One Amateur's look back-2008

[dublifecrisis]

Looking back just under one year from the time of this post I had never even heard of this site or ANY place of gathering for detailers. Without looking, I guess I joined in early spring 08 and got hooked on reading (not posting much) all the various articles, techniques, before and afters, product discussions etc…

Like many other weekend warriors on this site, I arrived here in search of learning a better way to keep my cars looking great. I never figured I would have several cars looking better than when they were purchased at the dealership! And not just my own cars. My hunger for glossy paint, clean wheel wells, and a fresh interior caused me to start feeding on friend's, co-worker's and family cars. My first ‘detail’ actually paid for my first big purchase. A smart move IMO that had a co-worker of mine pay for my order (PC, Pads, Menzerna polishes) in exchange for a free FULL detail[/IMG]
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/06%20CTS/IMG_3340.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/06%20CTS/IMG_3341.jpg

When I got home that evening from detailing the black CTS, I was BEAT! I needed to learn how to become more efficient and not wear myself out like that anymore.

My 2nd full detail was an even larger vehicle (05 Avalanche). Not only was it much larger, the custom painted textured plastics added a challenge of special care needed.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/avalanche9.jpg

Ok, I’m still hungry-let me practice on my GTI. By now, I’ve placed a few of my own orders, scoured the local auto-parts stores for OTC finds, and organized my collection of goodies. I’ve spent 2-4 hours approx 5-6 days a week on my favorite detailing sites up to this point. I’ve read some fantastic discussions and viewed some amazing work.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/GTI/IMG_4072.jpg

A friend of mine, who does a little auto auctioning on the side threw some cars my way. A very nice 05 E55 AMG, then later an 07 Lexus IS250. Super hard cerami-clear and pretty delicate lexus soft metallic paint. Both were a pleasure to work on.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/05%20E55%20AMG/IMG_3698.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/05%20E55%20AMG/IMG_3707.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/05%20E55%20AMG/IMG_3694.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/07%20IS250/IMG_3551.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/07%20IS250/IMG_3576.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/07%20IS250/IMG_3548.jpg

Here, later in the summer of 2008, an older F-150 Lariat long bed. A nice red color that was beat down, but cleaned up nice. Too bad it was totaled a few weeks later. It was replaced by this pre-owned Lexus. Not the most flattering color, but it cleaned up well.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/ArthurLiveandF150011.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/ArthurLiveandF150015.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/03%20Lexus%20LS/IMG_5731.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/03%20Lexus%20LS/IMG_5735.jpg

This 2000 4-runner was completely neglected inside and out. I found Christmas tree needles in the cargo area and the customer told me he bought a fake tree in 07, so it hadn’t been vac;d since even before 2006!!!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/00%204runner/IMG_4823.jpg

His Mother in-law’s 97 Malibu was even worse!!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/97%20malibu/IMG_5222.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/97%20malibu/IMG_5251.jpg

Ooooh, the wifey buys a new Mazda 5. Black too!!! This has become by test car because it’s black, it’s abused by the kids, and it’s not mine…LOL. I’ve tested all sorts of shampoos, polishes, sealants, waxes, and interior cleaners/dressings. This is where I’ve come to agree with the pros that it’s 90% prep and 10% product. Sure, there are obviously better products than others but you have to put in the work.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/IMG_3544_adj.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/IMG_5197.jpg

Spending half of my profits on these websites ordering new products and tools is just part of the fun. Happy 2009 everyone and thanks for giving me OCD!!!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/uchessor/IMG_3932.jpg


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[Pyrocite]

Nice job on those cars; I would love to see more of the 97 Malibu before shots... lol looks horrible.

[Superior_Details]

Looking good man, I can't wait to open my doors again for the season!

[dublifecrisis]

thanks y'all. I'll try to get a couple more of the malibu later. I'm not sure if I ever posted that car before. I might have on Autopia but dayum it was nasty.

I really just wanted to look back at what I've done this year. It's amazing how hooked you can become on something even as just a hobby or money on the side. A year ago, I waxed once a year or paid $30 at one of those fancy tunnels with 15 teenagers wiping the car down. Now, I wake up looking forward to doing it myself or spending the day on someone elses ride.

[AudiTTman]

you described exactly the way i feel about detailing. Its like a drug. Once your start, its hard to stop. Every car i pass, i critique it, and each time i tell myself in my head , "I could fix that paint"! I'm actually thinking about going into a particular bank where ive seen a really really dirty and swirled up Honda S2000 (black)...and then ask whoever the owner is if i could possibly give the car a makeover. I figured the most they can say is, thats alright,ill pass. But when you drive a S2k, you wanna turn heads hahah.

By the way, your GTI makes me love that car even more and more, especially in BLACK lol. Prolly one of my favorite Avatar Pictures!!!

[Meghan]

Well I must say you are not looking like an amateur anymore! One thing though take the top off your absorber, the moisture is building up in there... that's no good! :o
Very nice work you have obviously come a long way, you should be really proud of your end results, fabulous! :applause:
You want to practice on a black Chrysler 300 now?:D

[dublifecrisis]

AudiTTMan-My bank has an employee with a nice looking black Hyndai sedan...COVERED with Holograms though. Man i want to fix it!

Meghan-You're partly to blame for this disease I have!! and you should be ashamed. Thanks for the tip on the absorber...see I'm learning all the time.

[Eruptiv]

I have been told by co workers at the Ford dealership I work at, on more than one occasion, that I must have the most well taken care of red 2002 Ford Escape in WI. This time of year with all the salty conditions it's hard to keep clean, but this last weekend I washed and put another coat of Souveran on it. A co worker bought a 2009 black Fusion in August. I told him to visit Autogeek.com and get some Souveran. He bought some and has never looked back. He loves the stuff on his black car. He said it's worth every penny. He used to use Meguiars,but not any more.