Newb from Indiana

dpkilty

dpkilty

New member
Just thought I would introduce myself here. I was a member over at another forum (RIP:(). I usually just lurk around as I can usually find what I need by using the search function.
I like to think of myself as a weekend warrior who is kicking around ideas of how to make detailing my livelihood. I know I can find good advice on here from the pro's. Now on to do some searching... :inspector:
 
Welcome to AF. There are a lot of great retailers here that can always offer help if you need it
 
Eric_Witt said:
welcome buddy, good to see you here
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Maybe I will actually get to post some of my work over here... Finally have time to tackle the Forester this weekend. Hopefully I can get Tru Shine approved :D

Todd Helme said:
Welcome to autopiaFORUMS, glad you could make it over! :autopia:
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Had to follow, the write ups and how-to's you do are invaluable.


And to everyone else who has greeted me so far; Thanks for the warm welcome.
 
Welcome to AutopiaForums, glad to see you came over and join up. Lots of familiar faces here and great folks to boot. :welcome:
 
So I finally get to do a quick 2 step on my DD. A 2004 Subaru Forester that has been beat to crap. I didn't get any good pics before, as I was trying to do the whole thing in about 5 hours. I did snap a few good shots of the hood though.

I usually use Meg's ultimate compound and polish, bu this time I tried the 105 205 combo. I liked it a little better. Still took a solid 6 hours though. That includes the wash, clay, and 1 coat of BFWD. I didn't get a chance to put the 2nd coat of BFWD on yet. When I do I will update with after pictures of the whole thing.

Before, the hood is pretty beat up with rids.
HPIM0859.jpg

HPIM0857.jpg


Tried a 50/50 type shot; this is after polishing, before BFWD:
HPIM0860.jpg


After polishing:
HPIM0862.jpg


I didn't do a wipedown before I took this pick so some of the specks are chips in the paint and some are dust.
HPIM0866.jpg


I didn't feel this was a complete enough "shine and show" post to put it there, so I posted it here. Overall I am happy with the way it turned out, as I am going to try to repaint the car this winter/spring so it didn't need to be perfect.
 
dpkilty said:
Had to follow, the write ups and how-to's you do are invaluable.


And to everyone else who has greeted me so far; Thanks for the warm welcome.
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Thank you for the compliments and PLEASE post pictures of the Forrester when your done! :yourrock
 
I am gonna try to get another coat of BFWD on sometime this week. Also thinking about putting a coat or two of some Carnuba on the roof for added protection from bird bombs and such. All I have right now is Mothers California Gold. Not sure if I should try it or not. Would it really help any?

Once I get the second coat of BFWD on I will try to get some finished shots. I can post up a couple before shot also, but they will be a month or two old.

Thanks Todd.
 
I know I haven't posted up here in a while. Like I said before, most my questions are answered via the search function.:D

But I will leave a little teaser for those who care...

3a5e2df8.jpg


I get to do a quick 1 step on that little gem of a Forester this weekend. :rockon

Hopefully I can get some good pics of the process and post them up on here. I am a little nervous because it will be my first "real" customer outside of family and my own vehicles. The owner is a good friend and is having a photoshoot done the day after I detail it. Also he and his wife will be helping out (with pics and the detail) as they are pretty hands on car people. I am really excited to get going on this and post up the before and afters.

ninjaedit:
any quick tips, or advice is welcome since this is my first customer per say. I have done my own vehicles and some others, but never anything like this. My excitement is overcoming my nerves right now, but that may change lol!
 
Damn! Thats the sickest Forester Ive ever seen. The best tip I can offer is to not freak out. When your nerves get the best of you, you make mistakes. Having the clients there normally makes your nerves 10 times worse too. Take your time because true detailing isnt done in a couple of hours. Its an entire process, and most clients will be able to appreciate that if they care anything about their car and where their money is going. Follow the how-to articles, ask for help when your unsure of something, and give it hell.
 
Welcome to Autopia!! :bigups

"Indiana want's me, Lord I can't go back there" Just strolling down memory lane......
 
That's a sweet ride. Don't be nervous, have comfidence in your ability and don't try to do more than you are comfortable with
 
Rocket said:
That's a sweet ride. Don't be nervous, have comfidence in your ability and don't try to do more than you are comfortable with
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I think the nerves are coming since I know its going to be scrutinized by a professional photographer the next day, more so than by the owner. He is a car nut and loves his Forester (as do I) but doesn't truly know how good it can look, so just about anything I do will be an improvement over it now.

zoomzoom mazda5 said:
Great looking Forester:drool:
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I always joke with the owner that I have dibs for when he sells it. Its faster than it looks too ;)

mrclean81 said:
Damn! Thats the sickest Forester Ive ever seen. The best tip I can offer is to not freak out. When your nerves get the best of you, you make mistakes. Having the clients there normally makes your nerves 10 times worse too. Take your time because true detailing isnt done in a couple of hours. Its an entire process, and most clients will be able to appreciate that if they care anything about their car and where their money is going. Follow the how-to articles, ask for help when your unsure of something, and give it hell.
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Having the owner there will actually be a good thing. I am helping him learn, so that will make me slow down and explain things, so I won't be in a rush. Not to mention we are going to work together so it takes less time overall.

Thanks for the kind replies and advice :autopia: keep it coming though. I could always use a confidence booster. :D
 
Not really the update I was hoping for, but the detailing of the Forester got pushed back until Oct 8 due to weather.

Good God the anticipation is killing me!!!11!!1! :lol:
 
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