Chrysler LXI vs. Optimum & Finish Kare

mgm2003

mgm2003

New member
2002 Chrysler Concorde LXI - The owner wanted everything done except the engine. I had my work cut out for me on this one. It was swirled to hell, loads of scratches, tar buildup, you name it! I’ll never understand why people that don’t like basic car care buy black.



Here’s a before shot: the entire car was in this condition or worse.

CopyofP1010001.jpg




The process used on the interior:



-Seats: Pre-soak with Woolite & water mix, let dwell for 10min & wipe away the filth. Finished the leather with Natural Look.

-Carpets & Mats: Vac, APC 6:1 mix on spots.

-Interior Trim: Natural Look



Exterior:

-Wash: SS&S & Bug Squash

-Clay: Optimum

-Tar Removal: Stoners Tarminator

-Wells: APC & Some spray tire shine that I’ve had on the shelf for ages

-Tires: BnB x 3 Notice the after shot below -it looks like I missed the top of the tire. For some reason, the tires were absorbing A LOT of BnB, hence I had to apply it 3 x.

P1010014.jpg




Paint:

-Optimum Compound via Cyclo & Orange Pads: I was able to remove the swirls, and about 70% of the scratches, but I had a TON of hazing to deal with.

-Finish Kare 330 via Cyclo & green pads. I had of dusting, which I normally don’t get with this product.

-Finish Kare 303 via PC & white polishing pad

-Finish Kare #218 to seal



Here are a few after shots:

P1010010.jpg


P1010009.jpg


Some light scratches still in the hood:

P1010006.jpg
 
jaybs95 said:
Great job, I'm sure the owner was more than pleased.
How long did it take you?

"J"
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This one took about 2 hours on the interior, wash, clay, & dress and about 3 hours to compound, polish, & seal. I could have spent more time polising it out, but had a 5pm cut off because the customer needed his car.
 
What level of abrasiveness would you say 330 is like (in another line)? Is it more of a final polish or is it somewhat more aggressive, such that it could remove marring on its own?

Oh, and the car looks good too!
 
Great job, you really brought back the finish on that one. Did you rinse the APC spot treatment out of the carpets or did you just absorb it?
 
Big Leegr said:
What level of abrasiveness would you say 330 is like (in another line)? Is it more of a final polish or is it somewhat more aggressive, such that it could remove marring on its own?

Oh, and the car looks good too!
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Thanks.

I'd compare 330 to Menzerna IP or Optimum(by rotary). For some reason I had a TON of dusting with #330 last week, which I haven't had in the past, and it was a big mess. I also had significant hazing with Optimum Compound that I haven't had in the past either. Maybe I worked the products too long?? I was fighting this car all day. I think I'll chalk it up to 'I had one of those days where nothing seems to work.
 
You're doin more cars than me John!

Great great work, once again. I agree on the black car comment. Most of them I see nowadays are "grey".

Furthermore, a neighbor just got a brand new black Dakota. It came unbuffed and unswirled :). It's been about a month since they purchased it and after walking by this morning, they have more marring (far more actually) than I do with having buffed my car about 2 months ago (not even to perfection). Its pretty sad :(.
 
great job!! I agree with the black car comment. Also stop doing so many details! You make me feel very lazy haha. Great Job!!
 
DetailQueen said:
Awesome job! You said you used the Cyclo, how do you like that, kinda been eyeing one?
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I like the Cyclo a lot. It's a well balanced machine, and performs well. About the only downfalls are:

-short cord
-limited to just a few pad suppliers
-Will not go into some areas (near your mirrors for example)
-$$$$ It's expensive



Tubafreak: I agitate the APC with the nozzle end or brush, and blot dry with a terry cloth. If spots/stains are really bad, I usually hit them with steam via my steam buggy.
 
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