Any one detail cars professionally or serious side job

[biggestmexi]

i got questions.

Im sure there well be panty of useless posts here.

So I'll weed them out.

[JPMNICK]

i am looking for someone who does it in north jersey who doesn''t charge 400 bucks. i used to have a young kid who did it, but he stopped and now i can't find anyone. i don't want to take it to a car wash because it is a rip off

[biggestmexi]

i am looking for someone who does it in north jersey who doesn''t charge 400 bucks. i used to have a young kid who did it, but he stopped and now i can't find anyone. i don't want to take it to a car wash because it is a rip off

400? You cant be serious.

That haas to be some major paint restoration to be in that price.

Im taking wash, wax, and some slight swirl removing for 50, 60 bucks.


It just seems difficult to offset time vs cost.

I could buy every thing I news for under 200.

so for cars it is paid off. Any more than that I can keep. But with working every saturday it don't seem worth it. But i love to take a shitty car and make it clean.

The pride would would be pay enough.

[RhinoinMN]

I have everything you need. Drive your jalopy up here.

[RhinoinMN]

I use malco products.

[biggestmexi]

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing-product-discussion/120553-anyone-ever-heard-used-malco-products-5.html

[biggestmexi]

I really want to try dodo juice purple haze.

[SatCam]

I was my car religiously every 2 months or sooner if it looks kinda dirty. good enuff?

[landarch]

i am looking for someone who does it in north jersey who doesn''t charge 400 bucks. i used to have a young kid who did it, but he stopped and now i can't find anyone. i don't want to take it to a car wash because it is a rip off

I'm your man for detailing in the area. Price depends on size of car and amount of filth involved. Examples would include the family Camry for $120, and the Suburban for $175. This includes wash, body scrub, polish, windows, vacuum and spot clean upholstery, cleaning of interior plastic parts, lotion for the leather seats. Can come to you if you have water and electric. I've never had a disappointed customer. PM me if you're interested.

[biggestmexi]

I'm your man for detailing in the area. Price depends on size of car and amount of filth involved. Examples would include the family Camry for $120, and the Suburban for $175. This includes wash, body scrub, polish, windows, vacuum and spot clean upholstery, cleaning of interior plastic parts, lotion for the leather seats. Can come to you if you have water and electric. I've never had a disappointed customer. PM me if you're interested.

Do you use evian water to wash?

That is still steep for just that. What is a body scrub? I hope you get wax at that price too.

[SatCam]

Do you use evian water to wash?

That is still steep for just that. What is a body scrub? I hope you get wax at that price too.

a body scrub is when he takes a brillo pad and a bottle of palmolive and goes to town on your clear coat

[biggestmexi]

a body scrub is when he takes a brillo pad and a bottle of palmolive and goes to town on your clear coat

i cant imagine that is good for it.

[landarch]

Do you use evian water to wash?

That is still steep for just that. What is a body scrub? I hope you get wax at that price too.

If you have evian water coming out of your tap, then yes, I guess I do.

Several mfgrs make a clear coat body scrub that is used to take out all the fine scratches, scuffs, and road film that ends up on your paint. It's a pain in the ass to use, adds two steps to the process, but works wonderfully. No damage to the paint or clear finish, but if worked enough, will buff out some pretty tough scuffs and stains.

And yes, after the body scrub comes the wax. I've now gone over the outside of your car by hand four times (five if you count drying, six if you count both wax on and off) plus one round with an orbital buffer. We haven't even talked about the inside yet...... Steep? I think not. Try getting any other grown man with a family to spend half of his Saturday at your house doing this kind of quality work for less. Won't happen. Like I said, I've never had a disappointed customer (in fact several of them are repeat customers) and I've been doing this for years.

[biggestmexi]

The way you are defining "body scrubs" sounds like several different products.

Cleaner wax, swirl remover, light/medium cut compunds, clay, some poilishes, but if it is fine scratches you are talking about something like meguiars Swirl X and the like.

