Howdy. I'm a fairly recent lurker and just joined to hopefully participate. I'm an old-school detailer...actually had my own mobile detailing business in high school back when I lived in Southern California. Things sure have changed since then!
As a young lad I was taught by my uncle that a car wash just isn't a car wash. What some detailing shops call a "detail job" now is what my uncle and I have always called a thorough car wash. I honestly can't believe some of the junk so-called detailers turn out these days.
Back in the day I started with a Wen 10" orbital and a Craftsman sander/polisher. Ivory dish soap was the rage for cleaning. Blue Coral "Extra Fine, Liquid White" rubbing compound was the polish of choice and a coat of Harley wax went on top as the final protectant. Clay wasn't even heard of! Anyone remember Wax Shop Super Glaze? I'd use that for in-between quick wax applications.
About six years ago, after taking a long hiatus from detailing, I bought a PC 7424 and discovered some of the more modern products now available to us. Shortly thereafter I tried a Megs clay bar with their quick detailer, Machine Glaze and their High Tech Yellow Wax. I tried that whole compliment on a clean, low-mileage 1986 Toyota Camry that I picked up as a daily beater and was astounded by the results. I've been hooked ever since!
A move across the country and a lack of time kind of got me out of the loop but I'm ready to jump back in. I've got a 2011 Subaru Outback to prep for winter and my wife's Toyota Echo needs it's annual detailing. So far I've stocked up on Colonite 845, Griot's #2, Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay and a ton of cutting and finishing pads. I've tested the new products on my BMW motorcycle and have been pretty impressed so far. I'll post before and after pictures of my new-found hobby!
Thanks to everyone so far who's posted tips and pictures...great site!
As a young lad I was taught by my uncle that a car wash just isn't a car wash. What some detailing shops call a "detail job" now is what my uncle and I have always called a thorough car wash. I honestly can't believe some of the junk so-called detailers turn out these days.
Back in the day I started with a Wen 10" orbital and a Craftsman sander/polisher. Ivory dish soap was the rage for cleaning. Blue Coral "Extra Fine, Liquid White" rubbing compound was the polish of choice and a coat of Harley wax went on top as the final protectant. Clay wasn't even heard of! Anyone remember Wax Shop Super Glaze? I'd use that for in-between quick wax applications.
About six years ago, after taking a long hiatus from detailing, I bought a PC 7424 and discovered some of the more modern products now available to us. Shortly thereafter I tried a Megs clay bar with their quick detailer, Machine Glaze and their High Tech Yellow Wax. I tried that whole compliment on a clean, low-mileage 1986 Toyota Camry that I picked up as a daily beater and was astounded by the results. I've been hooked ever since!
A move across the country and a lack of time kind of got me out of the loop but I'm ready to jump back in. I've got a 2011 Subaru Outback to prep for winter and my wife's Toyota Echo needs it's annual detailing. So far I've stocked up on Colonite 845, Griot's #2, Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay and a ton of cutting and finishing pads. I've tested the new products on my BMW motorcycle and have been pretty impressed so far. I'll post before and after pictures of my new-found hobby!
Thanks to everyone so far who's posted tips and pictures...great site!
