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Kevin, I've known about this post for a few days but haven't had a chance to really digest it until now. I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with you on a couple of occasions (SEMA & Alpine) and, even though I held your talents in very high regard before, you've elevated that to a whole new level now. Some areas of this truck look more "restored" than simply cleaned and I find that fairly amazing.
You're kind of a combination of Superman and David Copperfield (the magician, not the Charles Dickens character) - swooping in to the rescue and then working pure magic.
Kudos buddy.
Michael Stoops
Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.
Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.
I saw this thread a couple of days ago and I didn't have the time to read and carefully see the pictures.
Kevin you sure did a fantastic job. No doubt at all that you were the right person to tackle a job like this and I think you pass the expectations by far
Detailing as a profession requires that you have:
1. Appreciation for the car.
2. Appreciation for the customer.
3. Appreciation of the abilities needed to deliver a sanitary ride.
I've always looked upon 'the job' that way.
Preservation of the car is the goal.
Focus on getting the car done right, so the customer will be happy.
Always try to better your detailing skills as you work (speed and performance).
An overwhelmed feeling goes away with experience.
I suppose this is because with experience, comes familiarity of the job.
Comfort level rises as experience is gained.
Best thing you can do to minimize an 'out of control' feeling, is to compartmentalize the detail.
Don't jump around.
If you're going to polish the paint, complete that portion of the job.
Then move on to cleaning the rubber, plastic, wheels, tires, etc.
You may choose to attack the dirtiest part of the car, first.
Or, perhaps the most time-consuming portion.
Common-sense should rule your detail-path...
Avoid cleaning a part of the car that you will have to revisit due to poor planning!
Relaying the fact to the customer that you may need some leeway in your time-estimate helps remove stress, too.
Things like this is what gives guys like me impulse to keep on trying. Very well said and thanks for sharing.
Really motivating post. Especially the part about just focusing on one thing at a time and doing a good job. Thanks for sharing. (Now, where's the instructions for my new camera.)
Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
by John Wooden
Kevin, I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with you on a couple of occasions (SEMA & Alpine) and, even though I held your talents in very high regard before, you've elevated that to a whole new level now. Some areas of this truck look more "restored" than simply cleaned and I find that fairly amazing...
Thanks, Mike!
Working alone is not that fun.. Working with you is a blast.
All those years of detailing 'beaters', 'ranch-vehicles', and other dilapidated stuff helped to fine-tune the skills.
I used to consider $35.00-$60.00 as a fair price for an interior that took me all day to complete... Wow.
Multiply that figure times eight today, and I consider that fair compensation.
Working a job that you don't like?
Then you'd better be supporting a family, learning a lot, or making a ton of dough. Love your job, learning new things, and raking in the bucks?
You've found a hobby that pays YOU to enjoy it!
Cleaning anything properly is tough work.
If you find no satisfaction in the job, hire someone to do it. I still enjoy the tough ones.
Last edited by Kevin Brown; Aug 10, 2008, 04:00 PM.
Reason: punctuation
Kevin Brown
NXTti Instructor, Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team, Meguiar's Distributor/Retailer
Just wanted to say 'THANKS' for featuring this write-up in the Meguiar's Garage Monthly Newsletter... Cool!
I appreciate the response of so many MOL Members.
Even though we're all concerned about proper techniques related to paint-refinishing, there's a lot of interest in dialing all the other stuff, to an upscale degree.
The next worthy 'complete' detail I do, I plan on taking more pictures of the detailing-process.
Especially the interior- As this area of the vehicle can be daunting to tackle (hidden electronics & odd materials... Yikes!)
Kevin Brown
NXTti Instructor, Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team, Meguiar's Distributor/Retailer
The next worthy 'complete' detail I do, I plan on taking more pictures of the detailing-process.
Especially the interior
That will be much appreciated as the current thread gave me a much needed attitude adjustment. When I look at my interior my current attitude is "overwhelm".
Sure appreciate how well the truck and your post were "detailed".
Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
by John Wooden
...When I look at my interior my current attitude is "overwhelm".
That's understandable.
I'm certain that when I do the next write-up... Man, am I gonna get lambasted for touting some of the procedures!
Rest assured, they're safe.
I've been cleaning interiors for well over two decades, so most of the procedures are very 'old-school' yet work well. Patience and caution are the rules you'll have to follow to make tough interiors right.
I started detailing professionally in 1984. I answered a 'want-ad' in the Orange County Register (So-Cal). I went, got the job, and learned to clean high-end interiors immediately. That took the fear away for me.
I see several guys using extractors and steamers, which I certainly applaud.
The next write-up will not include these machines, as most enthusiasts do not own them.
Do you want to know whom was partially responsible for my training at that job? Huh? Do you?
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