Northwest Auto Salon http://www.northwestautosalon.com A higher standard of auto detail. Wed, 08 May 2013 18:46:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Rare Blue Turquoise 993 recieves Fanatic Detail at NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/05/the-extra-mile-rare-blue-turquoise-993-gets-fanatic-detail-at-nwas/ http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/05/the-extra-mile-rare-blue-turquoise-993-gets-fanatic-detail-at-nwas/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 01:01:59 +0000 NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/?p=6254 Rare, original paint colors are somewhat of a holy grail for us here at NorthWest Auto Salon. Throughout automotive history, almost any given manufacturer has produced one or more of its more prized models in some sort of “special edition” paint option, or as a “by-order only” exclusive. Sadly (or fortunately, if you’re a collector) many of these colors tend to be too risque for most consumers, so they rarely get produced or even gain any real mainstream appeal until it’s too late. Sure, you can always get a respray to something more exciting, or even a custom color vehicle wrap, but the value of a original, factory oddity simply cannot be compared to.

So when we heard an all original, Blue Turquoise 993 Porsche would be paying us an extended visit for some extensive exterior & interior reconditioning, needless to say we were incredibly excited to take a peek at such a prized P-car!

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

It arrived on a bright, sunny morning, looking loved, but ready for a higher standard of auto detail.

At first glace, the Blue Turquoise color alone is enough to keep most anyone distracted from the surface flaws. Surely, one would think that any previous owner(s) of such a rare paint option would take the utmost care in regards to maintaining the finish quality of their vehicle, but that simply isn’t always the case. It appeared at the very least, that the car had seen some damage from a number of broomed washes as well as some rather unsavory buffing, and then some. Between the extensive buffer swirls throughout, heavy  scratches, and a rather nasty looking bit of surface damage on the hood , this 993 had more than enough of a cause for correction.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

In cases like this, the sun can be one of the most powerful tools at our disposal for spotting surface damage. Sometimes, it just hurts to look at, in more ways than one!

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

After a thorough inspection outside, we wheeled her into the wash bay to begin the extensive, multi-stage, 50 step hand wash to kick off the start of this 993′s complete Fanatic treatment.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Once on the lift, the team began pulling the wheels, bumperettes, and taping off all the necessary components to prep the engine bay for cleaning.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

There was a significant amount of dirt & engine grime built up in the nooks & crannies of the 993, but nothing out of reach.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

While Solo plugged away on the grit & grime around the motor, Brian began cleaning, polishing, and waxing up the wheels from inside out.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

The wheel wells & undercarriage had a pretty considerable amount of dirt, dust, and general nastiness starting to build up that had to go. After concocting a rather strong batch of grime remover, Solo sprayed her all down & let it soak in a bit before scrubbing it back to blue. We even rolled the wheels into the cyclorama for some shots once they were cleaned & sealed up!

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Though it still isn’t spotless, this is about as close to “factory fresh” as a 16 year old car can get!

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

With that, Solomon cleaned up the brakes & applied a little bit of polish by hand before Brian re-mounted the wheels.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Once the initial wash had been completed, we repositioned the 993 out on the shop floor so that Ryan could begin some minor paintless dent repair, while the guys set to work pulling headlights, badges, and removing the clear bra.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

The clear bra looked bad enough to be original. While we understand letting a product stand the test of time, and wanting to protect an investment for as long as possible, there is a threshold at which something can be effective, or just become more trouble than it’s really worth. If the clear bra is starting to cloud significantly, yellowing, and looks infinitely more scratched and damaged than the paint it’s trying to protect, chances are it might be time to remove & replace it.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Sadly, this cars clear bra had become so brittle that its removal would ultimately take almost more time than installing a new kit! Using a generous amount of alcohol and tedious finger work, Solo pulled off the rocker patches inch by inch.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Once the vinyl was off, it was time for a full clay bar decontamination to prep it for 3 stages of paint correction.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

One thing we spotted when we removed the hood badge was an original paint sticker, left behind by whomever sprayed the car up with Blue Turquoise way back when. When securing a collectible car that is a supposedly an original paint color, this is the type of thing to keep an eye out for. Most people wouldn’t know where to look, which is just another reason to always do your research!

