Oakes - Detailed: 2007 Subaru STi - Return to mint condition!

[OakesDetail]

This 2007 Subaru STi was purchased just over a week ago with only 9,700 miles on it, and the car is an absolute gem, however Subaru paint came into play here. As Subaru owners very well know, the paint booth wasn't exactly up to par and is subject to swirls when you so much as look at the car funny. This vehicle was in need of a correction and extra protection, being that it is both Black and Subaru, none the less it received the best treatment. I didn't absorb tons of time into the correction photos but still managed to grab a few as I wanted to focus on getting the vehicle done.



Process:

Menzerna PowerFinish 203 - green pad

Blackfire Wet Diamond Paint Sealant - foam pad

Collinite's No. 845 Insulator wax



Wheels were sealed with Optimum Opti-Seal



Wheel Before/After

The car was clean overall, just had a bit of a time removing the wax/glaze that was put on the car before it was sold to the new owner. It was quite evident that it was concealing quite a bit of swirls and defects, as you will see in these pictures in the sunlight.

The car overall after the wash/degrease/clay bar, you can see the swirling in the sunlight from this distance. This is where the difference comes in with a clean car and a Detailed car.

I then pulled the STi back inside and inspected it under the spotlights, Subaru paint is really passing with flying colors here...

Now on to some progress, aka 50/50, shots of the correction. Thankfully the damage wasn't detrimental and it shouldn't have been since this STi only has 9,700 miles on it.

The following photos are from after the paint correction before the sealant and wax, no glaze was used on this vehicle

Some photos of the vehicle in direct sunlight, the true test of correction, the paint may seem hazy in some of these pics due to the sealant JUST being removed. I went back over the vehicle after the pics, snapped a few before I ran out of camera battery

 

[OakesDetail]

Now it's time for the reflection photos

Finished full vehicle shots of this mint STi:

As always, thanks for looking! Comments appreciated!



-Oakes :waxing:

 

[alowe]

Love that car! You did not feel you needed a finishing polish after the 203 on Subbie paint? I have had to with 203 on my 2005.



Andrew

 

[OakesDetail]

I didn't feel the need and after discussing with a few other detailers as well 203 can be a final step polish as it leaves just as much depth/gloss as PO85 would - which is what I would have followed with anyway. An STi or an Evo may be in my near future as a purchase

 

[Barry Theal]

Looks great man! Very nice work. now come down my way i got three vets lined up I need help!

 

[OakesDetail]

I would love to, but I have 2 Evos and a Jetta this week. What year Vettes? If theyre 01-04 I truly feel sorry for you

 

[bigjizzles]

excellent work. just wondering. what machine were you using?

 

[bigjizzles]

o and yes, powerfinish does finish down nicely as well. I would use 85rd after, but there is only a marginal difference, only us detailers could see i think. but excellent work!

 

[bigjizzles]

excellent work. just wondering. what machine were you using? o and yes, powerfinish does finish down nicely as well. I would use 85rd after, but there is only a marginal difference, only us detailers could see i think.

 

[Barry Theal]

68,2000,2000

 

[OakesDetail]

excellent work. just wondering. what machine were you using? o and yes, powerfinish does finish down nicely as well. I would use 85rd after, but there is only a marginal difference, only us detailers could see i think.

Agreed, I was also against a time barrier so it was more optimal to get the car finished properly. I hate rushing details, and usually do my very best to cover/perform all the necessary steps, so something like an 85rd followup wouldn't have been effective enough to justify the time absorbed in our eyes. Thanks!

68,2000,2000

I see, I was informed that 98-01 was an easier/softer clear coat and then late 01 they introduced their rock hard clear coat up until the end of the C5 vette and then it was back to a soft clear for the C6 vette.

 

[Thats Fresh]

great turnaround.. swirled to hell!

 

[imported_DJ Mayo]

I didn't feel the need and after discussing with a few other detailers as well 203 can be a final step polish as it leaves just as much depth/gloss as PO85 would - which is what I would have followed with anyway. An STi or an Evo may be in my near future as a purchase

Not true. 85rd would of added even more depth and gloss. The most versatile and best looking finishing polish I have used. STI looks killer man! Great save.

 

[bigjizzles]

i do agree that it does add more depth and gloss though, but only so marginally.

 

[OakesDetail]

I agree, just as a time saver and having already exceeded the customers requests, I surpassed it. Had I had more time, without a second thought the car would have received it.

 

[ctrent86]

I didn't feel the need and after discussing with a few other detailers as well 203 can be a final step polish as it leaves just as much depth/gloss as PO85 would - which is what I would have followed with anyway. An STi or an Evo may be in my near future as a purchase

Without knowing the mod level you are going to go after with the car, I would recommend a STi. They are going to be more reliable and retain their value better.



Also, the interior is much better than the Evo's. Once you start getting crazy with mods then I would give the nod to the Evo. Engine design (turbo location) and availability of parts it is just going to be easier. But overall feel, I love the STi.



Be sure you check insurance. The premiums on an Evo might surprise you, in a bad way.