But you can cut far deeper than that into paint. I never heard of anything called body scrub other than by the shampoo/soap isle for humans.

If you have an orbital buffer, why not do all the steps with that? That would cut your time very steeply.

And if you say, "its better by hand", it isnt. You can do the same with an orbital.

and by clear finish you mean clear coat. And of course there is no damage, your just using a light compound.

"clear coat body scrub". you are not taking detailing serious enough i think

[landarch]

You say you've got questions, it sounds like you've got all the answers.

[biggestmexi]

You say you've got questions, it sounds like you've got all the answers.

Srsly you can't even name the product

[Fallon]

i am looking for someone who does it in north jersey who doesn''t charge 400 bucks. i used to have a young kid who did it, but he stopped and now i can't find anyone.

Out of context that sounds really bad.

[biggestmexi]

Well there went several hours of my OT.

We'll see how it goes.

[landarch]

Srsly you can't even name the product

Could, but why bother? You don't care if it's turtle wax or dogshit on a rag.

Perhaps if I had outlined my methods first, step by step, then asked for notes on how to improve my process, then sat back and waited with bated breath for your expert analysis.......Nope. Still don't see where it's worth defending my work to you.

I give my customers a good value for their money and that's all that matters. "Not taking detailing very seriously?" This for using a generic term for a product you haven't heard of (which is actually what Maguire's calls theirs). I'm just posting about a hobby on a shitty message board, not participating in a class discussion down at the vo-tech.

[Bob Impact]

Do you use evian water to wash?

That is still steep for just that. What is a body scrub? I hope you get wax at that price too.

Where is $125 steep for an actual detailing, particularly if that's inside and out?

[Tallman388]

Where is $125 steep for an actual detailing, particularly if that's inside and out?

For that kind of work, I'd say $125 is quite reasonable.
Apparently mexi wants to take his hot rod to some sort of automobile day spa on the cheap. Good luck with that.

[JPMNICK]

Where is $125 steep for an actual detailing, particularly if that's inside and out?

i thought 125 was a steal, no way you could get it really detailed for that cheap. a real detailing is 8 hours of work usually

[landarch]

i thought 125 was a steal, no way you could get it really detailed for that cheap. a real detailing is 8 hours of work usually

Thx JPMNICK. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on getting one "really detailed". Certainly someone with a detail shop might be better equipped, or better yet, insured against loss so they don't mind going nuts on your paint with a high-speed buffer. Perhaps this includes full upholstery shampoo? (Something I usually don't do for the price) Perhaps this includes cleaning the ridges in your wiper switch with a toothpick? (Usually only do that on my own cars--pesky finger grease). Just curious for your expectations, that's all.

[JPMNICK]

Thx JPMNICK. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on getting one "really detailed". Certainly someone with a detail shop might be better equipped, or better yet, insured against loss so they don't mind going nuts on your paint with a high-speed buffer. Perhaps this includes full upholstery shampoo? (Something I usually don't do for the price) Perhaps this includes cleaning the ridges in your wiper switch with a toothpick? (Usually only do that on my own cars--pesky finger grease). Just curious for your expectations, that's all.

anytime i have gotten it done (i had a blazer) it was wash, strip the old wax, re-wax, buff out some dings type deal. inside was wash the carpets, vacuum, all the windows washed. I had chrome rims, so buff them up, make the tires shine.

the detailing is different from a wash in my mind for 2 reason. real hard wax is put on the car and then hand buffed out giving it a great shine. after this, they put on some other type of stuff to make the paint really shine (no clue what it is).

the inside is not only vacuumed, but the leather/plastic inside is all cleaned, wiped down and shining. the carpets are free of stains and totally clean. the leather seats have been conditioned.

that is a solid days work, you are def going over the outside 3-4 times by hand, and the inside is a couple of hours.

i say 200 bucks for this is a good deal, but i have seen hand car washed charge high end customers and cars 400+. 250 is my limit. i like when they charge 200, and i throw the guy and extra 40-50 at the end.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I have to wonder, is my title of biggest asshole on RF.net in danger?

