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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:11:54 AM EDT
So, I have always been a fan of detailing and I guess after a while I realized maybe this could be a way to make a little side money since my wife and I have a little one due any day now and she will be cutting her hours to spend time with baby.
So I took what I knew, learned a lot from a couple of detailing forums and put it all together and told a few friends. Lined up my first "professional" detail. This car was thrashed, inside and out. The paint was scratched and marred every way possible. The interior had years of smoke residue and spills and dirty leather and.......... Feel free to critque. About half way through the 20hrs I wondered if I should finish or kill myself. 
So anyways, here's some pics. Dawn wash Mothers claybar and lube Another Dawn wash Megs 105 on Cyan LC HT pad Megs 205 on Tang LC HT pad Dawn wash IPA Wipedown Zaino Z-AIO Z-5 Z-6 Z-8 Megs APC on Wheel wells and interior carpets Megs Leather cleaner Opti-Bond Tire Gel 
Gigantic scratch on quarter panel. 
Scratches on roof. 
Road line sprayer overspray and huge scratch. 
2 passes 
Half and half 
I didn't get a lot of before interior pics. By this point I didn't care to document my suffering. 
Roof scratches gone. 
Huge scratch on quarter panel gone 
Thrashed bumper corrected. 
All done. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:14:17 AM EDT
[#1]
Nice Job, but dude this is Ar15.com not Autopia.org
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:14:20 AM EDT
[#2]
So, are you a man whore? Just wondering with all that cologne.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:15:21 AM EDT
[#3]
You gots skillz son.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:17:43 AM EDT
[#4]
Looks like a great improvement.
I would still like to see the paint under halogens/sun to see if all the swirls were gone. If you did it all by hand, I am betting there are still some swirls left  |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:18:06 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Nice Job, but dude this is Ar15.com not Autopia.org That's where I learned everything. Place is awesome.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:18:26 AM EDT
[#6]
TL Type S with an Automatic.
People.  |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:18:41 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
So, are you a man whore? Just wondering with all that cologne. Friends car. He works in an office setting and doesn't get dirty for living. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:19:53 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Looks like a great improvement. I would still like to see the paint under halogens/sun to see if all the swirls were gone. If you did it all by hand, I am betting there are still some swirls left No, it's corrected. I did it with a Griots RO, Lake Country Hydra-Tech pads, and Meguiars polishes. I pulled it out for sun shots and the sun disappreared. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:20:37 AM EDT
[#9]
dawn wash really wasn't neccesary IMHO, if you used a machine polisher then all the max/sealant that was on there would have been removed by that. What machine did you use, PC, Flex?
Looks good especially for a first detail. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:22:34 AM EDT
[#10]
looks way better, i need to do that to my truck
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:22:56 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
TL Type S with an Automatic. People. It's a front wheel drive sedan... |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:23:12 AM EDT
[#12]
nice work!
you have learned a lot since your initial post about your SS. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:23:42 AM EDT
[#13]
Nice work. Makes my fingers hurt just looking at the photos!
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:23:43 AM EDT
[#14]
How much could someone expect to be charged for a top level detail on say... an explorer? |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:24:23 AM EDT
[#15]
I charge $350 for SUV's.
It's all about where you live, and the price people are willing to pay Quoted: How much could someone expect to be charged for a top level detail on say... an explorer? |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:26:17 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
I charge $350 for SUV's. It's all about where you live, and the price people are willing to pay Quoted:
How much could someone expect to be charged for a top level detail on say... an explorer? This is what I liek ot charge as well. People shit when you tell them and they say they know a guy who will do a "full detail" for $65. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:26:52 AM EDT
[#17]
What did you do to get the interior clean?
I have a Jeep Liberty and the inside is filthy - but I can't figure out how to get the stains out without making it look worse. Av. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:28:18 AM EDT
[#18]
Whose SS Trailblazer is that???
 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:31:12 AM EDT
[#19]
wow, looks good.
Any recommendations on a good wax? I have tried Black (something, can't remember, Magic?) Turtle, Armorall on my bike, and it doesnt seem to last long, and now that i have a new car I am looking for a good wax. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:33:39 AM EDT
[#20]
I would gladly pay $300 or more for a detail like that on my car. Nice job!
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:40:22 AM EDT
[#21]
NIce work.
