Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana

[Mike Phillips]

More....


After washing three cars, which is usually more work than fun in the context of a car detailing class, it was time to move onto the FUN part and that's the art of polishing paint.

Show Car vs Production Detailing


I teach two styles of paint correction, show car and production detailing. This pretty much covers it all. Here's the coolest thing about our classes that you NEVER see pictures of for any other detailing class. And that's not only ALL the pictures you see and will see in this thread...

BUT LOOK AT THE FIRST TWO CARS this class is going to TRAIN on!


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_055.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_056.JPG



The above cars are perfect examples of pure muscle car. A 1969 Mustang Boss 429 and the first year for the Pontiac GTO and in this case a numbers matching, all original 389 Big Block Car with a 4-speed!


Let that sink in... these are the FIRST two cars this class will be training on....


Nowhere else does this happen. Nowhere else when you sign-up for some class do you get to work on the real deal. You do the work. You certainly don't sit in a chair listen to someone talk and look at a power point presentation. Nothing wrong with this style of teaching.... just not my style.




:)

[Mike Phillips]

More....


8mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Polishers

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/Griots_Polisher.jpg


On Autogeek.com

Griot's Garage 6" ROP (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fnew-griots-polisher.html) - Standard cord

Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fgriots-hd-polisher-2.html) - HD Cord - 25' Heavy Duty Cord already pre-wired





Building on a foundation

I start all my car detailing classes with simple, 8mm free spinning random orbital polishers. The current tool I showcase is the Griot's 6" Random Orbital Polisher. This is basically a version of the ORIGINAL tool for the 8mm free spinning random orbital polishers and that is the Porter Cable 7424 and 7336 units. We sell both polishers here at Autogeek but the fact is - the Griot's version of the Porter Cable polisher simply has a TON more usable power.

The BIG PICTURE being, I have people attend my classes from all walks of life from being brand new to detailing and machine polishing to being seasoned professionals. No matter what their background I start them out with what I consider to be the easiest tool to learn how to use and master and that's 2 things. Even Pros learn tips and techniques when I go over 8mm free spinning random orbital polishers.




Getting started at a Roadshow Class

We have anywhere from 15 to 25 people on our car detailing classes. We usually run 20 to 26 people in our boat detailing classes. This is why I have lots of cars and they are always LARGE cars. EVERYONE has plenty of "car" to work on. I be assured, the entire time I walk around an interact with everyone so everyone gets LOTS of one-on-one time with the Instructor while they are on their feet working on cars.

I point this out because I see uninformed people make ignorant comments about class size and lack of one-on-one time with yours truly. That's just not true or accurate and the thousands of people that have attended my classes are my witnesses. Besides that, if you attend a class where all you do is sit in a chair and then watch the instructor do a demo on a hood - how valuable is one-on-one time anyways? You're not doing any hands-on and that's where my classes are the BEST.


Two Teams
I divide the class into two teams to tackle two cars. If I have a smaller class then one team and if I have a larger class then I get 3 cars for each tool set and divide the class into 3 teams. No matter what - you get 100% hands-on time and hand-on training on real cars.

As the pictures you see below will show - you don't sit in a chair.


First lets take a look at the team working on the Mustang.

The Mustang looks good under the ceiling lights....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_057.JPG



But let's take a look at how she really looks using my handy dandy SCANGRIP Sunmatch II Swirl Finder Light (https://www.autogeek.net/scangrip-sunmatch-ii.html).

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_058.JPG



BEFORE - No swirl finder light

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_059.JPG



After - with the light - now you can see the swirls.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_060.JPG


No swirl finder light but you can see some swirls from the overhead light....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_061.JPG



BOOM! Swirl City!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_062.JPG




Step 1: Waterless Wash

The class used the Pinnacle Waterless Wash with Carnauba (https://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-waterless-car-wash.html) to clean and remove any dust off the car before we started.
(no pictures)



Step 2: Mechanical Decontamination

Next up the class is using Nanoskin Towels (https://www.autogeek.net/nanoskin-car-care-products.html) with Pinnacle Clay Lube (https://www.autogeek.net/pinclaylub.html) to remove any above surface bonded contaminants like overspray paint.


