There is something about impressive builds that has always fascinated me, to take something and make it completely something else while retaining its original foundation. This car is pretty much the physical definition of that. No corners cut, nothing overlooked, nothing rushed or thrown together and no expense was spared.

However, the owner didn't feel the car was finished, there were some final touches needed to bring it all to a "close" and fortunately I had the opportunity to help him with this.

"D" called me up to come detail the Subaru, which would boggle a lot of minds, because the car was flawless, everything was new - the paint, the chrome, the plastics, etc. It's details like this that truly separate what "us" paint correction specialists - as I like to say - do, apart from your usual detailer. To take a perfect foundation, and make it better.

Enough blabbering from me, I will let the pictures showcase the hard, well thought out work that Dimitri put into his truly one of a kind Subaru and how I was able to help finish it up for him.

How it looked when I arrived:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update116.jpg

Vehicle was prepped, all wax removed through degreasing, citrus wash, very fine clay and IPA wipedown, then masked off:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update118.jpg

I started with the engine bay, which had some accidental over spray since the bay was painted before the body, which was a phenomenal job regardless. Here is the over spray on the inner fender before and after:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update119.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update120.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update121.jpg

The other side was done as well, all metals polished and sealed, here is the finished results:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update122.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update123.jpg

Now it was on to the paint work where some finishing touches were needed in the correction process. Some before photos of the defects and some after photos immediately following:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update127.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update128.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update130.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update133.jpg

Paint defects After

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update198.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update235.jpg

Fender Before/After. The metal flake is VERY vibrant in this paint.

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update135.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update136.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update137.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update138.jpg

Some light sanding needing to be finished, before and after seen here:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update139.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update140.jpg

Trunk after final polishing step before removal and final IPA wipedown and paint cleansing.

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update155.jpg

Finished reflection photos before the sealant and wax application. Wax doesn't make the gloss, professional polishing does!

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update172.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update175.jpg

Final results and photos

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update201.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update210.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update244.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update252.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update253.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update182.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update184.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update185.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update193.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update195.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/STi/Update227.jpg

Thanks for checking it out! It was a blast working on this car and the guys at Akuma Motorsports where I performed the job are truly a class act above and beyond!

-Oakes

No Subaru love on here?? hahaa

*crickets*

That's one of the nicer Subarus I've seen. Great work on the detailing.

...yeah...

This car just doesn't do it for me.

But your detailing skills do, Oakes! I wish I lived close enough to let you work on my car.

<3 your work :)

one of the nicest bug eyes i have seen. looks good and you made it look even better. :thumbup:

That;s some nice work. Wish I had someone with your mad skills near me.

Why did you need to sand? Scratches too deep? Blem?

Great work, gorgeous engine bay, ugly car! :D

how much does some fine detailing like that run

Ok, you guys do awesome work normally, but that right there, the car and detailing job, is the epitome of perfection. Nice work on a gorgeous vehicle. (for a subie)

I'm aware the car isnt widely accepted, but its hard to argue the craftsmanship, fabrication and quality put into by all those who have touched it. Sure stands for a lot of local shops and their reputation for what they can achieve. Some on this forum alone!

The cost for this kind of work varies on the hours it takes, as there is an hourly rate among most paint correction specialists.

Thank you TtsMitsu!

I'm aware the car isnt widely accepted, but its hard to argue the craftsmanship, fabrication and quality put into by all those who have touched it. Sure stands for a lot of local shops and their reputation for what they can achieve. Some on this forum alone!

The cost for this kind of work varies on the hours it takes, as there is an hourly rate among most paint correction specialists.

Thank you TtsMitsu!

Definitely. And it's only poo-poo'd on this forum because we're an evo forum. Given the sheer list of parts in the build, assuming it's tuned properly, I doubt anyone here would kick that beast out of bed. It's a work of art, and you don't really see the bugeyes from inside the cockpit. :)

I'm surprised he didn't go with a CQuartz treatment from you guys! Too risky on his paint job?

Definitely. And it's only poo-poo'd on this forum because we're an evo forum. Given the sheer list of parts in the build, assuming it's tuned properly, I doubt anyone here would kick that beast out of bed. It's a work of art, and you don't really see the bugeyes from inside the cockpit. :)

I'm surprised he didn't go with a CQuartz treatment from you guys! Too risky on his paint job?

TT, say it ain't so. I don't poo-poo on cars for being what they are unless they're VWs.

I understand completely, thats why theyre so many different makes of cars, because theyre not for everyone haha. With that said, I agree about the work done and the quality of it, it truly is something else. I've seen all kinds of insane builds, be it exotic, or "Standard" cars and this one is definitely up there. Like I stated, its a testament to what is possible and who is out there available to make it possible.

The CQuartz treatment wasn't done because time, the space wasnt suited for ideal application either since I had to travel there. Im sure it is something we will look into next time around, but just wasnt in the cards this time. Im also waiting on a restock of it, they dont get here too quickly! haha

I understand completely, thats why theyre so many different makes of cars, because theyre not for everyone haha. With that said, I agree about the work done and the quality of it, it truly is something else. I've seen all kinds of insane builds, be it exotic, or "Standard" cars and this one is definitely up there. Like I stated, its a testament to what is possible and who is out there available to make it possible.

The CQuartz treatment wasn't done because time, the space wasnt suited for ideal application either since I had to travel there. Im sure it is something we will look into next time around, but just wasnt in the cards this time. Im also waiting on a restock of it, they dont get here too quickly! haha

I agree with all you said there.

I understand completely, thats why theyre so many different makes of cars, because theyre not for everyone haha. With that said, I agree about the work done and the quality of it, it truly is something else. I've seen all kinds of insane builds, be it exotic, or "Standard" cars and this one is definitely up there. Like I stated, its a testament to what is possible and who is out there available to make it possible.

The CQuartz treatment wasn't done because time, the space wasnt suited for ideal application either since I had to travel there. Im sure it is something we will look into next time around, but just wasnt in the cards this time. Im also waiting on a restock of it, they dont get here too quickly! haha

One day I'll make my way down there for the CQ treatment. Book a hotel room for a couple of days and let you guys go wild. :)

One day I'll make my way down there for the CQ treatment. Book a hotel room for a couple of days and let you guys go wild. :)

Quoted for posterity.

Quoted for posterity.

DOH! :duh: lol

lmaoooo....u set yourself up for that one hahaha

good job on the detail, i seen it in person last weekend and it looks awesome even wit pollen and stuff on it

props to dmoney

I see Jeremy gtr in one of those pics, he said he was getting it detail too. Any pics of it?