Mercedes AMG SL55 - Complete Detail

I did this 04 Mercedes AMG SL55 over a year ago and just came up with a few hours to do a write-up on it. Basically a complete detail with Stage 3 paint correction. Nothing too heavy, just a ~85% swirl correction, Interior & Engine Detail. Here’s what I did:

Befores:



















Wash/Paint Prep:
Soaked the engine compartment down with Auto Magic Special Cleaner:



Hand washed with one of Phil’s microfibers:







Clayed with Blue Clay Magic & Body Shine:



Once the paint was free of topical contaminants, I used Micro-Surface’s 4000 grit sandpaper to flatten things out more. I used the idle setting(no pressure) on my Pressure Washer to allow for constant flushing of the surface:



Once the paint was clean & sanded, it was still beading water from the recent wax job. That had to go before I buffed so I used some special cleaner from Stone Soap Company to strip any remaining protection:

Beading before:



No Beading (50/50):



Removed certain trim & taped the rest:







This is one of the early rock hard Ceramiclear paints. Notice the “C” in the paint code:





Before shots of the paint:






The entire front end had a Clear Bra & it was even swirled up:













Afters (pre-LSP):







After a healthy dose of Zaino:




















Exhaust got sanded with Micro-Mesh 4000 grit:



50/50:



After:





Afters of the rest:



Before:



After:



All the seals got coated with 1Z Gummi:

 

Great job on the sl! Looks amazing, 4000 grit sand huh? Interesting concept there, dont think I have seen that before. Great work!

 

that benz was filthy ... I can't believe the amount of sand inside the engine compartment. Great turnaround!!

 

Any chance you have photos of the car? The whole car?

 

Great job. As well, how the hell did they get that much sand on the top of the motor?

 

Love the car, love the wheels, but what is wrong with the stance? Looks like it's lifted in the back...

 

Nice work :thumb: I cant believe how some people can have that kind of money invested in a car and let it get that dirty......Just baffles me:shakehead:

 

Wow! Fantastic job!

 

nice work. i like the "Nothing too heavy, just a ~85% swirl correction" yet you still wet sanded it.

 

Great job! The red looks great

 

nice. looks good. yes ceramic paint on MB take more time to correct
one recommendation is to use some kinda applicator for sand paper so its even presure along whole sand paper surface, just my 0.02

 

Fantastic work! Love the car, love the color!!!

 

Looks Great!

 

Awesome work. The other day I was thinking about if you could sand tailpipes, looks like it works!

 

Thanks agpatel - yup, 4000 MS works great. Like agressive clay on steroids.

Thanks DGAL - I think it was his beach cruiser. :yikes:

I try to take close ups to show the paint, but i think I have a few 4 corner shots. What stance would you like?

Thanks 911Fanatic - Thank God the inside wasn't filled with in. :yikes:

Thanks P1et - I think it's just the photos. It looked nomal in person.

Thanks Duratys - When you have the amount of cars this client does, this one must have been his sacrificial lamb. :thud:

Thanks Denzil. :thumb:

Thanks Jeddiah - he he :giggle:, easier done that said I guess.

Thanks RussECU. :crasy:

Thanks AV6NHBP6SPD - A block isn't necessary for this application. The cushioned backing coupled with the fine grit doesn't leave finger marks. Thanks though.

Thanks supercharged - Thank God it wasn't black. :doh:

Thanks kei169 !

Yup, you sure can depending on which product you use. :support:

 

great job!

 

that looks so good!

 

wow, toothbrush for the pedals. Great idea. Wonderful work

 

Looks great thanks for posting

 

Thanks Phil - much appreicated!

Thanks Rennes

Thank you - Yup, a toothbrush works great, especially in small areas like peddels.

Thank you Billy!