Jennifer decontaminating paint.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_063.JPG



Michael decontaminating paint.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_064.JPG



Justin decontaminating paint.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_065.JPG



TEAMWORK!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_066.JPG



Step 3: Machine Compounding

For the first two cars, the class is using Griot's 6" Random Orbital Polishers with Pinnacle Advanced Compound (https://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-advanced-compound.html) and Buff & Shine Uro-Tech Burgundy Foam Cutting Pads (https://www.autogeek.net/6-inch-uro-tec-pads.html).

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_067.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_068.JPG




Step 4: Machine Polishing

For the polishing step, the team switches over to Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish (https://www.autogeek.net/pin230.html) with the Buff & Shine 6" Uro-Tec white foam polishing pads (https://www.autogeek.net/6-inch-uro-tec-pads.html).


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_069.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_070.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_071.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_072.JPG



Power on the go!

Chris Metcalf from FLEX brought along this nifty device called,

EGO Nexus Power Station (https://egopowerplus.com/nexus-portable-power-station/)

Tech Specs

◾3000W Peak 2000Watt Continuous
◾3 120V A/C Outlets
◾4 USB Ports
◾Bright LED Display Shows Run Time
◾Robust Steel Handles
◾Battery Powered Alternative to Gas Generators
◾Quiet Clean Power for Indoor and Outdoor Use
◾4 Port Battery Charger (when plugged in)
◾Weather-Resistant Construction


This product is built and owned by the parent company to FLEX

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_073.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_074.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_075.JPG




Step 5: Machine Waxing

For the Mustang the team is going to use the Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Carnauba Wax (https://www.autogeek.net/pinliqsouvwa.html).

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_079.JPG



FLEX Cordless Tools

Because everyone is excited to test out the FLEX CORDLESS tool, they are using the FLEX XCE15 free spinning, long stroke 15mm random orbital polisher (https://www.autogeek.net/flex-xfe-cordless-polisher.html) or as it's known by it's nickname,

The Finisher!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3585/Cordless_FLEX_Tools_0003.JPG


Read my write-up on the FLEX Cordless Finisher here,

NEW Cordless FLEX Tools at Autogeek Rotary and Orbital Polishers (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fyb9qdcww)



Here's Luis, Armando, Justin and Jackson all machine waxing the 1969 Mustang Boss 429

When is the last time you machine waxed a 1969 Mustang Boss 429 Mustang?
Have you ever seen a detailing class documented showing this?

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_076.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_077.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_078.JPG


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_080.JPG




Step 6: Wax Removal

In this first picture you see Mike inspecting his Forrest Green Edgeless Towel before using it to remove the dried Pinnacle Souveran Carnauba Wax.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_081.JPG


Here's my article on the topic of inspecting your towels.

How, why & when to inspect your microfiber towels when detailing cars (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fya8l4k4s)





On the left in the back is Justin, at the back of the car is Jennifer

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_082.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_083.JPG


Teamwork!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_084.JPG



Final Results!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_085.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_086.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_087.JPG


Wow!

Nice work everyone. Thank you for doing top notch pro quality work to such an iconic American Muscle Car!



:)

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Mike,

Thank you, for sharing so much knowledge. Your classes were as fun as they were educational.

Everyone loves the hands on approach vs sitting in classroom seats! This detailing course offered a multitude of products and tools to physically test out, as well as the proper techniques in using them. All instructed by Mike Phillips!

The wet sanding tutorial and experience was my favorite. I also really enjoyed the Ceramic Coating.

I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn techniques, tips, products, and tools to keep their vehicles looking great.

Thank You Again!




Thank you so much Jamie for the feedback and for not only attending yourself but for also bringing your son Justin!


:dblthumb2:

[Exertion]

I just got back home from the Auburn, IN auto detailing class.

What a class and what I learned will make my job easier in my detailing business. The class is hands on and Mike is hands on the entire class.

We worked on six cars the first day from washing to finish seal. I was exhausted but it was so worth it.

We got to experience different buffers, pads, towels products and techniques.

The second day we continued detailing and got more experience on show car detailing along with engine and interior cleaning.

Incredible class and worth every penny. I can’t wait to attend the boat detailing class In February.

Thanks Mike for everything.

:)


-Joshua L.M Fitzgerald

[Mgshirey]

Mike,

Thanks for the Auburn/Praxis class. I learned a lot of new information and reviewed information from your videos. The class was awesome.

