Comments here please (if any)

good luck with this...looking forward to seeing what you do to it!

looking forward to see what you are going to do with this mate!!

Go for it Phil, individuality is gooooooood

BTW, you need to change your siggy pic

Cheers Marco - you get my PM?

Cheers Rob - You are my inspiration on this one mate. I love what you have done, superb

Yea I know, I'm waiting till later for JKD to come online, then I'll bug him to do one for me

If you make a convertible I will love you forever

hahaha

When you send me those stickers, I'll let you know

damn i forgot so sorry...

ok deal

How did you get her so shiny? what products did you use? Any more top tips to get these steel greys really shimmering?

- Clay bar
- Scratch removal
- Menzerna Power Finish applied with a DA and yellow 3M pad
- Sonus Final Finish applied with a DA and blue 3M pad
- Carlack68 sealant/cleaner
- Application of Dodo Juice Supernatural wax

- Further app of supernatural tomorrow along with attention to wheels, interior and engine bay

Brilliant. Thanks

Don't do anything too drastic to that Patch - Looks a nice one .......Personally I'd leave LE's as LE's but each to their own.....
Where did you get the Red badge from?

I painted it, I will be selling another one, that I am doing later, on the forum.

Patch, basically you will be taking a perfectly good LE, removing all the parts that make it an LE and then replacing them with bits from the halfords parts bin (engine excepted).

Why the hell didn't you just buy a late speed six and go from there.

Sugarbear - thanks for your opinion, as usual I will treat it as worthless

sorry for having an opinion.. Actually I am not sorry. Should have made the clear.

as for my comments being worthless, thats what this car will be once you have removed everything, modified it horrendously and then blown the engine to bits trying to get an extra 300bhp through the front wheels.

Shame because you have done a good job of cleaning and polishing it. I guess the body will be worth something to someone (a scrap yard maybe)

I must admit I dont think you're the only person on this forum who feels like this Sugerbear, me included. It's a real waste, however this is now Patch's car so he can and will do what he wants with it.

Patch, despite me wishing someone bought your car before you I'll look forward to seing the outcome. Good luck with it all

Good job on the paintwork Phil. Silver is a nightmare to shine. It was a mission to get my old silver Bravo looking like it had a shine on it, so I know how much effort has to go in to get it looking 'just so'.

FYI, there was a sprint blue coop at SpaItalia which had Stilo Blades on. I'll dig out the piccy when I've been through them all for you. I'm a fan of the blades but then I am biased as I have them on my Stilo

Be interesting to see what you do with it over the coming months.

Cheers Insy, yea, please, get those pics up ASAP. I'm in two minds at present if they are the look I'm after so the more pics the merrier.

Did you beat Proccy's time around the track?

Phil, why not upload a stock photo of a blade (straight on image) and ask Keyjay to update the wheel application programme. That way you'll be able to play around to help you decide.

Good clear thinking from Tony as usual

Here we go

Thanks Insy - that helps mate

I think the Stilo alloys look good. They have the simplicity of a 5 spoke alloy yet they have a sharpness of an Ultraleggera.

..... tut tut

Good luck on this project Patch, you did a good job detailing this one again. What's the cutting factor of the yellow and blue 3M pads? I work with Lake country and there yellow= heaviest cutting and Blue = final finishing.

On the wheels: Not my cup of tea, but it's your car and you should do with it what you want (same with the LE story).

Oh I will

Cheers Martijn - The yellow is really a fine pad that can be used to remove swirling, I find good results with this on the coop lacquer coat and find that it reduces the needs to spend so much time finishing (refining the lacquer cut). The Blue is a finishing pad.

I have recently got hold of some 'hexlogic pads' and I will be looking for a coop with some real heavy swirling and RDS to test these on.

Yeah the Hexlogic ones are from Chemical Guys, they use the same colourcoding as Lake Country does. (so go for orange, white, and black / light green maybe). More to discuss in the detailing topic maybe

I bought yellow and white to test. I'll document the results. What are your thoughts on the Lake county? Any before and after shots?

