Detailing Microscope

[casvg5]

Just thought I would share some screen shots from my own personal car before I began detailing last night.

This is a Dino-lite handheld microscope, generally I only use it to look at how deep a scratch is before attempting to repair it, but I figured some may be a little interested in seeing some images from an every day car.

Cyber Grey 2010 Camaro 2SS Supercharged LSX

Here goes.

This is a look at a Hex Logic orange cutting bad. You can see the "pores" everyone is talking about and how if you let product and removed paint build up how ineffective this would be.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_181445143_zpsce63860d.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_181445143_zpsce63860d.png.html)


Here is a water spot etching on the headlight. Yuck

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_181653278_zps954ac0d7.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_181653278_zps954ac0d7.png.html)


Water spot on the paint

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_181609700_zps239d4b5f.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_181609700_zps239d4b5f.png.html)



This is some compounding residue in a crack

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_182131802_zps1f28d89e.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_182131802_zps1f28d89e.png.html)


RIP bug

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_182219549_zpsf6b5c94d.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_182219549_zpsf6b5c94d.png.html)



This is a chrome badge behind the front wheel well. Yuck. Scratched to hell and wax residue.
http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_182025980_zps67ca7ff0.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_182025980_zps67ca7ff0.png.html)



This is a heavy scratch in the paint.
http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_181722049_zps71583c05.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_181722049_zps71583c05.png.html)


Another close up of the SS badge

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_182410136_zpsefbc02f2.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_182410136_zpsefbc02f2.png.html)


CG Orange banger microfiber

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg639/CamaroSully/Microscope/20130711_182608292_zps512b5bb8.png (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/CamaroSully/media/Microscope/20130711_182608292_zps512b5bb8.png.html)

[agarabaghi]

that looks like std's hahaha

[c8n]

Cool... thank you for sharing!

[allenk4]

Which Dino-lite handheld microscope do you have?

On their website, they range from $99 - over $800

Dino-Lite Digital Microscopes (http://www.microscope.com/digital-microscopes/dino-lite/?dir=asc&gclid=CKac-PuPqrgCFVRk7AodsFEApg&order=price&p=4)

[casvg5]

Which Dino-lite handheld microscope do you have?

On their website, they range from $99 - over $800

Dino-Lite Digital Microscopes (http://www.microscope.com/digital-microscopes/dino-lite/?dir=asc&gclid=CKac-PuPqrgCFVRk7AodsFEApg&order=price&p=4)


"Basic"

its plenty for what we need it for. It was $99 on amazon

[SR99]

Just thought I would share some screen shots from my own personal car before I began detailing last night.

This is a Dino-lite handheld microscope, generally I only use it to look at how deep a scratch is before attempting to repair it, but I figured some may be a little interested in seeing some images from an every day car.



Thanks for the pics. I've thought about getting one of these units before, but more as a gee-wiz gadget since I didn't see it really adding some new quantitative angle to the detailing process.

I'd be interested to learn more on how you're using it for judging/setting your scratch eradication process?

Maybe if you have some photo examples of a particular scratch, which led you to adjust your methods one way or the other? Have you ever had a case where your initial judgment (from your normal eye view, or the "catches a fingernail" approach) was completely different from what the scope led you to think?

Thanks.

[JSou]

Interesting stuff.

[casvg5]

Thanks for the pics. I've thought about getting one of these units before, but more as a gee-wiz gadget since I didn't see it really adding some new quantitative angle to the detailing process.

I'd be interested to learn more on how you're using it for judging/setting your scratch eradication process?

Maybe if you have some photo examples of a particular scratch, which led you to adjust your methods one way or the other? Have you ever had a case where your initial judgment (from your normal eye view, or the "catches a fingernail" approach) was completely different from what the scope led you to think?

Thanks.


Honestly....this just ads a little wow factor for the customer. After I detail a car I print up a packet of info for them. First page is a receipt with a listing of all things I did on the car.

Second page is some small photos. It gives a very thorough appearance to see at the microscopic level, a scratch corrected, or to be able to show them how it is too deep. That's where the microscope is neat. I may also throw a dramatic 50/50 in there, as most people really don't know how bad their paint is.

The last page is notes and recommendation. I.E. you have a loose body panel here, there was a stain I couldn't get out there, (so they know you just didn't over look it) etc. Basically, if I detail a car my eyes are on it anywhere from 10-20 hours, I get to know everything about it. Some things can use a little preventative maintenance by the owner. So I present all of my findings to them in this report.

I don't shove this in their face, I leave it nice and neat on their passenger seat. When they get home there is a "holy cow" factor.

I don't do one step washes and vacuums. My customers are ready to pull into SEMA when they leave. I generally work for car enthusiasts that are bonkers about their cars and appreciate the approach I take. I make it an all inclusive detailing experience. I make it so they cant help but tell their buddies.

Now...don't tell anyone my secrets

[Chris@AutoCleanse]

Very cool indeed , thanks for sharing. What model do you own, I have been looking at getting one of these also. Like you said the wow factor for the customers as polarid pictures just don't give you the close up as the microscope does.

[SR99]

OK, thanks casvg5. Great idea on preparing the packet for customers. I'm sure some don't care but I bet most really appreciate it.

PS, your secret is safe with me, but now Google and NSA know ;)

[Dannyboy_77]

CASVG5...That's a great business philosophy and very refreshing outlook on how to keep things transparent with the customer. It's a great feeling anytime you've had a service done correctly with some TLC, and no sense of "shadyness" lingering :xyxthumbs:

[rmagnus]

Now...don't tell anyone my secrets

Forget the microscope show pics of

2007 Corvette Z06 Twin Turbo 1350whp (Build in progress)


I use a jewlers loupe to evaluate scratches. Not really sure how a customer could evaluate a macro image of a scratch. There is definately a cool factor however.