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Transformer Part1
30-10-2010, 08:30 PM
Post: #1
Transformer Part1
So, I bought this 1996 C-Class Merc as a project car this week. The car has been seriously neglected and is in need of some serious TLC Throwup

The paintwork and interior had its fair share of abuse from Cape Town's weather. Bawling

My plan is to restore the car to its original condition and to then use it as a "courtesy car" if customers need to leave their cars with me for a while to detail.

Anyway, this Saturday I decided to do a quick test on the fender and boot lid to see if the transformation that I visualised when I bought the car will be possible.

I used some Menz PowerGloss with the Shinex and FF with the G220 and I was amazed by the results...

Fender

[Image: FenderBefore.jpg]

[Image: FenderAfter1.jpg]

[Image: FenderAfter2.jpg]

[Image: FenderAfter3.jpg]

Boot Lid:

[Image: BootBefore.jpg]

[Image: BootAfter2.jpg]

[Image: BootAfter2.jpg]

[Image: BootAfter4.jpg]

This was just a quick test, and I will need to spend a bit of time on each panel, but I am sure it will be a nice transformation project. As work progress, I will do a full thread on this project, but it will definitely take a while...
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30-10-2010, 09:57 PM
Post: #2
RE: Transformer Part1
Wow, nice work man. glad to see someone working on a w202 merc, as thats my daily drive.
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31-10-2010, 07:29 PM
Post: #3
RE: Transformer Part1
That last 50:50 is amazing.
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31-10-2010, 09:24 PM
Post: #4
RE: Transformer Part1
Nice work Paul,

Look forward to seeing the finished results Thumb

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

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01-11-2010, 07:23 AM
Post: #5
RE: Transformer Part1
Besides the great work, the idea of having a courtesy car for your detailing customers is a fantastic touch. Well done.
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01-11-2010, 08:21 AM (This post was last modified: 01-11-2010 08:26 AM by PaulVW.)
Post: #6
RE: Transformer Part1
(30-10-2010 09:57 PM)Audioholic Wrote:  Wow, nice work man. glad to see someone working on a w202 merc, as thats my daily drive.

Thanks man! These are lovely cars - it really is a pity this one was not well looked after Bawling but hoefully I can restore it to its former glory and it will cost me less than a 1.4 Citi Golf Thinking
(31-10-2010 07:29 PM)springbok Wrote:  That last 50:50 is amazing.

Thanks Springbok! I actually have 1 50/50 pic thats better, but the reflection was so good, my fat face spoils the pic Rofl
(31-10-2010 09:24 PM)Carn Wrote:  Nice work Paul,

Look forward to seeing the finished results Thumb

Thanks David! It will be a slow project, but I will write a detailed thread on it. Just order a Haynes manual for the car today so that I can start stripping it. First job will be fixing the seats and interior...


(01-11-2010 07:23 AM)Woodie Wrote:  Besides the great work, the idea of having a courtesy car for your detailing customers is a fantastic touch. Well done.

Thanks Woodie!
Yes, the problem with most customers needing their cars every day and me taking 5 days on a car made me come up with this idea and I was searching for a while before I found a suitable candidate. Bluebiggrin
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01-11-2010, 08:43 AM
Post: #7
RE: Transformer Part1
Paul, will you be detailing full time now ?

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01-11-2010, 09:08 AM (This post was last modified: 01-11-2010 07:17 PM by PaulVW.)
Post: #8
RE: Transformer Part1
(01-11-2010 08:43 AM)Lambchop Wrote:  Paul, will you be detailing full time now ?

Hi Lambchop,
It is one of the options I am considering at the moment, although I realise that I will have to do more than just detailing to survive...

Anyway, I am working on a few plans and will let you know how things work out...
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01-11-2010, 10:39 AM (This post was last modified: 01-11-2010 07:50 PM by Lambchop.)
Post: #9
RE: Transformer Part1
Good luck with you new business Paul!!! - Iv thought about this aswell
but cant see myself doing it full time . I might end up in the loony bin Bluebiggrin

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01-11-2010, 06:42 PM
Post: #10
RE: Transformer Part1
Where did you order the haynes workshop manual from if you dont mind me asking? as im also looking for one.
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01-11-2010, 06:49 PM
Post: #11
RE: Transformer Part1
I've considered it on numerous occasions, but I dont think the SA landscape is ripe for it just yet. You would need to complement the detailing with other services to keep afloat IMHO.

