As a way of getting to know the contributors to this forum I though this may be a way to ask ' answer questions about each other An interview with Avatar: What does it mean- What do you like most about detailing? What are your favourite products/processes and why? What’s your dream car(s) and why? What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? Tell me about your first detail? What’s the best thing you’ve learned? What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Do you have any pets? Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. Where are you from and where do you live now? What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? Current automobiles- What motivates you to detail? Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? What is your favourite part about detailing? If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? What is your favourite car to detail and why? Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) What are your current favourite brands and why? What do you do when you’re not detailing? A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? • Wax or Sealant? • Rotary or Orbital Polisher • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food • Coffee or Cola Other Things That’s my story, what’s yours?
I'll start this thread off with mine (its about eight years old now, first posted on Autopia) I; TOGWT An interview with TOGWT (aka Jon Miller) How did you wind up on this forum? Reviewing info on MBWorld and the name kept coming up as the place to find in-depth detailing information What do you like most about detailing? I’m a perfectionist and find detailing therapeutic (someone said once, “It’s my golf”, fits me exactly) What are your favourite products/processes and why? Menzerna polishes, Zanio polymers, Zymol Carnauba Estate waxes and Glazes- Ease of use, durability and end result. 303 Aerospace Protectant - amongst the best UVR protection out there and their Cleaner & Spot Remover (a cleaning solution on steroids) What’s your dream car and why? Mercedes Benz SL500, for its looks and performance Jaguar XK8, sensual looks and performance (Original) Austin Mini Copper S, my all time favourite fun car to drive What’s your favourite previously owned automobile(s)? Jaguar E Type, Mini Cooper S, Triumph TR3A, Jaguar XK 150 DHC Tell me about your first detail? I detailed my first car when I was fourteen (a mere five and a half decades ago) it was a 1929 Bentley (cost today £2M) that belonged to my Fathers friend Brigadier John Dix of Kensington, London. If, as they say, "God is in the details," then a 1929 Bentley is truly a religious experience. I knew then that detailing would become a passion and my metier What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Identify the material and match a cleaner to it with regard to its pH value and the chemicals it contains. APC I liken to ‘one-size-fits-all’ always a compromise. What has also been reinforced here is Process over Product; “It’s the surface preparation that makes the difference, not the product”. Something I read on a detailing forum once has stuck with me ever since, ‘Each one teach one, then the student becomes a teacher” What are some of your other hobbies and interests? I love to share the knowledge I have gained from almost five decades of detailing experience, the insights gained from my profession as a Chemical Engineer, and the research carried out in order to compile a detailing reference book. But I would strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you. I have always tried to find out not just “How it works, but also “Why” it works. With that in mind I probably respond with more detail than some think is necessary. But try to write in a way that helps the reader to understand not only "How" to do something, but "Why" they are doing it. Listening to music (mostly smooth jazz and classical music) I love to cook (back in my young days I graduated from a French (La Cuisenaire Gordon Bleu Academy, Paris) the combination of tasting as I cook, eating and enjoying wines plus being asked to cook for friends ‘events’ has made for a battle of the waistline. I try to counteract it with fitness training (another partnership business I have an active interest in, no pun intended) flying my 152 Cessna single-engine aeroplane and martial arts training that include Kendo, Karate and Tai Chi. Travel has always been something I love to do (hitch-hiked and worked on luxury liners to see the world, just after college and before joining the RAF) favourite designation besides home, is Europe; particularly Paris, France. Do you have any pets? I keep and breed Koi fish (as you can’t take them for a walk I’m forced to find alternative exercise) Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. The type of paint (manufacturer, single or two-stage paint and colour will all make a difference in product / detailing method selection.) Where are you from and where do you live now? I was born and brought up in London (Hampstead) England. I now spend half of my time in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? My first car was a 1956 Triumph TR3. My Father has a collection of Jaguar’s and used to enter them in concourse events, which got me interested in detailing My first detailed car was a 1929 Bentley that belong to my Fathers friend Brigadier John Dix of Kensington, London. If, as they say, "God is in the details," then a 1929 Bentley is truly a religious experience. It has always been a relaxing past time for me and while at college I had a part-time business detailing classic vintage cars. I have tried virtually every top product on the market ever since using Chelsea™ leather cleaners as well as the arm-breaking Simoniz ® polish /wax. Current automobile (s)- 2006 Jaguar XK8 Convertible BRG (surprise) and a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL (Champagne), Mercedes- Benz SL500 Dark Blue ‘07 What motivates you to detail? I find it very relaxing, fun and like to have a detailed (exterior, interior, engine bay and trunk) car to drive. