Tesla Model S "Signature" - Full correction and Opti-Coat Pro
06-06-2013, 11:31 AM
#1
Tesla Model S "Signature" - Full correction and Opti-Coat Pro Owner contacted me for a full correction and Opti-Coat Pro on his Tesla Model S "Signature" edition (1 of 1,000 made). A stunning color to see in person as well. A good portion of the car would be wrapped in clear film, so the factory "Paint Armor" would need to be removed. The factory film came off without too much difficulty as it was surprisingly thin for protection film. Underneath the film there were some buffer trails/holograms. The rest of the car had moderate marring in addition to old wax in seams and on most of the plastic trim. Wheels were also removed and fully cleaned and coated as were the brake calipers. Ryan was out again to lend a hand on the Tesla. Burning the midnight oil would be an understatement on this one.
Total time was 25 hours
Car dropped off, suspension set in "High" mode to make initial cleanup easier.
Old wax everywhere.....other "detailers" work helps keep me busy
A little bit of sap to deal with
Wheels needed some attention
Film removal
One of the surprises waiting under the clear film.....buffer trails
More evidence of machine polishing that wasn't done quite right that had been covered by the film
All sprayed down with Meguiars Final Inspection. Claying all paint and glass surfaces
Onto the RIDS (random isolated deep scratches)
Even new cars can have issues that need fixing
After compounding, final polishing yet to be done
Film behind the rear tires would remain
Plenty of issues on the driver's side
Reflector/charging port cover corrected
DA sanding marks via factory
More RIDS
Corrected after compounding
Quarter panel looking much better
Total time was 25 hours
Car dropped off, suspension set in "High" mode to make initial cleanup easier.
Old wax everywhere.....other "detailers" work helps keep me busy
A little bit of sap to deal with
Wheels needed some attention
Film removal
One of the surprises waiting under the clear film.....buffer trails
More evidence of machine polishing that wasn't done quite right that had been covered by the film
All sprayed down with Meguiars Final Inspection. Claying all paint and glass surfaces
Onto the RIDS (random isolated deep scratches)
Even new cars can have issues that need fixing
After compounding, final polishing yet to be done
Film behind the rear tires would remain
Plenty of issues on the driver's side
Reflector/charging port cover corrected
DA sanding marks via factory
More RIDS
Corrected after compounding
Quarter panel looking much better
06-06-2013, 11:32 AM
#2
Hood needed sorting out...
Checking paint thickness
Hood corrected
Deep scratches on passenger rear quarter
Black painted sections of the roof were up next
The front panel's clear was very hard and required aggressive compounding. Getting results, but would take several further steps to achieve the perfect finish and gloss.
Getting there...
And after final polishing
Ryan working the fender while I work on the roof
Trunk looking good
Even the small places get attention
At about 1am, we took it outside to wash off any remaining polishing oils and dust.
We pulled a late night (till about 6am) working the wheels and doing the coating for the paint
After cleaning and coating
Checking paint thickness
Hood corrected
Deep scratches on passenger rear quarter
Black painted sections of the roof were up next
The front panel's clear was very hard and required aggressive compounding. Getting results, but would take several further steps to achieve the perfect finish and gloss.
Getting there...
And after final polishing
Ryan working the fender while I work on the roof
Trunk looking good
Even the small places get attention
At about 1am, we took it outside to wash off any remaining polishing oils and dust.
We pulled a late night (till about 6am) working the wheels and doing the coating for the paint
After cleaning and coating
06-06-2013, 11:32 AM
#3
Cleaning up the wheel wells, brakes, and suspension. Brake calipers were coated as well. Wheels were then reinstalled and torqued to factory spec.
Jambs tidied up and interior vacuumed out
Love these slim sun visors
Carbon Fiber style dash was a nice touch
Fantastic seats and panoramic roof
Center stack isn't really a stack, more like a touch-screen laptop. Super cool.
Touch of a button will adjust the suspension and ride height, and also put the vehicle in "Jack Mode" for safe wheel removal.
06-06-2013, 11:32 AM
#4
Finished pictures
When you approach the car, the handles slide out from the body and require the lightest touch to open the doors. I love these.
Sun pictures
Owner heading home in his freshly corrected and coated ride
Thanks for looking!
06-06-2013, 12:13 PM
#5
TECH Enthusiast
Pretty cool, Imagine someone is glad to have a new car look like a new car. Those of us familiar with your threads here should know that you posted that mainly because it's a Tesla, rather than just demonstrating your skills & attention to uh, detail.
On a sidenote. I do my own painting & sanding/buffing. I have a lot of so called detailers that come around car shows trying to hand me their card. I'd doubt that a one of them has, or even knows about that paint depth gauge like you have. If they did, they might be worth talking to.
Also sounds like your day job is a little like mine, you constantly have to clean up behind the other so called.
On a sidenote. I do my own painting & sanding/buffing. I have a lot of so called detailers that come around car shows trying to hand me their card. I'd doubt that a one of them has, or even knows about that paint depth gauge like you have. If they did, they might be worth talking to.
Also sounds like your day job is a little like mine, you constantly have to clean up behind the other so called. 
