Exorcism Detailing Proudly Presents:
100 hours.
one man.
6,000 minutes.
two hands.
360,000 seconds
one passion.
OVERVIEW
HAND WASH
DECONAMINATION
7 STAGES OF WET-SANDING
STAGE III POLISH
3 LAYERS OF CERAMIC
ENGINE DETAIL
WHEEL-OFF DETAIL
WHEEL POLISHING
WHEEL COATING
CALIPER COATING
GLASS COATING
TRIM COATING
DOOR JAM CERAMIC
INTERIOR VACUUM
LEATHER COATING
GAUGES RESTORED
CARPET CARE
FABRIC GUARD
CARBON RESTORED
PRE-DETAIL INSPECTION
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Year: 2010
Equipped with the optional P30 Performance Package
Mileage: 31,182km
After a 800+km journey, it was time for a thorough detail. Here are some of our initial observations:
- Original Calcite White paint
- Front end covered in bugs
- Plasti-dipped front grill and trunk spoiler
- Brake dust buildup
- Paint Protection Film (PPF) installed (front end, hood, mirrors, rear bumper insert)
- Mild swirling
Wash Process
Before the initial rinse, we coat the vehicle in foam using a foam cannon and allow it to dwell for a few minutes.
Not only does it look cool, it helps loosen the dirt so that more can be removed during the initial rinse.
The more dirt that can be safely removed without touching the vehicle, the better.
Bug Removal
To remove the bugs from the front fascia of the vehicle, we sprayed some mild-strength bug remover and allowed the product to dwell for a few minutes. While a significant portion of the splatters were removed after pressure washing, we used a clay bar to remove the remaining bugs. Any remaining bug stains were removed via polishing (most of which were on the paint protection film).
Multi-Bucket Wash Method
To help minimize the chances of scratching the paintwork during the wash process, we use a multi-bucket wash method. This technique involves the use of multiple buckets to separate the soapy wash solution used for the paintwork from the solution used to clean dirtier areas of the vehicle (i.e., wheels, exhaust, etc). Allowing the metallic brake dust and heavy dirt to contaminate the wash mitts greatly increases the chances of scratching the paint. In this particular scenario, we used the two-bucket method (as we were polishing anyway).
As always, we clean the wash buckets before use.
Drying Method
To dry the vehicle, we used microfiber drying towels to soak up the majority of the water - along with a car dryer that blows heated, filtered air to free the water trapped in the various hard-to-reach places (weather stripping, under mirrors, etc).
WHAT IS A "GRIT GUARD?"
Grit Guards are a plastic filter-like inserts that are placed at the bottom of your wash bucket(s) . They allow dirt to fall to the bottom and prevent you from contaminating the wash mitt. Subsequently, reducing the risk of scratching the vehicle while washing.
Decontamination
In preparation for the polish, contaminants such as tar, sap, and fallout were removed during the decontamination process. For this vehicle, we chose to use a clay bar rather than chemical decontamination.
Clay barring is the process of lightly rubbing a piece of detailing clay against the paint (along with a lubricant such as clay lube or soap).
Surprisingly, the paint only had mild amount of contaminants stuck to the surface - mostly on the horizontal panels (hood, roof, trunk, etc.).
Clay barring should be done only when required (with the finest/least abrasive grade of clay possible) to reduce the possibility of marring the finish.
Plasti-Dip Removal
At the owner's request, we removed the plasti-dip on the trunk spoiler, as well as the front grill.
To do this, we simply heated the area up with a heat gun and peeled it off.
Remaining plasti-dip overspray was removed during the decontamination process.
Before
After
Engine Detailing
The W204 C63 AMG is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 that screams all the way to 7,200 RPM, signed by the technician (Martin Peschke) that built the engine. The M156 engine produces 451 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 443 ft-lbs of torque at 5,000 rpm.
To clean up this iconic engine, we started the process by removing the front engine cover and masking off/protecting sensitive areas such as air intakes and exposed wiring.
Afterward, we rinsed the engine bay and gently agitated the dirt using a variety of soft brushes and light cleaners. To prevent staining, the engine had cooled off before we started this process.
To ensure no components remained wet for longer than necessary, we air-dried the engine bay after the wash process was completed.
Lastly, all vinyl, plastics, and wiring were dressed using a small brush (not sprayed) and all painted areas were treated to a synthetic sealant.
FUN FACT
Although the displacement of the engine is technically "only" 6.2L, it's branded as a 6.3L to commemorate the legendary M100 6.3L engine found in the W109 300SEL 6.3 and the iconic 600.
At the time when this car was first released nearly 10 years ago, it was the quickest production sedan in the world, rocketing from 0-60mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds.
