Have a heart (detailing question)

[JCE]

I have always enjoyed detailing both my older cars with #9, #7, and Liquid Gold Class. But with some health issues, I have been seeking an easier way to maintain my cars. My choices seem to be: 1) driving up to Apple Valley and convincing Mike to detail the cars; 2) finding a good local detailer who knows what they are doing and uses Mequiar's products; or 3) finding an easier way to do my cars.

I purchased a PC orbital several years ago to take away some of the effort, but now need to either start having the cars professionally done, or further cut back on the work level.

Would switching products from the 3 stages I previously used over to a two step process (the new Swirl X super micro followed by Tech wax 2.0, for example) cut down the work load significantly, or should I try to find a good local pro who uses mequiars? Or is there some other option I haven't investigated?

Thanks for any feedback.

John

[Megafast13]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Well, to do the job right...It will always take several steps.

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Wax
5. Maintain

Before having someone else do it you could always try the SwirlX + NXT combo.

Or even ColorX or Cleaner Wax.

It just depends on what you are trying to achieve...

[bsibold]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

all the hype that's going on right now is the new D.A. approved combo of #105 and #205. Depending of your car's finish, you might be able to get away with just using the #205 before your LSP. There are several threads that you can search on these products. Hope this answers your question.

[Megafast13]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Depending on your health conditions. You could also get a DA Polisher, it is easier to use. But still A LOT of Work.

[Murr1525]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

There is nothing wrong with a cleaner/wax followed by a wax, whether you used a DA or by hand.

[Superior Shine]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Drive up to apple valley? Where are you located?

[3Fitty]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Depending on the severity of your health concerns... just find any competent person if having a well kept car is that important. Your health issues trump everything so I wouldn't put too many conditions on who does your car.

[JCE]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Superior Shine, I am in San Juan Capistrano.

3Fitty, health issues do trump everything, but what makes me happy (quality of life) is important as well. Having the paint thinned or burned on my 22 year old MB wouldn't exactly enhance my health/quality of life. There are lots of local detailers and shops, but I haven't found one that seems to have a decent reputation. Even the body shop where I have been going for 27 years is starting to cut corners and do so-so work.

[dpardo]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

There is nothing wrong with a cleaner/wax followed by a wax, whether you used a DA or by hand.

I 2nd what Murr said here.

Even a regimen of bi-monthly washing plus Megs cleaner/wax applied every couple of months should keep your car looking great. It will not be superb, but it will be great.

Sometimes great is ok.

[dave40co]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Superior Shine, I am in San Juan Capistrano.

3Fitty, health issues do trump everything, but what makes me happy (quality of life) is important as well. Having the paint thinned or burned on my 22 year old MB wouldn't exactly enhance my health/quality of life. There are lots of local detailers and shops, but I haven't found one that seems to have a decent reputation. Even the body shop where I have been going for 27 years is starting to cut corners and do so-so work.

Take a look at Superior Shine's website. I can assure you he is one of the best in the business.

[mis3]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

I agree, it is not easy to find or trust a shop that will do all the proper steps. They may promise all the steps but you never know.

So, I do it myself. I have a silver MB so it's not that difficult to maintain. My car is 5 years old now and has been well maintained with Meguiar's products. However, I am getting lazy because maybe my car is getting old or I am getting old.

This is what I plan to do this year (all by hand):
After the winter, I do the whole 6-step program: Wash-Clay-Clean-Polish-NXT-#21. This will take about 8-10 hours and surely, my body will ache for days.
For the rest of the year, I just do Wash-NXT or Wash-Cleaner Wax-NXT. This will take about 3-4 hours.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

If possible with all respect to your health issues, a cleaner wax and a regular wax. The anxiety that you will not have, letting someone else do the detail. Just may help you out health wise in the long run.

[TXShine]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

[Superior Shine]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Superior Shine, I am in San Juan Capistrano.

3Fitty, health issues do trump everything, but what makes me happy (quality of life) is important as well. Having the paint thinned or burned on my 22 year old MB wouldn't exactly enhance my health/quality of life. There are lots of local detailers and shops, but I haven't found one that seems to have a decent reputation. Even the body shop where I have been going for 27 years is starting to cut corners and do so-so work.

Pick a day and drive up to Covina. I'll show you how to maintain your vehicle correctly and almost effortlessly. No charge if you help.

Take a look at Superior Shine's website. I can assure you he is one of the best in the business.

Thanks!!! (your check is in the mail )

[JCE]

Re: Have a heart (detailing question)

Superior Shine:

Thank you for the generous offer! When I get through with taxes and have a clear schedule I will be in touch about a time convenient to your schedule!

John