Photos from March 29th Open Garage at Meguiar's!

[Mike Phillips]

Photos from March 29th Open Garage at Meguiar's!

Man what an awesome night at Meguiar's and what high caliber group of guys that came to Meguiar's for a night of fun! I have a lot of pictures from tonight but here are a few before I lock-down the garage and head for home...

First, Barry stopped by to check out the scene and answer questions meet some of our forum members...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2Barry01.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2Barry02.jpg

He shared with our members the interesting background of how Meguiar's started out as a Furniture Polish company and how his Father's company transitioned into an auto polish company with lots of personal stories in-between.

Then he invited everyone to ask questions on any topic they were interested in and he answered all of them with humor and more interesting behind the scenes answers!

[Superior Shine]

Is there a more powerful word than AWESOME if there is than tonights "get together" was it!


Not only do I get to hang with my pal Mike Phillips but my old friend Jason Rose was there as well. Then Mr. Meguiar, "call me Berry please," showed up.

As busy as he is he actually sat down and chatted with us awhile!

I also got to "hang' with a few newer buddies like Paul "the other PC" and Paul, "paulvr4."

Everybody was great. We all had a great time!


I have been to two Meguiar NXT classes, two three day formal classes and about five or six Saturday classes and tonights meet was one of my favorites.

The group is smaller than what you get with the other classes and allot more laid back.

Did I mention I had a great time?

[EvilllEmpirE]

it was a fun time and I learned alot. Sorry I had to leave early (family obligations):( But it was a fun night nonetheless......Mike did a great job, and many thanks to Paul and Austin on helping me Clay and Wax my car:xyxthumbs Really wish i coulda stayed to see the rotary in action.....hopefully next time:db: :D

[Devious27t]

I would like to extend a special thanks to Mike for taking the time to work out an "AR" system to remove the DA micro-marring from my S4. he spent nearly an hour trying different combos of polishes, machines and pads before we could get things to my liking. Thanks again Mike.

Thanks to Joe for coming out and sharing some wetsanding and rotary tips, its really nice to learn some tips from the pros that do this stuff everyday.

Also got to have some fun playing on the test hood in the classroom with Paul (the other pc). Glad I got to meet everyone and I look forward to doing another one soon. :xyxthumbs

its really nice to have these nights because we can come out and try out polishes and compounds that we might not normally have so that we can see if they fit into our regimen. I dont even need to mention that we got to talk with Mr. Meguiar himself because from what everyone has already seen IT WAS AWESOME!! He came out and was cruising around checking out what everyone was doing and just mingling. I thought that was so neat. I am sure he was proud to see us all hard at work with products that he prides himself in. :bow Great Night!!!!:coolgleam

oh and Mike post the rest of the pics!!!!

[George Wax]

When I use to work at Meguiar's, I alway's use to look forward to Barry's stories about how Meguiar's started pretty amazing!!! I had a great time when I use to work at Meguiar's, and will never forgot those great memories in customer care. I am glad everyone in attendance had a great time.

[Mike Phillips]

I have a lot of other great shots from tonights Open Garage, but before I close the garage doors and head out, here's something very special, it's a young man getting professional lessons on how to wet-sand, cut and polish the paint on his car by Joe Fernandez of Superior Shine Auto Detailing.

Before tonight, David had never used a rotary buffer before let alone performed any wet-sanding on automotive paint, but with a a little instruction and some hands-on training, he was working the rotary buffer like a pro!

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar01.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar002.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar03.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar04.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar05.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar06.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2DavidsCar07.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Devious27t

It's really nice to have these nights because we can come out and try out polishes and compounds that we might not normally have so that we can see if they fit into our regimen.

Here's a small sample of some of the tools and products everyone had the opportunity to play with...

The picture's a little out of focus, I'll see if the other one is better tomorrow and if it is upload it instead...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2CoolProducts.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

This isn't everyone that was here tonight as when I took this pictures some had already left...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2OpenGarageGS3c.jpg

I'll post the names of everyone tomorrow...

[Mike Phillips]

John aka Fat Chance, let us do a little wet-sanding on his Chrysler 300 as the hood was hit with an egg and it left some deeper scratches on the hood.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2FatChance02.jpg


This photo was actually taken after wet-sanding with a backing pad and then using a rotary buffer with a cutting pad and M84 Compound Power Cleaner to remove the sanding marks. We didn't get any pictures of how bad the scratches were before we started but you'll get the idea...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2FeatherSanding01.jpg


After removing all the lighter scratches from the process above, we then cut up some small pieces of Nikken #2500 grit Finishing Paper to zero in on just the scratches while sanding.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2FeatherSanding.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2FeatherSanding02.jpg


After sanding each of the individual scratches flat, we then removed the sanding marks using the W-7006 Foam Cutting pad with some more M84 Compound Power Cleaner at around 1500 rpm.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2FeatherSanding04.jpg


We then re-polished the area with a W-8006 Foam Polishing Pad and some M83 Dual Action Cleaner/Polish with the rotary buffer, the re-polished again using M80 Speed Glaze with the G100 and then applied some M21 Synthetic Sealant.

