I graduated to a new level of detailing

[Totoland Mach]

After detailing for upteen years for myself, I started a part-time job (mostly weekends) with a BMW reseller. He sells approx. 100 cars per year and has a stunning detail area in a small shop. It's heated/air conditioned, wall and ceiling lighting, portable halogens, air compressor, pro steamer, u-name-it. It's a great working area year 'round and I can average 1-2 late model Bimmers per week.

Well, today, he showed me air sanding with a Snap-On palm sander and 3000 grit pad. Then I moved to a DeWalt rotary and compound. I've never done this process, so it was a good learning experience on a 745 Li (white). It's a lot of work but the results are stunning. I think it will take some practice to get the technique quicker, but it sure is a heck of a method for scratch and swirl removal.

Hat's off to those that use a rotary!

The work area is so nice! Clean with a white epoxy painted floor, lighting, everything I could ask for. Especially compared to my garage detailing!

I introduced him to #83 as well as some other products (he favors 3M products for now)and he was stunned at the finish. I'll get some pics this weekend.

Totoland Mach

[chrisx]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Looks like you're quite happy there.

[GearHead_1]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

I introduced him to #83 as well as some other products

Ahhh.... XMT Glaze?

[rascal]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Sweet! Can't wait for the pictures. Would be nice if I could land a part-time job like that around here.

[sneek]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

cool!
I applied at BMW as well but they told me i needed to be 18

[Totoland Mach]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

cool!
I applied at BMW as well but they told me i needed to be 18

You might want to look for a Euro car reseller (not a franchised dealer). In my case, the owner used to be a dealer and sold the dealership. He sells approx. 100 BMW's per year and has a small office and showroom. He only stocks 4-5 cars and replaces them with off-lease late model cars.

The biggest impact (and Mike Phillips can probably testify) is the working area. I've done lots of driveway details and this is a step way above that. Having a super clean, bright, comfortable working area brings a new dimension to working on a car.

Totoland Mach

[MattN03]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Sounds like fun Toto!

[Totoland Mach]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Hiya Matt!: It definitely is a wonderful change to have proper lighting and equipment at hand. Now I understand what Mike Phillips and the Meguiars folks have with their shop in Cali.

Here's a pic of my work area. I'll get better ones soon



Toto

[N.E.W.car]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Hiya Matt!: It definitely is a wonderful change to have proper lighting and equipment at hand. Now I understand what Mike Phillips and the Meguiars folks have with their shop in Cali.

Here's a pic of my work area. I'll get better ones soon



Toto

Dude, I would almost PAY to detail in an area like that!!!
Nice work on landing that job - don't take it for granted. You do realize how hard it's going to be to detail anywhere else now, right???

[Mike Phillips]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Here's a pic of my work area. I'll get better ones soon



Toto

One word,

Sanitary!


That's nice! Working clean is one of the most important factors that will influence your results, having a clean, well lit shop will give you the edge to produce consistent, professional results.

Plus, it will improve your attitude as having a nice clean sanitary shop is more fun to work in than all the other options most detailers have to deal with.

[Totoland Mach]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Mike and N.E.W. Car: thanks for the compliments! Mike, you're absolutely correct on the working environment. It really allows a close focus on the vehicle and the results are much better than a Kansas home garage in January LOL.

I'm really looking forward to working with this shop...just the right amount of cars for me and the owner is super.

Totoland Mach

[MattN03]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Hiya Matt!: It definitely is a wonderful change to have proper lighting and equipment at hand. Now I understand what Mike Phillips and the Meguiars folks have with their shop in Cali.

Here's a pic of my work area. I'll get better ones soon

Toto

That's awesome Toto!! I really like the lighting-that's a huge help!

[rascal]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

Jealous

[kellyinkc]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

SWEEET Toto. When can I come over and play????

[Totoland Mach]

Re: I graduated to a new level of detailing

FINISHED! Finished last night at 9:30pm. The extra lighting is a major help for inside work. The shop owner wants Ten Tenths work and I produced, so I guess this will be a permanent part-time spot for me.

Overall Shot


Interior Shot (I adjusted the contrast because the white paint was dominant)


Working on the interior


I've got a dark metallic blue 5 series to do later this week. Should be easier to see for polishing. White paint is extremely difficult to see, even with great lighting.

Totoland Mach