*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***

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I agree with you Khaaan, I feel this is an important separation between a valet and a basic detail, too.

However, many people do not care how their paint feels, and do not want to pay a lot of money. Do you refuse to service these customers, or adjust your own personal feelings on the matter to suit the customers wants/needs?

I personally wouldn't wax without claying, but then, I don't need to make a living out of it.

As for washing as opposed to detailing, did you see the pictures of the Evo I did? Are you telling me that is nothing more than a wash?
 
[TW]Fox;17126886 said:
This is exactly my point! How can you say that? Clay removes things you CAN see as well, tar spots, bonded contaminants etc!
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Most people simply don't know or care about this though. If they did then they'd be coughing up for a higher end service.
 
[TW]Fox;17126896 said:
That's fine but these people are washing cars for a living not detailing.
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but pete does a bit of both.

A lof of the big detailers on DW started off as doing a mixture of cheap valeting and some proper paint correction.

They then built the business up to the point they could only do the expensive paint correction.

I've no doubt pete would love to get the business to that stage, but you've got to start somewhere.
 
[TW]Fox;17126896 said:
That's fine but these people are washing cars for a living not detailing. A proper detailer won't offer that sort of service just like Norman Foster won't design you a conservatory.
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You don't just become a detailer from day one doing full paint corrections for £500. You need to offer everything and let the business grow. You know business so you should know this.

MikeHiow said:
However, many people do not care how their paint feels, and do not want to pay a lot of money. Do you refuse to service these customers, or adjust your own personal feelings on the matter to suit the customers wants/needs?
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And this.

What am I supposed to do.. some guy rings up asking if I can wash his car. I ask if he wants paint correction. If he says no then I tell him to **** off?

No.
 
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Most people can't even be bothered to check their tyre pressures even when 1 or more tyres are obviously low just by looking at it so I guess it makes sense :p
 
Just got some new wheels for my DC2 and would like to keep them looking prestine (obviously)... is there a special wax/polish to protect them? Thanks :).

Also, I use Super Resin Polish on my teg and it is awesome stuff... makes the paint feel nice and smooth. After washing the car, is it better to apply wax and polish or am I just ok using SRP without wax? Currently I wash the car then only polish with SRP. It does a great job tbh, just wondered if waxing it might help too.

Thanks in advance :)
 
Peter - on the subject of PBW Wheel sealant, do you have any issues with yours separating? Do you just get on with it, or do you do something to rectify this?

I've been using it for ages, but don't use it enough to be of any real concern - it seems to do its job ok, but I was quite disappointed in the make up of the stuff.
 
MikeHiow said:
Peter - on the subject of PBW Wheel sealant, do you have any issues with yours separating? Do you just get on with it, or do you do something to rectify this?

I've been using it for ages, but don't use it enough to be of any real concern - it seems to do its job ok, but I was quite disappointed in the make up of the stuff.
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Never had that problem. This tub is pretty old aswell.
 
Autoglym Alloy Wheel Seal works great too, spray on, wipe off and brake dust can be wiped off with a tissue it works that well :)

As for EGP + SRP combo, I've been using that for years up until I was recommended Colinite 476s as a replacement for EGP so now use SRP + 476s and it's much longer lasting (sheeting lasts throughout the whole winter easily) and the buttery feel after each wash each week is always there. I found the claim of it being detergent proof on the tin to be very accurate.
 
I think I will have get some Autoglym Alloy Wheel Seal along with EGP + SRP too... just been using SRP and it gives great results on its own. Just wondered, how long should I give it between each polish? I currently wash the car at least once a week, is there no need to polish with SRP + EGP each week? How long should a polish etc last on the car?

Also what is good to make faded plastics/trim/window seals look fresher again please? My teg's window seals look terrible.

Another thing... any advice on removing tar from paintwork? Got some stubborn bits that I can't budge.

Thanks:)
 
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You should be able to go 3 months or so at least before the EGP has worn enough to warrant using SRP again, but there is a test of sealants over on DW, and EGP came out very high, so I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't last much, much longer with the correct washing techniques.

I use PBW Natural Look dressing for plastics - does the job, but can be awkward sometimes.

For tar, Autosmart Tardis and a good clay bar.
 
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Lol Tards :D

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Oh, Tardis :p

Exterior trim = Chemical Guys New Look Trim Gel and interior trim = Poorboy's Natural Look Dressing although this can be used on outside plastics as well! Chemical Guys Gel lasts a lot longer than poorboy's on the exterior though.

No need to polish every week. EGP should last a good few months cross season. IMO There's no need to polish and seal again until you begin to feel debris on the paint surface as you run your palm along AFTER a normal wash and dry.

Has always worked for me ever since I got into this washing and waxing malarkey :p
 
I'm detailing my girlfriends JCW Mini on Saturday. Ready for Mini in the Park.

One of the problems I have is her door mirrors are usually white (Plastic), but they seem to have gone a slight yellow over the years.

Is there anything I can use to make them shine white again. Bearing in mind they are chequered so have black on them too, so can't just paint them :p
 
mattbill said:
Also what is good to make faded plastics/trim/window seals look fresher again please? My teg's window seals look terrible.

Another thing... any advice on removing tar from paintwork? Got some stubborn bits that I can't budge.

Thanks:)
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Chemical Guys Trim Gel for rubbers and trims.

Whilst waiting for an order of some Megs Tar remover coming in I nipped to the local car shop as I needed some tar remover urgently..

I bought the cheapest can they had and it was Carplan Tar Remover and I didn't expect any miracles... It's absolutley brilliant. Strong as **** and gets you high also... the tar just melts off. :D
 
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