n0smoke

iTrader: (1)

I've always loved cleaning and detailing vehicles, when I was young I would give gift certificates as presents to family members for a full detail. I did a damn good job for being so young, too! My parents should have started treating my OCD then.

After watching just about every one of Larry Kosilla's videos on his Ammo NYC and "Drive Clean" Youtube channels. I finally took it upon myself to step up my game and go out and get a decent dual action buffer. Those swirls have really been bugging me in the sunlight. So last weekend I thought I'd try my hand at some correction and give the whole car a thorough detail.

So then began the eight and a half hour day. I started with a wash, then claybarred. Next was polishing; I used Meguiars #2 Fine Cut Cleaner and a foam cutting pad. I was trying to go least aggressive first since I wasn't confident with the DA right off the bat.

Next time around I'll probably get a variety of good chemical guys foam & microfiber pads and compounds so I can choose which one suits the paint the best. The combo I used did a very good job, but there are still SOME deeper swirls/scratches I would have liked to see removed that I think a more aggressive setup would breeze through.

Topped it off with a coat of Meguiars NXT wax.

That brings me to today- I thought I'd drive over to my old stomping grounds for a mini-photoshoot (God, has it really almost been ten years since I was out here snapping pics of my Maxima in high school?)

I couldn't help reflecting on my choices and actions over nearly the past decade. I'm really blessed to have what I have and learned that hard work does eventually pay off- I can't wait to see what I'm doing in another ten years.

Anyway, enough sappy stuff, here are the pics: (Enjoying the sunshine and 90 degree weather here in FL on Nov 1st.)

Car Specs:
2008 Nissan 350Z Base 6-spd
44k miles

Injen twintakes
245/40/18 & 265/40/18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports on four rear 18x8.5" wheels.
Stoptech Pads, slotted rotors, and stainless lines.
South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Endurance Feramic clutch w/ silent disc option.
ZSpeed lightweight single mass steel flywheel
Zspeed clutch slave
Wilwood clutch master
20% tint + 70% windshield
misc. interior odds and ends

Still planning to do:

VLSD + 3.69FD from a G37/370Z, MD ART/ TDX2, Z1 Manifold, tune, lowering springs (very mild, Hotchkis maybe?), sways, etc.
























And a picture of the 3rd gen Max- ten years ago this past August.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Nice looking Z. Grass in my part of the country is not looking as green...

35th4me

Great looking Z!

n0smoke

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. The grass will eventually turn in another month and a half or so

I didn't realize you were editor-in-chief for Nissan Sport magazine up until I was reading through your race thread. That's awesome!

Loved reading your mags and you guys have actually printed my Max before!

Dems major bragging points right dere

Spike100

Great job detailing your car.... You obviously put a lot of work into the job.

One thing I notice about my 2003 350z is its exceptional factory paint.

--Spike

verdict.

Great story and clean Z! Thanks for sharing.

HRMoneyPit

What shift **** is that?

n0smoke

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys.

I love the San Marino Blue color, though it's extremely soft. Even just using the less expensive microfiber cloths can introduce some fine scratching. On the flip side the soft paint is relatively easy to polish out so it's a draw.

The shift **** is a South Bend Clutch. Got it to go along with the Zspeed/SBC clutch/flywheel job.

HRMoneyPit

Looks sick. Must burn in the heat

n0smoke

iTrader: (1)

scalding lol. I usually throw a MF cloth over it if it's gonna be baking a while.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Thanks for the blast from the past! I sure do miss NSM, and wish we could have kept it going. It was a labor of love and I'm glad your Max earned honors there.

firekrave

Nice whip. I bought my 06 two weeks before the 07s came out. I was a little hurt when i saw the San Marino blue. Its such an awesome color.

jhc

Great job, looks awesome.

Depravity

iTrader: (3)

Looks awesome! I should upload some pics of my SMB Z soon. It's the best color out there

SonnyWu

I have learned over the years that washing and waxing your car is very therapeutic. Zen like and calming. Looking good Smoke!