Detailed the Expedition

[slo-ryd]

When I bought this truck last month it was almost white with hazed clear coat, and scratched like it had been driven through the woods. I removed the haze and most of the deep scratches with 3M finesse-it III and a direct drive buffer. The UDM orbital finished the job.

Here's the results:

Daytime pics

The steps were:
1: Stong soap wash
2: Spot buffing on the worst scratches with the rotary and a wool pad
3: UDM orbital using #3 XMT Pinnalce compound
4: UDM using #1 XMT finishing compound
5: UDM using XMT final carnauba glaze
6: Hand wash for dust and splatter removal
7: Leaf blower drying
8: UDM using Zaino Z-2 Pro
9: Zaino Grand Finale wipedown
10: Oxygen and power bars

 

[AvroAero]

Wow... I thought you painted it until I read the 2nd bit. Very nice man.

 

[JUST4FUN]

That looks great, i'm next ,where do i bring my Expy

 

[slo-ryd]

Kentucky

I'll provide pointers lol

 

[green03]

do you have a before pic with it just washed?

Looks Awesome!

Matt R

 

[XLTman]

Whew she's a beauty

 

[slo-ryd]

Originally posted by green03
do you have a before pic with it just washed?

Looks Awesome!

Matt R

Thanks Matt!

It wasn't terrible before I started this time, because I had already spent a full day buffing with the rotary and 3M body shop compounds right after I bought it.

I wish I'd taken before pics, but I just couldn't stand the neglected look. Affter this session the paint just glows and has alot more depth.

 

[Buck Nasty]

Wow! She's a beaut! :rockband: :rockband:

 

[2002sport]

Nice looking shiny expy!
Question: I have a 2003 EB that I bought about 6 months ago. I've probably only washed it about 5x total as I only drive it on weekends, if that! But everytime I wash it and wipe it, I could not seem to get rid of water marks on the body. Is there an easy fix for this?

 

[slo-ryd]

Originally posted by 2002sport
Question: I have a 2003 EB that I bought about 6 months ago. I've probably only washed it about 5x total as I only drive it on weekends, if that! But everytime I wash it and wipe it, I could not seem to get rid of water marks on the body. Is there an easy fix for this?

It sounds like the clear coat could be etched. Depending on how deep it is, you may be stuck with it.
Your best bet is to try an orbital polisher with a medium cut abrasive polish. It's always better to take the slow cautious approach when correcting paint imperfections.

 

[ELVATO]

Yep, always take the least aggressive approach first.

Actually, you could try some Megs ColorX (I think that's what it's called) You can find it at Wal-mart for 7-8 dollars (black bottle). It took care of water marks on my parent's F250.

Also, to you might want to wax/polish it to better protect the paint. Carnubra waxes seem to be better for darker colors, while synthetic waxes and polishes seem better for lighter colored cars. Or, you could try stacking them, as long as you let the synthetic cure for 24 hours. I really like Meg's #26. Makes my sis' red Mustang really stand out.

I'm currently looking for something else for my white Expy. I might give Liquid Glass a try.

 

[EXP2NV]

I like that color combo!

 

[quakebuilder]

try wetsanding. its not as hard or scary as it sounds you just have to go real slow and KEEP IT WET while you are doing it. i start off with 1000 grit and work my up to 1500 then hit with a three step process using Mothers stuff, cut, cleaner and carnuba. it looks deep enough to swim through when done. with an ex size vehicle be prepared to spend from sunup to sundown to get it looking like slo-ryds.

nice work slo, looks *******!

 

[ROCKSBITE]

when your runnng the buffer do you tape off all the moldings and glass? i hate having the polish in the poris rubber pieces. i wish you were closer cause mine would be sitting at your house right now. looks great. mine 2000 eb looks like im the first person to wash it. ive had it 2 months and the dullness kills me. id rather wetsand the whole truck and go with a dull finish and some white walls.

 

[slo-ryd]

Originally posted by ROCKSBITE
when your runnng the buffer do you tape off all the moldings and glass? i hate having the polish in the poris rubber pieces.

Yes, I use the low-tack blue painters tape around the trim. You can also lay an old sheet or bath towel across the windshield and cowl area. I keep a damp towel on hand to immediately wipe off any splatter.

 

[ELVATO]

Just "detailed" mine today. Not nearly as good as slo-ryd's since I didn't get any scratches out, but I like how it came out. Will post a pic or two tomorrow

 

[RaiderNations]

Looks like a new paint. Great detail job! How did the inside come out? Got pics?