Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

[RaskyR1]

Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection


So I had originally planned on doing a much more in depth write up on this Lexus, but unfortunately the owner and his friend showed up earlier then expected, and I was just starting to take after pics when they walked in. Since I don't like to keep people waiting, I was only able to snap a few after pics, but you should still see the dramatic difference between them. This car only had 9xxx miles, and the exterior came in the condition you see in the before pics from the dealer.


Interior Process:
-LGM on carpet and mats, with Folex solution
-1Z Premium Cockpit Cleaner on vinyl and dash
-Compressed air in conjunction with OPC for pockets/nooks & crannies
-Leather Masters for all leather surfaces (Strong Cleaner/Protection Cream)

Wheels/tires:
-Megs Wheel Brightener to clean wheels
-OPC for tires and wheel wells
-Various brushes
-Megs hyper Dressing on tires 3:1
-Optimum Opti-Coat to protect wheels

Engine: (engine was done at no charge)
-OPC with various brushes
-Garden sprayer with ONR mix
-303 Aerospace Protectant

Exterior process:
-ONR wash (after good rinse at car wash)
-Megs clay with ONR as lube
-Megs D300/PCXP/5" MF pad/ Speed 4.5
-Megs M105/PCXP/5' MF pad/speed 4.5 (used on part of drivers side)
-Menz 106fa/PCXP/5" tangerine LC pad
-Re-wash with CGCW and OPC
-IPA wipe down
-Optimum Opti-Coat on all exterior surfaces (Paint, trim, glass, wheels...10cc used)


Before condition














Yea, dog hair!

[RaskyR1]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Paint Condition









Scuff on passenger door (sanded 1500/3000 grit)









Rids all over this thing!



Some light water spots too



Have I ever mentioned how much I love clear bra???



So I taped up a 50/50 section, but apparently I forgot to take the after pics with my DSLR....I think I used my phone to send it to someone and then spaced it out.....this test panel was using M105/MF. The drivers side had a lot more RIDS for some reason and I wanted to see what M105/MF would do to them. Well, it actually cut better and even finished down better then D300 on this paint! It was very dependant on technique though so I'll need to play with this combo some more.



After pic with my phone



Time for my limited after pics!







































Thanks for looking,

Rasky

[Scott's 62]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Looks great Rasky the condition was pretty bad, nice turn around.

[scanlessfool]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

It came like that! From the dealer! I hope the owner was able to talk the price down substantially because of the condition. Why do you not like Clear bra's?

[RaskyR1]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Looks great Rasky the condition was pretty bad, nice turn around.

Thank You!

It came like that! From the dealer! I hope the owner was able to talk the price down substantially because of the condition. Why do you not like Clear bra's?

Yep! I'm guessing it sat on the lot for a while. I actually looked at it last summer when I was at the owners home evaluating another car....looked just as bad then, and it was pretty much brand new.

When clear film is install correctly, it's not so bad, but I still don't care for it as it makes my job a LOT more work, especially when they are done poorly like the job on this Lexus.

Why I think they are a waste:

-The film may not chip, but it still pits just like the paint, and looks terrible over time.
-Plastic bumper covers rarely chip, and for the cost of a clear film install on them you could have the entire bumper repainted later.
-I put 18" film on my hood and fenders....now I have chips beyond the film and it looks stupid, at least without the film it would be uniform looking.
-Stretch marks! Nothing worse than seeing a film on your car that look like it just went through 9 months of pregnancy!
-Edges, edges, and more edges! I hate them!
-Defect removal is more difficult and can be more limited.
-Texture (not so bad on newer films)

On this Lexus they left .05-.01 inch gaps between the film and the panel edges (pre-cut), rather than wrapping over them. So that means there were film edges between the bumper cover and the fenders, around the head lights, grill, and fog lights, and side mirrors. That's a lot of taping and hand polishing. Buffing over and edge makes clean up a nightmare. They even had 4 tiny triangle relief cuts on the front edge of the hood??? The 1/4" door edge film guards really drive me nuts!



LOL....sorry, end rant!

[Marine Toys]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Nice work, I like that non shinny new look on the tires
The carpets and leather look new



How long does the hyper dressing last on the tires.
2nd what is Opti coat ?

[RaskyR1]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Nice work, I like that non shinny new look on the tires
The carpets and leather look new



How long does the hyper dressing last on the tires.
2nd what is Opti coat ?

Thanks!

As long as it's not raining my tires stay looking good for 1-2 weeks, with the front fading down a little faster than the rear. I wash weekly in the summer anyway so long durability is not a concern for me on the tires....plus it doesn't sling like some other dressings.

Opti-Coat is a relatively new paint coating, which was until yesterday only available to pro detailers. They now have a consumer version which is similar. It's a permanent paint coating and is pretty amazing stuff, but it's not for everyone. I'd suggest a Google search, or PM me if you like and I can send you more info, as this is a Meguiar's forum after all .


Cheers,
Rasky

[Hemin8r]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Great job Chad . That interior was a mess. Cleaned up nicely. Keep them write ups coming.

[wifpd4]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Even the loaner cars at my dealership don't look that bad. You did a geat job on the interior. You make some good points regarding the clear bra.

Great job, thanks for sharing your process.

[SuburbanGuy20]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

This detail definitely shows the "Pursuit of Perfection". It looks fantastic, like it literally came off the showroom floor yesterday!

[Golden]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Another perfect detail from Rasky. Nice work!

[greg0303]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Great work, Chad.

You must have spent long time putting this baby back to its perfect condition. And it shows big time.

[Joenok]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

great job! I have some Lexuses on my list for this spring

[turbo_911]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Wow, very nice turnaround. The carpet looks brand new!

[RaskyR1]

Re: Lexus RX450h: Complete Detail and Opti-Coat Protection

Thanks again everyone!