The LE interior has already been sold. Though it will remain in the car for a while yet. I need to get interior panels custom made in silver leather/black to match the recaros firstly

Phil..i don't understand why you would want to buy an LE and then remove everything LE on it??

Which scratch remover did you use Phil? Good for swirl marks??

I use T-Cut Scratch remover for light scratch marks, there is also Meguiars scratch X. Both are good and available from Halfords

OK, thanks!

Get the scratch X 2.0 if you can.

I love the lake country pads, since they offer a wide variety of density, cutting factor, models and size’s they have all you could ever need. The CCS pads work great on a low power machine like a DAS 6 (upto 500 watt). If you use a rotary or more powerfull (800 watt +) D/A then use the ‘slotted’ Kompressor pads.

The yellow pad you got is very heavy patch, it’s almost never needed unless you want to remove scratches (or very heavy swirlmarks). You will need a orange pad in between the yellow and white one, and after the white one finish polishing with the black one before going on to a glaze.

From heavy to light:

- Wool – heavy cut
- Yellow – heavy cut
- Green – medium/heavy cut (almost never used)
- Orange – medium cut
- White – light cut
- Light Green – very light cut
- Black – finishing (light polish/glaze)
- Blue – final finishing medium density
- Red – final finishing low density
- Gold – final finisching v.low density

I use the polishing products from Monello, it’s our private label made by menzerna. Ill try to post some before/after shots later. (why can’t I find the detailing topic anymore?)

Edit: found detailing topic, continues there.

Those Stilo blades look the business

Presumably they need spacers to clear the brembos?

I don't know Boosted. I need to measure them! I've seen them on other coop's though ..... presently, I am Mr Assumption

For your info Phil, the part number for the centre caps is: 46811728

I'm giving you that as from my own experiences with my Blades (on my 3dr Stilo) is that garages invariable fail to put the cap on properly and bend/break the locating fins (you'll see what I mean when you look at the back of the cap). They can be quite brittle so don't be surprised if parts break off on removal.

I've had 1 die on me and ordered a spare in from my local Fiat dealership. Now you'd think that would be a simple process - sadly not. 3 attempts of ordering them in they get it right on the 3rd go! First attempt was completely the wrong one. 2nd attempt looked very similar just without the angled markings. 3rd time lucky! So with this experience I made a note of the centre caps.

You might not need it, but its handy for reference just in case

I paid about a tenner each from the dealership but I think I may have had a discount due to being messed around.

Be good to see the wheels on the car Be interesting to see if they work with silver!

Edit: Apologies, this post does not read well.. brain not in gear this evening but hopefully you can pick out the key points

Thanks for that Insy, always handy to know mate.

I'm going to get them powder coated in a titanium type colour before fitting. Though I am undecided as usual. Why is it that the more projects you get the more indecisive you can become?

I like the wheels Phil, they'll look good darker too. But I don't like the centrecaps. Logo too new and big.
How about painting them to match and applying a smaller older logo, like the one on the steering wheel?

I don't think the one coupe I saw with these wheels on had spacers, but you might want to put 10/15mm on anyway as they look like they sit in the arches even more than the std ones.

And you are lowering the car aren't you

What about painting the wheels LE colour? It therefore hints LE but is distinctly different

going to look very nice i think cant wait to see the finished product

Cheers Adam

Might just do that Insy

I can't wait to see the PIU bumper on your Coop Patch.

Have you got the bumper yet Patch?

Not yet, have a few things to sort on the car JKD in the first instance, the bumper/skirts will come after this. I'm hoping to get it all done for Oct/Nov as planned

Spotted the Blade pictures. Actually, I'm not sure. Perhaps needs lowering for it to work but I do note you've got the 215/45 profile so that may have something to do with it.

I've pm'ed you about the tyres!

I'm a bit like that with it at the moment Insy, but I'm going with the flow until complete...

first refusal buddy....

for those wheels to work lowering for def

Looking good Patch, will look 10x better once you get it lowered too!