Before
In Progress
After
Wheel Care
STOCK WHEELS
To clean and protect the 18" OEM AMG rims (made by Borbet), we performed the following steps:
- Sprayed wheel cleaner to loosen caked-on brake dust and remove iron particles
- Pressure washed the inner fenders, tire tread, and rims (in that order)
- Agitated the dirt using a variety of soft boar's hair and microfiber wheel brushes with soapy water
- Air dried the rims
Before
Iron Removal
Rim Face Cleaning
Barrel/Caliper Cleaning
ADVANCED WHEEL CLEAning
After the wheels were removed from the vehicle, the rims received a second cleaning to remove any remaining surface dirt and debris. To remove the pieces of road tar, we clay barred each rim.
Note: a separate piece of clay was used for each rim to prevent additional marring and was discarded after use.
Using a machine polisher, the faces, barrels, and behind the spokes were given a fine polish to bring a rich gloss back to the metallic-grey paint.
As polishing leaves behind abrasives and oils which need to be removed prior to applying ceramic coatings, each rim was given an IPA wipe-down.
Finally, each rim was coated with Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armor to help reduce the amount of brake dust that sticks to the rim, increase hydrophobic characteristics, and makes maintenance cleans easier.
Before
After
Aftermarket Wheels
To give this C63 a killer stance while putting as much rubber to the pavement as possible, the owner decided to go with a custom set of staggered 20" 3-Piece Track-Spec ADV.1 rims. Rim specifications are as follows:
ADV.1 5.0 Track-Spec 3 Piece Forged
Gloss Black Barrels / Matte Black Centers
Hidden Hardware
Front: 20 x 9 (ET38)
245/30/20
Rear: 20 x 10 (ET54)
295/25/20
WHEEL RESTORaTION
Although the cleaning process was largely the same as the stock wheels, the black rims needed much more attention to restore the finish.
The gloss black barrels recieved a Stage II Polish, one coat of Crystal Serum Light, one coat of EXO V3, and two coats of C5 Wheel Armor.
The matte black centers and both sets of center caps were coated with one coat of EXO V3, and two coats of C5 Wheel Armor.
Each rim bolt was cleaned/polished with a cotton swab.
All lug bolts and wheel locks were coated in C5 Wheel Armor.
After installation, tires were treated with Gtechniq T2 Tyre Dressing.
barrels looked like this after washing
after restoration
before/after coating rim faces (in progress)
Interior Detailing
PRE DETAIL CONDITION
iNTERIOR dETAILING Process
Afterward, we vacuumed the interior and wiped down the whole interior twice. The preliminary wipe-down of the interior using a light interior cleaner and microfiber towel/interior brush is meant to remove the surface dust, dirt, and grime.
During the secondary wipe-down, we went over all of the textured plastic pieces and applied a satin-finish UV protectant to help prevent the black plastics from fading.
Once the interior wipe-down was complete, we shampooed the areas of the carpet that were heavily soiled using a hot-water carpet extractor and hand-shampooed the areas that did not require extraction.
Once dry, we protected the carpet/fabric surfaces using Gtechinq I1 Smart Fabric.
Leather Care
After vacuuming the seats, we used an ultra-soft leather cleaning brush to lather a pH-neutral leather cleaner onto the leather – one panel at a time. Each panel was immediately dried with a microfiber towel.
In addition to the leather on the seats, we also cleaned the leather steering wheel and leather portions of the gear selector.
To condition and nourish the leather on the seats, doors, steering wheel, and gear selector, we applied two coats of Gtechniq L1 Leather Guard.
Alcantara Care
Prior detailing, the Alcantara portions of the steering wheel were very dirty. To clean the sensitive material, we opted to use Swissvax Alcantara Cleaner, a soft brush to agitate the material, and a microfiber towel to soak up the dirt.
When cleaning any Alcantara/suede, avoid rubbing the material to prevent damaging the fibers.
Before
After
Carbon Trim Restoration
As the optional carbon fiber trim on the doors and center console had accumulated some swirls, we opted to polish and ceramic coat the trim. After surrounding materials had been masked off properly, the trim was given a Stage II Polish and coated with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light.
Instrument Cluster Restoration
carbon trim restoration
To repair the scratched face of the instrument cluster, we used a special machine polisher that could do the job properly without removing the cluster. Naturally, the surrounding materials were masked off to prevent damage during the polishing . The gauges received a Stage II Polish using fine and ultra-fine pad/polish combinations. Quicker arm movement was used to prevent heat buildup during this process.
Note: Whether your cleaning, restoring, or protecting the face of the instrument cluster, be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic.
The gauges were protected with a ceramic top-coat rather than the hard ceramic base coat so that the coating can be removed without compounding if needed.
Before
After
Paint Correction
Pre-Polish Inspection
Swirls
i.e., a collection of scratches that appear somewhat circular as a result of touching the vehicle via washing, drying, etc.
