Good from far, but far from good.
After our initial wash, it became apparent that this vehicle had significant wear and tear. Swirls, scratches, and chips were amongst oxidization, and other paint defects were noted.
At some point during its life in Japan, a ceramic coating was installed on the vehicle. However, it was done incorrectly, and rather than being leveled off and invisible, the vehicle was riddled with wipe marks of thick coating, throughout the finish.
What is shown in the picture here is after the wash. These are permanent streaks, caused by either a reaction, improper prep, or improper leveling of the coating.
Naturally if a ceramic coating was installed, we can expect other substandard work on the vehicle. Human induced defects such as holograms, buffer trails, and paint burns were also discovered. These holograms could have been caused from a failed paint correction, but more than likely, a separate detailer began attempting removal.
To begin, we started with a heavy 3-stage paint correction process. Heavy cut with rotary polisher, followed by medium cut with dual action, with a fine polish with dual action. This combination removed the failed coating, as well as the damaged paint underneath. The true glory of the Midnight Purple paint was coming through.
In preparation of PPF, we had to repair paint chips on the finish. The first task, is to find them all. We thoroughly inspected the paint, and marked each repairable chip with tape. This is a key stage, as any unrepaired chips will remain forever under the PPF. Though respray was easily justified on this hood, in the spirit of retaining as much original paint as possible, we proceeded with our touch up process.
Items such as handles, and mirrors, were removed not only to improve coverage for the next PPF steps, but also to expose areas never before polished. This is very important on such an old finish, as leading edges are likely damaged from oxidation.
Disassembly is a key stage, and is what seperates a good ppf install from a great ppf install in Toronto.
With such pearl colours, touch up paint is extremely difficult to acheive. Several colours, and specific flops go into this Midnight Purple paint. Around 5 rounds of trial and error mixing paint by eye, allowed us to achieve a 90 percent match suitable for touch up on the GTR. It is different than paint that is made for repainting, as that paint is intended to be spray (atomized) and metallic flakes disperse differently.
Our lead installer Alex started the PPF process by carefully creating bulk templates by hand. He uses a specialty liner, to create a stencil, which will be used to overlay over actual film, in order to cut the correct dimensions.
Material we selected for this project is the highest end film on the market. This is Suntek Reaction Film, which boast a 12 year warranty. Suntek has been in the PPF industry since it's inception, and with consistent material, it was the obvious choice. We understood with this type of project, that this PPF installation would be the final finish on the vehicle. The next time this film would be coming off, the vehicle would undergo a frame off, strip and repaint.
Next, the film was carefully installed. Done with the maxium level of care, this old Nissan paint was extremely sensitive. A modified approach to laying film was used, when compared to new or modern cars.
With modern and new paint systems, you can be somewhat aggressive, stretching film, lifting film after it tacks, but not with old original paint. It is a one and done approach, so ensuring everything is done correctly the first time, is the only option.
Lifting edges on the PPF were not an option, so the tail lights were removed so the film could be wrapped behind it.
Amongst the most difficult, and intricate bumpers to PPF is the Nissan R34 Nismo bumper, which this vehicle had. As mentioned prior, no precuts existed. We executed this bumper PPF in one single piece, with little seams or visible lines.
During bulk PPF installation in Toronto, the installer lays a large piece of film over the entire panel. He carefully stretches, manipulates, and positions the film inch by inch, ensuring maximum coverage.
Where other shops may rush the job out to get paid, we take a much different approach. The vehicle remained in our shop for an additional week. The Quality Control Manager continually applied painters tape to minor edges that required heat, bubbles from installation, and excess film that requires trimming. Client also opted for Tinted PPF on the headlights after our restoration process. PPF is never an install and walk away endeavour. Many rounds of QC occur throughout the process.
You may have seen installations on other vehicles where edges are lifting significantly, there are bubbles, and other ppf related issues. These are installations that are performed at high volume shops, where important time is not spent on the quality control stage.
Refer to the trunk photo posted earlier, and the results are clear. A huge improvement in clarity, and a finish that is protected and can be enjoyed without fear.
Choosing a PPF installer in Vaughan can be a daunting and overwhelming task in itself, and we are truly grateful to be trusted with such an important and special piece of automotive history.
While our shop light is filled with extensive artificial light, the natural light of the sun can show us more, and allows us to perform another, more final round of quality inspection.
Though this amount of quality checking may be considered excessive by some, we do not mind spending the time to ensure everything is to an exceptional standard. This time spent, is part of the reason our ppf service cost are slightly more than other facilities.
The last part of this project was the Ceramic Coating Installation. The Film received Gtechniq Halo, a PPF specific coating. The painted panels received our Ceramic Pro Silver Package. This will ensure the vehicle retains exceptional gloss, and will be very easy to clean and maintain.
A two fold approach used in this project. Removing years of damage and defects, followed by the best protection we can offer; paint protection film topped with Ceramic Coating.
A once dull, and frankly butchered finish, is now extremely glossy, and clear. Every vehicle has a history, hitting the reset button and protecting it is what we specialize in.
As requested by our client, we installed new OEM Badges that will complement the refreshed paint. These badges from Nissan are genuine gold plated, and cost well over $800 CAD.
She patiently waits for other small new parts from Japan, before her release back to our client.
Earlier in the season we had a BMW F80 M3 takeover at the shop. All vehicles surprisingly received identical packages, with combinations of paint correction, paint protection film, and ceramic coating. These performance vehicles are designed to be driven spiritedly, however, clearcoat is sensitive to chips. Specialty individual paint isn't something to drive around with naked.
This classic Air-Cooled Porsche 911 came to us with original paint throughout, that was neglected over the years. We carefully polished out all possible defects, then applied a healthy layer of Ceramic Pro for long lasting protection. With the photo taken in the direct sunlight, we show a quite difficult feat; perfectly polished soft black porsche clearcoat.
If you are in the car community, chances are you are familiar with this next vehicle. This track driven, heavily modified Porsche GT3 came to us for old ppf removal, followed by ppf reinstallation with Suntek Ultra Films. The old PPF installation did it's job, however had gaps in coverage, was turning yellow, and had a few breakthroughs from rock chips. We also performed a 3-Stage Paint Correction