I am not impressed by those that detail high dollar vehicles

I see your point, but you also have to consider the fact that these exotic cars are not easy to work on either. I've had a few exotics lately and I can confidently say that I've earned the chance to work on them. Now just because I have a few exotics in my portfolio now doesn't mean that I'd turn down a junker... money's all green to me. Here's a car that's also in my portfolio next to the Audis, BMW's, Porsches and Ferraris



corolla_1.jpg




corolla_7.jpg




And as far as them not being in bad shape... this is a Ferrari with 47 Km on the clock...



scuderia_10.jpg




scuderia_12.jpg
 
You tell em mate.



Ferrari paint from the factory is never nice, at least from the few that I have seen. :)



Throw in all the complex/concave curves, they are never fun.
 
I am impressed by anyone that is really good at whatever their niche. Whether it be a high end detailer that specializes in exotics, and can achieve 100% correction, or a guy that performs a miracle on a mini van.



I am fortunate enough to have clients that own everything from Toyota work trucks (that are trashed), all the way to Ferraris. I like working on them all, as sometimes I have to spend 5 hours on an interior, and other times I get lucky and get a car that only needs 45 minutes of interior work. It kind of keeps me on my toes, and allows me to experiment with a lot of different products and techniqes.
 
I think that the reason some of you like to see a beater transformation is because the before and after is 10x more different than an exotic before and after... reason being exotics look amazing with or without a proper detail so while the detail might be great, it's noticed less since it's such a great looking car



Personally paint is paint so I love to see before and after photos of paint under lights or sun... whether it's an exotic or dodge minivan doesn't matter
 
One thing I would like to add is that there is a high stress level involved with machine polishing and detailing an exotic, that you don't find with normal cars. If a detailer burns a fender on a Chevy Astrovan, he can get it repsrayed / touched up for a couple hundred dollars, and it's taken care of. With an exotic, not only may it cost thousands to fix the error, but the car may depreciate due to the fact that it has had some paint work done on it. Not to mention, word will probably travel that the detailer burned the paint amongst other exotic owners in the area. So, where an exotic may not be "as trashed" as a family hauler, it can still be much more stressful to work on.
 
I thought I would wait and see what the consensus was before adding my .02 $.



As one of "those" guys who specializes in exotics vehicles, I feel there is a market for anyone, but I remember many years ago(circa 1993-94) when I was starting out I did a ton of beat up cars that were miracle transformations.



The problem with doing "budjet" cars is there is no profit unless you do HIGH volume day after day etc.... and the last time I checked soccermoms do not pony up $500.00-1,500.00 dollars for high level corrections, I get it that not everyone sees a Enzo driving down the road and loses their mind, but a "car guy" will.





When doing detailing for profit you need to be profitable, business is defined as providing goods and services at a profit margin no profit no business the doors will close. To me breaking your back on a job that the client will not really appreciate or frankly need or can afford seems counterproductive, but this is America with the freedom to conduct business any way you see fit.
 
I have come to find out, after doing the handful of exotics that I've done....Like someone else stated (BLK45, I believe)...They're all just cars....the have an engine, four wheels and are covered in paint.
 
Back to the topic of popularity on the forum - that be, the exotics get more press, consider this: how many people care if your hot next door neighbor sunbathes in the nude? my guess is a few lucky neighbors, now - what about (insert hollywood starlette name) - ok, you got helicopters overhead.
 
JuneBug said:
Back to the topic of popularity on the forum - that be, the exotics get more press, consider this: how many people care if your hot next door neighbor sunbathes in the nude? my guess is a few lucky neighbors, now - what about (insert hollywood starlette name) - ok, you got helicopters overhead.
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Depends on how hot.:rofl
 
Luster said:
Hey, LONGHORN.... You've got BALLS! LOL! I like it.:lol



I don't agree "to a point".



I agree 100%.



Nice thread!!!!! :xyxthumbs
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Just stating how I feel and I thought it would be a good conversation to have.



PS: That Navi restoration is amazing.
 
I don't judge by the car, I judge as best I can by the quality of the job. Who cares what the car is?



MiamiSC430 is right on. If someone brings me a beater and will pay to have it worked on I'll happily work on it. But at least around here people don't give a damn about their beaters enough to pay hundreds of dollars to have it compounded.
 
I think there a few different thoughts that are valid. True, many exotics are in pretty good shape and don't need an extreme restoration. Many daily drivers get a ton of road rash, swirls and atmospheric fallout. There are guys who can bring a beaten DD to life again. They are the same guys who could (in most cases) do a good job on an exotic sho car. One difference on the exotic show car is the detailer who obsesses over the minute details such as taping off the entire car and cleaning every edge and seam and finishing absolutely perfect. The number of guys who pay attention to every detail and get paid accordingly are fairly rare.
 
That would be a good detail challenge.... Find 10 clearly uncared for cars and take 10 of the "Best" detailers and have them make the car's look like new or better.
 
My opinion is that high level work is high level work regardless of the badge between the headlights or the name plate between the tail lights. Are you specifically disregarding any work done to an exotic or are you saying that high level work in general doesn't impress you?



There are many facets of detailing, high level boutique is just one of them. Each has unique challenges. I find that high level (not necessary exotic) detailing is unique in that the customers have very high standards, and they should for the money they are charged. Production detailing focuses on the time in which the work is done, which is an completely different challenge which is no better or worse then any other challenge.



I personally respect all detailers who run an honest business and keep their clients happy. Detailing is honest work (regardless of the car's badge) and sore backs are just a daily reality. How I could not respect somebody for doing honest, back breaking, and grueling work is beyond me.



I completely respect your opinion on the matter of course. I would only challenge that if you believe that exotic cars are magically in nicer condition then the average car (except in terms of dirt which is pretty easy to remove) then you probably don't have a lot of experience with exotic cars. I find the condition of them (except for the interior) is pretty much on par and the challenges are very similar. The question becomes which level of detailing appeals to you most, and of course there is no wrong or right answer.
 
Adam91LX said:
That would be a good detail challenge.... Find 10 clearly uncared for cars and take 10 of the "Best" detailers and have them make the car's look like new or better.
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Way too subjective.
 
At the end of the day it comes down to being professional and providing a quality service to your customer. Weather its a $500 job doing a 1992 oxidized red corolla that takes you 10 hours, or a $500 job doing a 2009 Lambo that takes you 10 hours. It's all the same. Your not getting paid anymore for doing a higher end car. 10 man hours, is 10 man hours. Every car and every customer get the same treatment. Without the customer, were nothing.
 
Well i think the exotic details get the most attention because of the exclusive club that it brings. With that comes the pride from the detailer and the job portfolio.



I rarely visit the click'n brag section, not because of the work that was done, most is exceptional, but i don't need 100+ plus photos from every angle and some photo shopped from expensive cameras, to prove that the car looks better than new.



I rarely fully correct paint, let alone "jewel" up here. There is little call for it. Besides show cars or semi-exotics it is not practical. One wrong wash or snow brush it is damaged.



Up here i have to be "a jack of all traits". Some paint correction, spot sanding, permanent odor removal, interior cleaning etc, usually in 8 hours. But it is pretty hard to show that in the click and brag, beside an exotic correction.



BTW I have polished cars since 1987 and have done full wet sand to perfection.



On a last note, money is the only reason i would give up my daily routine, to focus and do full corrections everyday. It is hard work.
 
etml12 said:
IMO, you can argue both sides of this point. Yes, the transformation of a neglected DD can be dramatic. Even with a relatively minor amount of effort. However, this does not detract from the level of skill required to perfect the finish of an exotic or garage queen.
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I agree with You!
 
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