Vehicle: Ferrari F355 Berlinetta Project: The following is an extreme reconditioning process of the F355 Berlinetta exterior. This is a unique process that combines our service team and detailing department. This thread will be updated daily after each stage is complete. We hope you enjoy following our project. Stage 1: Dismantle and Inspection. The paint had deep swirl marks, oxidation, compound burns, industrial fallout, and the typical road wear and tear. Upon full inspection under 3000 watts of fluorescent lights, 1000 watts of halogen work lamps, and a 3m sun gun, it was determined that a full wet sand would be necessary in order to correct the paints damage and achieve a perfect finish. The F355's hard angles and difficult to reach body lines make it imperative to take apart the exterior. The front and rear hood, lower door air intake grille, mirrors, locks, bumpers, wheels, and rear grill were removed. This is to ensure that each beautiful contour of this Ferrari is equally restored. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
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Stage 2: Surface cleaning We started by removing all of the contaminants from the paint with Chemical Guys Citrus car wash/stripper, 2 microfiber towels, and an assortment of brushes. Paint was then clayed with Clay Magic's Red aggressive clay, Then followed by 3m Perfect it 3 fine grade clay. We used a highly concentrated amount of Chemical Guys Citrus car wash solutions because it adds a very good barrier of lubricity, which is key when claying with an aggressive grade. Paint was then wiped down with a 70% isopropyl alcohol to ensure all old wax, glazes, etc were fully removed. The vehicle and all panels were then blown dry with an compressed air at 120 psi. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 3: Clean all fender liners All fender liners were removed and brought to our wash area to clean. A 50% water and 50% Malco outrageous orange mixture was applied and left on for 20 minutes to loosen and remove all contamination. Next, all liners were washed with straight water. The process was then repeated, but followed by scrubbing with a stiff horsehair brush to remove stubborn spots. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
This is not a standard package detail, custom detailing is billed at $50 an hour. Right now we are working 12 hours a day on this car, once complete we will post total hours spent. Each car varies, this is an example of a poor condition restoration.
Stage 4: Wheel recondition. Upon inspection, all four wheels showed paint chipping and it was determined that they were beyond saving. Tires were removed, then valves and caps. Last night all four wheels were soda blasted to strip the old finish. Soda blasting is a process by which baking soda is sprayed at a high pressure to remove all finish. Baking soda is a safe alternative to commonly used sand media. Wheels were sent to be painted this morning, they should be back later today. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 5: Bumpers The front and rear bumpers followed the same fate as the wheels. Cracks, deep scratches that were poorly repaired, and paint removed behind the wheels from road debris makes them impossible to recondition without painting. Paint meter readings were inconsistent, meaning its likely they have been repaired earlier in their life. This morning, the bumpers were soda blasted down to their orange gel coat. Being an early model Ferrari, these bumpers were made from hand laid fiberglass. They will be repaired, prepped, wet sanded, and then painted. This process will take a few days to complete. These bumpers will join the car towards the end of the process. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 6: Body prep With the body fully clean, wheels being painted, and bumpers off to the body shop, we will continue the detailing end of the process. The F355s sharp angles and deep intake scoops, it will be very important to tape all edges for protection against breaking through paint. A paint meter is a must when detailing this type of body. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Wow...this is definitely the attention that a 355 commands and deserves....great work by BRADAN so far.
In a world where mediocrity is the norm, it is great to see an individual that strives for excellence. It's too bad that more people don't realize that the quality of their work is reflective of them as individuals.
The interior is being reupholstered in different colors and material, that will be our next thread....stay tuned.
Stage 7: Wheel coating finished Wheels just arrived back from being coated. Originally we planned on painting the wheels. With the cars sole purpose being performance, we decided that a powder coated finish would be better suited to handle the abuse. We went with a matte black finish for an aggressive look. With what we plan on doing to the car, it will fit its character well. With magnesium wheels, we only recommend painting. However, with aluminum wheels; painting and powder coating is common. On this set of rims, we went with a low temperature baked powder coat. All surface flaws were sanded and filled before coating. We are very happy with the end result. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very Nice guy's! Those wheels look fantastic, And you got them back so quick! lol I think this is going to be thread of the month for sure. Look's like you just opened up a new shop, Definatley need some art on those walls. Cheers.
