The Chevrolet Corvette has come quite a long way since it was first introduced back in 1953. Seven generations & 60 years of an American-made legacy have led us here, to the ‘skate reincarnate’ – a sight unseen since ’76. Long before debut, it was rumored to be mid-engined, split windowed, and sounded wilder than many Corvette enthusiasts could have ever imagined. It might not have fulfilled those matchbox sized dreams when it was unveiled in Detroit back in 2013, but there’s no doubt about it: the C7 Stingray is a serious set of hot wheels.
We’ve only spotted a handful of C7s running the streets in the PacNW, and up until recently, we had yet to experience one up close & personal. When this beautiful blue example came through the shop for some TLC, it seemed only right that we put it in the spotlight for a quick look at the latest front-engine fighter that The Great Bowtie has bestowed unto us.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Even though it was still rocking dealer plates, this ‘Ray in particular had already seen quite a bit of road time. Understandably so, because who could resist putting those 455 horses to work?
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Out in the sun, it was clear that the Laguna Blue Tintcoat seemed to be suffering from some minor wash scratches & swirls.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
The sides & fenders had a pretty thick coat of dirt, dust, and grime building up on them, presumably from a few sprints down the type of dusty back-roads an American thoroughbred feels right at home on. The rear end had collected quite a bit of tar too, but nothing a New Car Detail wouldn’t take care of.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
After a quick inspection, it was time to begin the 24-step wash process.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Once the wash was completed, the guys set to work prepping out the front end, and then the C7 moved on to the installation bay.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Carlos came through and hooked up a fresh set of SunTek CXP window tint to give the Stingray a little bump in attitude & add an extra layer of protection between the outside world & the brown suede interior. CXP is the latest in non-metal, nano-hybrid, carbon film technology, and holds the No. 2 spot in the NWAS tint tier. Sporting a non-reflective, “black” finish that will not fade, CXP also has impressive heat / infrared rejection, and it cuts 99% of all UV rays for increased comfort. It also comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against fading! It might not support the same high-tech solar adaptive coating as PhotoSync, but it’s a quality product that will deliver the level of tint that many of our clients desire.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Once the window tint was in place, Blake pulled the factory wheels off & while Tim began putting together the Stingray’s new Full Frontal XPEL Ultimate paint protection package.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Since the C7 was looking a few shades darker up top & badges were being resprayed in black, it seemed only necessary to have some shoes that would complete the look. Fortunately enough, the customer supplied a set of blacked out C6 wheels, so we set to work on a quick polish & finished them off with Gtechniq Wheel Armour.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
With the clean C6 wheels mounted up, it was time for Myron & Mike to finish out the single stage polishing segment of this Stingray’s New Car Detail. After every inch of bodywork had been shined up & prepped accordingly, Mike began the Gtechniq treatment process.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Every exterior panel received a “stacked application” of C1 & EXO, two of Gtechniq’s top surface protection products. C1, also refered to as Crystal Lacquer, is a nano-level coating that cures out & bonds to the paint finish, becoming the the surface, and creating a non-porous film that protects the vehicle’s finish from outside elements. The top coat of EXO will help protect from additional dirt cling, sun exposure, and any moisture that might ordinarily collect on the paint. EXO has proven hydrophobic durability that lasts well in to 600+ washes, and will keep any car looking cleaner, longer. Combining the two doesn’t only offer insane amounts of preventative protection to your paint job, but it also adds a nice layer of gloss!
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Back inside, the C7’s suede, leather vinyl surfaces were treated to our Interior Shield featuring Gtechniq’s L1 Leather Guard & C6 matte dash.
When all was said & done, we moved the Stingray in to the cyclorama for a final inspection & some after shots!
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
Wash scratches & swirls were completely alleviated. The combined powers of the Gtechniq C1 + EXO application added a nice bit of depth to the paint and just the kind of addition protection a Laguna Blue C7 deserves.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
The Full Frontal XPEL paint protection package is all but invisible, and it will definitely help keep this Stingray looking the best it can after a few track days & spirited summer spin down the I5 corridor.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
In comparison to the chunky, chrome factory units, the “new” gloss black C6 wheels feel right at home on the C7, split spoke & all. With the black wide mouth grill, hood scoops, side vents, and freshly refinished badges, it seems only right to have a set of dark wheels to complete the aesthetic. Even though they’re technically out-of-date, they still look very in style!
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
It was nice to spend some time with the new Stingray, and truth be told it’s changed the way many of us think about Corvettes here at the shop. Sure, there’s something to be said for any car that’s as affordable & powerful as a Corvette, but without a doubt the C7 has elevated itself to a different level. It’s aggressive from every angle, packed with performance and full of the type of materials one would hope to find in a modern day sports car. More importantly, the build quality is astounding in comparison to the Corvettes yore – everything fits together, doors feel weighted, tactile feedback is crisp, and the interior plastics don’t seem cheap in the slightest. It’s a new Vette, through & through.
C7 Corvette Stingray New Car Detail Gtechniq Paint Protection Window Tint
So, if you’re planning on purchasing a C7 Stingray of your very own or just want to take advantage of the preventative care a New Car Detail, Gtechniq coatings, and a Full Frontal paint protection package can offer any new vehicle, shoot us an inquiry about all of our customizable car care & reconditioning regiments. We’ll personally tailor a detailing solution to your needs & make sure your new car stays shining like the first day it rolled out of the showroom! For more information on Gtechniq, check out our coating services or visit the web store to stock up on all the latest & greatest in smart surface science.