I just learned a valuable lesson here in Florida. never ever will I ever buy a Black car again. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:42:06 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
I charge $350 for SUV's. It's all about where you live, and the price people are willing to pay Quoted:
How much could someone expect to be charged for a top level detail on say... an explorer? Thats inside and out? If so, thats not bad. I was thinking somewhere between 600-700.... |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:46:02 AM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Quoted:
TL Type S with an Automatic. People. It's a front wheel drive sedan... Plus, the 4 door model only came in automatic. Want a manual? Better get the two door, 6-speed with Brembo brakes. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:52:08 AM EDT
[#24]
Quoted: wow, looks good. Any recommendations on a good wax? I have tried Black (something, can't remember, Magic?) Turtle, Armorall on my bike, and it doesnt seem to last long, and now that i have a new car I am looking for a good wax. Zaino. It's a bit involved initially but it lasts longer than anything else is easily maintained. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:55:23 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
wow, looks good. Any recommendations on a good wax? I have tried Black (something, can't remember, Magic?) Turtle, Armorall on my bike, and it doesnt seem to last long, and now that i have a new car I am looking for a good wax. Klasse All-in-One followed by Klasse Sealant Glaze. These are acrylic-based sealants. AIO is a one-step polish/wax that will remove oxidation and apply a layer of sealant. SG is just a sealant, but it adheres better to a surface prepped with AIO. They do not leave any white residue on rubber, vinyl, or textured plastic. It also works on glass, metal, and plastic, as well as paint. If you don't want a synthetic, Collinite #845 Insulator Wax is a good, durable wax. However, waxes generally don't last as long as synthetic sealants. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:57:42 AM EDT
[#26]
come to NY often?
sweet job - there is good money to be made in detailing, especially in large offices or buildings, just going around with a detailing flyer and making a wash day, bring some friends and charge 30-50 a car for wash and armor all, but leave your fully detailed ride out front so when they come back they all the sudden want a full detail and build your business good luck and keep us posted. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:58:42 AM EDT
[#27]
Buy some P21S, you will thank me, P21S is a lifesaver for wheels I swear without it I would go insane. Also if you are using a rotary machine make sure you buy a paint meter it will save your ass.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:59:11 AM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
NIce work. +1 I just learned a valuable lesson here in Florida. never ever will I ever buy a Black car again. I learned that lesson long ago. A black car with two-tone black and grey leather seats cooking in the NC sun all day = near instant death the moment you set foot inside. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 6:59:52 AM EDT
[#29]
Nice job!
Doing a proper detail job is a long and involved process...and yes, sometimes you really do get the urge to pull the M&P out of your holster and end it all right there, but the results are worth it. Since this is your first job for someone else, prepare for one of the worst feelings in the world: Seeing what the person who owns the car will do to it. The first time I detailed a vehicle for someone else it was a friend and it was a labor of love with over 30 hours spent on the vehicle. He sold the vehicle shortly after. I saw the vehicle a couple of months after that...swirled all to hell, covered in bird droppings, etc. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:01:41 AM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
This is what I liek ot charge as well. People shit when you tell them and they say they know a guy who will do a "full detail" for $65.
...which is why you keep pics of some of the "full detail" swirlmarks that they permanently install in the paint. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:05:03 AM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
What did you do to get the interior clean? I have a Jeep Liberty and the inside is filthy - but I can't figure out how to get the stains out without making it look worse. Av. Use a GOOD carpet cleaner...Meguiar's has a decent carpet/upholstery cleaner...hot water, and a scrub brush. Then use an evacuator of some sort to suck the water out. Alternately you can use lots of clean towels and some patience. You may not get all the stains out, but you'll make the carpet look a hell of a lot better. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:18:36 AM EDT
[#32]
Quoted:
Quoted:
NIce work. +1 I just learned a valuable lesson here in Florida. never ever will I ever buy a Black car again. I learned that lesson long ago. A black car with two-tone black and grey leather seats cooking in the NC sun all day = near instant death the moment you set foot inside. I love my truck and my CTS-V. Both are Black. Nothing looks better than black! |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:42:40 AM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
dawn wash really wasn't neccesary IMHO, if you used a machine polisher then all the max/sealant that was on there would have been removed by that. What machine did you use, PC, Flex? Looks good especially for a first detail. I do the Dawn wash for 2 reasons, neither of which do I have any proof of their authenticity: 1) Most waxes have fillers. Filler mask and hide swirls and scratches or alter their appearence in some way. When I do a correction, I wanna see what I am working with from the get go as opposed to polishing wax out of the scratches and then polishing the new and improved scratches out. 2) I would *assume* that any amount of wax on the surface you remove with your pads will obviously end up in the pores of your pads, hindering their cutting ability. Little piece of mind for a 10 minute Dawn wash and leaf blower dry/wipedown. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:50:16 AM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
What did you do to get the interior clean? I have a Jeep Liberty and the inside is filthy - but I can't figure out how to get the stains out without making it look worse. Av. I used Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner 20:1 on the leather and 10:1 on the carpets. Spray directly on carpets, spray some water and extract with Shop-Vac. Then repeat with water only. Quick wipe with towel. Repeat tough spots if necessary. Leather is small sections: spray on microfiber towel and wipe till clean. Follow up with regular damp microfiber for a "rinse." I have read arguments about leather conditioners and treatments and their usefulness. That's what I did anyways. An admitted beginner. LoL |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:52:43 AM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
Whose SS Trailblazer is that??? Mine. I got some new super sexy pics I'll post when I get home.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:53:01 AM EDT
[#36]
Nice job.