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

With her all decontaminated, Solomon set to work on a 3- Stage machine buff and polish with Menzerna.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Not before long, the paint started to correct out and we began to see something closer to the level of clarity that we strive for. After most of the major paint correction had been completed, it was time to asses some of the minor blemishes and get to work on reconditioning the 993s interior.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Using a fine point applicator, a bit of touch-up paint was applied to some of the more visible & problematic chips along the door edges, front clip, and hood.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

While the touch-up set up, it was time to get to work on the guts of the Fanatic Detail. All leather surfaces received 24 hours of deep conditioning, while all the cabin & bonnet carpets were fully vacuumed & steam cleaned with our hot water extraction system.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

With the rear leathers marinating, Solo removed the front buckets to polish up their matching Blue Turquoise seat backs.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Color matched or accenting seat backs aren’t super common nowadays, but it’s definitely a styling must for any aspiring Porsche owner. They look classy in black gloss, sporty in red, and especially brilliant in Blue Turquoise. While the seat backs weren’t particularly rough or damaged, seeing them all polished up really set the interior off & made it all look like new again.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Once the interior detail was all wrapped up, the Porsche was moved over to the paint protection installation bay, so that Tim could work some magic. Instead of replacing the die-cut side pieces, he just went ahead and installed full frontal clear bra protection, and ran significantly larger pieces of PPF on the rear fender arches to maximize coverage and prevent any further paint damage from rocks & road kick up.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

After the clear bra was completed, all the lamps & markers went back in, and the 993 moved back into the wash bay for a final snow foam & hand wash to make sure any left behind product & residue would be removed from the vehicles surface.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

In the cyclorama, she looks almost as good as new. The diffused lighting of the photostudio brings out the rich blue tonalities in the turquoise, and it’s tough to tell that this air-cooled bluenicorn was ever as worn as when she showed up to the shop.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

The leathers are supple and & moisturized, carpets still showing lines from the vacuum, and even the embroidery is free of dirt & dust particles, looking like it was freshly stitched.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Popping the boot reveals an engine bay clean enough to eat off of. All the little cracks and crevasses where grease and grime once hid are now free & clear, exposing more of the beautiful factory Blue Turquoise paint behind where the power lies.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Every inch, from each individual piece of wheel hardware, to the tiniest details on the hood badge shine like new, fresh & free of blemishes.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

The vibrant, bold paint color definitely helps make this car eye catching, but truly the 993 is one of those models that looks good from nearly every angle regardless of hue!

Even with the best inspection & most careful detailing, the sun is the ultimate “tell” for finish quality. While she didn’t look as damaged as when she came in, light scratching and some very minor swirls were still visible under hard lighting outside.

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

Nevertheless, 3 stages of paint correction later, and this rare Porsche was finally looking more like a garage queen. No more nasty checking across the hood, unsightly spider-webbed swirls, or “brushed” paintwork. Now, she shines like the sky on a cloud-free day!

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

NWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic DetailNWAS fanatic detail paint correction rare Blue Turquoise 993 Fanatic Detail

For more information on our Fanatic Detail service or the paint protection options we offer, click here or feel free to contact us with questions.

]]> http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/05/the-extra-mile-rare-blue-turquoise-993-gets-fanatic-detail-at-nwas/feed/ 0 Wrapped Up: Matte Silver BMW E30 M3 with Red Accents at NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/04/wrapped-up-matte-silver-bmw-e30-m3-with-red-accents-at-nwas/ http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/04/wrapped-up-matte-silver-bmw-e30-m3-with-red-accents-at-nwas/#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:03:59 +0000 NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/?p=6232 NWAS full vehicle wrap Alpine White BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

E30 M3s are a sensitive subject for a lot of automotive enthusiasts. Purists love them for their legacy, collectors horde them for history, and modders do their best (or worst) to build upon that which many hold so dear. We’re all about preservation here at NWAS. From patinas to paint protection, we like to see originality remain intact, or at the very least, re-birthed in such a way that it pays homage while still remaining unique and well executed. When this less-than-perfect E30 came to us looking for an aesthetic overhaul, we opted to go a direction that paralleled the E30s evolution, while still bringing some newness to the table.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 getting washed matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

