Detailing & Automotive Care Use this forum to discuss detailing, cleaning and automotive care to maintain the beauty in your Mercedes-Benz.

Detailed my '07 Black SLK55

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 04-19-2013, 03:47 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
MarkR171's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Germantown, MD
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2007 SLK55 P30
Detailed my '07 Black SLK55

The local SCCA Autocross season has ended, so it was time to clean the car up for the off-season. Went to my local detailing supply store and rented a buffer and some supplies. The results speak for themselves (excuse the iPhone photos)

No before photos, it was getting late and I had to start so I could do a test spot while the sun was out. The car had light swirling throughout from dealer washes. Also had a deep scratch behind the passenger door from the previous owner. I don't have a close up picture of this, but I wet sanded it down with 2000grit paper and polished it. Greatly reduced the appearance.


Products Used:
Dawn Dish Soap
Pinnacle Clay Bar
Menzerna SF4000 Polish
Zaino Z5 Pro Sealant
Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer / Quick Detailer
Zaino Z8 Grand Finale Spray
P21S 100% Carnauba Wax
Griot's Random Orbital with Blue Pad
Two buckets with grit guard
Wool mitt

Process:
1. Washed and dried the car with Dawn to remove old sealant and wax using the "two bucket method"
2. Tested a 18"x18" spot on the hood to check effectiveness. Decided on two passes with SF4000 on a blue pad at speed 5 (spread with 3, work with 5.)
3. Brought the car back into the garage and began using the clay. Lubed with Zaino Z6
4. Taped up the trim, windows, and lights
5. Polished, two passes per panel with Griot's on Speed 3&5 with SF4000 on blue pad
6. Washed and dried with Dawn again to strip oils left by polish
7. Zaino Z5 Pro applied by hand, applicator kept slightly damp with Zaino Z6 gloss enhancer
8. Wiped Zaino Z5 off with Zaino Z8 Grand Finale
9. Repeat 7 & 8 one more time for a second coat
10. P21S 100% Carnauba wax applied by hand
11. Wiped wax off with Zaino Z8
12. DONE!

Total work time: 7 hours.

The money shots in this morning's sun






Old 04-19-2013, 04:46 PM
  #2  
Former Vendor of MBWorld
 
MishaDesigns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
SL55
Like a mirror! Nice job. Being able to detail your own car is so therapeutic.
Old 04-19-2013, 07:16 PM
  #3  
Super Moderator
 
BenzoBoi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SoCal
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
W221
Great job!
Old 04-20-2013, 06:54 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
lylesr33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Black 2008 S550 sport 2011 E350
Black cars are so sexy when they're clean. Nice job!!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Detailed my '07 Black SLK55



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:21 AM.