Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a truly exceptional vehicle: a 1996 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo. This wasn’t just any Z car; it was a low-mileage gem boasting only 33,000 original miles. As a detailing enthusiast, encountering a pristine example of automotive history like this is a rare treat. The interior still carried that unmistakable new car scent, a testament to its remarkably preserved condition. The owner, a fellow Z car aficionado, had plans for tasteful upgrades, including a larger brake kit, performance shocks and springs, and other popular bolt-on modifications. However, he wisely prioritized preserving the car’s immaculate appearance first. He opted for a comprehensive paint correction and CQuartz UK coating, along with a thorough interior cleaning, to kick off his ownership journey.
The detailing process began with a meticulous two-bucket wash. I used Adam’s Deep Wheel Cleaner to effectively tackle the wheels and Meguiar’s D108, applied three times, to ensure the tires were thoroughly clean.
Next, the paint and glass surfaces were treated with HD Wash. To remove embedded contaminants, I proceeded with Iron X for iron decontamination and a medium Nanoskin clay mitt, lubricated with Optimum No Rinse. This dual-action approach effectively removed bonded pollutants, leaving the surfaces smooth and ready for polishing.
After drying the car with a Master Blaster to minimize scratching, I moved it into the garage for a detailed inspection and taping.
Despite its low mileage, the paintwork exhibited typical swirl marks, some water spots, and minor oxidation in certain areas. These imperfections, while common, detracted from the overall gloss and clarity of the finish.
Through careful test spots, I determined that Meguiar’s microfiber cutting discs paired with Menzerna FG400 compound would be the optimal combination for paint correction. I utilized my G21 polisher for the majority of the correction work, effectively removing the swirls and imperfections.
Before Paint Correction:
After Paint Correction:
The owner also requested the removal of the aged “Nissan” and “Twin Turbo” lettering from the rear center panel. A heat gun and CarPro Tar X proved invaluable in gently removing the emblems and dissolving any residual adhesive, leaving a clean surface.
I dedicated a significant amount of time, around 1.5 hours, to meticulously restoring the tail lights, rear center panel, and third brake light. These areas often suffer from oxidation and fading over time, and bringing them back to their original luster significantly enhanced the rear aesthetic of the 300zx.
For more intricate areas, I employed my GG6 polisher with 3-inch backing plates and microfiber discs, along with my PE8 rotary polisher equipped with 2-inch orange and black pads. For a few hard-to-reach spots, hand polishing with M105 compound ensured complete and consistent correction across all surfaces.
To revitalize the faces of the SSR A2 wheels, I used Optimum Metal Polish. The owner had preserved the original wheels, but these aftermarket wheels were fitted to the car. I also took this opportunity to polish the exhaust tips, adding another touch of refinement.
The final polishing stage involved CarPro Essence and Meguiar’s thin yellow polishing discs. This step refined the paintwork, maximizing gloss and preparing it for the protective coating.
I was highly satisfied with the level of correction achieved, estimating around 90% defect removal. The paint now exhibited a deep, rich shine, befitting a sports car of this caliber.
After a short break, I returned to apply CQuartz UK ceramic coating. This coating provides long-lasting protection and enhances the gloss even further.
The application process was smooth and straightforward. I carefully inspected each panel to ensure even coverage and promptly addressed any high spots to guarantee a flawless finish.
For added protection, I coated the trim with CarPro DLUX, and the wheels and glass with GTechniq C2V3. The tires were dressed with TUF SHINE Tire Clearcoat for a durable and lasting finish.
Moving to the interior, the carpets and floor mats were thoroughly vacuumed and then steam cleaned to lift embedded dirt and grime. Minor stains were addressed with Meguiar’s D101. Leather and remaining interior panels were cleaned with D101 and protected with BLACKFIRE interior protectant. Delicate suede upholstery was carefully wiped clean with water. Finally, the carpets and floor mats were treated with GTechniq I1 Smart Fabric to repel future stains.
I brought the revitalized Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo outside to capture the final results in natural light. The transformation was remarkable. The paintwork was now vibrant and swirl-free, protected by a durable ceramic coating, and the interior was refreshed and clean.
This Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo project was incredibly rewarding. It’s always a privilege to work on such well-preserved and iconic vehicles. Thank you for following along! As a bonus, here’s a glimpse of my Miata’s engine bay, which also received some cleaning attention recently.
