Are some cars even worth correcting?

Tuck91

Tuck91

New member
I have done a couple of 80-90% corrections.



Sometimes I ask myself, is this car even worth correcting?



If a car has multiple dings, large scratches, paint transfers, chips, and just other defects that cannot really be repaired.



I ask myself, is this car worth correcting?



Thoughts?
 
I think any car is worth correcting, provided you are getting paid. If you're doing pro bono work, then you might want to have a little talk with the owner.



My theory is that a 75% correction is better than a 100% disaster.
 
If I feel a car is not worth correcting either because of the level of defects or because I don't feel the customer is going to be able to maintain their paint at that level (those who let the dealer wash their car, for example), I work with them to help decide exactly what level of correction is reasonable for their situation.
 
couldn't agree with you guys more. i think sometimes thinking about correcting a Ford focuz vs a bmw makes you you question if its really worth it or not but in the end the results are dar better then what you started off with and as long as the owner is happy you should be too and know that it is was worth it.
 
Barry Theal said:
I never thought this one was, but the owner keeps this car looking perfect now. I personally think its up to the owner. If your getting paid and you can correct it then why not?
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If they insist, no problem. :D



I can usually get a pretty good read on people so working with them to find the best level of correction for their situation usually isn't too difficult.
 
Scottwax said:
If they insist, no problem. :D



I can usually get a pretty good read on people so working with them to find the best level of correction for their situation usually isn't too difficult.
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Ever come across someone with a really nice car such as a BMW or Porsche and want zero correction and just a "wash and wax"?
 
Shutter said:
Ever come across someone with a really nice car such as a BMW or Porsche and want zero correction and just a "wash and wax"?
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Yep. Some people just really don't care if their cars have swirls in them. Usually those who lease aren't as picky about the paint as those who buy.
 
I have a neighbor who actually told me he takes his car to the GAS STATION CAR WASH -- yes, the same gas station car wash that uses pieces of plastic to whip against your car to clean it.



The car? A 2008 BMW 750Li. Black. Of course.



What's hilarious is that I detail his wife's black MDX. She actually won't let him drive his car when they go out, but even that is not enough to shame him into letting me detail his rather expensive 7-series.



Like Scott said, some people just don't care if their cars have swirls in them....
 
Most people don't see swirls, just scratches.



For customers that ask for anything more than a wax, I start to ask questions like, what they want to get out of it, are they selling it, how do they wash it etc.



Then gauge what would be best for them.



Then explain the cost and the upkeep options needed.



It usually comes down to scratches, lacking shine or for sale.
 
salty said:
Most people don't see swirls, just scratches.



For customers that ask for anything more than a wax, I start to ask questions like, what they want to get out of it, are they selling it, how do they wash it etc.



Then gauge what would be best for them.



Then explain the cost and the upkeep options needed.



It usually comes down to scratches, lacking shine or for sale.
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+1. Most folks couldn't care less about swirls, it's more scratches that annoy people.
 
Barry Theal said:
... the owner keeps this ['86 Benz I corrected] looking perfect now. I personally think its up to the owner....
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I'd wondered about how that one would be getting along, glad he's taking good care of it.



My beater-Audi was in "why bother?!?" condition when I first saw it in the Fall of '08, but it's still getting compliments today despite its cc failure and other major issues. One corrrection, then just 20 months of decent care....



Just because you can't fix everything, or make it "Autopian", that doesn't mean it's not worth doing what you can. Then just hope the owner doesn't mess it up right away.
 
Scottwax said:
What amazes me is how they can see a tiny scratch amid all those damn swirls! :LOLOL
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I think it has to do with lighting. Scratches, especially those right down to primer, can be seen at any angle, in any lighting condition, and in some cases from any distance. Also, swirls are usually uniform, they're circular and they normally cover the entire painted surface, so people don't see them (ex: there were so many trees I couldn't see the forest). Yet, a single scratch sticks out.



I've got lots of theories, but I sure as hell see all the swirls, lol
 
(even though this is the wrong attitude) I don't think any car is worth correcting unless it's my own - why bother if it's going t be swirled up once again during the next wash in a week or two.
 
One man's trash is another man's treasure. The car may have a lot of sentimental value so it may be worth correcting.

Along the way, maybe there is an interesting to learn about the car.
 
efnfast said:
(even though this is the wrong attitude) I don't think any car is worth correcting unless it's my own - why bother if it's going t be swirled up once again during the next wash in a week or two.
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Tweak that a little to differentiate between the various levels of correction and OK, that's an attitude I wish more pros would adapt :xyxthumbs



I only did a near-100% on my pal's Jag because it was that or repaint (due to damage at a repair shop), and I warned him that I could never do it again. I even think twice about doing that sort of thing on my own vehicles.



Most of the time I think something in the 80-85% range would be plenty to improve the appearance while not taking off too much clear.
 
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