Got burned out....

S

SouthernBoy

New member
A little background...



Drive a very red '97 Volvo. I've always taken pretty good care of the finish. When I have time, I use a polish followed by Zymol carnuba paste. When I'm short on time, I use the Zymol liquid cleaner-wax. In both cases, somewhat pleased with the results, but not the longevity.



Anyway, I'm ready to step up my efforts (although not to the full Autopian guidelines... some of you guys amaze me). I just received my Blackfire Protectant. Didn't order the polish because I already have so many in the garage. So here's my plan:



- Dawn

- Clay bar

- Polish/Swirl Remover - I've been using 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Still some swirl marks. Step up to 3M SMR?

- BF Protectant (at least 2 layers. 3 on the hood, top, etc.)



For a guy with limited time, what do you think? Any and all suggestions welcome. I will post pics when I'm finished.
 
I would skip the polish step. If anything, do not use IHG before BF, for it puts an oily film on the paint and could interfere with BF working properly.



Your plan sounds good, good luck and report results.....
 
It's holding up pretty well... good color, still a rich red, but I need to clean up some swirl marks.



Maybe use 3M SMR? If so, should I wash before applying BF protectant? (Or should I get up off my wallet and by the BF polish?)



Thanks for the help.
 
I t depends on how bad the swirls are. BF polishor PPCL would be the first step. If that doesn't get the swirls out move up to SMR or Finesse It II. Personally I liked the BF polish, but SMR is probably close. If you don't have PPCL or BF polish, I would suggest getting one of those for your collection. Like DK said though, if it isn't the BF polish then you have to rewash the car to get the oils out so the BF Protectant will stick.



H
 
The Dawn after polishing is much un-neeed waste of time, not only will the BF polish clean up whats left behind, FI-2 contains no fillers, wax, or silicone. Just polish with a good abrasive for swirls (if present), BF polish, and BF protectant X 1-3
 
I haven't posted much this summer. Haven't taken pictures of my details. Haven't done many write-ups. Haven't been trying to keep my post count title.

Why?

I just detailed too many dang trashed SUV's, Pickups and Mini-Vans. Got burned out. Really burned out. I NEVER want to see another SUV or MINI-VAN!!!:banghead::doh: Actually, I'll never do another one.

The money is good, but it's not worth it if I'm not having fun doing it.

So I'm "just saying no" to anyone and everyone who isn't bringing me a Vette.

Vette guys......Bring it on!!!!:thumbup:

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.... I feel so much better now!
 
Hey Bill,

If you only enjoy doing Corvettes and thats all you want to do then thats fine, whatever makes you happy :thumbup:

I know I like doing the trucks and such so its all about personal preference. I might get sick of doing those trucks and mini vans when I get older though.

Hope to see you around and posting.
 
Yeah, it would be different if I "needed" to detail to make a living. I have a steady monthly income and I just detail for fun...

But I do love correcting the paint on those fiberglass beauties!
 
I was wondering why I haven't seen you around much lately. I thought you already switched to "Vettes Only". Those SUV's and Mini Vans can be a real PITA.
You have it right. If you are not having fun at something, then why do it?
 
x2! haha ive only been in this field for about 8 years and I hate trashed interiors. They just beat me into the ground, but a hard to polish exterior thats a different story bring it on! Mini-vans are the same reason I started the company I did. So I could focus on people that had small to large private collections that need vehicles done ;) That way i can work on cars with 'simple' interiors but need major exterior jobs/engine bay detailing more than anything.
 
Crossroads

Nice to see ya here again BILLY and I know the feeling on burnt out. When ya feel like that ya need to step away and do some soul searching so to speak. If the cash is not the biggest reason for doing your job than rethink what ya wanna do. You have done enough toilets to last a lifetime so why not pick and choose what ya like. I think in most cases anyone in this profession would like to get to the point you are at. Only doing cars that people care about, not the everyday junk. I myself have no idea how people can let there vehicles go so long before they see it needs attention. I guess that's job security, but yes it comes with a price. Ya only live once, take a rest things will look different next week.

You have payed your dues bud so do what ya like and be happy...:thumbup:
 
I know the feeling Bill, I myself have taken many breaks over 35 years. It does take a toll on one, but after time one gets right to it again like it was yesturday. :Car smiley:
 
Its fun but it does wear you down a bit. I work a full time job and detail every night for 4 to 5 hours. Sometimes saturdays too. Breaks are good!
 
I definitely hear where you coming from Bill.

I got pretty burnt out myself this summer trying to save up for my wedding. I had a few weeks where I went to my FT job and then spent each week night working until 10:00 on top of putting in 8-10hr days on the weekend. Once I got back from my honeymoon I couldn't even find the drive to wash my own car for 3 weeks. I told my wife and family I wasn't taking on anymore cars but it's hard to say know a lot of the time....especially if they were referred by another customer. I've still squeezed in a few here and there but for the most part I'm not taking on any work right now. Nice being able to relax and spend time with family and friends again. :)


Rasky
 
Bill,

Sounds like a wise choice. As I get older I realize life's too short to spend doing things you don't enjoy. Like Bryan said, there are, most likely, plenty of Vettes out there to keep you busy enough for what you truly enjoy doing.

Best of luck going forward on this and PLEASE keep sharing your efforts with us.
 
Puckman said:
Bill,

Sounds like a wise choice. As I get older I realize life's too short to spend doing things you don't enjoy. Like Bryan said, there are, most likely, plenty of Vettes out there to keep you busy enough for what you truly enjoy doing.

Best of luck going forward on this and PLEASE keep sharing your efforts with us.
Click to expand...

x2.... yeah, just what he said
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top