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Mobile Image : 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
02-11-2010, 09:45 PM
Post: #1
Mobile Image : 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
I'm a few weeks behind on content having been down with the flu amongst other things...In any event I am back with a lovely BMW Z4M that came to me for a full house treatment Str8pimp

This car was scheduled for everything including Paint Correction, Interior detail, Engine Bay detail as well as a full wheels off Rim and Arch detail!


The car on arrival...
[Image: IMG_1572.jpg]

Not too bad, mostly typical road grime
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Wheels werent all that bad...
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Tailpipes would need some love
[Image: IMG_1573.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1575.jpg]


Engine bay was fairly clean but dusty with a few areas that would need attention
[Image: IMG_1584.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1585.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1586.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1587.jpg]


First up was a thorough rinse before attacking all the trim and small bits with APC and detail brushes. The tailpipes were also given a scrub to remove as much muck as possible...

Door shuts
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Trim
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Emblems and panel gaps
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[Image: IMG_1600.jpg]

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Ez-Brush came in handy in some of the hard to reach areas
[Image: IMG_1594.jpg]

I also removed the front kidneys to clean them more thoroughly. Whilst out I cleaned out the nasal cavities...
[Image: IMG_1591.jpg]

Unseen bits...
[Image: IMG_1602.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1606.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1607.jpg]


With all the odds and ends cleaned it was time to foam the car in preperation for the wash stage. A mix of APC and CG's CWC was used in the foam lance and left to dwell...

[Image: IMG_1618.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1617.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1615.jpg]


After rinsing I set about giving the engine bay a quick once over with some APC, various brushes and the pressure washer (light mist). Once again my Ez-Detail brush came in handy for cleaning...

[Image: IMG_1595.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1596.jpg]


After rinsing off the engine the bonnet was closed and the car was left to idle whilst washing. The usual 2BM followed proceeded by a further rinse. Apologies for the lack of pics from these stages, it was getting late and I was in a hurry to finish up the Friday afternoon shift!


Saturday morning started with me rinsing the car down, followed by claying. The clay came out fairly cleanly with nothing extraordinary in terms of surface contamination.

[Image: IMG_1628.jpg]

With the claying completed the car was given a final rinse before being dried and pulled back into the garage. At this point I gave the exhausts and back boxes some further attention...

After cleaning the tailpipes...
[Image: IMG_1619.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1621.jpg]

the back boxes got some TLC...
[Image: IMG_1623.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1624.jpg]

before finishing off with some intensive polishing...
[Image: IMG_1631.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1635.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1634.jpg]


Happy with the tailpieces, I set about masking the trim as well as removing some to gain better access.

Here the washer jets were removed and the holes taped up for polishing...
[Image: IMG_1637.jpg]

Paint gauge readings were pretty normal with average readings between 130 and 150um
[Image: IMG_1659.jpg]


A few defects captured under different lights from throughout the detail...
[Image: IMG_1642.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1645.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1646.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1653.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1693.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1696.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1703.jpg]

Nothing too severe in terms of paint defects, the usual mild swirling, etc was present. The rear bumper had some odd marks on it which didnt come off with clay, but came out perfectly after polishing...
[Image: IMG_1688.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1691.jpg]


With this being a full house detail I was limited to a single stage correction. With this in mind I set about playing with a few options before eventually settling on a single hit of SIP on a green 3M compounding pad.

Before and afters in the sunlight...
[Image: IMG_1660.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1661.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1665.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1669.jpg]

Halogen after
[Image: IMG_1698.jpg]

And under the LED...
[Image: IMG_1679.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1681.jpg]

Overall the majority of the minor swirls were removed. As can be seen in the after pics in sunlight however, there were some traces of swirling and RIDS which remained.

The headlights and taillights also required some corrective maintenance. This was achieved with various spot pads and a combination of SIP and PO85RE5 finishing polish.

Front headlights before
[Image: IMG_1707.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1708.jpg]

And afters...
[Image: IMG_1714.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1720.jpg]


Tails got the same treatment...

Before
[Image: IMG_1733.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1734.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1735.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1736.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1737.jpg]

After
[Image: IMG_1740.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1743.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1746.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1747.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1749.jpg]

Opposite side before...
[Image: IMG_1755.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1756.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1757.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1758.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1759.jpg]

And after
[Image: IMG_1762.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1763.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1764.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1765.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1766.jpg]


While I had the spot pads out I attended to polishing the smaller areas like A-pillars, mirrors and other tight spots...

