Full Detail

[JeremyD]

In short, I understand that a full detail on a car is subject to the individual doing the detailing; meaning that their really is not a true definition of a full detail. So below, I am going to include my definition of a full detail for you guys and to see what you guys think.

Interior:

• Clean Windows: (including out side of windows; LCD screens, rear view mirror, etc.)
• Disinfect/oder eliminate interior atmosphere and AC.
• Vacuum and clean/dress all interior surfaces: (carpet and upholstery, leather, etc)
• Only degrease/clean the pedals (no dressing)

Exterior: Paint:

• Wash and dry vehicle (including door jams)
• Clay vehicle.
• Depending on paint condition: polish.
• Apply glaze.
• Apply sealant/wax.
• Use a spray wax.

Exterior: Engine Bay:

• Wash/Degrease
• Dry
• Dress

Exterior: Wheels and Tires:

• Remove wheels and tires.
• Wash wheels and tires.
• Dry.
• Clay wheels; including inside the wheels.
• Depending on wheel condition: polish.
• Seal/wax the wheels.
• Apply a tire gel after re-installing the tires.

Exterior: undercarriage:

• Wash/degrease. (including fender wells)
• Sand and repaint rusty surfaces(metal surfaces.)
• Dress plastics in fender wells, etc.

In general, my opinion of the order for these procedures is as follows:

1. Wheels.
2. Undercarriage while wheels are removed.
3. Engine Bay.
4. Paint wash/correction.
5. Dress tires.
6. Interior.

[davey g-force]

Re: Full Detail

That really is a FULL detail! There's a few days' work right there!

[exploreco]

Re: Full Detail

That is very comprehensive. Curious what you will charge for something like that? Are you quoting each job? Flat price? Sanding and repainting rusty metal surfaces could take awhile. Is this your full time gig?

[JeremyD]

Re: Full Detail

I detail cars, but I have not done what I consider a full detail to a car yet. I charge by the job. Not sure why I would charge for that. Probably close to $300

[Ralph III]

Re: Full Detail

First, there is no set standard because a Full Detail to a dealership or Dealer Only Auction or a car owner themselves could and did vary drastically.

I wouldn't call the OP's definition of a Full Detail standard or common by any definition though. There are items in that list which would only be upon special request due to being highly uncommon. In fact, I would never do some of those things or offer such as customers wouldn't want it and there is the chance of causing damage; such as removing tires to clean and spray painting a vehicle. That would only occur upon special request....

I managed a detail business for 14 years and a Full Detail for us would be as follows.

1. Prep car: clean rims, clean tires, fender wells, door jambs, trunk jambs, gas compartment as well as clean and dress motor. Remove bug residue, sap and tar from around vehicle. BTW, we would always note the motor cleaning because some folks didn't desire that...

2. Wash and dry car:

3. Interior: clean interior with cloth and mild detergent, clean windows (including mirrors), shampoo, vacuum. We made an effort to get the interiors very clean without using such as Armor-All. We would offer to include Armor-All but many of our customers preferred not to.

4. Wax or buff exterior: It really depended on the cars paint condition and/or the customer, as to whether we would actually buff a car. If buffing, and claying for that matter, wasn't necessary or recommended we would just wax it for them. Most of the time, it was a matter of buffing a few scratches here and there and then waxing the entire vehicle. Again, this also depended on whether we were dealing with a car owner, a dealership or a large account at a Dealer Only Auction...

That's pretty much the order of how I had things done. Prep, wash/dry, interior, buff/wax and then final inspection...


Note: Yes, we did paint fender wells but only on auction cars as per account. Yes, we dried the motor and door jambs as well but those things are given. We also offered scotch guard at an extra cost. We added a good smelling liquid to our extractor for carpet cleaning so no need to spray anything...


God Bless,
Ralph


P.S. I may have forgotten a few details but that is the jest of it...

[JeremyD]

Re: Full Detail

A process like this would take so long. This is something that I will most likely only do to my personal vehicle. Where I live. People don't really want all that nor take that much time to get it done or do it themselves.

[JeremyD]

Re: Full Detail

A process like this would take so long. This is something that I will most likely only do to my personal vehicle. Where I live. People don't really want all that nor take that much time to get it done or do it themselves. Note. This is entirely my opinion of a full detail.

[exploreco]

Re: Full Detail

A process like this would take so long. This is something that I will most likely only do to my personal vehicle. Where I live. People don't really want all that nor take that much time to get it done or do it themselves. Note. This is entirely my opinion of a full detail.

I am kind of confused That is essential your process with less steps. It wouldn't take longer. I also agree, I would not remove wheels for cleaning, only unless someone specifically asked me to and was paying extra to do so, because I don't want that kind of liability, and that takes a lot of time to do so, unless you have the luxury of a lift. Usually the only time I see people removing wheels are on high dollar package where they do the CQ type coatings. $1000 or plus jobs. I am not into painting so I can't comment on that. You have alot of good stuff in there though.