Cptnslo

I thought some may appreciate this, I picked up my 98 LS400 about 3 months ago from a dealership in Colorado. The prior owner had been an older woman who had owned her for the last 17 years and only one owner prior to her. She had 213k miles and had been maintained at a Lexus dealer her entire life.
When I picked her up she had been left outside at the dealer for probably at least a month or so so the paint wasnt terrible but definitely needed some love. I figured the detailers on here would enjoy seeing some life brought back to one of the more rare paints on the LS400.

So far I've just done the hood, the rest will come and I'll update this thread more as I go. This is how she was when I got her.
The bottom 3 photos are after the work today.

Fit1too

That looks great! What product and/or technique did you use?

Cptnslo

I started with a basic wash, 2 bucket method and then did a complete claybar to remove any contaminants that may have been left. I then used a harbor frieght random orbital (I don't need to spend 300 for a professional orbital since it's not my livelihood) and meguiars 105 cutting compound, 2 to 3 times across the entire hood with varying directions to make sure I'm not missing anything. During the cutting stage I use a Rupes blue coarse wool pad. After the cutting is done I used a rupes yellow foam pad and some turtle wax polishing compound to finish up.
Once I finish the entire car I'll go over her once more for any microabrasions that I can get out and then a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water to remove all leftover polish, cutting solution etc before I apply my ceramic coat.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

fabulous job!
crazy what a RO from harbor freight can do, and shows with the right technique and compounds what can be done.

what I always have a hard time with is around the windshield squirters! did you remove them? or just mask around them?

EthanS

That looks great! I would love to do this (or have it done) to mine. You sparked a bit of inspiration - thanks for sharing.

Cptnslo

Got some more work done today, the C pillar on the passenger side was one of the worst areas and after 2 hours of work I think it came out pretty good for her age. I wish I couldve gotten the rear quarter panel a bit better but at this point theres no microabrasions and if I keep using compound I'll just burn through the clear. Also got the lid of the trunk done.

Cptnslo

I actually left them and was just careful to use light pressure on the side of the pad when I came in contact with them, I still want them to be clean and microabrasion free before I apply the ceramic since it will bond permanently with the clear coat.

Cptnslo

Today I officially finished the roof which was the last part of the car that had any semblance of paint discoloration/fading/blotchyness. All that's left is the doors and front and rear bumpers. However those are in much better shape.

Fit1too

The flat surfaces take most of the abuse. The sides are reserved for door dings.

Cptnslo

Well, spent 6 hours finishing her up yesterday and she is officially done. Not perfect but lightyears better. Ceramic is applied and just curing for another 24hrs.
Theres no filters on these photos either, this is just the paint and a perfect semi cloudy day. (Little beading photo at the end)

Fit1too

Awesome work! You did a fantastic job. I get a rush making things new again!

Cptnslo

It's a completely different feeling! My coils arrive tomorrow and I'm going Sunday to pickup wheels haha

CELSI0R

Very nice work. Prior to your posts, I would have thought that the clearcoat would have been too thin to correct on a car like yours.

I am thoroughly impressed and may give this a try myself.

Cptnslo

we got some rain today. Thankfully 48 hours had passed, it's good to see the beading up working perfectly!