Front lower bumper
[Image: IMG_1722.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1725.jpg]

And rear
[Image: IMG_1768.jpg]


Whilst around the back with the lights I couldnt help but snap another 2 quick shots of the tailpipes...
[Image: IMG_1751.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1754.jpg]


With the polishing complete I called it a day and headed on home for the night. Sunday morning started with the interior which was in dire need of some attention!

A few befores
[Image: IMG_1775.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1774.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1776.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1777.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1778.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1779.jpg]

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[Image: IMG_1783.jpg]

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[Image: IMG_1784.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1787.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1789.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1790.jpg]

Leather was looking a little drab
[Image: IMG_1788.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1792.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1793.jpg]

First up a gave everything a wipe down with some 20:1 APC and a microfiber cloth before cleaning all the nooks and crannies with various brushes. With that completed I vacuumed the interior before getting started on cleaning and conditioning the leather.

The seats were scrubbed with the Raceglaze leather cleaner and brush, before being wiped down and nourished with the Raceglaze Leather Balm. The more I use this stuff the more I love it...Especially the smell!

Cleaning a few panels at a time
[Image: IMG_1795.jpg]

And the rinse water from the interior...
[Image: IMG_1841.jpg]

With everything clean the interior trim was dressed with Werkstat's Satin Prot trim dressing which leaves a lovely, factory type satin finish.

A few afters...
[Image: IMG_1796.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1801.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1803.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1824.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1808.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1813.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1815.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1816.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1820.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1822.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1823.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1830.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1832.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1834.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1891.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1829.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1868.jpg]

Leather came up well for an 80k km car...
[Image: IMG_1889.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1812.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1810.jpg]


With the interior sorted out it was time to get the wheels off and scrub up the arches. With it already being after lunch and with time running out I roped in my old man to assist me. I remember the days of forced car wash labour as a child, along with my fathers stringent job quality standards. Do it wrong or miss a spot and you did it all over again...Needless to say today I got my own back Bluebiggrin

Arch and wheels before
[Image: IMG_1837.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1839.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1840.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1842.jpg]


As I said time was running out and we needed to finish so I didnt waste time snapping pics. I couldn't however not take a photo of dad's handiwork so here it is Rofl
[Image: IMG_1844.jpg]

I must say he did a damn fine job getting in almost everywhere and going over some things more than twice. I could see quite plainly where my OCD tendencies originated from Clap


With the wheels cleaned and sealed the engine bay was re-rinsed and dried before being dressed with 303 Aerospace Protectant.

2 quick shots...
[Image: IMG_1871.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1872.jpg]


LSP of choice was Menzerna Powerlock. Due to the limited remaining time I went with this as it really is easy to apply and remove. Tires got Wheelwax Extreme black gel and exterior trim got Satin Prot as with the interior.

A few after shots to close off...

Wheels and tires.
[Image: IMG_1853.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1854.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1883.jpg]

Tailpipes again
[Image: IMG_1875.jpg]

Some reflection shots...
[Image: IMG_1851.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1852.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1865.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1855.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1864.jpg]

Finished product...
[Image: IMG_1848.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1856.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1874.jpg]

Final one
[Image: IMG_1879.jpg]


Overall this was a challenging detail despite the simple nature of the task at hand. The sheer amount of work that needed to be done in the available time meant spending no less than 25 hours on this beauty. At the end of the day the client seemed more than thrilled with the outcome, which is all that matters!

As always, thanks for looking Thumb

David : 083 642 2118
www.mobileimage.co.za

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03-11-2010, 07:38 AM
Post: #2
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
ClapWorshippyThumbsup2

Well done once again David.
Awesome job and awesome write up!
I am also very impressed with those tail pipes Bluebiggrin

You definitely raise the bar with every detail and give us something to aspire to Clap

Glad to hear the owner appreciated your efforts Thumbsup2
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03-11-2010, 07:59 AM
Post: #3
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Excellent work as always.
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03-11-2010, 08:09 AM
Post: #4
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
WOW!!!!! thats about all i can say!!!! Brilliant job once again David!!!! ClapClapClap I absolutely love those tailpipes.... WorshippyWorshippyWorshippy

