Detroit's Finest: CTS-V

MuttGrunt · #1 03-07-2010, 04:51 PM

CPU problems have had me down, but I'm now back up and running! Here's our latest

The Cadillac CTS-V has grown in popularity and gained quite a following since it came out featuring an LS-series engine and 400hp in an entry luxury sedan. I'm personally a fan of not only the engine, but the comfortable interior and subtle exterior changes - the front grill is the hallmark of the "V-series" look and transforms the CTS from an ordinary ho-hum look to a force to be reckoned with: luxury mixed with Motor-City Muscle.

This owner purchased his V used last fall, and with the Spring quickly approaching, was looking to bring it back to its former glory. In addition to the work performed, the owner will be bringing it back within the next two months for a touch-up and a clear-bra application to the front end.

The owner brought it over and before we wanted to begin the clean-up, we wanted to ensure the wheels and brake components were cool enough to work on.

Mid 60's - so everything is ok. Next we walked around to check out the work we had in store for us.

Headlamp housings weren't too bad, but could certainly use some love

Jacob continued the inspection process with the dual-LED Brinkmann while I got the wheels prepped with some CG Sticky Gel: no acidic wheel cleaners being used on these.

The Xenon and LED Brinkmann's are both great... but excel in different areas. The exact reason we use both.

Nothing too bad, but in need of a little love

Getting the party started

After using a combo of the Zymol Wheel Brush, EZ Detail Brush, and a general purpose brush on the wheels, Jacob hit the wells with APC and a black Shmitt before I hit everything with the pressure washer

Bring on the foam!

...and then I washed

Following the rinse, Dodo Juice born Slippery was used with Meg's clay to take care of surface contamination.

Finally prepped, we could take a look at what we truly had to work with. No more hidding. The results weren't good with some mystery nasty spots and a swirled-up car in general.

Our goal was a quality two-step process to bring back the finish to a like-new state. Jacob started with the heavy polishing step using the limited edition Makita and Meguiar's 105

I followed with the PC using Meguiar's 205. Yup... that works:

Xenon Brinkmann

Indirect light:

I was able to get the chance to tape of the headlamp assemblies and show them a little love. To see how much of a difference there is - look at the difference in the reflection of me taking the picture:

MuttGrunt · #2 03-07-2010, 04:51 PM

Polishing finished, we started to see the result of the work we put in

I used the break from the action to catch up on my scholarly duties as shown in this reflection shot:

Even the formerly dull tail-lamp housings had a big turn-around

As did the exhaust tips

The true final results were captured almost two weeks later when we paired up with up-and-coming local photographer Steven Pham to truly capture the timeless beauty of this Cadillac. While I think our photo's are fine, when you bring in an artist with the proper equipment, you can often get much more dramatic results.

Once everything was set to go, we headed out to a coin-op Do-it-Yourself car wash. I prepped all the detailing supplies I would need both at the wash and at various locations to keep the car in proper order. Two 5-gallon buckets with Grit guards and sealable lids filled with hot water were brought to the car wash bay, as were mitts to wash, drying towels, quick detailer, wheel cleaner, wheel cleaning brushes, plush microfiber towels, diluted ONR in a chemical sprayer, gloves, tire dressing, etc.
Once arrived, I got busy and Steven got to take a few shots to show the transformation.

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