Deep Scratches
i.e., random scratches which are deeper than a typical swirl
Rotary Haze
i.e., machine-induced, uniform scratches as a result of using a rotary polisher
Orange Peel Removal
What is "Orange Peel?"
Orange Peel refers to the texture of a painted surface where it resembles that of an orange peel. Although the painted surface may appear to be relatively flat to the naked eye, think of orange peel as a vast mountain range, covered with high spots (mountains) and low spots (valleys).
Fixing Orange Peel
Orange Peel Removal or Clearcoat Texture Correction involves fine-sanding the clearcoat (1,000 grit or higher) to level the clearcoat until the surface is flat. Essentially, you're shaving the mountains or "high spots" with fine-grit sandpaper until they're gone.
Paint Thickness Inspection
Before attempting to polish a vehicle, let alone sand a vehicle, we measure the thickness of the paint to understand the following:
A) Overall Paint Thickness - Are we working with thick or thin paint?
B) Relative Paint Thickness - What's the paint thickness of this particular panel vs. the rest of the vehicle? Are we working with original paint? Or, has the vehicle been repainted?
C) Identifying Sensitive Areas - Are there any areas where the paint is abnormally thin? On this vehicle, the license plate insert on the trunk was far thinner than the rest of the vehicle, and far thinner than the rest of the trunk-lid and we opted not to sand the area.
Several hundred measurements are taken, recorded, and documented in a report that was later delivered to the customer.
Sanded With 2" Sanding Blocks by Hand (Not Machine).
1,500 GRIT,
2,000 GRIT,
3,000 GRIT,
4,000 GRIT,
5,000 GRIT,
6,000 GRIT,
7,000 GRIT.
POWER POLISHING
Stage II - Polishing / Refinement
Stage III - Fine Polishing / Jeweling
Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic Paint coatings
Unlike traditional waxes and sealants, nano coatings form a semi-permanent chemical bond with the paintwork, providing unmatched durability, swirl resistance, and protection from the elements. These long lasting coatings also allow for easier maintenance and they retain the "freshly polished" look for longer.
Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light (CSL)
Durability: ~3-5 Years
Gtechniq CSL is a ceramic, semi-permanent nano coating that is designed to provide maximum gloss, swirl resistance, and chemical resistance. This coating is no joke - you can measure the additional thickness of the paint after application. As per manufacturer recommendation, we applied one layer.
Gtechniq EXO
Durability: ~18-24 Months
Gtechniq EXO is designed to maximize the hydrophobic properties of the paintwork. We installed one layer of EXO once the CSL had fully cured.
Gtechniq CO Aero Coat
Durability: ~24 Months
Although CO was originally intended to "minimize adhesion of foreign objects on race cars," we installed this top coat to enhance the slickness, gloss, water mark resistance, and hydrophobic properties of the coating.
Left Side - Paint / Right Side - Film
HYDOPHOBIC CHARACTERISTICS
Trim
As the vinyl trim was faded, we used Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer to restore the plastics. All surrounding areas were properly masked during the application process. We restored the following components:
- Rear diffuser
- Weather stripping
- Mirrors
- Upper & lower front grill
Unlike traditional dressings, Gtechniq C4 chemically bonds to the trim, restores and protects the trim, and adds a non-greasy satin finish. After application, the trim can actually repel water.
Durability: ~1-2 Years
Before
After
Before
After
Wheels + Calipers
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour
Durability: ~1-2 Years
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armor is a long-lasting, hydrophobic, and heat-resistant coating that protects the rim from environmental contaminants and assists in repelling brake dust.
The gloss black barrels received one coat of Crystal Serum Light, one coat of EXO V3, and two coats of C5 Wheel Armor.
The matte black centers and both sets of center caps were coated with one coat of EXO V3, and two coats of C5 Wheel Armor.
All lug bolts and wheel locks were coated in C5 Wheel Armor.
Hydrophobic Characteristics
Finishing Touches
Cleaned + Degreased
Fabric Fender Liners Shampooed
Plastic Liners Coated in Gtechniq C4
Calipers Coated w/ C5 Wheel Armor
Suspension Cleaned + Sealed
Before
After
Glass
As this vehicle is driven often, we installed Gtechniq G1 Clear Vision Smart Glass to protect the glass against the elements. Three layers were applied to the front windscreen and two coats were applied to the side and rear windows.
Durability: ~1-2 Years
Benefits:
- Increases hydrophobic properties
- Makes cleaning/bug removal easier
- Protects against environmental contaminants (tree sap, fallout, etc.)
- Increases visibility
Hydrophobic Characteristics
Before
After
Exhaust Tip Coating
Cleaned, Polished, and Coated w/ C5 Wheel Armor
Before
After
Results
Interior
Exterior