We began by bringing the M3 into the wash bay for a 24-step hand wash, clay bar decontamination, & general inspection. Anything that’s easily removed is so, just to further ensure that the car is as clean as it can be before the full-on strip down happens.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 removing parts matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

Once the M3 was cleaned up, we repositioned her on the shop floor so Ivan could complete the rest of the dis-assembly. In the meantime, Blake & Tim began prepping, taping edges, and pulled the wheels for coating.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 jambs wrapped matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

With all the leading edges taped up, bumpers, wing, & panels pulled, the guys set to work on the door jambs and lower rockers. Once the pieces were sized up, it becomes a matter of careful placement, heat, & trimming to assure every inch of vinyl can be laid with minimal seams & maximum coverage to hide any bit of underlying paint that might show through the body lines.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 jambs wrapped matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 hood wrapped matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

After  the door & trunk jambs were all wrapped up, it was time to start in on the big stuff. The vinyl was cut to the scale of the hood, and the guys centered the large panel, secured it in the middle & began squeegeeing their way outward.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 prep before matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

For the sake of accessibility & a bit more rigidity, the E30 was moved in our paint protection bay and lifted to a relative working height. From there, Tim prepped out the front fenders & rear quarter panels and began laying the rest of the larger pieces.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver installed red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

The box flares were really starting to take shape as Tim & Blake worked their way around the E30 with squeegees & heat guns in hand.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver trimming red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

Once the quarter panel piece was placed, all the edges were carefully trimmed back & excess vinyl removed from the tail light & gas cap housings.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver bumper red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

With a majority of the coverage completed, Tim set to work on the tricky bits. As many of you know, the E30 has a rather gated front bumper with multiple air inlets & little grill inserts, so it was quite the process of placement & proper masking. Once all the little sections were pieced in, Tim stretched one larger piece of vinyl over the entirety of the bumper’s surface to further the illusion of it being seamless. After the matte silver had been installed, red “bumper tape” like that found on the E30 EVO II was inset to add to the sporty appearance.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 tail lights matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

In the mean time, Ivan began re-installing the rear bumpers while Tim and Blake refit the headlamps and badge.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

Now that the wheels were sporting a fresh coat of red, it was time to wrap the wing, trunk, and last but not least, the roof. The wing received a bit of a custom treatment as well, with a subtle red underbelly that mirrors the look of the bumper tape from eye level. It’s one of those things that you might not spot at first, but the little peek-a-boo effect is what makes it that much cooler!

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 almost done matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

Once the M3 was all buttoned up, we pulled her out into the bright sunshine to get a good look & quick wipe down before moving her into the cyclorama for a  photo shoot before delivery.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

Truly, it’s the attention to detail that sets our wraps apart from the rest. The near perfect corners with almost no visible stretching, matching headlight surrounds, impeccably wrapped jambs & subtle details like the beveled M3 insignia and red wing accent make this little Bimmer a real head turner. That, and the finish quality could easily fool most people admiring it at street level!

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

The red accents don’t just stop at the wheels, spoiler, & bumper tape either, we went ahead & color-matched the toe hook to bring it all together.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

It’s always a tough call on wheel finishing options and deciding whether or not to go full matte or gloss on a to-be matte car, but in this case the flat finish was just the ticket. The contrast between the red gloss accents and matte red wheels creates a nice combination.

NWAS full vehicle wrap BMW E30 M3 matte silver red accentsNWAS matte silver E30 M3 full car wrap

We’re quite satisfied with the way the E30 M3 turned out, and the transformation is definitely drastic compared to the little Alpine White cruiser that came through our doors. From what we hear it has quite the monstrous future ahead of it, too, so hopefully the aggressive new aesthetics will be right at home with the bump in power.

For more information about all of our vinyl wrap services, check out our wrap page here, or visit the gallery to get some ideas for your own personal wrap project!