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? As I get older its something I think about but I’m not so sure I could sit back and let someone else do it. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? I began detailing Mercedes-Benz / BMW at my Father’s dealership as well as his Jag collection back in the 50's, he enters them into Concourse d’ Elegance events and as such I’m used to a large number of high-end new and used cars, so I’m not alone in my addiction. What is your favourite part about detailing? I'd have to say the interior as that’s were most people spend most of their time when driving. But I really like the total effect of a detailed vehicle (especially when it gets a place in competition.) If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? I admire the full-time pro detailer, there is a lot of hard work involved, I couldn’t do it full-time day after day (even when I was younger) but it got me through college so I know how hard it can be. Besides I’ve been a Chemical Engineer for 35+ years now and I’m beginning to like it Other Things Avatar: The Starkicker When the Old Grey Whistle Test went on air (BBC Television, England) in 1971 it was unique. The Star kicker was its adopted avatar. In a world accustomed to Top of the Pops, here was a show on which the bands performed album tracks and were interviewed after they had played. This was before the days of miming, the music was live and, since the idea was to air new sounds, many of the bands were making their first television appearance. Presenter Bob (whispering Bob) Harris recalls how the show's name was inspired by the doormen (in grey suits) who worked at the music publishing houses in London's Denmark Street, "It was a 'tin pan alley' phrase from years ago. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys. The ones they could remember and could whistle having heard it just once or twice had passed the old grey whistle test" My adaptation: The old grey whistle test (TOGWT) infers that the blokes with a little grey in their hair have tested these products or tools in real world situations, on many different car marques and various automotive paint systems; they are recommended as they have been found to do what they were designed to do, usually more than adequately. That’s my story, what’s yours?
An interview with agpatel (Ankeet Patel) How did you wind up on this forum? Searching the web for another detailing forum and happen to come across this last summer after that all is history and I love it here. What do you like most about detailing? Applying the LSP after all the polishing and work putting the icing on the cake is the best part. What are your favorite products/processes and why? Have many favs but some that I cant go without would be: 1. uber sponge: best car wash sponge I have used, soft and forms to panels really well, also holds up pretty well 2. 1z Glass Polish: Works wonders on road film on the glass and cuts right through it and is easy enough to use by hand, by DA it is even better 3. RBOE: Great wax that rivals some of the best out on the market and for the price, IMO, one of the best. Great durability, depth, wetness and looks. 4. Scholl SW20: Best QD I have used, great to use after washing the car really adds some depth and wetness to the paint and is easy to work with, also great spray head on the bottle! What’s your dream car and why? Ferrari F430: Always loved Ferrari's from when I was little and have fallen in love with the F430 and most all modern Ferrari's What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? Only had one car that I would call mine which is a 2006 VW GTI MkV Tell me about your first detail? First real detail was after I got my GTI and got my first PC. Used Menzerna SIP/106FA and created a pretty good shine but did not know how to use the PC to the best ability so the correction was not the best or would I could do not with a PC and now the new rotary I got. Took me a long time to figure out when to stop polishing and when polish was fully broken down. What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Sometimes going slower will help speed things up as you will get better results most of the time. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Cars and anything detailing with cars and computers. Do you have any pets? No Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. 1. On VAG cars the felt like liner they use in the rear wheel wells, use a short bristle hard brush, like you would use on tires, to get rid of most of the crap that get stuck in the felt, then spray some APC on it and use the brush in one direction and rinse, APC it up again and go at a 90* angle to the first pass this should help get rid of most of the stuff that get stuck in the felt. 2. Soak MFs in Dawn if they do not soak up water anymore 3. When buffing off wax, use slow hand movement in back and forth motion with light pressure. Heavy pressure or moving hand too fast can actually remove wax film build. Where are you from and where do you live now? Raised for most of my life in Charlotte, NC and now live in Raleigh, NC where I am going to college at NC State. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? First car I got my first new car, the GTI. Current automobile(s) 2006 VW GTI MkV (Tornado Red) What motivates you to detail? Want to have the best looking car in the parking lot, haha, also helps destress and gives a nice break from a hectic college life. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? If I trusted them and I knew they would doing it the proper way and I had no time to detail my own car then maybe. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? Does not run in the family. What is your favorite part about detailing? After everything is said and done and the wax has been buffed off stepping back and looking at the finished product. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? As much as I love detailing it is really just a hobby, I like Engineering and would rather do that full time. Other Things Avatar: what does it mean? Picture of my car during a foam bath :applause2:
An interview with Dave How did you wind up on this forum? Stumbled What do you like most about detailing? Making ugly things pretty again, the satisfaction of a finished product, it being a unique job of sorts What are your favourite products/processes and why? Menzerna 85rd because when it works perfectly on paint its great and the Makita 9227, overall the best rotary to use, super fluid, quiet and solid weight. ONR for the obvious, it just works as you want it to and for when you need it most. What’s your dream car and why? Porsche Turbo (993,996,997) perfect sports car, AWD, not overly flashy What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? Havent owned multiple cars so thats a bias question Tell me about your first detail? BMW Z3, mobile detail, almost no lighting in owners garage, I was a new to driving stick.... lots of sweat and frustration What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Dont listen to other people, do what works for you and skip the BS... if a car doesnt need to be foamed, dont foam it just to make your writeup look more impressive. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Cars, resistance training, running Do you have any pets? 1 dog, cody, 14 years in doggy, tough little bastard Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. Jeweling, proper rotary technique and how to use an LED light most effectively to view paint... that is hold it high up or very far away to see defects on a wide scale, the closer you hold the light the less defects you see! Where are you from and where do you live now? NJ, NJ What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? A5. One of my best customers now told me a few years ago I would make a good detailer while over my house for a BBQ, so I took up the hobby. I originally said I would not polish cars at all, just do a very good wash, clay, wax and that didnt work out at all no I do mostly paint correction details. What started as friendly talk between neighbors became something I take very seriously. Current automobile(s) see above What motivates you to detail? Other than it being what people pay me for, sometimes those who dislike me motivate me to put out the best work I can. Always working for a better finish, a more perfect job everytime. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? Nope, I figured I would have too many rules for them to follow so I should always do it myself. If I am ever wealthy enough to own multiple cars, I figure than I should be able to take some free time to take care of them properly. Its my obligation to take care of whatever car I own regardless of social status even if one if able to pay others to do it. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? Nope, just me. What is your favourite part about detailing? Finishing polishing (on medium or hard clears, lol) and peeling tape off after all the polishing is done, cuz once thats over its smooth sailing for the most part. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? Part time job, do not want to make it my lifelong job but will always do it in some regard. Avatar: what does it mean? self explanatory That’s my story, what’s yours?
An interview with Ev How did you wind up on this forum? Used to frequent a Lancer Evolution forum saw Phils work and FMINUS and after searching for more found this lovely place What do you like most about detailing? Love cars as it is and I enjoy making them look their best. Firm believer of the idea that your car reflects your personality. Also like how detailing for me is a form of relaxation. What are your favourite products/processes and why? Favorite product.....tough question but right now id say Menz SIP, need to use something to finish off but it gives a damn good amount of correction when used right. What’s your dream car and why? probably 1967 Mustang GT500 (a.k.a. Eleanor) even though i have many others, why? its so damn sexy What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? my car now 2008 Lancer Tell me about your first detail? Always did hand wash and wax my car, first detail involving correction was a part on my car. I was simply amazed at the defects that could be removed. What’s the best thing you’ve learned? overall the techniques and tricks that separate me from the hacks, and show the customer my knowledge base. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? soccer, tastefully modding cars, riding my motorcycles Do you have any pets? out of the country yes, i currently have a dalmatian, and a german shepard Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. well not much that many here dont know, but i do think its important for even basic car enthusiasts to understand proper wash techniques Where are you from and where do you live now? NJ and NJ What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? First car was a 1973 Toyota Lancruiser, but it was my 08 lancer that got me into detailing Current automobile(s) Both mention above What motivates you to detail? The extra income as well as the satisfaction of a properly detailed car. Knowing that my hard work, experience and techniques produced something that surprises some people. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? haha no, as Dave said before even if I become wealthy and have exotics, i would spend time caring for them and detailing. I was raised to care for my vehicles Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? not detailing exactly but hand washing and caring for the car What is your favourite part about detailing? Buffing off the LSP and adding the finishing touches, then standing back and enjoying the job If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? Part time only Avatar: what does it mean? My car