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03-11-2010, 11:36 AM
Post: #5
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
WOW, beautiful work on an awesome machine!
What are you sealing wheels with these days Dave? Rimwax still, or you using Menz Powerlock on these too?
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03-11-2010, 12:33 PM (This post was last modified: 03-11-2010 12:34 PM by AMD001.)
Post: #6
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Excellent work Dave.
What do you use for the tail pipes?
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03-11-2010, 02:11 PM
Post: #7
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
25 hours ... Looonnnggg time .... Wow!!! Awesome job Carn ... Good write-up as well ... Thumbsup2
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03-11-2010, 06:24 PM
Post: #8
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Excellent work Dave. Rather 25 hours of work that produces these results than a several hour hack job. I'm assuming that your dad passed the appie test? Bluebiggrin
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03-11-2010, 06:50 PM
Post: #9
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Thanks gents Thumb

(03-11-2010 11:36 AM)Wells Wrote:  What are you sealing wheels with these days Dave? Rimwax still, or you using Menz Powerlock on these too?

Used Rimwax on this one as usual. I have a tub of Wheel Wax I wanted to use, but due to time constraints I went with tried and trusted Thumb

(03-11-2010 12:33 PM)AMD001 Wrote:  What do you use for the tail pipes?

APC, an acid based cleaner, abrasive pads, Raceglaze Alutech metal polish and a few other odds and ends.

(03-11-2010 06:24 PM)Woodie Wrote:  Excellent work Dave. Rather 25 hours of work that produces these results than a several hour hack job. I'm assuming that your dad passed the appie test? Bluebiggrin

Indeed, although this effort left me in bed for 2 days nursing a cold...The effects of which are still nagging me!

The old man passed the test...He even had 2 sliced up fingers to prove he got in everywhere Bluebiggrin

David : 083 642 2118
www.mobileimage.co.za

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04-11-2010, 11:20 AM
Post: #10
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
25 hours.... Superb!

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02-02-2011, 03:10 PM
Post: #11
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
That's very nice David.

You guys make very nice looking cars even better

Simply enjoyed ur post.

thanks
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02-02-2011, 04:47 PM
Post: #12
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Thanks again gents, appreciate the comments as always Thumb

David : 083 642 2118
www.mobileimage.co.za

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02-02-2011, 10:39 PM
Post: #13
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Excellent Dave. Thanks for the write up.
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07-02-2011, 02:39 PM
Post: #14
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Carn, what on earth have you done with those tailpipes??? It looks ridiculousNew_shocked

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07-02-2011, 04:53 PM
Post: #15
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
He won't tell. Bluebiggrin He just says "abrasive pads"

Come on David spill the beans.
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07-02-2011, 06:43 PM
Post: #16
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
(07-02-2011 04:53 PM)springbok Wrote:  He won't tell. Bluebiggrin He just says "abrasive pads"

Come on David spill the beans.

OK so here is how I do it...

First off we have the dirty tailpipes
[Image: IMG_1575.jpg]


I then clean them with an acid based product and abrasive pads to remove the carbon buildup. This same cleaner is sprayed onto the back boxes to remove built up dirt and crud. It works fantastically well but you need to be extremely cautious when using it as it is seriously aggressive and will destroy paint!!!

After the chemical cleaning you should be left with something like this...
[Image: IMG_1604.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1621.jpg]

[Image: IMG_1624.jpg]

After thoroughly rinsing the pipes and back boxes, including surrounding areas, you can dry the pipes off. At this point, and depending on how well the abrasive pads have cleaned the pipes, I break out the Raceglaze metal polish and flap wheel to reshine the pipes.

If all goes well you should end up with pipes looking like your Granma's best silverware Bluebiggrin
[Image: IMG_1631.jpg]


Next time I do some of these I will document the process and put together a post on it Thumb

David : 083 642 2118
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07-02-2011, 07:09 PM
Post: #17
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Look forward to that, thanks Dave.

I assume it's done by hand (the acid/abrasive pads phase)?
What is the name of the product?
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08-02-2011, 08:16 AM
Post: #18
RE: Mobile Image: 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Whoa!!! excellent work dude (as usual) Thumb
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21-03-2011, 12:52 AM
Post: #19
RE: Mobile Image : 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Amazing work in the time frame allowed David. As for the secret Acid product, is there anything else that we can use that is not as dangerous as this?
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21-03-2011, 11:21 AM
Post: #20
RE: Mobile Image : 25 hours with a Z4 ///M
Quote: I break out the Raceglaze metal polish and flap wheel to reshine the pipes.

What is a "flap wheel"?
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