About the only sign of the scratches left was this tiny little residual scratch right here...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2FeatherSanding05.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Hey Joe!

Thanks for taking the time to teach me how to use the G100 Dual Action Polisher!

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2JoeShowsMike.jpg

:xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs

[Mike Phillips]

Wednesday Night Open House at Meguiar's is a blast!

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2GettingLate.jpg


I'm outta here... :D

[tomee]

that looks awesome!

great pics :xyxthumbs

one day i wish one of you guys would come down to australia! :coolgleam

[Hammer03]

oh man, I can't even thank you guys enough for teaching me so much! so helpful and informative, i know i need a lot of practice on all this stuff, but i never even would have thought of picking up a rotary or trying to wetsand (eek!) my paint! it really turned out amazing
Really nice to meet some guys who are truly enthusiastic about what they're doing, and especially Mr. Meguiar! what a treat. I really wish i'd found out about this a long time ago!if you want to see a big pic, the scratches we were trying to take out were from the garbage men dragging a can down the side of my car, here is a pic of right after it happened (i know the car is horridly dirty, i dont get to clean it often enough, and park outside all day :wall: and its rained every weekend for the last month and a half)
http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~dhamman/Damage/damage%20003.jpg sorry its huge.

[Jeff Smith]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Hey Joe!

Thanks for taking the time to teach me how to use the G100 Dual Action Polisher!

:D

Oh, I thought you guys were fighting over it!!!!:D

[DetailManiac]

Looks like great fun to me guys :db: :xyxthumbs

[Superior Shine]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Hey Joe!

Thanks for taking the time to teach me how to use the G100 Dual Action Polisher!

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2JoeShowsMike.jpg

:xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs

I figured since that was the first time you had ever seen a G100 that a little instruction ON ITS PROPER USE WAS IN ORDER. :D



Actually that pics shows the casuaul mood we were in. A little humor, a couple of cars and ALLOT OF SHINE!

[flipper]

I wish i lived in California. I would love to attend either on of the Saturday classes or the Wednesday night open garage. They look like they are a blast. Maybe one day I will make it out there. I live in the Chicago area and it starting to get warmer outside and I am iching to get back on to a regular detailing schedule with the cars.

[fatchance]

I've been to a few Saturday Classes and a couple of Open Garage Nights and all I can say Is thank you. Everytime I attend I learn more and more about the products and procedures. Mike was just awesome explaining the process of wet sanding and removing 99.9% of the damage from the egg. Joe was unbelievable a true professional and a great guy.

Barry, well he's just Car Crazy, thanks for stopping by.

[the other pc]

Man, was this one big fun or what?!

A great bunch of guys, very cool cars to play with, instruction from gifted craftsmen like Joe, Mike and Jason and hanging out with Barry all in one evening; it doesn't get any more fun than that!


PC.

[MandarinaRacing]

WOW! This is what makes the Meguiar's Company soo amazing, the MAN, the Big Chief stopping by on a wednesday to check out a detailing class....:bow :bow :bow and not only that, but taking the time to share stories, and answer questions.....I'm stumped, blown away, and OH sooo jealous!!!!:D :D :D Looks like you had and excellent time......all of this is what makes Meguiar's a great product...makes you feel like you're part of a big family...you got me Meguiar's...for life!

:xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs
:bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow

Alex

[Mister X]

I just thought I'd chime in and say what a great time I had.

Not only did I get some great tips on how to maintain my leather, but I also got the honor of speaking with Mr. Meguiar himself.

All in all, it was a great night, if anyone is on the fence about attending one of these, make the time to go!

I look forward to the next time I'm able to come out :xyxthumbs

[Djmigs]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Here's a small sample of some of the tools and products everyone had the opportunity to play with...

The picture's a little out of focus, I'll see if the other one is better tomorrow and if it is upload it instead...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2CoolProducts.jpg

?? Mike or to anyone who visited or knows what rotary is the one in the middle on top of the alum box.....

[Mister X]

Originally posted by Djmigs
?? Mike or to anyone who visited or knows what rotary is the one in the middle on top of the alum box.....

I believe that was a special rotary with a dual action head on it. I can't remember the brand though.

[SpoiledMan]

It's the triple duty detail brush.

[the other pc]

:rofl: You’re killin’ me...


But seriously folks, it’s not exactly a rotary, it’s a honkin’ DA buffer. They start with a rotary buffer and add a DA head attachment.

