I posted this over at Showcargarage. It is sort of MINI related... scroll to after pictures....

I was so excited to apply what I learned from the PC-DVD and embarked on detailing our family SUV. It's an '06 Nighthawk Pearl Black Pilot.

We got the Pilot on Sep '06 and I promised myself that I will do my best to give it some TLC. That was the time I got hooked on detailing. I tried my best to minimize scratching by following the 2 bucket method (w/ gritguard) and using MF towels for drying and quick detailing. I prepped it with Klasse Twins (AIO and SG) last Fall and boosted it with Sonus Glanz from time to time. I never went back to my habit of taking it to an automated car wash and when the outside temp with up to 40 deg this winter I carefully used Protect-All's QEW to clean it up.

Well, it got a bit warmer last weekend and I thought it was time to use my new PC.

I took to following steps and it took me around 6 hours to do it.

Wash - Meguiars GC
Clay - Meguiars Clay Detail Kit
Meguiars M80 with Detailers Paradise white pad (DP white)
Prima Epic with DP gray pad (x1)
Tires & Trim: Meguiars Hyperdressing (3:1)

I have P21S and I am thinking of putting it over Epic. What do you think guys?

here are the before pictures.. please click on thumbnail for larger picture

Not bad. considering that it was treated with KAIO and KSG (by hand)



Before: Driver side moulding. Dealer installed swirls



Before: Hood. swirls



Before: more swirls



Test Spot. Suddendly we got overcast clouds so pictures are not that good. Anyway, I used M80 and AIO for this test spot (right side of picture). Even though it improved the finish (deeper color) I thought it lacked depth. I redid it and decided to try Prima Epic.




Taping.



After: moulding. no more swirls




After: hood w M80





After: Passenger door. reflection of my 06 MCS. that will be the next one in line.





After:



That's all folks!

 

Lovely! Excellent results.

EDIT: "Dealer Installed Swirls"... I've always loved that. Careful when removing them, if so - you know how SOME MINI dealers are about removing "OEM equipment".

 

Isn't the Pilot a nice car to drive? My friend's mom loaned me hers when I was visiting and I couldn't believe how well it drives! It feels more like a sports car than an SUV. I actually took it on some twisties and had a blast! Great detailing job by the way.

 

Wow....Nice job!!!

 

wow!! i love what can be done to black paint! you did an amazing job.

 

Looks great!

 

Thanks! I really learned a lot from here.

 

We totally love the Pilot. Its got ample power and the riding comfort and handling is really top notch.

 

Wow. Nice job.

But now my Pilot (a Green '04) is gonna be jealous... My MCS gets all the luvin' at my house.

So how long did the Pilot detail take? After your pictures, I'm inspired to see how nice it can actually look...

 

looks completely new.

 

The Pilot looks great!