It's hard to believe that people with such nice cars aren't into keeping them clean.

I painted cars in the auto body shop in my (family owned) Cadillac dealership throughtout high school and some college.

I still detail a few cars on the weekends for relaxation. Last weekend was a 07 black R63 AMG, the next 2 weekends are 07 metallic black Gallardo Spyders. Nice stuff to work on. Anyone have questions?

I do like to detail my own personal vehicles. Especially my Black GCSRT-8. That thing is a pain to keep clean! But when its clean.....its nothing like it.

Ace

What chemicals do you use?
Machine or by hand?

Didnt realize this was a "Adams" forum.
Maybe Adams has a suggestion that would perform equally if not better then what I have been successful with on the 07 blacl Jeep paint?

I have not seen them post any writeups or push any of their products as of yet. Keep the good suggestions coming. I bought my Porter Cable 2 years back. It's been awhile since I fired her up. Both my rides are definitely due. I have the Pinnacle Clay and lubricant, 4 Star Paint sealant, and Klasse to shine 'em up.

thanks.

On recommendation from another high end detailer, I'm g paint correctly, and you will benefit from these expensive boutique products.

Her clean with brush and microfiber mitt
Dry car (Blue

This is a car I owned back in March.

http://i82.phot

Dang, that's the cleanest black car i've ever seen

let me know if you ever want a job cleanin my jeep. ;) lol

I want to see photos from the next day!

Thanks for the compliments.

It does stay that clean for a while. the surfaces are so slick, nothing sticks to them. They also wash up quickly from being so slick.

I'll try to get the Gallardo pics up on Sunday. Most likely there will be no outside shot with the upcoming weather, the client may enen delay with the snow. I'll get some pics of the finish under the 500watt halogens. I use them to polish the car. The pics show all.

what are your tools of choice.

Holy crap! :eek:

I just bought some of Adams products and am eager to use them. The how-to dvd really helps...I've gotten about half way through it. I had no idea of all the steps.

My dad is a used car wholesaler and I can tell you that me and my brother "detailed" a car in about 2 hours hah. If it was painted of course alot more time for sanding and compound and such. It was real hard getting excited about buffing out a chevette.

Kudos to you jdoria, wish you lived in NC....I'd put you to work! Excellent job.

It's hard to believe that people with such nice cars aren't into keeping them clean.

I painted cars in the auto body shop in my (family owned) Cadillac dealership throughtout high school and some college.

I still detail a few cars on the weekends for relaxation. Last weekend was a 07 black R63 AMG, the next 2 weekends are 07 metallic black Gallardo Spyders. Nice stuff to work on. Anyone have questions?

It's all about the time value of money. I used to be super anal about not letting anyone else touch my car. Then I started my career. 70 hour weeks really took the will out of me.

I use a Makita Rota

bridam -you are correct about the time value of money. [edited by admin to comply with vendor rules] My Mon-Fri job keeps me exhausted also. I do the detailing as a labor of love.

bridam -you are correct about the time value of money. [edited by admin to comply with vendor rules] My Mon-Fri job keeps me exhausted also. I do the detailing as a labor of love.

If you're getting that kind of money--hat's off!!!! Work more :)

Toothmonger - it can become an obsession. Most of the procedures may seem extreme, but they are effective in producing a quality product.

I could go on and on.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/foamjizz.jpg

Snow foamed Bentley. Foaming a car like this allows the soap to remove any contaminants that may get caught between the paint and your sponge that could cause marring.

Here is another, not mine though.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/foamjiz.jpg

Here is my 07 Limited washed with Optimum No Rinse in my garage after 2 snow storms. No hose, no sponges, no rinsing. Just spray, wipe, and dry. Please note, this car has not yet been polished. I just got it a month ago and have been busy working on my new house.

Sorry for the bad pics, I cant find my D80.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/before-side.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/safter-side-2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/after-side.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/before.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/after.jpg

That looks pretty good. My question is how do you keep little grains of salt, or sand here in Alabama, from scratching your paint if you don't rinse it off first? One of the reasons for rinsing your car off before you wash it is to get as much dirt, sand, and grime off as possible so you have less of a chance of scratching the paint when you do start washing it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/side2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/front.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/side1.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/rear.jpg

Good?

Okay jdoria: you appear to be an expert around these here parts. Mine's getting delivered tomorrow. Don't know the build date--but Don got it from the factory last week. I've never bought such a "fresh" car. What are your recommendations for starting off on the right foot? When would you start waxing? Do I need to wait at all? Would you do a polish or clay first? Any insight would be appreciated!

Okay jdoria: you appear to be an expert around these here parts. Mine's getting delivered tomorrow. Don't know the build date--but Don got it from the factory last week. I've never bought such a "fresh" car. What are your recommendations for starting off on the right foot? When would you start waxing? Do I need to wait at all? Would you do a polish or clay first? Any insight would be appreciated!

Cars from the factory are cured. No need to wait for any wax or sealant.

What color did you get?

Black - go the natural route with a boutique wax like Poorboys Natty's blue. If you live in the NE, start with a layer of Zaino Z-5pro.

ANY other color - go the sealant route from day one. There are many, my preference currently is Zaino.