As an educator, this class was 100% engagement 100% of the time! I really liked using a variety of machines, equipment and tons and tons of products.

I wish I had taken this class 10 years earlier. I probably would have purchased some different equipment. I appreciated being coached by Mike on using the equipment. Furthermore, there was no pressure to buy a particular product and Mike shared that one must pick the products for the project and what we like to use.

Very valuable information.

Excellent class. I dreamed of attending the classes in Florida and this one was 30 minutes from my house.

:)

[57Rambler]

That '70 Boss 429 Mustang in Grabber Blue came out sweet ! :dblthumb2:

White and black interior is icing on the cake, you don't see many of those.

I always liked the '70 better than the '69 as they went to the matte black hood scoop vs. body color scoop - black makes it stand out/look more menacing.

If it's all original/numbers-matching, that baby could be worth $300-400K ...

[EH]

Hey Mike,

What a great class in Auburn! I've always dabbled in detailing my own cars, but never was 100% confident in what I was doing. Attending this past weekend 2 day class really boosted my confidence.

Using the different tools and products was great, but for me, having you looking over my shoulder and letting me know what I was doing right and what I was about to do wrong was worth the price of admission.

Sharing your years of experience and all your tips and tricks was priceless. I'm sure I'll attend another class in a couple years just to stay up on products and new techniques and tools.

I know it's a lot of work for you to put these classes on outside of the Auto Geek shop, so thank you for taking the time and effort to do it.

Until next time,

Eric

[Mgshirey]

Yes, thanks to Mike Phillips & Mike Liebing for a lot of effort to teach us detailing! I am ready to come back. My garage is not air conditioned nor do I have the tool selection and product selection that was at this class. It was fun to meet each of you and work beside you on projects.

[jenrobbie66]

Mike:

Thank you for the GREAT class!

I was a little nervous going into this, thinking I would be a little behind everyone else, but you structured the class in a way that targeted everyone -- no matter what the skill.

There was a lot of information to pack into 2 days, but you did it, and didn't let any of us slack! You did a great job of explaining all of the tools and products used, as well as all the proper steps and I now have the confidence to do my own car soon!

Highly recommend for any level!

Thank you!

Jennifer Robertson


:)

[Aaryn NZ]

Wow! There’s some fantastic testimonies right there. :props:

As most of you have just posted for the first time on the AGO Forum - Welcome! :welcome:

Please do stick around & join in the fun. This class looked super cool, & as an alumni of one of Mikes classes myself I know you all were busy & took away a lot from this class as well. Congratulations to you all. :props:


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

[Mike Phillips]

I just got back home from the Auburn, IN auto detailing class.

What a class and what I learned will make my job easier in my detailing business. The class is hands on and Mike is hands on the entire class.

We worked on six cars the first day from washing to finish seal. I was exhausted but it was so worth it.

We got to experience different buffers, pads, towels products and techniques.

The second day we continued detailing and got more experience on show car detailing along with engine and interior cleaning.



Great summary Josh!

I watched you through out the entire 2-day class and what really stood out to me about you're style of detailing is you are extremely focused on the task at hand and that's a key strength when it comes to the craft of car detailing and the art of polishing paint.






Incredible class and worth every penny.

I can’t wait to attend the boat detailing class In February.

Thanks Mike for everything.

:)

-Joshua L.M Fitzgerald




If you think our car detailing class is incredible - wait until you go through the boat detailing class. I'm happy to say, it's just as hands-on if not more hands-on because I bring in REALLY BIG BOATS! And they are in HORRIBLE condition when they arrive but when they leave, they look fabulous!


It takes time to go through the pictures and document a class like this one you took or any of my boat classes. I'm sorry to say I have not been able to get all the pictures up from this year's boat class but I did get them all up from the 2018 Boat Class.

Check out this thread as it will show you just how hands-on our boat class is....


Pictures: 2018 Boat Detailing Class at Autogeek with Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fyb4vyw7y)


Here's the link to the 2019 Class, check out the boats,

Pictures & Comments 2019 Boat Detailing Class at Autogeek with Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/boat-detailing-classes-dates-and-info/122227-pictures-comments-2019-boat-detailing-class-autogeek-mike-phillips.html)



:)

[MV2020]

I was a hobby detailer looking to learn the secrets of the industry and to remove the anxiety of ruining paint.