An interview with Dave How did you wind up on this forum? Searching Google for detailing forums. Having spent some time lurking on various ones I felt most comfortable, or rather at home on this one! What do you like most about detailing? Time spent alone with my thoughts. Incidently this also happens to sometimes be one of the things I hate most since my partner passed away. What are your favourite products/processes and why? Werkstat Acrylic kit...Nothing better IMO for the colours I like most (white & silver). Menzerna polishes. A godsend to almost every detailer around, don't know where I would be had it not been for them. The final jeweling and polishing when the paint starts to come alive! What’s your dream car and why? I've always been a Porchephile and love the n/a racers. Would have to be a 997 gt3 RS or GT3 RSR for the track! What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? Mk V GTI. I loved every minute spent behind the wheel. Tell me about your first detail? This was on the very 1st car I bought for myself with my own money. It was a 1995 VW Mk I CTI (decendant of the original GTI). She was fire engine red with alot of money spent on tarting it up to look good. The process was fairly basic by modern standards but involved many hours polishing with cotton towels and generic off the shelf polishes! What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Mastering the rotary. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? All things computer related, I collect die cast cars and anything else that involves 4 wheels and tar! Do you have any pets? I have 2 pugs, Quasimodo a fawn male and Marmite a black female. I love them to bits. Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. Clay in straight lines and not circles. Work polishes properly. Always tape things up! Where are you from and where do you live now? I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and still live here. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? My 1st car was a 1988 Opel Monza that I got from my Grandfather. It was only when I spent my own money buying a car I wanted that I became interested in making it perfect. I think in general my OCD nature is what led me down this path. Current automobile(s) The wifes 2004 VW Mk I What motivates you to detail? The desire to prove myself again and again and my passion for cars. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? Not while I am fit and able. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? I'm the odd one out. What is your favourite part about detailing? Taking photo's afterwards...Getting to see the end results of all the hard work! If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? Given the opportunity I would like to give it a try full time. I am not sure at this point however if that would ruin the experience for me. Other Things Avatar: what does it mean? The legendary Nordscheiffe....Nuff said :headbang:
An interview with Roger Perry How did you wind up on this forum? I belong to (and moderate) a wash and wax section on another forum. Someone had mentioned it once, or it was in there signature. The rest is history. (along with a lot of money) What do you like most about detailing? It's my zen. period. What are your favourite products/processes and why? Meg's WB, AJT, M105 and Menzerna polishes. What’s your dream car and why? Not really sure. There's a lot I like, but if it came down to brass tacks, the Mustangs from the 60's. Would love to customize one so bad. What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? 2002 Honda S2000 Tell me about your first detail? Not sure when it was, maybe around 1998. Bought my first vehicle on my own, a Ford Ranger. The rest is history (again) What’s the best thing you’ve learned? How to compound/polish out a car, and the fact the prep work is what produces the great look, not the wax. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? I love music. A lot. I have spent some nice coin on cd's before, Like the last special one I bought, cost me $50. It was a japanese import, via Australia. Do you have any pets? nope. Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. i'll have to get back to this one. Where are you from and where do you live now? Malone, NY and now live in Philthadelphia/Killadelphia (Philadelphia) What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? 1st car was an 86 Nissan Sentra 4 dr. My little red wagon. Interested in keeping cars perfect started with my truck (see above somewhere) Then I really got more into it when I got the S200. Then it just ballooned from there. Current automobile(s) 2005 Hynduai Tucson GLS 4WD 2004 Nissan Quest SE What motivates you to detail? I love the look of a clean car, and the satisfaction of seeing the results. It's also one of few jobs where you can see your results almost immediately. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? nope. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? nope. What is your favourite part about detailing? eases my mind, and keeps me focused. and I like doing it. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? Full time baby!! Other Things Avatar: what does it mean? Im not a Conan O'Brien fan, but with NBC trying to shuffle around time slots and shows, he said he wanted no part of it. He wanted to stay true to the show, just like Johnny Carson, and said even he would be upset about it. The tonight show has always been in that time slot, and it should not be changed. I respect him for that! That’s my story, what’s yours?
