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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
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!
Jamie
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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
Originally Posted by PaulMys
Always like seeing the people that attend.
Hey Mike....... What's with the yellow (looks to be) Bronco with the halved tires??
I'm not sure? I meant to ask Mike but was so busy - didn't get to it.
Originally Posted by 57Rambler
That Lincoln Zephyr came out really nice !
Agree. One of my favorite cars for this class and also LARGE and a tick on the complicated side to machine polish due to some of the curved areas. Happy to say the class did an awesome job!
Originally Posted by Huizar22190
This class was awesome!
Always on my feet actually doing something productive. If you learn by doing I highly recommend this class.
A lot of information over 2 days was learned and the opportunity to try many different tools before deciding what I wanna buy.
Hi Armando,
Thank you so much for attending and for sharing your thoughts about the class.
Originally Posted by bsbiochem
Mike,
Thank you for the amazing class! I am still sore from muscle groups I have not felt in years! Your approach to hands-on instruction is how I learn best and you are a great hands-on teacher.
I know you love "The Beast", but I thought it was too powerful for me. You put together an excellent curriculum and a great team to learn with. Some of us walked in there with little experience and all of us walked away ready to detail our own cars.
In my opinion, this class should be a requirement for pro detailers so they know how to properly detail a car and speak with customers.
Thank you Praxis Detailing for hosting and providing some amazing & expensive cars for us to detail.
Regards,
David Gutierrez
Research and Development Lab Manager
303® Products
Wow! Thanks David.
It was a genuine pleasure to have you in the class. I always love having "real" chemists in the class and I'm sure the rest of the class appreciates it too.
Best of all - the 303 products we used worked exactly as advertised and that is GREAT!
Thanks for working so hard in the class too.... heck I do this all the time and I'm sore!
Originally Posted by Praxis IN
Mike; thanks for making the trip to Auburn IN and taking time out from your life to enrich others; especially on the weekend. You covered a lot of topics, products, machines and how to be successful while running a detailing business. Real world challenges and results.
We worked on barn finds to $400,000 collector cars in this class, not many people get that opportunity.
Hope to be on the tour next year again!
Thanks
Mike
Thanks Mike.
And thank you for opening the doors to your shop and accommodating all our needs. Due to all the tools we showcase, we draw a LOT of POWER and hook, nook and crook, we found the power to keep everyone buffing!
Also - the cars were AMAZING! Thank you for working with the owner of the museum and vouching for our reliability to enable us to work on so many cool cars. It was a treat for the class and a treat for myself too.
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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
Pictures from the Auburn, Indiana Roadshow Car Detailing Class
From this point forward, I will share pictures, in order they were taken, from this class. This shows the order of the topics we cover and thus the order of the tools, products and techniques shared in a normal 2-day class.
First - I take pride in starting a class on time. There is a TON of work that goes into a REAL hands-on car detailing class that no one sees. It starts back at Autogeek's headquarters and culminates at the location where if everything goes right, the class starts on Saturday morning and starts on time.
This includes the efforts by a lot of other people have done their part, including all my co-workers here at Autogeek our host, his staff and students who show up the day before class and then myself, un-packing the pallet of totes and setting all the tools, pads, products and supplies out on tables for use. THEN after all this takes place, early Saturday morning someone has to get the donuts and do any final prep work and then.... the class starts!
Now this is what ON TIME looks like. Today will be 6:30am to 6:30pm with about 15 to 20 minutes for a lunch break and that's all the break time there will be. And the reason for this is due to the ENOURMOUS volume of tools and topics you get to learn and gets hands-on time with at our classes. There's simply no way to get through everything with an 8 hour class or even 10 hour class the first day. And certainly no way to get through everything if you're sitting in a chair looking at a screen with a power point presentation.
The first thing I do is the basics, introduce myself, introduce our host, point out where the donuts are and also point out where the restrooms are.
I ask our host, in this class it's Mike Liebing, owner of PRAXIS Detailing, to share his story, how he started out and how he got to where he's at plus anything else he would like to share.
NEXT - as a group, we walk through all the tools and supplies and I share the order in which we'll be working through the tools and various products. I also do things like explain all the different microfiber towels and when and why you will be using one towel over the other. Same thing for the buffing pads. Both these things are important because while we ship a LOT of stuff, we still have to be attentive as we work through all the tools and techniques that the proper commodity products are used in a responsible manner so we don't run out of anything.
Extreme Prep Washing
I don't really like using the word extreme to describe washing a car but in our classes it's SO MUCH MORE than simply washing a car. Most people can wash car, that's not what we're teaching, we're teaching dozens of areas on multiple cars and the correct way to address each area and the correct tools and products to use.
For Saturday - we obtained 3 cars we'll be using in the class to use for extreme prep washing techniques.
Canvas Convertible Tops
I do my best to get a cloth top convertible to each class so I can showcase RaggTopp products and tools and the correct way to carefully wash, clean and dry a cloth top.
This car belongs to the owner of KRUSE Museum and the top is due for a thorough cleaning and re-application of a product that will restore water-proofing, UV protection as well as actually make the top LOOK GOOD again.
Vinyl Restoration
I also try to have a car at each class that has a vinyl convertible top or just a vinyl top or even vinyl tonneau cover so I can showcase 303 Protectant products for properly and correctly washing, cleaning and then protecting vinyl tops. This 1960s era Lincoln Continental has a vinyl top and it was dirty, dull and lifeless looking. This class is going to fix that. Also - the entire paint job on this car was filled with HOLOGRAMS.
EXTREME show car makeover
This 1940 Buick is part of a car collection that has been stored for 25+ years. The entire collection will be auctioned off. Mike Liebing obtained permission from the owner to allow our class to bring this car back to life.
From storage for so many years, all the cars in this barn-find collection were extremely dirty and while I don't normally wash classics with running water this car was so dirty, especially in the wheel-wells for the front side mounted spare tires, plus just dirty and contaminated overall, I chose to wash this car to showcase multiple tools and products for getting a really dirty car clean before machine polishing.
Lead by example
I never ask my class to do anything I would not personally do. As I told the class,
I wash a LOT of cars an that includes getting on my butt to thoroughly wash wheels and tires. This also gives me the opportunity to show the correct technique to use the following tools to really get wheels and tires clean,
- Speed Master Wheel Brush
- Wheel Woolies Wheel Brushes
- SONAX Wheel Cleaner
- Tuff Shine Tire Cleaner
- Mighty Mini to machine scrub tires
- FLEX Cordless PE14 Rotary Buffer to machine scrub tires
So here's me, doing what I do best - clean someone else's dirty wheels and tires.
After demonstrating all the different tools and products of course I turn the class loose to knock out the rest of the wheels and tires. This is a hands-on class for THEIR hands.
Wheels and tires first and then start at the top and work your way down
I always teach people to knock out the wheels and tires first so you don't have water drying on body panels and also so you don't have to waste time repeating steps. Anyone that's attended any of my classes, read my books, watched Autogeek YouTube videos or read any of my articles or replies to questions on the Autogeek forum, (this thing your on right now), knows the reasoning behind this practice.
Washing a cloth top
Before starting we go over the dos and don't for washing a cloth top and then use RaggTopp Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner to clean the cloth top.
After spraying the cloth top down with the RaggTopp cleaner, the class then uses the RaggTopp and Haartz Convertible top brushes to safely scrub the cloth fibers that make-up the top.
RaggTopp Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner: Endorsed by the world's largest manufacturer of convertible tops. car top care, auto convertible top cleaner, ragg
After thoroughly rinsing, the blotting technique is shared and the reason WHY to use the blotting technique and then the class uses Guzzler HD drying chamois to safely dry the water off and out of the top via capillary action.
Next car....
Back to wheels and tires first
This car has full cover hubcaps and whitewall tires, so we go over tools, products and techniques for these types of wheels and tires.
NOTE: Class - as you read this - remember what we learned about breaking off rubber valve stems and how to avoid this issue.
Properly cleaning a vinyl top
303 Multi-Surface Cleaner is a personal favorite cleaner of mine. I shared the story about my vibrant white tennis shoes and how I stained them before driving to work at Barrett-Jackson this year for Detail Fest and how after trying 2 to 3 other name brand cleaners, that didn't work, I used the 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner and it absolutely removed the orange color from the tongue of my brand new tennis shoes.
In the same way, it SUPRE cleans this dirty, extremely neglected vinyl top.
303 Patio Furniture Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner
When was the last time you washed a 1940 Buick?
After the Lincoln Continental we tackled the barn-find 1940 Buick with the very rare dual front side mounts and fender skirts. Cool.
For this the class again had a chance to use a lot of different tool and products.
- Speed Master Wheel Brush
- Wheel Woolies Wheel Brushes
- SONAX Wheel Cleaner
- Tuff Shine Tire Cleaner
- Mighty Mini to machine scrub tires
- FLEX Cordless PE14 Rotary Buffer to machine scrub tires
Here's Mike using both SONAX and Tuff Shine to spray down the wheels and tires....
The rest of the class is spraying down the entire exterior with the SONAX Fallout Remover
Here's Mike, (I think we had 4 Mikes in the class including myself and our host Mike Liebing), using the FLEX Cordless PE14 to machine scrub these very old and oxidized tires.
We had the privilege of having Chris Metcalf from FLEX on hand to help out and answer any questions about FLEX tools!
If you want to get your tires clean and I mean REALLY CLEAN - you simply cannot beat machine cleaning.
Here's the link to just one of my articles on machine cleaning tires....
How to machine scrub tires using the Cordless FLEX PE14
Chemical Decontamination
Most people think of an Iron Remover when talking about chemical decontamination and iron removers are chemical decontaminants. I show SONAX Fallout Remover, it's more of a wide-spectrum chemical fallout remover PLUS it will remove iron contamination.
Here's Ronnie, who flew all the way out from California to take this class, using the Mighty Mini with a Cyclo Aqua brush attached to machine scrub the tires and even the hubcap.
Mighty Mini Cordless Polisher
Here's Justin spraying down the 1940 Buick....
Yep - that's exactly what it looks like - barn find bird poop being dissolved off the car - if you look carefully you can see portions of it must contain iron and portions of it are turning red.
Foam Gun Washing
While I live the foam cannon because it creates thicker foam that clings and dwells longer, when I have 15 to 25 people in a class I don't like the trip hazard and clumsiness of having a Pressure Washer in the wash bay, thus I tend to show the foam gun instead.
Foam gun - use with a garden hose
Foam Cannon - use with a pressure washer
Plus from a marketing point of view, more people own a garden hose than own a pressure washer. Get the type that you want here,
Foam Guns
Foam Cannons
Also note the Microfiber Chenille Wash Mitts - my favorite for Prep Washing
On Autogeek.com
RaggTopp Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner
RaggTopp Premium Convertible Top Brush
303 Multi-Surface Cleaner 16 oz
303 Multi-Surface Cleaner 32 oz
Heavy-Duty DA Carpet Brush – Long Bristles
Heavy-Duty DA Carpet Brush – Short Bristles
Wheel Woolies Boar’s Hair Wheel Brush
TUF SHINE Tire Cleaner 22 ounce
SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect
FLEX PE-150 Cordless Rotary Polisher
Mighty Mini Cordless Polisher
2 Pack Cyclo Polisher Grey Ultra Soft Upholstery Brush
Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel - 16 x 24 inches
3 Pack The Supreme Guzzler Waffle Weave Towels - 20 x 40 inches
Autogeek Half Gallon Foam Gun
Not shown but used extensively in the class
Nanoskin Towels
Nanoskin Wash Mitts
Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt 4-Pack
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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
More....
8mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Polishers
On Autogeek.com
Griot's Garage 6" ROP - Standard cord
Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher - 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....
But let's take a look at how she really looks using my handy dandy SCANGRIP Sunmatch II Swirl Finder Light.
BEFORE - No swirl finder light
After - with the light - now you can see the swirls.
No swirl finder light but you can see some swirls from the overhead light....
BOOM! Swirl City!
Step 1: Waterless Wash
The class used the Pinnacle Waterless Wash with Carnauba 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 with Pinnacle Clay Lube to remove any above surface bonded contaminants like overspray paint.
Jennifer decontaminating paint.
Michael decontaminating paint.
Justin decontaminating paint.
TEAMWORK!
Step 3: Machine Compounding
For the first two cars, the class is using Griot's 6" Random Orbital Polishers with Pinnacle Advanced Compound and Buff & Shine Uro-Tech Burgundy Foam Cutting Pads.
Step 4: Machine Polishing
For the polishing step, the team switches over to Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish with the Buff & Shine 6" Uro-Tec white foam polishing pads.
Power on the go!
Chris Metcalf from FLEX brought along this nifty device called,
EGO Nexus 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
Step 5: Machine Waxing
For the Mustang the team is going to use the Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Carnauba Wax.
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 or as it's known by it's nickname,
The Finisher!
Read my write-up on the FLEX Cordless Finisher here,
NEW Cordless FLEX Tools at Autogeek Rotary and Orbital Polishers
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?
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.
Here's my article on the topic of inspecting your towels.
How, why & when to inspect your microfiber towels when detailing cars
On the left in the back is Justin, at the back of the car is Jennifer
Teamwork!
Final Results!
Wow!
Nice work everyone. Thank you for doing top notch pro quality work to such an iconic American Muscle Car!
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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
Originally Posted by OCDetailing77
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!
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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
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
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Re: Pictures: Autogeek’s Roadshow Class with PRAXIS Detailing in Auburn, Indiana
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.
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