]]> http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/04/wrapped-up-matte-silver-bmw-e30-m3-with-red-accents-at-nwas/feed/ 0 E@RTC 2013 Season Opener & StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/03/ertc-2013-season-opener-stancewars-golden-gardens-meet/ http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/03/ertc-2013-season-opener-stancewars-golden-gardens-meet/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:49:27 +0000 NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/?p=6209 As we all saw, last Saturday was the first sign of sun coming back to the Pacific North West, and that can only mean one thing… Car shows!

Exotics At Redmond Town Center has been happening for quite awhile now, and while it might not have quite the cult following compared to what “the kids are in to,” there’s no doubting the growing numbers of super cars, American muscle, European rarities, and modern performance powerhouses in attendance.

Since it had been decided that the CGT would be making an appearance at RTC, Blake opted to roll on the opposite end of the spectrum and bring out the Riv.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Buick Riviera StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

We met up at the shop, gave her a quick vac & wipe, and hit the road for a day full of hard parking.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener  Lowly Gentlemen StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Arriving at Redmond Town Center, we were greeted with the familiar sights & sounds of Washington’s finest.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Ferrari 458 StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener  NWAS Maserati satin wrap StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Ferrari Scuderia Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Ferrari Enzo StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Audi R8 StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Lambo paint StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Porsche Cayman wrap StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener brown merc StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener Morgan StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Jaguar E Type StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Like buzzards circling a potential meal, there were performance and stance enthusiasts lapping around the RTC parking lot, making their presence known.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

One RHD Nissan Skyline sporting the perfect combo of gold 3-spoke ADVAN wheels managed to make it into the farther reaches of the Exotics meet.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

As the show started to wind down, we decided to head back to the shop & swap out transportation for something a little more Golden Gardens friendly. Word on the web was that the StanceWars meet would be pushing up 2,000+ cars, and kicked off somewhere around 11 AM. Facebook was already buzzing with posts of slammed cars in seemingly endless lines of traffic, so we hopped in the Arrow Sport and rolled out.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Getting within a couple a 3 mile radius of Golden Gardens seemed like it would be next to impossible. Traffic getting down the back hill was total gridlock, and apparently SPD was already getting fed up & turning cars away.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

We waited for what seemed like hours, snapping pics of cars as the zipped by up the hill and out of the fray.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Once we reached the bottom of the hill, it was clear that we would be in for quite the eclectic show.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

Just about every type of modifiable car you could possibly imagine had somehow found its way down to Golden Gardens. Drift missiles, grip monsters, show ponies, rat rods & mods, stretched scooters, stunt bikes, VIP sedans, motor-swapped odds & ends, you name it. If if wasn’t at Golden Gardens, it either wasn’t drivable enough to make the trek, or somebody was missing out. We even spotted one truely “tymliss” Porsche on our way back to the truck. This show was HUGE.  As things mellowed, we decided it was best to feed our growling stomachs and hit the streets in search of Ballard’s finest BBQ.

Exotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens MeetExotics at Redmond Town Center 2013 Opener StanceWars Golden Gardens Meet

It seems safe to say we’re definitely looking forward to a wonderful season of exotic mornings with the gang at E@RTC this year, and can’t wait to see when the next Golden Gardens StanceWars meet will go down! Keep your eyes on our social media feeds for updates on all the latest events & automotive happenings around the Pacific North West, and maybe we’ll see you out there.

]]> http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/03/ertc-2013-season-opener-stancewars-golden-gardens-meet/feed/ 0 Quick Look: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Enthusiast Detail & Premium Clear Bra Install http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/03/quick-look-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-enthusiast-detail-premium-clear-bra-install/ http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/03/quick-look-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-enthusiast-detail-premium-clear-bra-install/#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:46:49 +0000 NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/?p=6184 Most rally inspired road cars are designed to take quite a bit of physical abuse, both internally & externally. Unfortunately for many though, their exteriors are not as protected as they could (or should) be, and the paint is left to take a beating when a bit of spirited driving goes down. Whether it’s from rocks kicking off the tires on a gravely sprint, or simply making the mistake of running your daily rallier through an automated car wash, tough love requires quite a bit of TLC to recondition.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