[SatCam]

the detailing is different from a wash in my mind for 2 reason. real hard wax is put on the car and then hand buffed out giving it a great shine. after this, they put on some other type of stuff to make the paint really shine (no clue what it is).

the first coat was most likely a sealant or cleaner wax, and the second coat was probably a pure high-gloss wax. there's really nothing else you can coat your paint with besides sealant or wax

typically you wash your car once a week, apply wax after every wash to every 2 weeks to every month, depending on your budget and free time. You polish once or twice a year as needed, claybar every 6 months and keep a bottle of quick detailer on hand to clean off the bird shit/bugs that accumulate after a drive

[landarch]

anytime i have gotten it done (i had a blazer) it was wash, strip the old wax, re-wax, buff out some dings type deal. inside was wash the carpets, vacuum, all the windows washed. I had chrome rims, so buff them up, make the tires shine.

the detailing is different from a wash in my mind for 2 reason. real hard wax is put on the car and then hand buffed out giving it a great shine. after this, they put on some other type of stuff to make the paint really shine (no clue what it is).

the inside is not only vacuumed, but the leather/plastic inside is all cleaned, wiped down and shining. the carpets are free of stains and totally clean. the leather seats have been conditioned.

that is a solid days work, you are def going over the outside 3-4 times by hand, and the inside is a couple of hours.



i say 200 bucks for this is a good deal, but i have seen hand car washed charge high end customers and cars 400+. 250 is my limit. i like when they charge 200, and i throw the guy and extra 40-50 at the end.

I don't strip the old wax--prob would given the right wax stripper, just never used it before. Usually the cars I'm doing haven't been waxed for a long time if ever.
I have an upright steam cleaner I sometimes bring along for tougher jobs, but not usually. It works OK but surely not like the pros. Most carpets I just spot clean with Tuff Stuff aerosol. Prob not the preferred professional method but it has a good smell and works well for most spots and stains. Otherwise, the methods you list sound pretty much like mine. That, and it's in the comfort and convenience of your own driveway.

[biggestmexi]

This for using a generic term for a product you haven't heard of (which is actually what Maguire's calls theirs). .

if your referring to you "body scrub", they don't. They dont make it on their consumer line or their proff. line.

and that is why i asked for proff, or people who take it seriously.

Where is $125 steep for an actual detailing, particularly if that's inside and out?

for 125-150 I would expect wash, clay, compound, polish, wax.

i thought 125 was a steal, no way you could get it really detailed for that cheap. a real detailing is 8 hours of work usually

It should not take 8 hours to detail a car if you have any type of orbital buffer. It would be closer to it if you took the time to actually clay the car, but only maybe.

anytime i have gotten it done (i had a blazer) it was wash, strip the old wax, re-wax, buff out some dings type deal. inside was wash the carpets, vacuum, all the windows washed. I had chrome rims, so buff them up, make the tires shine.

There is no way that would take 8 hours at a actual detail shop. They make special car shampoo's that remove the wax as you wash. Their are some places that due use a seperate wax remover though. But when i wash my car alone is 15 minutes including engine bay. Buffing out ding would mean they are going over your car with a swirl remover or a fine cut cleaner before they wax. They would probably wash it again after this point due to slinging of compound. Then they should go over your car with a actual polish or glaze. Which will bring a great shine out of your paint. Then they would wax it. With either carnuba wax or a synthetic. Things that go over that wax should just be distilled water for more shine or detailing spray.

Wash 15-20 minutes
Compound/ minor paint correction 1.5 hour
wash 10 minutes
polish 1.5 hour
wax 1.5 hour

add a clay bar in their at another 1.5 hour if you want.