Phil,your coupe is looking well mate ,very well indeed.I look forward to seeing it and you at the agm mate.

Me too Joe ... and the free flowing drinks afterward No driving home, hotel stay, oh lordy! After 3, that'll be it .... drunk as a lord

Like the wheels now dont you?

You bet Reubs - Once she's lowered, had them refurbed and put on 40 profile's I'll be happier though mate

Wow superb picture Phil (is it shopped?)

Is this one a keeper or can I have the first option on it?

Lol - no, it's not shopped mate - just taken by a professional. I usually make do with my Nokia phone camera

love the hi res piccie it really shows your car is spotless!
did you refurb the lights inside and out??

The headlights and side lights are in their original state, they are both free of stone chips and marking thanks to the previous disabled owner

Oh! and it's a low miler, on 69,000

Mayzon's pic is truly epic! I'd have a calendar with that pic for all 12 months!

so you've done a ferrari 599 gto style grey roof?

Ummmm, I suppose so, I'll need to go and google that to confirm though

It is just like that JKD. You know your motor's mate.

Here's a pic for other simpleton's like myself, the lines and colour are strikingly similar

have you googled it?

are the lines like joe's bumblebee coupe?

Yes, but, it's not got such a bubble/rounded top look, no offense meant to Ed at all, it's just a little different and I have opted to keep some black parts (mirror arms) the B-Pillars, handle/locks and mirror casings are coded the same.

It's also all in gloss and the paint joint is painted in and lacquered over rather than using a pin stripe

like the colour of the roof and the b pillars phil.

the line on the roof needs to be in line with the boot

Yep I know, it's way off where it should be. Still at least I know where to start next time. It's just the rear quarter tops (to boot and forward toward drivers door).

I'm really disappointed now, was so looking forward to having this finished, now it's back to the spray shop - again!

dont worry mate, its getting there. doing well

id remove the rear wiper too as I think it messes with the lines.

plans for rear lights? maserati 3200 gt maybe?

No, rear lights will stay the same. It's the italian PIU front bumper and zender side and rear skirts next. Then onto the engine.....

PS - I need that rear wiper when reversing, specially during winter mornings

wow that looks familure!

The line is slightly off but wont take much to fix, I really do like the subtle contrast

reminds me of

Good luck with it phill, drop me a PM we need to catch up and sort out the jag

It's a shame, it's only where it meets the rear window it's not right. The rest of it looks and it looks like a good quality of workmanship. You'll get there in the end!

I'm away in London this weekend but had to pop online tonight to see what the finished pictures look like, have to agree Phil, the lines aren't right, needs to be slightly lower mate, bum!

Catch up Monday

Looks really nice patch

But do it like this...



...and it will look perfect

Also patch, how about adding an M3 lip spoiler

http://www.shop.autods.net/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=68

and spraying that the same colour as the roof?

That's what it was supposed to look like JKD. The lip spoiler I will definitely give some thought to for sure. Would need to be silver though as I think the car looks nice and understated ... how want it

because the 599xx (track version of the 599gto) also has the edge of its lip spoiler in black, while the rest is the same colour as the body.

maybe do something similar with your coupe so its like a continuation of the roof and wing mirrors?

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/09q...9xx_knoedler_26

i think a similar scheme (roof, wing mirrors, wheels and spoiler in one colour) will look on the coop.

The bumblebee car still doesn't look right imho.

Just interferes with the lines of the car, doesn't look right. Looks like my 5 year old's been let loose with her pencils. Maybe create a new deeper back window so the window edge forms the dividing line as it would if the car had been designed for a different colour roof?

Interesting thoughts there Dan.

£££££££ kerching though Phil?!

phil, sorry but i'd have to agree.

both the bumblebee and now your car, obviously show the fact that someone has put time and money into modifying it, but it just doesnt look quite right , thats my view, and that shouldnt put you off anything that you want to do to your car, but i honestly think one of the coupe's best features IS its roofline, in particular the back pillar down to the rear wing, its such a nice line.

with the black cutting that line in half, and then having a kind of semi circle across the rear quarter, just spoils the flowing line of the roof.

im lost thinking what kind of look you are going for? i.e what car you want to make it look like or emulate?

either way, i hope you get it sorted the way you want anyway, but i have to ask - did you not give the paintshop explicit instructions as to what you wanted?

i mean anyone can see that whats been done doesnt line up right?!

