Post your Detailing Accomplishments for 2004

[mirrorfinishman]

When it comes to detailing; what new skills have you learned during this past year? What valuable information did you gain from the helpful members here at Meguiar's Online? Were there products that you started to use this year that allowed you to produce better results? Did you improve or upgrade your detailing process compared to the old way you did things before? If so, why not share your thoughts.

What were your Detailing Accomplishments for 2004?

One of the things that I accomplished this past year was to make sure that I allowed myself time to detail my own cars on a regular basis. Usually I would get around to thoroughly cleaning, polishing and waxing my own cars about three or four times a year, with the change of each season. However, since early last spring, when my first case of NXT High Tech Wax arrived, I have managed to completely detail my cars once a month. Yes, my cars get treated to an application of NXT once a month. Now if I can only convince my customers that they should also have their cars detailed once a month. Now that would be a really cool accomplishment.

[scrub]

Getting the ball rolling for my weekend business. This spring I started my weekend business. MOL has provided tons of information. I think its great to go to a company web site (forum) and talk to some of the folks that work for the company about how to use their products. Almost 24/7 tech support. That's why I stick with Meguiar's!

Using the 5 step process. I used to just wash and wax for my own cars. Now I do all the steps (as needed) for my clients (and mine too).

Buying some pro type tools like the PC and a carpet extractor.

Lastly, a noticeable increase in quality and efficiency in my detailing skills. My first details took almost 2 days. Now its about 4-5 hours for a full detail with wax (no cleaner, or polish).

Happy holidays!

[Newport Viper]

What were your Detailing Accomplishments for 2004?

Mine was very simple,

Helping 30+ other Viper owners have fun!

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=642&highlight=Viper+Detail+day

[Superior Shine]

I was able to take my auto detailing up to a point to where I make enough income so that my wife could quit her job and stay at home and raise our child.

[tn350z]

Being introduced to Meg's, Detail clinics for training, PC and all the fixins and a strong appitite for this web site. I do have to thank Meguiars and all of you daily for all the comments from friends, neighbors, strangers on how great our vehicles look all the time. Even my kids (sons and daughters) are taking great pride in learning to detail and maintain their new cars. We have all learned alot and will continue to learn alot more. Funny how our family evaluates each others cars for shine, cleanliness, etc. during the week. Always setting higher standards.

[Bill Prentice]

Accomplishments

During this last year I went form bottles 1, 2 & 3 (DC) with swirls to being able to do an acceptable job.. Over thanksgiving did my in laws car and just floored them...

Did the NXT institute, learned how to use the Dual Action Polisher, practicing with my new DeWalt Rotary...Got to meet some really nice people in Oxnard, and am learning daily on this site.. Looking forward to Franks online course... Always enjoyed it now I love it and have a good idea on how to do it right.

Won't be long until my title insurance career will be on the back side and I'll have something to look forward to doing.

My thanks to all especially, Mike, Kevin and all of the other guys from Meguiar's.. Happy Holidays. and Merry Christmas

Mike your site is outstanding, you should be proud of your work... Must me nice to positively impact so many people. .

Bill P.

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Accomplishments

Originally posted by Bill Prentice
Looking forward to Franks online course...
Bill P.

Hey Bill,

Thanks for signing up for the online automobile detailing course.

Establishing the online detailing course was another accomplishment for me in 2004. The online course was actually the result of my teaching adult auto and boat detailing classes at many of the local high schools, here in Southern New Jersey during the past ten years. Those courses take place in traditional classrooms, while the online classes are now being held in an online virtual classroom. The online classes allow studies to be completed anywhere at any time. The classes are designed for busy people, including college students and working professionals who have limited access to traditional classroom activities. They offer an opportunity to learn the do-it-yourself approach to both automobile and boat detailing.

The online automobile detailing course is designed to go through the basic process of what it takes to safely clean, polish and wax today's automobile paint finishes. What I have done with the course is basically cover just about everything I have personally experienced as a professional detailer since I started my own detailing business in 1986. And since I have used Meguiar's Professional Detailing Products exclusively from the start, many of the products discussed on Meguiar's Online are also talked about in the online course.

The online classes include information about the history of automobile paints and finishes. Comprehensive information about automobile detailing products, such as cleaners, polishes, waxes and protectants. Also included is an outline of my basic step-by-step process procedures, along with the detailing supplies and products that I use. How-to safely clean, polish and wax your car by hand and avoid surface damage. How-to clean and protect tires and wheels. How-to apply interior and exterior protectants. How-to clean and protect upholstery and carpets. How-to thoroughly clean windows. Also included is basic help to identify specific paint problems and offer possible cures and prevention.

Each online course runs for four weeks and consists of four lessons. You can go online at anytime during the month to study each weekly lecture after it has been posted. The lessons are supplemented by quizzes and assignments. The online courses will be offered in 2005 during the months of January, February, March, April, May, June and September, October, November.

[FlaresideLariat]

History:
This was the year I STARTED detailing!! I remember back in about February or March I started with Armor All car wash and Mothers wax. My dad tried to convince me that I "didn't have to wax the car" but I pressed on anyways.

Reason:
I found some sort of enjoyment in it all, and I'm not sure why. Maybe because you have the ability to turn something so grody looking into something that makes you say "Wow!" It was my friend who introduced me to detailing and I'm glad he did. It's kind of like an art...

Education:
I learned how to use the PC; how to clay; how to take care of the polishing/waxing pads; best methods on how to dry & how important it is to dry asap after washing so you don't end up with water spots; brake dust build-up problems; what heat can do to the paint on a hood if it's never been detailed; what steps to take when detailing; and the list goes on.

So 2004 has really kicked off my detailing, thanks to Meguiars (or I still would have been using Armor All and Mothers...)

[Rick]

Wow, I guess 04 was a good year.

1) Took the plunge and bought my Porter Cable!

2) Learned how to properly use my rotary buffer!

3) Detailed my first few cars for money, looking forward hopefully to more in 05.

But most of all I finally figured out how to remove swirls in my own vehicle!

[gb387]

I have been waxing my vehicles since I started driving only about 10 years ago (with a PC for 3 years now). I have NEVER been able to get the look that I have now and it all thanks to MOL, Meguiars and the people here. I bought black truck a year ago this week and was very worried about careing for it, I was very close to buying white but I wa talked out of it. I have found black to be no big deal as long as you enjoy taking care of your vehicle.

I am lucky enought to work somewhere we can expirement with products and uses to try and correct problems. Once the summer rolls around we are going to try some of mike suggestions to correct some problems we have with our gelcoats, guess I can then put that in the 2005 accomplishments.

[Mojo1]

Found this site and I am taking car care to the next level,not much but its a start!