Detail of the Month: Special Memorial Detail - 2015 RAM 1500 Bighorn
PROJECT DETAILS:
2015 RAM 1500 BIGHORN -THOROUGH RESTORATIVE DETAIL W/ LEVEL 3 PAINT CORRECTION & INTERIOR DETAIL, CHROME AND GLASS POLISH, SUNTEK WINDOW TINT, & MODESTA COATINGS
- A Special Note From Kim -
Hello everyone!
This month, we are featuring something a little different.
At first glance, this is a simple 2015 RAM 1500 Bighorn Restorative Detail. And yes—this project represents some of the best detailing work our team has delivered. But more importantly, this is a memorial detail and a memorial post for my father, whom we lost on April 13, 2025.
Over the past months, I’ve spoken with many of you—clients and friends—about my dad’s passing. You shared your own stories of loss. Some of you lost loved ones this year as well. In many ways, we walked through grief together. Coming back to work at Superior Detailer wasn’t easy, but the SD family helped guide us through that process. For that, I am deeply grateful. Thank you.
My father was a loving husband and father, and a proud Navy veteran of 20 years. He was always a "car guy" and he loved his RAM 1500. In his later years, though, he was no longer able to care for his RAM the way he once did—and it showed. One of his long-standing dreams was to bring his truck to Orlando for the full Superior Detailer treatment. When he passed, I knew we had to honor that wish.
Today, the truck is stored here in Orlando, and while it’s not a daily driver, we do take it out from time to time. So, if you happen to see an unusually clean 2015 RAM 1500 around town, now you’ll know whose it is.
With love,
Kim
Here's what we did on this 2015 RAM 1500 Bighorn:
- Exterior Detail + engine bay detailing to clean all the years of grime from sitting outside in the Florida sun
- Wheels-Off Detail with full suspension and undercarriage detailing
- Level 3 Paint Correction
- Level 3 Interior Detail - full steam clean, extraction and Ozone treatment - removing ALL dirt
- Chrome hand polish to all exterior chrome: bumpers, trim, wheels
- Exterior glass polish: removes water staining
- Tint Removal/ReplacementwithSunTek Evolve ceramic tint
- Modesta BC-X applied to paint
- Modesta Exterior Plastic Coating (EPC) applied to exterior plastics to restore and protect
Keep reading for a closer look into this extra-special restoration process. Below are some "before" photos of the truck.
Exterior Decontamination & Engine Bay Detailing
Years of exposure to Florida’s climate left layers of grime on the paint, trim, and glass of this truck, which left various contaminants embedded into the paint and clear coat. This severely dulled the shine of the vehicle's exterior. To remedy this,
a comprehensive exterior decontamination wash was performed to safely break down and remove these layers without introducing additional scratches. This step is critical before any corrective or protective work, as polishing or sealing over contamination can lock defects into the surface.
The engine bay then received a controlled, low-pressure cleaning designed to remove grease, dust, and debris while protecting sensitive components. Beyond aesthetics, a clean engine bay helps with early detection of leaks or wear and slows long-term material degradation.
WHEELS-OFF DETAIL & UNDERCARRIAGE DETAILING
Next, we did a wheels-off detail to access and clean the underside of the truck. By removing the wheels entirely, we were able to deep-clean and detail suspension components, wheel wells, and underbody surfaces that are otherwise inaccessible. This process restores appearance but, more importantly, helps preserve mechanical components and slows environmental damage. Brake dust, road salt residue, moisture, and grime accumulate heavily on suspension components, wheel barrels, and undercarriage surfaces—areas rarely addressed in standard detailing. Over time, this buildup can contribute to corrosion and accelerated wear.
LEVEL 3 PAINT CORRECTION + INTERIOR RESTORATION
The paint on this RAM exhibited extensive oxidation, etched defects, and accumulated surface damage from prolonged sun exposure and other environmental wear-and-tear. We wanted to change that and give Kim's dad's car the full, comprehensive treatment it deserved, with no detail ignored. For these kinds of projects where only the best will do, a Level 3 Paint Correction is in order. This level of paint correction involves multiple polishing stages, designed to remove these defects safely while preserving clear coat thickness. This process doesn’t simply add shine—it restores depth of clarity by leveling microscopic imperfections that scatter light. The result is an enhanced finish that dramatically improves the overall visual appearance of the vehicle, reflecting light evenly and revealing the paint’s shine and vibrancy. It is a painstaking and meticulous process, but the result is well worth it.