No need to be sorry, if we all thought the same the world would be a pretty boring place. Once the line flows across the rear from the top of the boot lid through to the door locks, I'll be more than happy with the look and style of me little motor.

you are so right phil.

you know - some people even buy sprint blue coupe's!!!

you're making a lot of changes patch, but your coop is going to be one of, if not THE, best looking coops ever.

it's already looking really unique.

and there's still the main event - the italian piu bumper + zender skirts!

Thanks JKD, the Italian PIU, zender side and rear skirts are next on the list (after new tyres and another service)

Oh! and there's the matter of a matching (to the roof) front Plus grill to be fitted this week

Phil,

Are you using the PIU rear bumper?
What you doing with the exhaust? twin or single exhaust pipes?

Would love someone to do something different with the rear lights.

LED's - done, Maserati look - done,
If I had the time I'd try and fit Audi s5 rears on

I really don't like the look of different tail lights Alex. The strange thing is, I still want the car to be immediately recognisable as a coupe, so there is only so much I will be willing to change.

I hope to do something with the rears i.e. make all the lights as red as possible, but using the same lenses. I'll probably go down the route of having red lowers, but use high power LED's all around. Including the tail stop light bulbs.

I'm using this rear bumper spoiler, NOT the boot spoiler - Click on picture and look at lower bumper spoiler

The exhaust will be a 3" system that FCSS will design (downpipe back) Single box

well im eager to see the finished results mate!

Ive got the rear bumper on mine, I think once I sell mine, I'll start a new project and do some major body changes... already planned out in my head!

any pictures of the new new roof?

Just posted - you'll need to watch the video to see the lines fully though

looking good!

so when joe put a black roof on a yellow car it became 'bumblebee'

but what would a silver car with an anthracite roof become?

The silver bullet

how about Anna/Annie/Anne/Anabelle/Anastasia/Angela/Anthea?

? How about humphrey?

Because of the an thracite mods

Sorry patch this completely eluded me. This is executive coupe! Now that the lines are right it is *extremely*elegant. As important is the balance/offset of the same colour in other parts otherwise I think it could be too strong a statement.

What is bold is the red bonnet badge with the seat upright always visible in the backgound whichever angle you saw it from. I hope you don't wear purple tops though as it would age the paint prematurely :]

And I keep telling everyone the bumblebee is unique, I'm doomed, doomed!

Thanks mate, you are unique, mine's dark anthracite

Yep, shall now call her the X Coupe or Coupe X - X meaning executive

why not call it the SE - 'special edition'

You have to get a briefcase to match.

And shiny shoes. With moon grey soles.

I can see it now, the completely coordinated coupe detailer, formerly a man of shreds and patches, now re-tailored in rollneck anthracite shirt, you've guessed it, grey slacks, Sean Connery move over.

Shades of two-tones...

Oh now the gun.....but watch out here comes Gok Kwan!

I'm actually a shirt and jeans man in real life, though business sometimes dictates that I go suited and booted.

Next week I have a Bank of England Monetry Panel meeting (for the Midlands). Here I will be wearing a fine pink and white pinstripe shirt (high collar - neatly ironed) and a grey tailored suit (ala Tom Cruise in Collateral).

I will park immediately outside the venue, and cooly sit on the front wing, smoking a cigar. When everyone else arrives, I will cooly walk over to reception and say "alright mate, i'm ere for the money fing"

Detailing is not my real business - by-the-way

Ah, sounds like you're at the coal-face.

Still off to the former USSR? (Can't spell Azerbaijan in Cyrillic ) !!

Tim

i do this when i go to tescos - thought everyone did?

No news as yet Tim.