May have an interview as the detailer for a bodyshop - advice

B

blue-sun

New member
A local bodyshop has an add for an experienced detailer.



I stopped in last night, filled out an app and talked to a manager briefly.



He said they would call today and set up an appointment for an hour trial.



They use 3M products and a Mikita Variable speed buffer, wool pads and occasional foam.



Now, I've never used a Mikita VS before. I've got very limited experience with a rotoray, as I prefer the ease of the PC. I've also got no experience personally with the 3M line (I really like tje Meguiars tan bottled line)



Any tips for this interview/trial/3M?





Thanks!



David
 
Body shop detailing is fun, you will come accross a whole lot of different things. This is when experience comes into play. You might have to learn how to pinstripe as well. Do you know how to remove overspray (clay bar/steel wool)? These things will help you nail the interview if you can do them.



The 3M line is common in body shops. It is similar to other products on the market you should not have a problem. The hand glaze does not work all that well, but the finesse cutting cream does work good.



Let them know about your PC and that you like the results, because then it shows that you have come accross something that has great results. And bodyshops are always excited about something that will make their work look even better.



Detailing in a body shop is where I learned a lot my skills. You come accross a lot of different things as far how to clean different paint colors, fabrics, and vehicle models.



I had to clean one car that the drive got shot in the driver side seat and blood was on the interior. That was interesting. See when you clean a car from a body shop most of them are acccident related where stuff has been spilled and sometime body fluides are in them. Not to mention the body shop dust you will have to clean.
 
Coupe said:
You cant use your own gear?
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Bad idea.



Unless they are paying you as a contractor you should use whatever they have ONLY. If you dont like what they have, build a case to improve or change the equipment and materials. You would have tojustify it with time / money savings. Why waste or ruin your equipment for their proifts? If it was a bodyman position it would be a different story, they all use their own tools.
 
Teach them a thing or two! Don't sweat it....some heavy glaze and a rotary and that is all you will need to know. ;) One thing they might not of mentioned is that you might have to wet sand some pretty heavy runs. Some shops make the painters fix them, which usually works better because then the painters are more careful and then some shops make the detailer do it because the painter is too busy and then the painter could usualy care less about how his work is.
 
Your right Baller.



Be careful when using your own products especially machine related. Try to stay away from using your own machineary and own products when working for someone else. Let them purchase the things you like to use. Make it as a suggestion of what you like to use. Sorry I didn't, make that clear above. When working in a mass production area machineary goes through a lot more abuse. And when yours breaks then it's your loss, if it is the shops then the shop will replace it.
 
use race glaze and a foam pad as your finishing step, they'll want you to do minimal finishing work. Race glaze is the best for that type of work, when you get to a black car you'll really see why.
 
If you have little to no experience with a rotary Id let them know, but also let them know you've use other buffers so it wont be teaching someone from scratch.
 
He told me that they want all the detailers to use the same process wether I'm the one detailing or another guy.



I did mention that I have limited rotray use and that I prefer the PC.



The 1 hour trial will be with their equipment and products, not mine.



Still no call to confirm the appointment. We'll see what happens.
 
awahl63 said:
What body shop is this at may I ask?
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I'll tell you once I've heard back either yah or nay.



No sense in adding extra competition without need for me. . .



hint: it's in Mundelien though and has no website as of yet.
 
Oh, and they mentioned wetsanding and that they would likely teach it to the detailer if they don't already know it.
 
Probably quite an opportunity for you.



Let the Manager know that you appreciate the potential opportunity.



It is important to convey your lust for knowledge; your sincere commitment to this field. "Yeah, I know some stuff, but I know there is so much more to learn."

"I just like clean cars, can you really teach me to wetsand?"



Best of Luck!



Jim
 
Jimmy Buffit said:
Probably quite an opportunity for you.



Let the Manager know that you appreciate the potential opportunity.



It is important to convey your lust for knowledge; your sincere commitment to this field. "Yeah, I know some stuff, but I know there is so much more to learn."

"I just like clean cars, can you really teach me to wetsand?"



Best of Luck!



Jim
Click to expand...



yah, i've been wanting to learn touch up paint and wetsanding for a long time to add to my arsenol of detailing.



i KNOW that I stand to learn alot from this experience, should it happen.
 
Good luck...I was just wondering if it was a local bodyshop that was looking to expand their business. It's not in Mundelein though...good luck
 
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