(May Entry)First paid job...200K mile GMC Jimmy

Thanks again for all the support guys. Forgot to mention that the customer was my dad...thus the price. I don't do this as a business, although I've thought about getting some jobs just as "extra money".

What would you guys charge for a project like this? Where the vehicle is in terrible shape and has to have ALL the steps done to it...not just a maintenance polish/wax...







STECK: YES!! I definately like using both the SMR and the IHG. There is a very noticeable difference from the Fine Cut to the SMR and then again from the SMR to the IHG. Being as I am new to this, I don't know if the difference I noticed from the FC to the SMR was simply because its another coat of ANYTHING, where as I'd see the same results if I just did the FC x2 and then did the IHG. However, I don't believe this is the case. When I used the SMR, it seemed to give the paint some depth and get rid of the dullness from the FC. Then when I applied the IHG, I literally said outloud to my wife..."There's the brightness!"

If anything, I would say that I'd like to try another product to cut with thats a little more harsh than the FC. As, there are still some real fine scratches and blemishes that can be seen when inspecting REAL close. I had the same problem on my first try at detailing. Which can be viewed here...

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46898



On my Tahoe, I tried my buddy's Menzerna IP, but couldn't get the blemishes out with that either. Would you guys suggest a harsher product, or maybe a different applicator pad? Both times I used the yellow pads from ProperAutoCare when applying the Fine Cut.



And more pics as requested...



DSCN1130.jpg




DSCN1170.jpg








In the next two shot, you can see the bad oxidation spot that runs along the top of the fender. I was able to totally remove the wear. It took a few passes with the 3m compound, but it was worth the extra work for sure....as you can see in the 2 after photos.





DSCN1129.jpg




DSCN1160.jpg




DSCN1169.jpg




DSCN1176.jpg
 
I would never have guessed you weren't a qualified professional if you hadn't titled the thread the way you did.



Absolutely first rate work! :bow
 
Be sure to check the pictures I added on page 2 if you haven't seen them...



Just getting this thread above the April entries now that its been moved into the contest....



Thanks again for all the positive feedback.
 
This and Axe's entry makes for some tight competition for both you guys. Plus whatever may come in for the rest of the month. I love the second pic on the first page showing the taped hood. Awesome job, I bet the owner is proud to own the truck now and I bet you are happy that you made it that way! :) Keep it up!
 
I cannot believe the amount of swirls you had :eek

Excellent job, and a great color to display the very nice look NXT leaves. :up
 
All I can say is WOW! That thing was a POS for sure, great work and I'm sure its a definite confidence booster:xyxthumbs



Only thing is I feel bad for the PC pads :( ;). Poor guys had no idea what they were in for! :p
 
true blue blood said:
All I can say is WOW! That thing was a POS for sure, great work and I'm sure its a definite confidence booster:xyxthumbs



Only thing is I feel bad for the PC pads :( ;). Poor guys had no idea what they were in for! :p
Click to expand...



My pads did get quite the workout...worse than that even was the beating that my claybar took. I wouldn't dare use it on another vehicle....words can not describe how bad the actual texture was on the vehicle from the recycled asphalt being baked onto his truck for a couple days straight. He then went to one of those manual car washes with the bristle brush on the handle...."Chris, I scrubbed and scrubbed with that brush, you can't get that stuff off the paint." Thats how he got all the terrible swirl marks covering the entire vehicle...



Thats also when I introduced him to the wonderful world of claybars. 20 seconds of work on a little area of the hood and it felt like the difference between sliding on an icy road and hitting the dry patch! :D He was instantly sold on the detail job!! :bow << claybar!
 
Funny you mentioned the clay bar I thought of that later. That thing must have been helluva nasty:eek: . You should hit that guy up for a steak dinner also;) !
 
true blue blood said:
Funny you mentioned the clay bar I thought of that later. That thing must have been helluva nasty:eek: . You should hit that guy up for a steak dinner also;) !
Click to expand...



Its my dad....I'll get "market value" out of it somehow:cool: It was my first paid job and family so I think I came out alright...if nothing else, I can print up some of them side by sides and show em around to try and get some side work:up
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top