Always amazes me how filthy some people can be, especially in their cars. That interior pic is disgusting. Kinda defeats the purpose of having the cologne. I guess the cologne is there to mask the stench that gets on your buddy when he rides around in that filthy car. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:55:00 AM EDT
[#37]
damn that car was thrashed dude needs to learn how to take care of his car. Its amazing what a proper detail and paint correction will do for a car.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:55:13 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Quoted:
wow, looks good. Any recommendations on a good wax? I have tried Black (something, can't remember, Magic?) Turtle, Armorall on my bike, and it doesnt seem to last long, and now that i have a new car I am looking for a good wax. Zaino. It's a bit involved initially but it lasts longer than anything else is easily maintained. This. I can help you pick some products depending on your vehicle color. It can be confusing at first. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:55:59 AM EDT
[#39]
Why the KS plates? I thought you lived on the MO side of town.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:56:56 AM EDT
[#40]
Quoted: Why the KS plates? I thought you lived on the MO side of town. Not his car. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:57:58 AM EDT
[#41]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Why the KS plates? I thought you lived on the MO side of town. Not his car. Yeah, doesn't exactly look like Johnson county. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 7:58:34 AM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
Buy some P21S, you will thank me, P21S is a lifesaver for wheels I swear without it I would go insane. Also if you are using a rotary machine make sure you buy a paint meter it will save your ass. I have seriously considered this. I like what I have seen from it. I just ordered a gallon of Megs Wheel Brightener, so it will be a while. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:06:13 AM EDT
[#43]
Quoted: Yeah, doesn't exactly look like Johnson county. It looks almost exactly like the "Wyandotte County" section of Johnson County that I lived in from '93-'03 and '06-'10 (Downtown OP). A lot of PV and RP looks just like that too. ... and then there's Olathe. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:09:06 AM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
Nice job! Doing a proper detail job is a long and involved process...and yes, sometimes you really do get the urge to pull the M&P out of your holster and end it all right there, but the results are worth it. Since this is your first job for someone else, prepare for one of the worst feelings in the world: Seeing what the person who owns the car will do to it. The first time I detailed a vehicle for someone else it was a friend and it was a labor of love with over 30 hours spent on the vehicle. He sold the vehicle shortly after. I saw the vehicle a couple of months after that...swirled all to hell, covered in bird droppings, etc. Well, you can tell from the before shot this guys not much better. LoL. He's gonna sell this and buy a Lexus IS350 and already discussed a correction on it. |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:17:20 AM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Why the KS plates? I thought you lived on the MO side of town. Not his car. Yeah, doesn't exactly look like Johnson county. Actually, its Prairie Village. Where the semi rich/hippies live. I just leave M O cause I only live about 500 feet from the state line and I'm a M O Hometowner at heart. 
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:19:33 AM EDT
[#46]
I'd like to have this done to my wife's Explorer. Kids are hell on the interior of a car and we are finally getting past the gross phase of childhood.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:21:28 AM EDT
[#47]
Next time I'm in town wanna do my Envoy?
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:22:05 AM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yeah, doesn't exactly look like Johnson county. It looks almost exactly like the "Wyandotte County" section of Johnson County that I lived in from '93-'03 and '06-'10 (Downtown OP). A lot of PV and RP looks just like that too. ... and then there's Olathe.
You fuckers dissin my hood?
This is a nice neighbirhood. Just because my yard sucks doesn't mean the neighborhood sucks. It just means I'd rather polish the SS than spread fertilizer.
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:22:25 AM EDT
[#49]
Jesus, nice work.
Black '09 BMW, and I'm trying all kinds of voodoo to keep it nice and glossy looking... |
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Posted: 6/29/2010 8:25:11 AM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
Jesus, nice work. Black '09 BMW, and I'm trying all kinds of voodoo to keep it nice and glossy looking... Clay bar is your friend.
I would spend time detailing my car if it was more valuable.
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