We also wanted to completely revitalize the inside of the truck by giving it a Level 3 Interior Detail. Interior surfaces can collect and trap contaminants over time, like skin oils, dust, bacteria, and odors - which all settle into upholstery fabrics and leather, cushion foam, vinyl/plastic/metal/glass surfaces, as well as ventilation systems. Surface cleaning alone cannot remove these embedded pollutants. Steam cleaning and hot water extraction were used to break down and remove deeply embedded dirt from carpets, upholstery, and interior surfaces. We followed with an ozone treatment, neutralizing any lingering odors at a molecular level rather than just masking them.
CHROME & EXTERIOR GLASS POLISHING
Following the paint correction, we also refined any additional reflective surfaces/trim on the car, including chrome components and the glass windows. Chrome parts naturally stain when exposed to moisture and air, and so we hand-polished to remove oxidation, restore reflectivity, and smooth the surface, helping slow future degradation. We also polished the exterior glass to remove trace mineral deposits and water spotting, which can ultimately interfere with visibility and cause permanent etching if left untreated.
WINDOW TINT REMOVAL + SUNTEK EVOLVE CERAMIC TINT INSTALLATION
The original window tint had degraded over time, reducing clarity and offering minimal protection against UVA/UVB rays or heat rejection. To restore practical protection to the vehicle, the old film was carefully removed to avoid damaging defrosters or glass surfaces. In its place, we installed SunTek Evolve ceramic tint to provide superior heat rejection, UV protection, and optical clarity. Ceramic tint also helps protect interior materials from fading. Now, this ride can enjoy a cooler cabin, less intense glare from the sun, and a well-preserved interior environment.
modesta coatings (for paint & exterior plastics)
Once the restoration work was complete, protecting those results became the priority. Without proper protection, even the most carefully restored surfaces can begin to degrade again almost immediately, especially in a climate like Florida’s, where UV exposure, heat, humidity, and airborne contaminants are constant. To safeguard the paint, we applied Modesta BC-X, a professional-grade coating engineered to form a dense, chemical-resistant barrier over the clear coat. Unlike traditional waxes or sealants that sit temporarily on the surface, BC-X bonds at a molecular level, creating a durable layer that shields the paint from ultraviolet radiation, oxidation, acid rain, and environmental fallout. This barrier dramatically slows the aging process of the paint while making routine maintenance safer and easier.
Beyond protection, BC-X enhances water repellency. Its hydrophobic properties allow water, dirt, and grime to release more easily during washing, reducing the need for aggressive contact that can reintroduce scratches over time. For a vehicle that is no longer a daily driver but still sees occasional use, this balance of durability and ease of care is especially important—it ensures the truck can be enjoyed without fear of undoing the restoration work.
The exterior plastic components were covered in Modesta EPC (Exterior Plastic Coating), a dedicated coating designed to restore and protect trim pieces that are often the first to show age. Florida sun exposure can dry out plastics, causing fading, chalking, and brittleness. EPC penetrates and bonds to these materials, restoring depth and uniformity while creating a UV-resistant barrier that helps prevent future deterioration.
Together, these coatings serve as a final, essential layer in the restorative process—not to change the character of the truck, but to preserve it. They protect the time, care, and intention poured into every previous step, ensuring the vehicle remains stable, protected, and visually consistent for years to come - honoring the work that came before it and giving the vehicle the longevity it deserves.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Caring for this RAM was a deeply meaningful experience for our entire team, especially understanding what it represented to Kim, and to her family and friends. This project was never just about restoring a truck — it was about honoring a life, a legacy, and a connection that continues long after loss. Every step of the process was guided by love, respect, patience, and genuine gratitude for the opportunity to preserve something Kim’s father truly cherished. Bringing the vehicle back to its best wasn’t simply rewarding on a technical level; it was emotional, grounding, and quietly healing. Being entrusted with one of the remaining possessions he left behind was a true privilege, and caring for it as a fitting tribute to honor him is something we will always hold close. Now, this truck serves as a beloved treasure to remember him by.
We appreciate all of the support and compassion given by our colleagues, clients, and friends during this difficult time. It truly means the world to us.
With much love and gratitude,
The Superior Detailer Family