When this Lancer Evo came to us, its paint had seen better days. Judging from the surface conditions, it seemed like this little electric blue beast had been competing in a few special stages of the WRC, but more than likely it was subject to the harsh reality of a robot trying to clean properly. Utilizing the soft touch and care only a human can provide, we began the Enthusiast Detail with our signature 24-step hand wash.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

After drying her down, Myron and Solo began the clay bar decontamination & assessed the damage.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

It was pretty easy to see that this Evo would be making quite the recovery, even if it was only receiving 2 stages of paint correction. The clear coat on the carbon spoiler was heavily swirled & scratched, and just about every painted surface on the car looked like it may have been attacked with a Brillo pad.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Swirls, scratches, and holograms abound, the guys taped up the Lancer and set to work on shining her up.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Even just after a single stage on the hood, the paint was showing way less clouding, and infinitely more depth, color, and clarity. It’s results like these that continue to make our Enthusiast Detail one of our most popular & most requested exterior reconditioning option!

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

After two stages of paint correction, the carbon fiber & painted bodywork was starting to look like new again.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

With the detail completed & sealant applied, the Evo was repositioned in our clear bra bay so Matt could begin the Premium paint protection installation.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

Our Premium clear bra kit coverage includes up to the first 18″ of the hood and fenders, headlights, fog lights, front bumper and side mirrors. It’s the perfect fit for keeping your paint protected from the harshness of road debris, and just enough protection for the weekend warriors who like to get a little sideways in the dirt.

Lancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle LynnwoodLancer Evo Enthusiast Detail Premium Clear Bra Paint Protection Seattle Lynnwood

With the paint protection all buttoned up & the Evo looking a little more lively thanks to an Enthusiast Detail, we positioned her outside as the night set in & snapped a final shot under the street lights. Even for vehicles with as much surface damage as this one, a little can go a long way, and it just goes to show how much of an improvement proper car care can make.

Own your own rally-ready monster in need of reconditioning? Check out our detailing packages for the perfect fit & schedule today!

]]> http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/03/quick-look-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-enthusiast-detail-premium-clear-bra-install/feed/ 0 Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver Vehicle Wrap with Custom Accents at NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/02/porsche-cayenne-full-matte-silver-vehicle-wrap-with-custom-accents-at-nwas/ http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/02/porsche-cayenne-full-matte-silver-vehicle-wrap-with-custom-accents-at-nwas/#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:33:03 +0000 NWAS http://www.northwestautosalon.com/?p=6151 Creating superior vehicle wraps is something we take great care in developing here at NorthWest Auto Salon, and over the past few years we’ve had plenty of practice to hone our techniques on everything from daily driver E320s, to high end performance cars like the Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT, and even a Koenigsegg CCX. Given our dedication to perfection, wrap trickery and the final product looking as true to life as possible, we try to raise the bar on ourselves with nearly every installation. The perfect wrap isn’t just about coverage, cost, & turnaround time, but about consistency, insane attention to detail, and creating a rolling illusion that could fool even the most diehard automotive enthusiasts.

As most wraps start, the Cayenne came to us looking relatively OEM with factory black paint, sporting the standard chromed out trims and premium wheel package. The owner knew he wanted to go for a matte silver finish, so to compliment the gunmetal aesthetic & add some performance feel, we selected brushed black accents to bring out the roof panel, mirrors, and trim. Since the customer was also fashion & design enthusiast, we decided to include a couple minimal diecut elements for an added personal touch.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Before Ivan our deconstruction specialist even had a chance to pull all the bumpers, panels, and surrounds, Blake had already started cracking on the rear hatch jamb. When a full wrap comes in, it’s always a smart move to tackle the trickiest, tiniest parts first!

