Detailing Thread

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Just an update on the Car Detailing Forum request. It was decided to reject the forum. Dont understand myself looking at other forums approved this month but mine is not to question why. I suppose the admins feel there is existing functionality already by using the tags in the DIY forum.

Anyway off to Detailing World to browse the Showroom section, then checkout the Wax and Sealants sub-section to get some answers on the above points..........................................................................

E39MSport

Obviously not enough detailing related advertising revenue envisaged

The biggest drawback is lack of opportunity to organise threads.

Perhaps we could exploit stickies under the DIY thread allowing subscribers to reasonably easily get to relevant information.

eg) sticky: - Wax and sealant
First post could be regularly edited to reflect our experiences and advice as time passes. Follow up posts could be users feedback etc.

... and of course the pics thread
Such a shame we couldn't be afforded our own forum.

TestTransmission

Nayeli Shaggy Summer wrote: »

Just an update on the Car Detailing Forum request. It was decided to reject the forum. Dont understand myself looking at other forums approved this month but mine is not to question why. I suppose the mods feel there is existing functionality already by using the tags in the DIY forum.

Mods didn't make the decision fella. As a fellow mod you should know that and I'd expect more from you in regards to that.I'm a active user in here and gave a +1 to the forum. I only seen it was rejected when you posted here.Their decision is made so I guess we have to move on now and reshape this subforum into the better place it should be.

MuppetCheck

Do the mods decide? I thought new forums had requirements to reach. I was looking into this recently for an idea of my own but I doubt the interest is there.

E39MSport

Embarrassed to admit that I didn't vote.

My vote was unlikely to make the critical difference but perhaps visibility of that thread or lack thereof may have influenced the outcome.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

TestTransmission wrote: »

Mods didn't make the decision fella. As a fellow mod you should know that and I'd expect more from you in regards to that.I'm a active user in here and gave a +1 to the forum. I only seen it was rejected when you posted here.Their decision is made so I guess we have to move on now and reshape this subforum into the better place it should be.

Changed that to admins there for ya, dont jump down my throat please for nomenclature mistakes and leave the "fella" stuff out, it comes across a bit patronising unless your Mike Brewer. I just requested the forum and championed it, I did my best. No the mods dont make the decision.

E39MSport

Come on chaps. Think of the beading ... It's Friday

listermint

E39MSport wrote: »

Embarrassed to admit that I didn't vote.

My vote was unlikely to make the critical difference but perhaps visibility of that thread or lack thereof may have influenced the outcome.

i disappoint

TestTransmission

E39MSport wrote: »

Obviously not enough detailing related advertising revenue envisaged

The biggest drawback is lack of opportunity to organise threads.

Perhaps we could exploit stickies under the DIY thread allowing subscribers to reasonably easily get to relevant information.

eg) sticky: - Wax and sealant
First post could be regularly edited to reflect our experiences and advice as time passes. Follow up posts could be users feedback etc.

... and of course the pics thread
Such a shame we couldn't be afforded our own forum.

There's a sticky already which has been waiting for people to update yet.

Nayeli Shaggy Summer wrote: »

Changed that to admins there for ya, dont jump down my throat please for nomenclature mistakes and leave the "fella" stuff out, it comes across a bit patronising unless your Mike Brewer. I just requested the forum and championed it, I did my best. No the mods dont make the decision.

Changing it now makes it no different, you were trying to imply that this rejection was somehow down to the mods, which in fact I gave my opinion on the matter in the request thread as other people did and had no other say.

I haven't been approached by any of the admins yet on how we want this forum to proceed so I'm obviously open to suggestions from all the regulars.

E39MSport

Ha... didn't even see that sticky. Case in point really.

I don't expect to see threads about glazes etc in a DIY sub forum but hey ho.

I've been away for a bit anyways so not concentrating as much I should.

Let's make the most of it

btkm8unsl0w5r4

TestTransmission wrote: »

Changing it now makes it no different, you were trying to imply that this rejection was somehow down to the mods.

Jesus TestTransmission stop throwing your toys out of the pram. Was I not the one on the thread pointing out to the motors mods that it wasnt their decision (post #40,43,99) when they were making summary judgements (post #86) on the request thread, or when they were harping on about the lack of posts on this thread (post #2,6, 22, 38, 39,). Your being unfair to me here. I had to defend the forum request a lot, and mostly from the admins and motors mods. I tried, now can you leave it there.

TestTransmission

Nayeli Shaggy Summer wrote: »

Jesus TestTransmission stop throwing your toys out of the pram. Was I not the one on the thread pointing out to the motors mods that it wasnt their decision (post #40,43,99) when they were making summary judgements (post #86) on the request thread, or when they were harping on about the lack of posts on this thread (post #2,6, 22, 38, 39,). Your being unfair to me here. I had to defend the forum request a lot, and mostly from the admins and motors mods. I tried, now can you leave it there.

I'm not the one throwing the toys out of my pram here.The forum request was rejected and your first reaction was to the blame motors mods for this decision ie me, which is totally unfounded.I'm not concerned in what was said in the forum request thread as that issue has now been resolved.

As you suggested let's it leave it here. I'd just appreciate if you weren't so quick to blame the mods when it wasn't our decision.

Vexorg

Gentlemen, shake hands, have a man hug and detail your cars, we are all on the same team here.

PS, how do we get a "detailing" prefix/tag added to the new post drop down menu thingy.

TestTransmission

Vexorg wrote: »

PS, how do we get a "detailing" prefix/tag added to the new post drop down menu thingy.

I'll be asking the admins to do so, waiting for feedback from ye guys regarding it.

Voodoomelon

Started spraying the door trims, will leave the bumpers for a few days.

Vexorg

TT that's great, I am new to detailing my self so am not sure what other prefixes might be used. However, I think it may be an idea to choose just one prefix while things are in their infancy and we can suggest more as we go along?

Thoughts on prefixes anyone?

I think some guides might be useful also, I am aware that there are many guides over on detailing world but a few basic ones of our own might not go amiss. Any suggestions?

I would like to see a basic guide say no machine assistance other than a vacuum cleaner, so wash, and polish etc. by hand.

A mid guide, with machine assistance, pressure washer, foam lance, machine polish.

Advanced guide, machine assistance, paint correction etc.

Perhaps some of the more experienced detailers could start some of these guides.

I have a steam cleaner in the shed which I am going to locate and use to clean my seats, so I can do up a guide for that, not that many will have steam cleaners but what the hell I have one and do not have a carpet/upholstery cleaner.

Lets work towards dedicated forum.

I think it would be a good idea to welcome those involved in the trade to share their expertise, I think they should make themselves known as "Trade" by showing their business name in a signature perhaps if that is an acceptable practice. Business is tough enough at the moment, so they should agree to not sniping at other business if they disagree with a point being made do so constructively and not in a manner that causes the other poster to become defensive. That way we can all enjoy the forum and get the best results from our detailing.

TL;DR



What else would make useful reading?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Vexorg the only prefix will be detailing, you can't put in a whole load. So all detailing threads will appear when you select the detailing prefix. To categorise the sections you would needmabout 10 prefix,s which would be a total mess. I don't know how stickies work with prefixes, if we have too many they will clog up the default any prefix page.

Vexorg

fitzgeme, that makes sense, perhaps TestTransmission can arrange for that to happen.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Getting people to use the prefix will be the problem, the ones that are there already get little use. Epically new posters won't know to use them.

MetzgerMeister

Vexorg wrote: »

fitzgeme, that makes sense, perhaps TestTransmission can arrange for that to happen.

It was his idea in the first place to have the tags and I too hope that people actually use them.

We could have an arrangement that if you start a thread about something detailing-related without tagging it, you get a week's ban from Motoring :pac:

MetzgerMeister

Also lads, the deadline for names for the Kestrel Group buy is Sunday at 9:00pm.

If you would like to take advantage of this great offer, add your name:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056588521&page=4

eringobragh

Todays Effort:

Another few hours lost on the car...This is a mammoth task hopefully I will have this all done by end of month..and then I will move onto a wheel refurb.

Claybar Kit...what a godsend..Following recommendation from last week I picked one up...I rubbed my hand on the panel from last week and its not near as smooth as the clayed wing...Its like glass!.





Again I only did 1 wing as it can get frustrating!

BEFORE: This scratching was visible without the halogen light: It annoyed me looking at it.



AFTER: Still a small scrape and little scratching up a 90% improvement...if all goes to all these can be filled with SRP..
I am going to move on and come back to the dificult ones at the end.



BEFORE: Somemore scratching





After: 95% Improvment over all.







Some stone chips need sorting and paint 'bubbling' (a common issue on MR2 paint)



Difference between panels:



MILLER TIME!!!!!!!!!!

eringobragh

Anyone got any good videos on DA technique for swirl removal...just want to see if I need to change anything

antiskeptic

Hi there,

I've a 2003 Audi A4 which I'm thinking might come up nicely if machine polished. I was wondering whether this car is suitable for this work (gathering that alot hinges on the quality of the paint). And what kind of cost would I be looking at if not wanting to go to the end of the earth in terms of detail (given the age of the car).

Can anyone recommend someone around the Northside of Dublin or South County Dublin/Bray?

MetzgerMeister

antiskeptic wrote: »

Hi there,

I've a 2003 Audi A4 which I'm thinking might come up nicely if machine polished. I was wondering whether this car is suitable for this work (gathering that alot hinges on the quality of the paint). And what kind of cost would I be looking at if not wanting to go to the end of the earth in terms of detail (given the age of the car).

Can anyone recommend someone around the Northside of Dublin or South County Dublin/Bray?

I assume you're looking for someone to do it rather than do it yourself?

Spirit Detailing is your man Located in Leixlip

antiskeptic

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

I assume you're looking for someone to do it rather than do it yourself?

Spirit Detailing is your man Located in Leixlip

What part of Northside/Southside do you not understand

Only kidding - I don't mind travelling to get a good un. Would you guess at a cost?

Northern Monkey

www.detailingshed.com are based just outside swords.

You can see some of their work here:

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=96

listermint

Northern Monkey wrote: »

www.detailingshed.com are based just outside swords.

You can see some of their work here:

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=96

These guys do excellent work. Cost is really dependent on what stage / hours of work you want to achieve. So im sure that can be worked out for what level of finish you want.

eringobragh

...top half of the passenger door done and thats it for today pics to follow :cool:

RandomAccess

eringobragh wrote: »

...top half of the passenger door done and thats it for today pics to follow :cool:

That work-lamp you have, did you pick it up in Aldi?
How is it working out for you?

eringobragh

RandomAccess wrote: »

That work-lamp you have, did you pick it up in Aldi?
How is it working out for you?

Yep thats the one...€11.99 and it works brilliantly, just sometimes I have to lift in front of the paint to examine in more detail but generally it works great well worth the money :cool:

...just dont leave the buffer beside it or the pad WILL catch on fire...trust me :eek:

Curran

Doing some good work there eringobradh!!

Its tough but rewarding work eh!

RandomAccess

eringobragh wrote: »

Yep thats the one...€11.99 and it works brilliantly, just sometimes I have to lift in front of the paint to examine in more detail but generally it works great well worth the money :cool:

...just dont leave the buffer beside it or the pad WILL catch on fire...trust me :eek:

That would be a sight!

My cars a bit higher than an MR2, so I might be better off getting a lamp on a tripod, they nearly always come mounted with two lamps though which is more than I need.
I guess a lamp is pretty much required for polishing on overcast days though as without it the surface would be hard to assess.

Curran

Check out this thread on how to make a home made sun gun !!

Had one made up and its very handy.....only problem is, it cant be used for extended periods due to heat build up and battery life...but its great for giving a panel a quick check over, the bulb on for 5-10 seconds!

eringobragh

I am convinced the previous owner washed this car with rocks :P ...I'm not trying to achieve 100% correction but if I get it to 90% I will be happy.
Can't wait to get the blacklight on her

Today I did the top half of the passenger door, time cosuming stuff, but have to say the DA is the best thing I've gotten for the car when you see the
change in paint it makes the effort seem worthwhile.

Car was clayed and polished with Menzerna Medium cut polish and pad.

General condition of the paint:









SIDE BY SIDE after Polishing:



BEFORE AND AFTERS:

Before:



After:

---

Before:



After:

---

Before:



After:

---

Before:



After:

---

eringobragh

CONTD:


Before:



After:

---

Before:



After:

---

FINISHED PRODUCT:

Curran

Cracking work!! Getting some nice deep reflections! :cool:

By the way....100% correction is almost totally unachievable....unless its a brand new or fairly new car!!

Just keep that in mind and dont go chasing 100% correction or you will strike through the clear coat!

eringobragh

Curran wrote: »

Cracking work!! Getting some nice deep reflections! :cool:

By the way....100% correction is almost totally unachievable....unless its a brand new or fairly new car!!

Just keep that in mind and dont go chasing 100% correction or you will strike through the clear coat!

Cheers man..yeah I just want to get the thing looking somewhat decent..I've happy to get it 80-90% better and use filler on the rest

You were right about the claybar it makes a big difference allright.

RandomAccess

Curran wrote: »

Check out this thread on how to make a home made sun gun !!

Had one made up and its very handy.....only problem is, it cant be used for extended periods due to heat build up and battery life...but its great for giving a panel a quick check over, the bulb on for 5-10 seconds!

Yes, saw that thread before and the lamps they make are pretty good. I was in homebase the other day but didn't see any ultra cheap cordless drill like the ones they were using, might take a look in B&Q another time. Though I will likely just get a halogen with a stand like eringobragh from Aldi sometime.

Curran

RandomAccess wrote: »

might take a look in B&Q another time.

Got mine in B&Q...cant remember what price it was but it was reasonable!

RandomAccess

Great work on the car, those deep scratches seem to have been improved massively as well. Mine has a few deep scratches that I will be hoping to minimise the appearance of without going mad of course.

Unfortunately something came up last weekend and shot all my plans to ****, all my evenings last week were a bust then as well! Typical, the best run of weather we are likely to have for months and I end up missing out on it. Glad to see someone else making hay anyways!

eringobragh

RandomAccess wrote: »

Great work on the car, those deep scratches seem to have been improved massively as well. Mine has a few deep scratches that I will be hoping to minimise the appearance of without going mad of course.

Unfortunately something came up last weekend and shot all my plans to ****, all my evenings last week were a bust then as well! Typical, the best run of weather we are likely to have for months and I end up missing out on it. Glad to see someone else making hay anyways!

Cheers but it happens I've the DA months and just when I had a bit of time to do this my radiator dies :mad:

Worthwhile investment the DA

eringobragh

forgot to mention I was nursing a hangover doing this.

Curran

RandomAccess wrote: »

Typical, the best run of weather we are likely to have for months and I end up missing out on it. Glad to see someone else making hay anyways!

Just to ease the pain a little......they arent the best conditions for polishing paint work anyways!! The panels are hot to begin with and will dry out the polish very quickly. Not ideal for washing or claying either as the water dries out and leaves marks, but not a problem if you are polishing I suppose!

eringobragh

Curran wrote: »

Just to ease the pain a little......they arent the best conditions for polishing paint work anyways!! The panels are hot to begin with and will dry out the polish very quickly. Not ideal for washing or claying either as the water dries out and leaves marks, but not a problem if you are polishing I suppose!

My house is southfacing so the car isn't in the sun! But good point all the same.

eringobragh

Any use lads???



http://aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_21222.htm

I'm in the market for a power washer and I believe this is a Karcher rebrand...I've read that the warranty phone no goes to Karcher and everything

Hal1

Can't go wrong with that 3 year warranty. I've a powercraft washer about 8 years now. It's very similar to that one and hasn't let me down so far.

vectra

Curran wrote: »

Check out this thread on how to make a home made sun gun !!

Had one made up and its very handy.....only problem is, it cant be used for extended periods due to heat build up and battery life...but its great for giving a panel a quick check over, the bulb on for 5-10 seconds!

Curran wrote: »

Got mine in B&Q...cant remember what price it was but it was reasonable!

I wonder would lED work lamp be any better than the Halogen one used by Erin?

Curran

I'm currently waiting on someone to come back to me about LED lighting...waiting on samples and pricing.
Can get 50w lamps, that give 500w of light and look similar to the halogen set up. Don't know if they'll be any better, but the whiter light should be a bit nicer to work in, as I replaced the flouresent strip lights with new bulbs and the light is much more natural....like day light when it's pitch black outside

RandomAccess

A lot of the serious detailers in the UK seem to favour a mix of lights, halogen, metal halide, fluorescent as apparently they each show different flaws from swirls to buffer trails and marring (not sure which does what though)

I guess if you have scads of cash you could go a bit mad with lights alright.