An Analogy to Learn From

B

buda

New member
DETAILERS are always asking me why we spend so much time in our training focusing on what you might call "the anatomy" of a vehicle.



"Lets just get out in the shop and show me how to detail."



If I may, let's take the dental student studying to be a dentist. They work on teeth right? Filling cavities, cleaning teeth, maybe doing

crowns and bridges.



Why then do they have to take extensive courses in the anatomy of the body and in their training they have to dissect a body.



If you understand why that is part of their course

Training you will understand why a detailer should have as much a

command and knowledge of all aspects of materials in a motor vehicle.

Just my opinion, of course. Take what like and leave the rest.



Bud Abraham
 
Bud, you are correct.

Both of us have decades in the business and both have developed, written and taught more than a few thousand detailers, all around the globe.



Our course at AI was normally two days,(students who wished could stay an extra day and practice with supervison what they had learned) one total day of classroom on the anatomy of vehicles, how they are produced, the entire assembly procedure, forcusing on the paint and trim. (That first day used over 400 slides covering the various subject matters)



Both our courses use props to show various interior and exterior components, using them to show how to diagnois various concerns and then what to do in theory to correct those concerns if possible.



The "hands" on comes the second day with our class, where the students (following a written test at the end of the first day) will be put through all the major processes necessary to do the work. (with our course, you didn't past the test, you normaly went home with your money refunded, for it indicated the student was not serious)



Your course is much the same as we have discussed over more than a few cocktails at various trade shows.



Both us have the background to understand and teach, for we understand the steps to be successful.

Education

Knowledge

Diagonistic Skills

Process

Procedure



Same as the dental student or any other who seeks to become a professional as their career path.



Grumpy
 
Ketch



Thanks for the post. You and

AI were the only chemical company that provided an excellent training program that was generic in nature.



To much training available today does only half a job leaving out the anatomy part.



Even a doctor who specializes in eye surgery understands the entire body.



Same with mechanics they may specialize on transmissions but they know the mechanics of the entire car.



I hope our industry can reach the same level one day.



Bud
 
Gentlemen:

I belive that your analogy of comparing a professional detailer to a medical professional is somewhat correct.



However, as in the medical field, there are specialist in detailing as well. Some individuals are more skilled at assessing carpet types and stains, while others may be more adapt at assessing finish (paint/clearcoat) problems and proper polishing techniques in resolving them. It's difficult to master the entire art/science of proper detailing, just as it's difficult to become a proficient doctor of medicine. Perhaps that's why it's called a medical practice and not an exact science. If great detailing results were easy, every one would do it, but it's not. Again just a becoming a doctor takes years of schooling and practice, so does detailing.



Some may question why I need to know about the various parts of car, or where electrical connectors are in a wiring harness, or even how many air bags there are in a vehicle. At some point, though, it will come into play if you detail cars long enough. It may be as simple as the correct procedure in disconnecting the battery cables to save on running down the battery, while other cars this may not be done at all because of the havoc in resetting the Electronic Controls Unit (ECU).



I'm sure you've raised more eye brows and questions about spending time on this type of education. I say, you can't apply what you don't know, and if you do try, the results often speak for themselves. I've yet to hear about a successful apendectomy by anyone who just read a medical book one time. As stated, that's why it's called a "practice".
 
I totally agree that successful Detailers need to be fluent in as many areas as possilbe. Every one should tour an assembly line, a body shop, mechanical garage, dealership, detail chemical manufacturing plant, auction and high end shop to be well rounded.
 
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