After attending the Auburn IN class I now have the confidence to work on any car. Mike gave us an assortment of tools and products to use hands on in the class. Mike gave the class 110% effort and he shared knowledge that is invaluable.


-Michael Velazquez

[Mike Phillips]

I was a hobby detailer looking to learn the secrets of the industry and to remove the anxiety of ruining paint.

After attending the Auburn IN class I now have the confidence to work on any car. Mike gave us an assortment of tools and products to use hands on in the class. Mike gave the class 110% effort and he shared knowledge that is invaluable.


-Michael Velazquez




Hi Michael,

Thank you for attending and for sharing your experience on our forum. Right now I'm adding the text to go with the picture here,


Post #17 of THIS thread (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/autogeek-roadshow-detailing-classes/123912-pictures-autogeek-s-roadshow-class-praxis-detailing-auburn-indiana-2.html#post1642403) - (the one you're eyeballs are looking at right now) - takes time to make all these pictures AND text magically show up.



This includes this picture of you working on the bad ass Mustang....


Michael decontaminating paint.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_064.JPG



I'll keep working through the pictures until they are all up as this thread is going out in my next newsletter to show others EXACTLY what they get to do at one of our classes.



:dblthumb2:

[Mike Phillips]

Continuing with the pictures from this class.....


While one team was working on the 1969 Mustang Boss 429 the other team was working on the 1964 GTO.

Both teams using the same tools, pads and products as the first class covers simple, 8mm free spinning random orbital polishers. This is the foundation and after this first set of tools we move to long stroke orbital polishers and BUILD on this foundation.


Here's before...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_134.JPG



My friend the Squirrel Finder Light....
The difference between a swirl and squirrel (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23142-difference-between-swirl-squirrel.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_135.JPG



Ouch!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_136.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_137.JPG



Step 1: Waterless Wash
In this picture, I'm share the correct technique to use Pinnacle Waterless Wash with Carnauba (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fpinnacl e-waterless-car-wash.html) to wash a car followed by the Mike Phillips technique for using a waterless wash.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_138.JPG



Step 2: Mechanical Decontamination

Here's Jamie using a Medium Grade Nanoskin Towel (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fnanoski n-car-care-products.html) to remove above surface bonded contaminants off the GTO.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_139.JPG


Teamwork!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_140.JPG


Step 3: Machine Compounding

Our Test Spot revealed this car to have softer paint than the 1969 Mustang so instead of cutting with the Burgundy Buff & Shine foam cutting pad (https://www.autogeek.net/6-inch-uro-tec-pads.html) the class used the blue light foam cutting pad with the Pinnacle Advanced Compound (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fpinnacl e-advanced-compound.html) .

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_141.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_142.JPG



Here's Jamie CARFULLY edging with a Griot's 6" ROP and a Buff & Shine BLUE foam cutting pad (https://www.autogeek.net/6-inch-uro-tec-pads.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_143.JPG



Two cars being detailed at the same time. Same tools, pads and products. PLENTY of room for everyone to get PLENTY of hands-on time.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_144.JPG




Step 4: Machine Polishing

Here's Ronnie polishing the hood (after compounding), with Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fpin230. html) and a Buff & Shine Yellow Uro-Tech 6" Foam pad (https://www.autogeek.net/6-inch-uro-tec-pads.html).

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_145.JPG



Teamwork!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_146.JPG



That's Roger down on the ground. Rodger is a real go-getter!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_147.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_148.JPG



Reminds me of me and an article I once wrote

If it has paint it gets polished - Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wet-sanding-cutting-and-buffing/23865-if-has-paint-gets-polished.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_149.JPG



TJ on the trunk lid

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_150.JPG



Step 5: Machine applying Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax


Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax (https://www.autogeek.net/pinsouvwax.html) is normally applied by hand and works great but I like to show how to apply it by machine.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_151.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_152.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_153.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_154.JPG



Inspecting your microfiber towel

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_155.JPG

How, why & when to inspect your microfiber towels when detailing cars (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fya8l4k4s)




Step 6: Wax removal

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_156.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_157.JPG




Final Results!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_158.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_159.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_160.JPG




Group Shot after the first two cars for this 2-day class!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3872/Auburn_161.JPG



:)

[57Rambler]

Got any pics of the Goat's 389 engine ? :drool: