A couple pics from today's car show.

[Embassy]

Here's some pics from today's car show. (http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=619353#post61 9353)

MM2004 and I represented the Marauders. Both of us stayed busy from inquisitive bystanders. In other words, the full frame Mercs were a hit.

Picking up awards was just icing on the cake.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638650/fullsize/img_3003.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638637/fullsize/img_2990.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638638/fullsize/img_2991.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638648/fullsize/img_3001.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638658/fullsize/img_3006.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638664/fullsize/img_3011.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638663/fullsize/img_3010.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/638666/fullsize/img_3014.jpg

All of the pics, including their original sizes, can be viewed here. (http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/18556/64417)

[Ladyhawke]

Lookin' good, Congrats Steve and Mike!! :2thumbs:

[MichaelGarmon]

Very nice. Where did you get the under hood mat from? I like it a lot!

[FastMerc]

Way to go guys thats sweet! :banana:

[pantheroc]

Awsome!!!!

[HwyCruiser]

Good showing Steve. I only ever went out to one car show (besides at the MV shows) and just got a "Top 50", but it was mainly a Cobra replica show and I got stuck in the back in the L/M category next to a mint 50's Monterey that took the only trophy in that class.

...and it looks like you're doing a good job at keeping her cleaned up. I bet you've waxed her in places she's never been waxed before. Hey, I'm digging the "got boost?" decal too. :D

[Embassy]

Very nice. Where did you get the under hood mat from? I like it a lot!

The Merc's prior owner, HwyCruiser purchased it from CAR Motorsports.

http://carmotorsports.com/marauder.php


Good showing Steve. I only ever went out to one car show (besides at the MV shows) and just got a "Top 50", but it was mainly a Cobra replica show and I got stuck in the back in the L/M category next to a mint 50's Monterey that took the only trophy in that class.

...and it looks like you're doing a good job at keeping her cleaned up. I bet you've waxed her in places she's never been waxed before. Hey, I'm digging the "got boost?" decal too. :D

Thank you for everything you put into her. Your hard work certainly did not go unnoticed. As I mentioned, I could barely get her prepped in time for judging because so many people were coming up to ask about her. I have no doubt you would have picked up quite a few trophies had you entered her in more shows.

Guess what probably drew the most comments besides the supercharger?

The valve covers! :D

Being parked under a tree, I fought the pollen all day long. I don't think I've ever use my car duster so frequently in such a short period of time.

It's true that I've gone over her with a "fine toothed comb" to get her show ready. I was even teased by the local guys because I was using q-tips sprayed with quick detailer to get that last bit of dirt in the corners of the valve covers.

Also, wheels and exhaust tips now wear several coats of Klasse AIO.

Of course Mike just shows up, dusts off his car, and wins a freakin' trophy. :cool: The DTR did look amazing as always.

I'm purchasing a porter cable polisher this summer so I am looking forward to adding even more depth to the paint. Many were amazed it was the original finish.

Thanks for the compliments on the sticker too. It was something I bought on eBay on a whim and it generates some smiles.

To everyone else, thanks for the kind words. Hopefully Mike and I will steal a few more awards this summer. Stay tuned.

[HwyCruiser]

The original owner (my old L/M dealer's business mgr) had the factory paint "sealed" by their body shop so I was always hesitant to take a machine polisher to it. I just tried to keep it clean and protected with Zaino products.

[Embassy]

The original owner (my old L/M dealer's business mgr) had the factory paint "sealed" by their body shop so I was always hesitant to take a machine polisher to it. I just tried to keep it clean and protected with Zaino products.

I didn't know that. Hmmm....I might have to rethink it.

So, the original owner worked for L/M?

Thankso for the info.

[HwyCruiser]

I don't know what they sealed it with, but he was quite proud of the paint and told me not using anything very abrasive on it. He claimed it didn't even need to be waxed. I'm sure it's the high dollar sealer they try to sell in the finance office but it sure seemed to hold up pretty well. The worst she ever saw was a clay bar twice a year when I did the full Zaino treatment in attempt to gain that deep shine. Who knows how long that stuff lasts, but considering that the car spent 95%+ of its life in a garage it didn't see the elements very much. The lack of depth to the paint may very well be due to the sealer. I guess the decision to be made is to sacrifice any protection the sealer adds to obtain that deep shine.

[Embassy]

I don't know what they sealed it with, but he was quite proud of the paint and told me not using anything very abrasive on it. He claimed it didn't even need to be waxed. I'm sure it's the high dollar sealer they try to sell in the finance office but it sure seemed to hold up pretty well. The worst she ever saw was a clay bar twice a year when I did the full Zaino treatment in attempt to gain that deep shine. Who knows how long that stuff lasts, but considering that the car spent 95%+ of its life in a garage it didn't see the elements very much. The lack of depth to the paint may very well be due to the sealer. I guess the decision to be made is to sacrifice any protection the sealer adds to obtain that deep shine.

Given that information, I may forgo the polisher and just continue with Klasse and possibly Zaino. Thanks.

The only reason I was condering a polisher was to remove the very fine swirl marks on the hood. Other than that, the shine is incredibly deep. I was enjoying and admiring its shine on Saturday since I am not around her on a daily basis.

BTW: I've added more pics to the various galleries on my Supermotors page, such as the pulley swap pics.