An interview with Gianni (GDAL) Avatar: What does it mean? It's a picture of me and my 2 year-old daughter Lilianna before a Phillies game. What do you like most about detailing? It's my therapy What are your favourite products/processes and why? 845- Easy to apply and remove. Makes metallics pop and it lasts forever!! ONR- Makes washing any car so much easier. Folex & LGM- Great combo for the weekend detailer. What’s your dream car(s) and why? I have too many ... but I love "sleeper" cars. I've always been a fan of the Buick GN's every since my grandpa's neighbor bought a new one in 1987. What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? 2004 Pontiac GTO and my 4 1990-1991 Honda Accords. Tell me about your first detail? I was "forced" to wash my mom's 1984 Chevy Celebrity Station wagon when I was 7 years old ... the rest is history. What’s the best thing you’ve learned? That detailing is not rocket science ... but it's so easy to screw something up. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? 1. Avid old-school sneaker collector 2. Large collection of War videos 3. BBQ'ing for the family 4. Working on vehicles Do you have any pets? Yes, a Sheltie named "Chico". The most retarded dog known to man, but it's my daughter's best friend. I hope this is not a sign of the guys she will date when she grows older ... lol Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. Still too new at this ... learning something new from the crew here. Where are you from and where do you live now? Where am I from ... long story, but I'll keep it short. I was born in Dominican Republic, but I spent half of my childhood in Puerto Rico and NYC. I have lived in 8 different cities. I currently reside in Quakertown, PA ... for now. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? 1991 Honda Accord Coupe with 252,000 ... a beater, but it was an "exotic" for me. Current automobiles- 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora 2006 Toyota Highlander What motivates you to detail? It's the closest thing to the peacefulness feeling I used to experience when riding my motorcycles. It's just me and the car ... Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? I have paid in the past, but I'm trying to learn this the proper way so I don't have to. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? I got it from my dad. What is your favourite part about detailing? The feeling that you has transformed some dirty into a work of art. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? It's a hobby for me, but I wouldn't mind doing it full time. I don't know if a full time gig would change my feelings about detailing though.
An interview with Misha Avatar: What does it mean- right now its pic of my zymol Royale glaze What do you like most about detailing? it takes long time and i love attention to detail and bringing car to its best(notice that not original shine but best shine) What are your favourite products/processes and why? love menzerna products great results, love it couse it works great What’s your dream car(s) and why? Nissan GT-R or R34. just couse how much technology went in to making that car and legends behind it What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? i had 95, 02 and now 04 honda accord Tell me about your first detail? first detail was my 04 accord. spend about a week working on it after work when parents were away on vacation. it turned out great. first detail for customer was MB S600. turned out great as well What’s the best thing you’ve learned? take my time and not to use too much polish What are some of your other hobbies and interests? used to be computer. now computer drafting with autocad Do you have any pets? 2 cats Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. cant realy think of any special once Where are you from and where do you live now? i was born in Ukraine and lived there first 14 years, now live near philly, dont regret moving here, not one bit What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? first car was honda accord but havent learned about detailing till my new car, want to make my car look as perfect and clean as possible Current automobiles- 2004 Honda Accord V6 6speed with some mods What motivates you to detail? takes my mind off my problems and other work and im in piecefull world that i can spend hours in Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? no becouse i think i will still find imperfections and be pissed about it Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? im only normal one What is your favourite part about detailing? it takes HOURS If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? its a hobby that i get paid for. i have feeling it would take fun out of it if i do it full time but i would like to do it full time if i could What is your favorite car to detail and why? probably my car couse i can see results of it everyday Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? id prefer to detail super car couse owner actually knows value of it compared to everyday where it will be messed up after first was by owner What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) DA buffer. couse you cant correct some paints with rotary but you can do almost all cars with DA What are your current favorite brands and why? Menzerna, first pro brand i tried and it works wonders, i stick to whatever works best What do you do when you’re not detailing? working, school and GF A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? Ferrari • Wax or Sealant? sealant • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food both • Coffee or Cola cola Other Things That’s my story, what’s yours? started detaililng after Scott from Deep Gloss turned me onto it and seeing his work, got supplies and started to practice on my car, messed it up first couse used powergloss and left it at that, after i fixed it, it was a whole lot better, then met one of my friends friend who does detailing and he asked me to help him with S600, liked my work and been helping him since