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

As the rest of the team wound down for the day, Blake stayed late into the evening to get the rear hatch jam sealed up, ensuring he would be all the more ready to help tackle the rest of the dis-assembly with Ivan in the morning.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

We’ve heard plenty of horror stories from new NWAS customers who have brought their vehicle in for a full wrap elsewhere, only to discover that the installers had no intention of, or simply chose not to remove any necessary components before wrapping. When dealing with an exterior color change & no jambs or trim wrapping, this might be an acceptable route to take, but, if the vehicle is in for full coverage & it’s not even fully exposed, chances are the install is going to end up with jagged edges, lots of lifting, exposed paint, and a bladed up surface. So, word to the wise for anyone reading: don’t be put off by expensive install costs or extensive timelines if you’re really considering a vehicle wrap. Low quality comes with low cost, and if you try to cut corners to pinch pennies, chances are the sign shop installing your new colorway isn’t going to value your vehicle any more than they value their time. If you want your vehicle to be properly wrapped, go the extra mile & find a shop with the experience, expertise & examples to back it up.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Furthering efforts to make the matte Cayenne wrap look as flat as possible, we opted to pull a little paintless dent repair magic on a few minor spots on the doors. Given the emphasis that a matte finish can add to vehicle body lines, it’s always smart to ensure there aren’t any dimples or problematic areas that might become significantly more visible once wrapped. Less reflective surface means even more visible surface distortion.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

With the bumpers and trim pulled, the first big surface on the list for coverage was the hood. Stretching one large piece of matte silver the entire width & length of the hood never makes for an easy task, but with the mid section tacked it just became a matter of working the vinyl smoothly out to the edges.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Before moving on to more two-man sections and flat surfaces, Blake set his sights on the fitting the technical bits in the jambs & piecing the smaller strips into the rear bumper, utilizing a stand and film box for a bit of added structure.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

With some of the trickier parts covered, it was time for Blake & Tim to regroup and team up. As it goes, one of the most difficult segments of the wrap is also one of the largest pieces. Despite being relatively skinny & not needing a ton of film allocation, the side scallop that bridges the front and rear doors requires careful placement and bit of massaging to lay it flat in one piece. While Tim worked the film down the window pillars, Blake carefully trimmed out any excess vinyl to make things easier to manage.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Once the sides were in place, they started in on the final bit of bumper coverage, smoothing in every crack & crevasse, trimming excess and cleaning up edges.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Amidst the install, we received an inquiry from a gentleman working with Seattle Times who was interested in finding out more about the wrap process, how installation worked, and generally wanted to know more about the emergent “wrap scene” given the recent rise in popularity. After running a quick google search on Seattle vehicle wraps, he came across a few of our projects and reached out to us for comment, and since we happened to have a handful of wrapped vehicles in that week including Cats Exotics matte brown SV and the matte white F430 Spider, we invited him up to the shop for a short tech demo & debriefing on the current state of affairs.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

After Blake & Tim walked him through the basics of film application, post heating, and showed off a few quick install tips, they dug into the last few large pieces of the wrap install. Tackling the passenger side doors and buttoning up all the edges made for a few  good action shots too!

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Now sporting freshly wrapped trims and a full matte silver exterior, we remounted the black powder coated wheels, and applied the final bit of personalization in the form of a diecut monogram.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

For a bit of understated, subtle customization, we removed all the rear badges and replaced the large “PORSCHE” under the window with a masked version placed underneath the film, giving it a raised, but still smooth appearance. When executed correctly, raised or “stamped” graphics and lettering can really add a whole new level of dimension and detail to what would otherwise be a simple wrap.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

The black wheels and trims complimented the wrap beautifully, and were a key element to making this Porsche Cayenne a bit more sinister.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

The guys really went the extra mile on the door jambs, and wrapped near full coverage with minimal seams & piecing.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Smoked tails compliment the newly brushed black trims, mirror caps, and full roof panel to further enhance the aesthetic, and the vibe the Cayenne puts off now really echos back to the full matte metallic range Overfinch HSE we wrapped last year. It’s definitely going to attract some attention at street level!

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

Before the customer picked her up, we parked the Porsche outside in the sun for a few more snaps.

Porsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWASPorsche Cayenne Full Matte Silver vehicle wrap at NWAS

The Cayenne came together beautifully, and all in all it was a great first wrap of 2013. If you would like to schedule a wrap consultation of your own or already have a concept you would like us to bring to life, send an inquiry with more information about your vehicle wrap project!

]]> http://www.northwestautosalon.com/2013/02/porsche-cayenne-full-matte-silver-vehicle-wrap-with-custom-accents-at-nwas/feed/ 1