First detail job 2004 Dodge Durango

[Attn2Detailz]

My first detailing job was dropped off today. She is a friend of mine, original owner w/ 97K and hasn't been touched in 4 years she said hmmm.



Yes that's the hood




Her daughter tied that ribbon on 3 years ago. I said do you want it she said no ha. Look at the junk under the door handle.














Rear hatch






Besides the heavy oxidation everywhere (I'm crying while typing this) there is home paint speckles on the steering wheel and on the seat. Is there an easy way to get that off without damaging the seat and steering wheel?

I am thinking of unbolting the roof rack to get at the mold easier, good idea? This way I can scrub the rack and let it soak with some trim sealant for a few hours..

More pics tomorrow, the interior is not horrible but it's tan so we'll see. Wish me luck and say a prayer. BTW I have no DA just my old trusty Waxmaster for now (don't laugh). More products will come soon including a DA with foam pads. Time to start working smarter not harder I'm not 20 anymore..

New products to add to my growing collection: Post Your Unpacking Pictures

[AutowerxDetailing]

I wouldn't take off the roof rack unless you are charging extra for that. Judging by the look of the neglected paint you already have your work cut out for you just dealing with the years of built up grime around all the trim. I can tell by the pic of the hood that claying that thing is going to take forever. Can't wait to see after pics!

[BobbyG]

Joe, detailing correctly is a lot of hard work and this is a good example. Keep up the good work!

[AjNavo61490]

Have any Iron-X? Hehe, good luck!

[TimmyG]

Have any Iron-X? Hehe, good luck!

+1. That car definitely needs some APC with the wash and a good decontamination step and thorough claying. Take your time with it!

[Attn2Detailz]

Alright 31 hours later and she's finished. I think it turned out fairly well I think this is the worst case possible and I started out with a hard one. I need to tweak my technique and pick up a DA since my Waxmaster is limited to full paint corrections. I lost my butt on the price but I think I've proven my worth and the word is starting to spread quickly.

First I started with the wheels, jambs, interior, wash and finally paint correct.

Enjoy: (BTW pics are with my Samsung Galaxy S cell phone)

Wheels and Tires

Westleys Bleach White (had to bring out the strong cleaner)
Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush
Mothers Tire & Wheel Brush
Mothers Foaming Wheel and Tire Cleaner


Wheel/Fender Wells
Pump Bottle w/ mix of Castrol Super Clean
Mothers Fender Well Brush


Front face and behind the wheel cleaned or so I thought..


After 20 minutes of cleaning the backside was still caked.


So I made the command decision to take off the wheels.








With the wheels off it really let me get in there and scrub the fender well linings.


I did the lug nuts too..


Done three more to go..


Remounted and torque per manufacturer spec:



Jambs

I tried the Bissell Steam Shot that I had which took forever. I think I need to invest in something else or a different method. Any recommendations??





Interior

Interior was pretty bad, used to haul things for her interior decorating business and kid duty. Broken glass, stains etc..


After vacuuming and brushing


Using my BLGM and this turbo brush was ok the upholstery brush was much better by hand. I switched back to the traditional stationary Bissell brush/vac.


2nd row seatbacks done now on to the 3rd row seatbacks


Done with the backside. At least the front sides are leather. Added the finishing touch stripes


3rd row carpet


With traditional brush attachment.


I pulled out 11 containers of years of neglect and funk.


2nd row carpet


Floor mats I treated with Bissell foam spray and hosed them down then
BLGM them.


Seats cleaned and conditioned with Lexol and plastic with Mother's VLR.

[Attn2Detailz]

continued.... damn 30 pic limit

Wash

I used Megs wash and Simple Green in a squirt bottle for the mold.

Fuel door


Behind front plate


Behind rear plate


Rear hatch


Went through a couple of these. 2BM (2 bucket method) did its trick. Now I need the grit guards..


Finished right as the sun was coming out. Like it would matter anyways with the paint in this condition.


I wire brushed the nasty plate bolts


Painted the heads




Paint Correction

Moved to the shade time for clay


Each panel done twice:


Taping her up for Mother's 3 Step Ultimate Wax System


After Step 1 (Pure Polish (formerly called Pre-Wax Cleaner) on drivers front fender and door. My first 50/50 pic I guess ha (no shine on the back door)


Working my way back drivers side rear door


Flipped the truck around working on the passenger side still Step 1


Hood reflection Step 1


Hood after Step 2 Micro-Polishing Glaze (formerly called Sealer & Glaze)


Finished with a coat of Mother's California Gold® Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax...

FINISHED

Needless to say the owners were beside themselves.









Ok a few notes. I used Mother's Back to Black and wasn't really a fan. It took almost the whole bottle considering how bad the trim was in. I was happy with the rest of the Mother's products I used. I need to find something to clean the trim and the rest of the brake dust stains off of the wheels (maybe the Mother's Powerball will do it?)

Tell me if I am wrong but will the DA (once I buy one) get these stains off the painted molding?




and what about around the door handle or do I need to adjust my technique? How do you cut close even when taped off?


This leather-wrapped steering wheel was a pain. I scrubbed and scrubbed with the Lexol cleaner and a microfiber applicator. She also had dried home paint on the seat and steering wheel, what would you use to correct these issues?



_________________


I have a 2006 Scion xB this weekend much smaller and opposite end of the spectrum. This one is covered in dog hair and priced better as to what I think I am worth. Already bought pumice stones thanks to this forum.

This thread will come soon..

[Marc08EX]

Amazing work and very detailed walk through! I think you did a GREAT job for your first detail. You really need to get a D/A for your polishing steps. It's worth it.

[OhTwoGT]

Great job! This shows that OTC products can work well with the right person behind them

[oldmodman]

You did an astonishing job on that awful heap.

I would try using the same products, but by hand, around the trim and door pulls.

The surface if the steering wheel has been ruined by her "hand care products" She most likely applied hand lotion to her hands and got right in the truck and drove away. If that crud is allowed to stay on the wheel. And build up layer after layer, year after year it will disintegrate the shiny sealant on the leather. To the point that there is no longer any "there" there to clean.

If I was presented with something that awful I would most likely quote $1500.00 so they would take it away.

Please ask her to NOT tell people what she paid when she is showing it around. Or people will be coming up expecting the same low price you gave her.