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Finishing Touches
Finishing Touches
Sunday, December 25, 2011 10:16 AM

Doing up a supercar

We have spent pretty much the entire year sharing with you how you can detail your own vehicle in the comfort of your home.

For a change of perspective, we’ll take you through the paces at the insane things we do with say, a supercar!

To do this, we are going to run you through how a supercar is detailed for display in motor shows at our own detailing facility, which is recognised by car enthusiasts and professionals as one of the best in the world.

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Pre-emptive analysis

Each supercar is given an exhaustive inside-out assessment to determine paintwork quality and thickness starting from the bare-metal shell of the vehicle.

Ultrasonic instruments measure the paintwork on both ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces which means even the most exotic supercar made out of space-grade aluminum or carbon-fibre materials can be blueprinted.1
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More importantly, we’ll be able to ascertain if a car’s been in an accident or a repair has been done. Refinished panels tend to be an obvious giveaway and our job is to ensure that each supercar is restored flawlessly to a factory finish.

A comprehensive report generated will determine what detailing modules are best suited and chart what can be achieved.

Understanding what you’re actually working with allow you to take things to the next level!


Surface preparation

A supercar is a display of engineering brilliance and design prowess. As such, people tend to scrutinise it in detail more than others. The first step and crucial to any perfect finish is the intricate process of surface preparation.

From chemical decontamination, high-pressure steam cleaning, clay-bar work and tar removal panel by panel, each process is designed to maximise the paintwork surface.

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The quad-stage water distillation system provides a mineral-free spotless rinse.

Once the supercharged blowers force the water and moisture from the vehicle, it is then moved to the vertical-access lifts where the wheels are removed for detailing. The brakes, suspensions and wheel chamber components are then cleaned and polished to a brand new state.


Paintwork refinement

What follows next is a remarkably complex and skill-intensive process of paintwork refinement that will remove swirls, scratches, holograms and correct imperfections that mar the appearance of a potentially high gloss clear-coat.

This multi-stage process employs the application of a diverse range of specialised polishes and compounds selected and combined for each individual vehicle’s requirement, enabling an unparalleled level of paintwork gloss, colour depth and razor-sharp reflectivity.
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This customised programme is one of the key features of our “Signature Series Finish” and is unequalled in its ability to achieve the ultimate appearance of any supercar.

Contrary to popular belief, even new supercars require fine detailing work to achieve an enhanced appearance, especially under the scrutiny of the thousands that throng a motor show exhibit. Preparation and paintwork refinement can take days to weeks for completion.

Simulated lighting is used to mimic the colour of the actual paintwork under daylight and to check for the finest swirls and scratches.

A high-definition paintwork finish is the result of the synergistic combination of technology and a highly disciplined methodological approach to detailing.

To Be Continued

> For more information check out www.autodetailer.co


 
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The information contained in the 'Finishing Touches' column is for general educational purposes only. Neither Star Motoring nor the columnist gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. Star Motoring and the columnist disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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About TOC

The modern car is one of the most sophisticated machines ever created. Dozens of control systems and computer processors work together to ensure it works seamlessly and effectively day in and day out.

But machines do break down occasionally. The technical team of The Otomotif College (TOC) is here to offer advice and help troubleshoot car problems

The team of seven trainers, led by Allan Cabiles (pic), has collectively 30 years of experience in a wide range of car makes. The TOC Team prides itself on keeping pace with the ever-evolving automotive industry. Its trainers undergo training sessions with a network of 800 industry partners across the country.

With such an extensive body of knowledge, think of the TOC Team as your go-to automotive experts.

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