lots of tuning. Either way, the car sounds mean, and goes sideways pretty easy.



Though the car is powerful, doesn't mean its in good shape. It was so bad that the owner considered a repaint. He decided to give me a shot first. I think it was some money well spent. I grosely undercharged though.



Exterior only, total work time 8 hours. Majority of the time was spent trying to get the brush scratches out with some XP Compound and heavy heavy pressure on the PC. Rotary didn't seem to like the paint, so I stuck with the PC.



Process:



Clay

XP Compound for about 7 passes per panel via PC and cutting pad

SSR 2.5 via pc and cutting pad

SSR 1 very quickly to remove circular pad marks

Topped with Souveran (sp)



My normal on rims and tires



Before, doesn't look too bad in the sun eh.



cammedLS1001.jpg


cammedLS1002.jpg




But under the lights.



cammedLS1004.jpg




Jeebus. That sure scared me.



Anyways, afters:

cammedLS1009.jpg


cammedLS1013.jpg


cammedLS1015.jpg


cammedLS1022.jpg


cammedLS1028.jpg


cammedLS1038.jpg
 
Very nice recovery. Mention to the owner (no offense) that it isn't all about speed. That swirl pic sent shivers down me spine!!



Very nice work.
 
lbls1 said:
Very nice recovery. Mention to the owner (no offense) that it isn't all about speed. That swirl pic sent shivers down me spine!!



Very nice work.
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He bought it used in very bad condition. I guess I should have mentioned that.
 
ScubaStevo said:
And to think I only charged him $120. :(
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You have been detailing for atleast a year now (as best I can remember)..how could you let yourself charge $120. This isnt the first detail in which you have said, "I didnt charge enough"...I can remember the Dodge Ram among others... :doh



No offense, but your work is fantastic, and you wont be on the path to success if you cant develop a pricing scheme for yourself. As soon as you see a car that is that heavily swirled, or in which a customer is debating a repaint (that should be a clue as to the severity of the defects) you should know, "boom, Im going to charge him $XXX"



Just some thoughts. I only wrote the above as I feel bad for you and have been in a similar situation where I should have charged more. The key to my success was that I learned from my mistakes and charge more now as a result. :hifive:
 
Your work just goes to show people just what you can accomplish with a PC. Some people would think only a rotary could put a dent in that, but shows what time and patience can do. Awesome work as always
 
You have to start charging more, Steve. Considering what a paint job costs and how it probably wouldn't look any better (assuming proper buffing, of course) if the owner had it repainted, you should have charged him $250+ for what you did.



/sermon



Really incredible improvement! Amazing patience too, working that long on just the paint. :bow
 
Scottwax said:
You have to start charging more, Steve. Considering what a paint job costs and how it probably wouldn't look any better (assuming proper buffing, of course) if the owner had it repainted, you should have charged him $250+ for what you did.



/sermon



Really incredible improvement! Amazing patience too, working that long on just the paint. :bow
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Thanks everyone. To top it off, it was +35oC outside, plus my shop lights which probably rise the temp anouther 2-3 degrees.
 
Excellent work...Here's a question: Can you please describe the lighting set-up in your garage, as I am having difficulty having sufficient lighting in my own garage, which stinks when you are polishing at night? Also, where do you get your lights? Lastly, every time you post a shot of swirls, you always seem to capture the swirls very well...any recommendations for taking pictures of swirls?
 
This picture is always a heart breaker when I see this stuff on the road, however I commend you for all your hard work :getdown



cammedLS1004.jpg
 
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