05/25/2026
Good evening and “Happy Sunday”!!!
We had a really special project this past week in the shop for our good friend Janet Long.
In the past you may remember a beautiful Corvette, and an awesome Nova we had the privilege of helping protect the paint on, but I would be lying if I didn’t say this one was a car I had always secretly hoped I would get the privilege to have here at Attention to Detail Auto Spa.
This beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Bel Aire has already won 2 national shows and we’re hoping to get a 3rd.
I started the project out like I do every vehicle that we are adding a layer of protection to and I decontaminated the paint.
This time around I didn’t use the pressure washer but went with my IK keg sprayer, and a rinseless wash Armour Detail Supply called “Hero”, and a green delicated sponge called “Villain”, and cleaned one panel at a time making my way around the entire vehicle.
I used an iron remover gel from G-Techniq on all of the painted surfaces on the vehicle to remove any brake dust or ferrous material that could be embedded into the clear coat before starting any aggressive compounding or polishing.
Next I used a traditional ultra fine poly clay bar from Japan and clayed each panel to remove any contaminants that could still be embedded in the clear coat.
There were several sand marks and pig tails in the hood, decklid, and roof so after trying a few different compounds I damp sanded with a foam disc abrasive from Rupes (3,000 grit).
I compounded all of the painted surfaces on the vehicle first with a coarse wool pad on a gear driven dual action machine from Flex.
Next I compounded with a blueberry cutting foam pad from “Buff and Shine” on the same gear driven machine, to remove any marring leftover from the wool pad, and also the minor imperfections that still existed in the clear coat.
I machine polished the entire vehicle with a fine foam finishing pad from Rupes on a long throw dual action machine from Rupes to add clarity and gloss to the finish.
I then jeweled each panel using a rotary machine from Flex using zero pressure, and a black ultra fine foam pad from Lake Country and an ultra fine pure polish from Rupes.
This last step was strictly to add as much gloss to the finish as possible before locking it in with a Modesta ceramic coating.
After an alcohol cleanse to the entire vehicle Modesta BC04 was applied by hand to all of the painted surfaces on the vehicle.
A metal coating was applied to the chrome trim, and all four wheels and calipers.
Each panel was cured with a short wave infrared curing lamp from United for 15 minutes each carefully keeping the temperature between 120 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Modesta M1 Smoke was applied to each panel in an effort to protect the coating while it continues to cure and harden over the next two weeks.
This really was an incredible project to have at the shop, and it was absolutely an honor to play a small role in getting this Chevy Belaire to reach its full potential.
Janet thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you with not just another car, but you’re favorite of the bunch!
It was an honor my friend!
Thank you to everyone for continuing to follow along and thank you for your support! God Bless!!!
If you’re interested in protecting the paint on your vehicle give us a call at:
618-972-0357
We would love the opportunity to help you protect your investment.
Visit our website for a more indepth look at our packages and procedures at:
www.atdautospa.com
Attention to Detail is certified and accredited for the application and installation of both ceramic coating and paint protection film respectively by Modesta and SunTek Films