I wouldnt do this method on all cars though. just people who would want it. and at that list i would charge more like what landarch charges
But i would also clean the engine and make it look brand new.

If you cant get over an entire car under 1.5 hour with an orbital then there is something wrong. If you have an orbital or rotary and you are using your hands instead then you are making yourself pay.


the detailing is different from a wash in my mind for 2 reason. real hard wax is put on the car and then hand buffed out giving it a great shine. after this, they put on some other type of stuff to make the paint really shine (no clue what it is).

the only thing i have saw on the detailing forum is if you go over your wax once with a slightly damp cloth (with distilled water) you will get a better shine. You still use the machine to put the wax on. There is no difference. A random orbital buffer is just like using your hand but A LOT faster and smaller circles.

the inside is not only vacuumed, but the leather/plastic inside is all cleaned, wiped down and shining. the carpets are free of stains and totally clean. the leather seats have been conditioned.

1 hour max, even with spot removal.

and if your going to a pro they have at least 2 people to work on a car. so cut the time in 1/2

that is a solid days work, you are def going over the outside 3-4 times by hand, and the inside is a couple of hours.


There isnt much reason to go over the outside with hand if you have a machine, maybe to wipe off excess compaund but you should be masking the car off anyway.

I have to wonder, is my title of biggest asshole on RF.net in danger?

I love that you follow me around. you should get something better to do.

[biggestmexi]

Most carpets I just spot clean with Tuff Stuff aerosol. .

that stuff is the bees knees.

[landarch]

that stuff is the bees knees.

Yes it is. I've used it for.............Wow. 15 years now. Oh, and here's this, courtesy of the shelf in my garage:

<a href="http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/bshankle/?action=view&current=100_3965.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/bshankle/100_3965.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Maybe they don't make it any more, but I didn't imagine it's existence. The turtle wax version works better IMO.

[biggestmexi]

Yes it is. I've used it for.............Wow. 15 years now. Oh, and here's this, courtesy of the shelf in my garage:

<a href="http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/bshankle/?action=view&current=100_3965.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/bshankle/100_3965.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Maybe they don't make it any more, but I didn't imagine it's existence. The turtle wax version works better IMO.

That is old!

[biggestmexi]

bad half:
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/Bad.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/bad1.jpg

good half:
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/Good.jpg

half and halves:
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/good150.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/goodbad.jpg

and i need to get better taking pics lol

[biggestmexi]

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04315.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04308.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04306.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04304.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04303.jpg

washed with ONR.

Double washed with ONR with DI water.

Alky wipe down.

Went over it with my Porter Cable with a lake county CCS yellow pad and Meg's 105

Then switched to a white pad and meg's 205

Then switched to a black finishing pad with the Megs' 205.

Then one coat of dodo juice purple haze around the sides and hood and trunk.

Two coats of dodo juice hard candy on the roof and pillars and mirrors.

Another coat of hard candy on the sides,.

Another coat of purple haze on the rear bumper and trunk/spoiler.

all in all it took probably 10 total hours or more.

[Charlie_Don't_Surf]

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04315.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04308.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04306.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04304.jpg
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac65/biggestmexi2/DSC04303.jpg

washed with ONR.

Double washed with ONR with DI water.

Alky wipe down.

Went over it with my Porter Cable with a lake county CCS yellow pad and Meg's 105

Then switched to a white pad and meg's 205

Then switched to a black finishing pad with the Megs' 205.

Then one coat of dodo juice purple haze around the sides and hood and trunk.

Two coats of dodo juice hard candy on the roof and pillars and mirrors.

Another coat of hard candy on the sides,.

Another coat of purple haze on the rear bumper and trunk/spoiler.

all in all it took probably 10 total hours or more.

. . . and it's still a Pontiac Grand Prix. :dry:

[biggestmexi]

. . . and it's still a Pontiac Grand Prix. :dry:

least its not foreign.