It’s made by Dynabrade. They sell it in three versions, as a normal (and very nice) rotary and two different DA styles. They also sell the DA attachments separately to mount on other rotaries.


PC.

[Jeff Smith]

Just noticed something. You folks have enough SSMFs laying around to actually use them for covering up windows and such.

I am jealous.
http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2JoeShowsMike.jpg

[Michael Stoops]

Ah crud...I was in the area and thought about just dropping in but didn't think it appropriate to just show up unannounced. Looks like I missed a great night at the garage.

Rats........:(

[fatchance]

I just had to say thanks to Mike, again. That egg on the hood was not pretty. Mike really hooked it up and I learned from he and Joe. Today in the day light I really had to look for it, or more like try to remember where it was at.

[Michael Stoops]

Dang John, I can't imagine how you felt when you found that egg on that killer 300 of yours. I know how you are about that baby. Glad to hear Mike was able to correct the situation for you.

[RCBuddha]

Thanks to Mike and Meguiars for hosting a cool event like this! :xyxthumbs

I found the rotary and wet sanding very interesting, and next time, I will bring a car that is worth buffing on!

Thanks again!

[Desertdawg]

You guys make it look like so much fun. I am almost tempted to make the 380 mile trip there one time...:wall:

[fatchance]

Start driving, it's a blast.



Originally posted by Desertdawg
You guys make it look like so much fun. I am almost tempted to make the 380 mile trip there one time...:wall:

[Superior Shine]

BTW- I asked Barry if he ever reads this forum.

His answer was

[Hammer03]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
BTW- I asked Barry if he ever reads this forum.

His answer was

hahaha. that really was his reply.

[Superior Shine]

No, I did that just to mess with you guys.

He told me that he is very busy going to shows all over the world and running the company but he does find time every now and again to sign on and see whats going on here at MOL.

[Mark2]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
BTW- I asked Barry if he ever reads this forum.

His answer was

That was a good question Joe, I've been wondering about it too. But I guess Mike and others take so good care of us members that he doesn't have to vist that often.

[Paulvr4]

Alright!

I'm back at a computer and finally have time to speak up.

First off - It was a special day for me to hang out alone on the 405 from Santa Monica driving at 5-10mph. It sure made the most fun out of my rental (sorry S4 guys, Hertz screwed up). Definately an LA experience I will never forget! Next time I'll go local thanks.

Once I got to Meguiar's HQ Mike Phillips was there waving me down with a flashlight (jk, he was wave the pizza man) and when I jump into the classroom I see Barry himself on the table talking. How awesome is that? 1 - I get to go to LA, 2 - I get to go to Meguiar's, 3 - I meet Barry himself, 4 - I get to hang out with Mike, Jason, Tim, Paul, John, Joe and got to meet a few new folks. Rock on.

The wet sanding was excellent, John - your car is looking hotter and hotter, send pics with the camber kit when you get them. The black accord came out very well overall. Nice job. Joe was awesome teaching all of us. I learned how to rotary the hood of the rental on the edges etc. Can't get any better. You should teach - you can definately make a career out of that alone.

Thanks for the parting gifts Mike. I spent Sunday morning at the gas station ($3.09 per gallon gave me a heartattack) speed detailing the car and insane tireshining it before I took the PCH up to Malibu and took a right turn onto Mulholland Hwy/Drive (INSANE!) took Mulholland twisties all the way to 101 freeway. I must go back to do that again.

Hertz was impressed with the return of the car in better than released condition ;) Thanks Paul/Suvi/Mike/Joe.

Wow, another great Meguiar's experience. Too bad it's back to 40 here in NY. oh well - takecare guys! Hope to see you all again soon!

:coolgleam

[Devious27t]

i thought there were more pics that mike was gonna post :-P

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Devious27t
i thought there were more pics that mike was gonna post :-P

I actually didn't get a lot of pictures from this day, I have some still that have not been posted, but nothing earth shattering. Is there anything specific you want to see? If so I can search for it and post it...

[Paulvr4]

Ok -

Finally have time to share some of my pictures. I wish I took more pics - my camera isn't great. I will try to find a way to capture my video pics for you when I find out:

Action pics:

http://www.mousebox.org/mousegallery/albums/Toyz/kca2006trip_007.jpg

http://www.mousebox.org/mousegallery/albums/Toyz/kca2006trip_010.jpg

Other cars:

http://www.mousebox.org/mousegallery/albums/Toyz/kca2006trip_012.jpg

http://www.mousebox.org/mousegallery/albums/Toyz/kca2006trip_018.jpg

the other pc burning up the rental car with a rotary ;)

http://www.mousebox.org/mousegallery/albums/Toyz/kca2006trip_017.jpg