Minnesota Check In

[Starscream15]

Originally Posted by GrimmSpeed

Looking like middle of next week. Current ETA from our plating company is the 12th.


Justin

Thanks man, I'll give you guys a call about then and head out to see the shop!

[ayau]

Originally Posted by Chupacabra

I spotted neutron256! You were going north on 100 about 3:45-4. I was on a Kawasaki going south and I saw a DGM BRZ Premium. It was unmistakable, and has a beautiful rolling silhouette.

nah

neutron - dark blue
starscream - dark grey

[ayau]

finished my detail today. it's opticoated.

[Starscream15]

Originally Posted by ayau

finished my detail today. it's opticoated.

Very nice! What mileage are you guys up to? I've been trying to do a hundred miles a day but I'm only in the mid-400's. I want to get through this break-in!

Had tint done today over at P&L Auto. It looks great!

[ayau]

haven't driven it since cars and coffee actually. i've been prepping the paint the last couple days. now i have to let the opticoat cure for at least 24 hours before i bring it out of the garage. i'm just going to drive the camry this week instead.

[Chupacabra]

Originally Posted by Starscream15

Nope! That was me on my way home from work

Unless it was actually Galaxy Blue!

Damn, I got you guys confused. You should make your names you sn for the forum here (obviously me too).

Either way, I SAW YOU!

[Chupacabra]

Originally Posted by Starscream15

Had tint done today over at P&L Auto. It looks great!

Dude, ayau...that looks sexy.

Very nice job.

[neutron256]

Originally Posted by ayau

finished my detail today. it's opticoated.

Seriously considering Opticoat, but not sure I want to do it myself, and I don't have a good place to do it.

Anyone know of a god place locally to get it done, and the cost?

[Starscream15]

Originally Posted by neutron256

Seriously considering Opticoat, but not sure I want to do it myself, and I don't have a good place to do it.

Anyone know of a good place locally to get it done, and the cost?

I really like P&L Automotive. While they are not the least expensive I think you get what you pay for with them. Great service. They have shuttles and loaner cars, etc. I've had several cars tinted by them and Morries used to have them do Auto Armor stuff back when I worked there (7-8 yrs ago).

http://www.pandlauto.com/

[ayau]

http://raskysautodetailing.com/

i believe he's from shakopee. here are a couple of videos.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5itLTTTMexE"]Opti-Coat 2.0 application.wmv - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8FAw3J-Us"]Opti-Guard Hydrophobic properties.wmv - YouTube[/ame]

he also wrote a review for opticoat:

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...opti-coat-2-0/

he looks pretty credible to me.

[neutron256]

After doing some research I'm leaning towards doing e Opticoat myself. Any tips, Ayau?

[ayau]

Originally Posted by neutron256

After doing some research I'm leaning towards doing e Opticoat myself. Any tips, Ayau?

most important step is paint prep. you have to make sure the surface is completely clean, otherwise the opticoat won't bond with the paint. this means removing all wax/oil from the paint.

at a minimum, i'd probably clay the entire car, then do a isopropyl alcohol wipe down at 50/50 ratio (half alcohol, half distilled water). you can probably skip polishing step since the paint is still relatively new. i doubt the contaminants have fully bonded with the clearcoat on 3 month old paint.

if you skip polishing, any defects will not be removable once you opticoat the car. opticoat is a permanent coating. the only way to remove defects from the base clearcoat is to polish off the opticoat layer with an abrasive polishing pad.

this is what i did from start to finish:

optimum no rinse wash (ONR)
claybar
polish with optimum hyper polish using a light cutting pad
ONR wash to remove any residue/dust from the polishing
alcohol wipe each panel and inspect for defects
if panel is in good condition, apply opticoat with included applicator pad.
move to the next panel and repeat the previous 2 steps.

if you decide to polish, i'd suggest sticking with optimum polishing compounds because they don't leave any oils behind. if you use something like meguiars, you need to make sure all the polishing oils are stripped before you can apply the opticoat. this can take a lot of time depending how much oil was left.

just let me know if you have any questions.

[Chupacabra]

Originally Posted by ayau

most important step is paint prep. you have to make sure the surface is completely clean, otherwise the opticoat won't bond with the paint. this means removing all wax/oil from the paint.

at a minimum, i'd probably clay the entire car, then do a isopropyl alcohol wipe down at 50/50 ratio (half alcohol, half distilled water). you can probably skip polishing step since the paint is still relatively new. i doubt the contaminants have fully bonded with the clearcoat on 3 month old paint.

if you skip polishing, any defects will not be removable once you opticoat the car. opticoat is a permanent coating. the only way to remove defects from the base clearcoat is to polish off the opticoat layer with an abrasive polishing pad.

this is what i did from start to finish:

optimum no rinse wash (ONR)
claybar
polish with optimum hyper polish using a light cutting pad
ONR wash to remove any residue/dust from the polishing
alcohol wipe each panel and inspect for defects
if panel is in good condition, apply opticoat with included applicator pad.
move to the next panel and repeat the previous 2 steps.

if you decide to polish, i'd suggest sticking with optimum polishing compounds because they don't leave any oils behind. if you use something like meguiars, you need to make sure all the polishing oils are stripped before you can apply the opticoat. this can take a lot of time depending how much oil was left.

just let me know if you have any questions.

You know what, I think I'm going to plan to use carnauba wax for paint protection. I like the idea of opticoat, but I don't want it to be as glossy of a finish. Is there a less glossy option available?

[ayau]

Originally Posted by Chupacabra

You know what, I think I'm going to plan to use carnauba wax for paint protection. I like the idea of opticoat, but I don't want it to be as glossy of a finish. Is there a less glossy option available?

opticoat is actually not that glossy on the glossy/non-glossy scale.

carnuba waxes will be even more glossy.

i'm not sure what other waxes/sealants are there that will give you a more matte look.