One thing that we have been very fortunate to do, is work with some local collectors as their go to collection detailer. We really focus on the person, and what they need and how we can provide that to them. In the instance of this collector, we go to him. This allows us to keep the car in his shop, so he doesn’t have to load them and travel. Its also nice for us, because the shop is climate controlled, fully plumbed for air with Prevost fittings and….well, all the cars are in great company.
This particular car was a recent purchase from the Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction. This is one of two that he brought back. Both are 427 big blocks, with this particular one is a 67 Convertible.
Our task was to polish out the light marring to bring the finish back to show ready and protect the paint for future cleaning and show prep. This particular client has grown very fond of Swissvax products, and we are glad that he has, because we are very fond of them as well.
All of this collections starts with a rinse less wash process. We use Optimum No Rinse in most instances because most, if not all, of these vehicles only has light dust on them. We always clay bar the vehicle, and usually get some form of contamination on most, depending on where they came from. The polishing process is something that many people ask about, and it really is a trail and error situation. All paint is different, and some of these cars are complete frame off restorations and some are even completely original. We start with a light polish and polish pad, just to see what that will do. In most cases, we have found on these older cars that we end up going to a light compound, because we want to get as many defects out as possible. That being said, we have had times where we go heavy compound to get to where we want….Like I said, it really depends on the paint, and we just let it tell us what it wants.
We used D300 with a Megs microfiber cutting disc and followed with Sonax Perfect Finish and a black Lake Country finishing pad. Between steps we did a panel wipe to remove any left over compound or oils.
The next step was one that I was skeptical of when I first started using Swissvax products, and it was because I wasn’t allowing it the time it needed. The next step is a hand application of SV Cleaner Fluid Regular. This is a specific pre-wax cleaner and fortifier which makes the surface ready to accept the Swissvax chosen wax. We used to apply it and then try to pull it off right after and we always got streaking and just couldn’t seem to get it off. We then changed our application process and started letting it sit after working a thin layer in and bingo!! That worked.
Then we add wax. We have used a couple of different SV waxes, our favorite is Crystal Rock, but alas we are out!! (Note to order). That being said, we do have one that is our go to on most cars when they don’t want to amp up to Crystal Rock, that is SV Endurance. This is a PTFE (Telfon) fortified wax which is a professional install only product. We really like how slick the paint feels after application and curing and how easily water slides right off.
We also polished the chrome which on this car was just to make it really pop and gleam, because it is in excellent shape. Tires were cleaned and dressed to look period appropriate, not glossy, satin.
Enjoy the pictures.