The other aspect to consider is the physical nature of the work involved. I know on a weekend after spending 20+ hours on a car I am knackered! Doing it 5 or 6 days a week would take some adjustment, especially in light of the fact that I currently spend 97% of my daylight hours parked behind a desk Bluebiggrin

As Sean mentioned, nice touch on the courtesy car Thumb

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

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01-11-2010, 07:19 PM (This post was last modified: 01-11-2010 07:27 PM by PaulVW.)
Post: #12
RE: Transformer Part1
(01-11-2010 06:42 PM)Audioholic Wrote:  Where did you order the haynes workshop manual from if you dont mind me asking? as im also looking for one.

I ordered one from kalahari.net, but you can also get it from Motorbooks close to Hyde Park.
(01-11-2010 10:39 AM)Lambchop Wrote:  Sorry to hear about the bad news Paul ..

But good luck with you new business!!! - Iv thought about this aswell
but cant see myself doing it full time . I might end up in the loony bin Bluebiggrin

Thanks Lambchop! Yes, I am also scared of ending up in the loony bin Rofl


(01-11-2010 06:49 PM)Carn Wrote:  I've considered it on numerous occasions, but I dont think the SA landscape is ripe for it just yet. You would need to complement the detailing with other services to keep afloat IMHO.

The other aspect to consider is the physical nature of the work involved. I know on a weekend after spending 20+ hours on a car I am knackered! Doing it 5 or 6 days a week would take some adjustment, especially in light of the fact that I currently spend 97% of my daylight hours parked behind a desk Bluebiggrin

As Sean mentioned, nice touch on the courtesy car Thumb

Thanks for the advice David. My idea is to rather focus on body repair & painting (as I have more experience with that) and to do the detailing on the side as an additional service, but I am still in the planning phases...

However, I fully agree with you about the physical workout. I also spend my day behind a laptop so doing one detail kills me Rofl Hopefully I will only do this for a limited duration and in a "supervisory" position!
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05-11-2010, 12:05 PM
Post: #13
RE: Transformer Part1
PaulVW... If you ever wanna start something up keep me in mind as well.... I am tired of my desk Job!!!
I cant sit behind this laptop another year.
I would rather Die Detailing than bashing my head against the screen... ha ha ha

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06-11-2010, 09:30 AM
Post: #14
RE: Transformer Part1
(05-11-2010 12:05 PM)Vincent Wrote:  PaulVW... If you ever wanna start something up keep me in mind as well.... I am tired of my desk Job!!!
I cant sit behind this laptop another year.
I would rather Die Detailing than bashing my head against the screen... ha ha ha

Hey Vincent! I will keep you in mind man! We must defintely try to do something together. I feel the same way about my office job vs. detailing Thinking

PS. I spoke to Mike about some advice on this Merc. I will try and arrange a get-together / demo on this car and then you must also come around. I bought plenty of beer already Bluebiggrin
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06-11-2010, 06:00 PM
Post: #15
RE: Transformer Part1
Good luck with the business ventures guys. (i relate to that desk job ache & pain)

I find it interesting (and quite clever) Vincent that your 'pay-off line' is Specialised Valet & Detailing - i totally understand though. The local market really has a very long way to go to distinguish between joe blogs 'valet' versus a professional 'detail'

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07-11-2010, 06:22 AM
Post: #16
RE: Transformer Part1
Well Guys as i feel remember car buyers r becoming more savy on looking after their automobiles as prices r becoming effin expensive.

And believe me there are a good few owners out there that don't know where to turn to so keep on MARKETING guys.
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07-11-2010, 08:41 AM
Post: #17
RE: Transformer Part1
Education is the key...Most people are clueless as to what waxes and polishes really are and many believe a glaze is the ultimate pampering for their cars. As detailing becomes more commonplace and more people become familiar with it I definately think the market will grow. It has already come along way since I got started a few years back, but we are still miles behind places like the US and UK IMO.

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

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