Polishing is up to you. I can show you how to look for swirls with a 500 watt halogen with some pics tomorrow.

Should you go the Zaino route, be sure to get some Z-8 and Z-7 to maintain. Should you go the Poorboys, get their Spray&Wipe to maintain.

Thanks. I guess the only time I've ever dealt with this is after a trip to the bodyshop!

No problem. Keep the questions coming.

Cars from the factory are cured. No need to wait for any wax or sealant.

What color did you get?

Black - go the natural route with a boutique wax like Poorboys Natty's blue. If you live in the NE, start with a layer of Zaino Z-5pro.

ANY other color - go the sealant route from day one. There are many, my preference currently is Zaino.

Polishing is up to you. I can show you how to look for swirls with a 500 watt halogen with some pics tomorrow.

Should you go the Zaino route, be sure to get some Z-8 and Z-7 to maintain. Should you go the Poorboys, get their Spray&Wipe to maintain.Im in Queens I could be in White Plains in less than an hour

You buy lunch and help me, it wont be a problem.

Do you need to go the Dawn route on the first go around?

[B]I wrote this for another forum. Read an and north to south for exverspray or smearing.

Do you need to go the Dawn route on the first go around?

I would. Dawn is a soap with serious degreasing power. It will assist in removing any previously applied sealants or wax.

Its a good way to start clean. But only the first, its too strong for regular use.

Will do.......

Great information.

http://optimumcarcare.com/norinse.html

Here a some instructions for ONR use.
rake dust melt away when you pre-soak the wheels.

That looks pretty good. My question is how do you keep little grains of salt, or sand here in Alabama, from scratching your paint if you don't rinse it off first? One of the reasons for rinsing your car off before you wash it is to get as much dirt, sand, and grime off as possible so you have less of a chance of scratching the paint when you do start washing it.

You will have to use your judgment. It's not a silver bullet, but it works in many cases. The pictures above are probably the dirtiest car I have used ONR on.

That looks like good stuff. It was about 40 F here this morning when I went out and washed the ride. Playtex gloves, some sweats, a beanie, and some hot java made it a good time. I cannot even imagine what it's like for some of you where heated garages are a must.

Wait until you try Fin

Please keep in mind that I just moved, I have not set this garage up properly yet. I just wanted to post a few shots of the detailing chemicals and equipment.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/zaino-wax.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/wash-cabinet.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/compound.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/qd-saop-degreaser.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/towels-2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/polish-towels.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/towels.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/polishing-lamps.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/douches.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/pads.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/sponges.jpg

Wow.....I'm taking notes.....
Chase

It looks like you are into it.:D

Ask any questions about anything you see.

good stuff! At least you keep things organized!

Ace

Dayum dude. Looking forward to the setup shots.

Looks like a detail day at this guy's house..Very nice products you have there

what's your rate for full in & out detail:) just kidding...great setup! you must own a black one?

Awesome......

what's your rate for full in & out detail:) just kidding...great setup! you must own a black one?

I always buy solid balck cars. I love the way they look clean, its worth the extra work to me.

I am really into this too, though I dont have all the sweet toys you do

but I do have the same foam gun.
I had my car wet sanded after some stubborn sap wouldnt come off. Before that I Zainoed it to perfection. After the wet sanding have small marring on the car. Got the All-in-One Zaino and it worked well, but its not perfect. What rotary, products do you use.

Also, what car wash do you use. I fill my foam gun with NXT car wash and let it soak but invariably there is always some crap left.

On a Makita rotary I use 4" and 6" Edg and snow foam for my Karcher, it produces 10 times the foam as the hose driven models. I wont be using it again until the temperatures get back into the 40's.

WOW! I must say that is pretty impressive.

yeah the sap wouldnt clay off. even my fingernail wouldnt work:o

I am ready to get the PC, but dont want to kill the car with swirls.

http://i82.photobucket.combums/j246/justindoria/detail%20garage/02-buffertrails.jpg

This is from poor use of a rve found much success using a similar formula on most cars.

Wow. No thoughts on the pics and videos?

i wash my car twice a week and wax it every other week with tutle wax ice

Keep it up Vinny. We have to get you polishing now.

Cot Damn you are an expert. How much would it be to fully detail my 07 Black Overland?

Thanks for the compliment Crookster777. [edited by admin to comply with vendor rules]

How to video was great... I always get a bit confused on the many choices for pads and products to use and when. Afraid to make an expensive mistake but being able to do this correctly on my own would be really cool versus paying a lot of money getting it done professionally. Might have to experiment. Can a power drill be adapted to work like the porter cable?

You dont have to worry with the Porter Cable, it really isnt powerfu

Gliptone for me......been using it for 20+ years. All products, both professional and retail/consumer, with mass produced product on the market.

Hi Jdoria,
My 1975 Lesabre has a compressed rubber/nylon steering wheel that constantly gets sticky, I checked with the local detailer he suggested 303 aerospace vinyl protectant which works better than anything I have tried but after 2 days it's back being sticky again, Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance

303 is some good stuff.

303 is some good stuff.

Yes it is, but I can't seem to find any around my parts!!!!