DIY Detailers Poll and Questions?

jpalamaro · 05-13-2010, 08:09 AM

Ok, I'm a detailing fanatic, likely to the point where a psycho-Doc could get rich on me. Chances are I will not be cured and might even sway the Doc to my way of thinking. Simply said, when detailing a vehicle, get great satisfaction. Who knows why for sure. Perhaps it's something as simple as: Ugly/Dirty before, Beautiful/Clean after. Running an IT business nowhere near as gratifying. But I'm bush league, with Maguiar's products, etc. and would like to get into the power buffing, clay, sand, grit, whatever.

I have my wife's old 2002 ML500 in Navy Blue to practice on prior to even thinking of my BLACK/BLACK/BLACK '09 convertible. which is always covered in my 'toy' garage.

So, any real detailers out there? Equipment, products, how'd ya learn, etc?

TR6speed · 05-13-2010, 09:22 AM

My wife says I am annal when it comes to detailing the Corvette. Besides the paint, engine compartment and interior, I also polish the aluminum suspension and wash the underside of the car.

Z06 Rocket · 05-13-2010, 10:45 AM

Yea I can't just wash and dry the car, I have to get in every nook and cranny to get evrey piece of dirt and water out of the car. A "quick wash" turns into 2-3 hours... LOL

jpalamaro · 05-13-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z06 Rocket

Yea I can't just wash and dry the car, I have to get in every nook and cranny to get evrey piece of dirt and water out of the car. A "quick wash" turns into 2-3 hours... LOL

You know you are a sicko if Johnson Q-tips, a leaf blower, a de-ionized water system, are just part of your equipment!

chris308 · 05-13-2010, 12:02 PM

I think if my paint was pristine like most vettes i would detail more often, but it was obvious when i bought it; it was a daily driver and it's my current daily driver... it's got so many scrathes on it, i think i full detail would just make me more upset of its paint condition than happy!

as it sits i haven't washed it in about a month. plus i have no garage so 2 days after a wash it's dirty again.

als2052 · 05-13-2010, 12:21 PM

You do not need to mortgage the homestead to have every little gizmo and widget out there to keep your car clean...All my cleaning and detailing supplies are can be found @ Wal/Kmart, Target and believe it or not some of the same products are found @ Big Lots for much less $$...For normal driving use, I usually wash and do an overall fast detail (1-1.5 hours) but when preparing for show I thouroughly detail what is visible (2-3 hours)...I must admit I do use a leaf blower for drying (same one I use for garden work) for easier drying...

LS2POWA · 05-13-2010, 12:22 PM

For black cars best wax to use IMO from it being used on my car and seen on other black cars....Pinnacle Souveran.

http://www.pinnaclewax.com/souveran.html

Heres a pic thats 2mths old from the previous detail job Rob did for me. This is a raw photo, no editing. Only thing Im not a fan of is the paint job a shop did on the front bumper, seems dull compared to rest of body.

I really want to repaint the whole car something else, black is just to much to deal with down in florida with all the pollen, dust, other crap. Im leaning towards a lambo/new viper green possibly lol...time will tell.

jpalamaro · 05-13-2010, 12:45 PM

When I got the black/black/black and saw what it took, if not for losing about 20,000 bucks, I was going to get a white one with tan top. My wife has an MB ML550 in white, so, so easy to keep looking good.

My black, fogs (in the garage) and the overhead fluorescent lights I see every detail. Glad to know there are some crazies out here also! Misery loves company?

Even with a paint job, still left with the black interior, ah well, the pain we crazies must endure?

And, there's gotta be a special place in hell (below the lawyers

) for the sprinkler systems that run in the road to muck up a clean car!

XQIZT · 05-13-2010, 07:33 PM

Washing and waxing is great. BUT what about your swirl marks? For a true WOW experience you need to polish with a machine. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Adam's products. They do not attempt to hide swirls etc in the paint...they REMOVE them. You will NEVER see a better finish on your car.

I have really gotten into detailing since owning and have tried a lot of products...trust me, Adam's is the only stuff I use anymore.

Adamspolishes.com - check out Junkman2008 there...or feel free to ask me any questions here...and no, I don't work for them and receive no compensation from them.

jpalamaro · 05-13-2010, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XQIZT

Washing and waxing is great. BUT what about your swirl marks? For a true WOW experience you need to polish with a machine. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Adam's products. They do not attempt to hide swirls etc in the paint...they REMOVE them. You will NEVER see a better finish on your car.

I have really gotten into detailing since owning and have tried a lot of products...trust me, Adam's is the only stuff I use anymore.

Adamspolishes.com - check out Junkman2008 there...or feel free to ask me any questions here...and no, I don't work for them and receive no compensation from them.

Exactly why I've started this thread. I've not touched the Vette yet...tried some topical stuff, local brand here is Topcoat. It has since been done by a pro detailer and has not been even in the rain since! Black has got to be the worst of worst.