An interview with Karl (krshultz) Avatar: What does it mean- It's a picture of me driving my car at the 2008 SCCA ProSolo in Toledo, OH. What do you like most about detailing? It's peaceful. I also feel like I'm "giving something back" to my cars. I derive a lot of pleasure from my cars, and it just feels "right" to treat them well. What are your favourite products/processes and why? Rubbish Boy's Original Edtion, because it looks amazing, and it's made by a guy who loves detailing What’s your dream car(s) and why? A Porsche 993 C2S. Last of the air cooled 911s. Widebody, 2WD, non-turbo. As it's supposed to be. What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? That's tough, because I've owned 14 different ones. Probably the 1988 CRX Si I had in college. It was the first car I ever truly loved. Tell me about your first detail? In my parent's driveway, at the age of 16, using Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner, by hand, on my white 1985 Honda Accord. What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Keep trying. If one approach doesn't work, try something else. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Motorsports. I autocross a lot, and have road raced quite a lot as well. I also teach performance driving at track events. Do you have any pets? I have one cat who came to me as a stray. Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. - One favorite of mine is to apply Trim Shine (or whatever) aerosol trim dressing to a car first thing, before even washing. Gives it time to soak in, and, the various wash steps afterward take care of any overspray. Try it sometime. Where are you from and where do you live now? I was born in North Dakota, but have spent my entire life in North Carolina. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? A 1981 Datsun 310 GX. I think it was being proud to own my own car - I wanted it to look nice. Current automobiles- - 2004 Honda S2000, my favorite car that I've ever owned - 1999 Ford F250 diesel, my mobile detailing and towing rig - 1989 Honda CRX Si that I bought with no real plan for. It's a rust free, original example, and those are getting hard to find. I could sell it next week and double my money. What motivates you to detail? I've already described that somewhat. Here's a story though. Last year, at the SCCA ProSolo in DC, I brought the S2000 to get it tech inspected. The inspector was flabbergasted that it was a five year old car. He told me he fully expected to see 30-day tags on it. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? It's a short list of people, but yeah, I would, so long as I could watch and learn. I'd pay JL. I'd pay Ken. There are a handful of others here on DB who I'd pay to detail a car, but I won't name any more names. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? No family history. What is your favourite part about detailing? Fixing something that's wrong with a vehicle. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? I'm trying that right now. It doesn't take the fun out of it, but it is certainly brutal on my bad back. What is your favourite car to detail and why? My S2000, because it's mine, and I love it. Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? Two different things. Exotics are wonderful. In my opinion, though, a 4 year old minivan is more of a challenge. There are more wrongs to be righted. What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) A Griot's Ultimate Wash Bucket. That thing rocks. What are your current favourite brands and why? Majestic Solutions and Duragloss both speak to me because they're excellent lines independent of price. That they're very inexpensive is a nice bonus. What do you do when you’re not detailing? I'm a computer geek, and still play around with code some. I play the guitar. I cook. And the racing and autocross stuff. A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? Lamborghini • Wax or Sealant? Wax • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food Burger and fries for me. But a good one. Not from McDonalds. • Coffee or Cola Coffee Other Things I'm a classically trained pianist That’s my story, what’s yours?
An interview with Ken Wilson ( 911 fanatic ) Avatar: What does it mean- Company logo What do you like most about detailing? When a client looks at their when I'm done and says "HOLY S**T!" What are your favourite products/processes and why? Jewelling with Scholl S30/40 because the finish is soooo wet looking and deep. What’s your dream car(s) and why? 89 930T, 94-96 993T, 997 AWD Turbo Cab, 09 GT3-RS. Do I really need to explain? What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? My W8 4Motion Passat is my fav car ever but before that my fav car was my 88 CRX Si that I bought brand new. Tell me about your first detail? As a pro it was a red 93 Mustang Cobra convertible. I've always kept my cars mint. Even my first car - a green Pinto stationwagon! Hey, its how I roll! LOL What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Jewelling. Learning to jewel the paint takes your work to a whole new level. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? I have two businesses that eat up 100 hours a week, a wife and two kids who want their daddy all the time. I have neither the time nor money for hobbies. LOL To relax, I read when I can and I have really began to love photography. Do you have any pets? My wife has a cat named Cocoa. I have a cat allergy. Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. 1.Clean all jambs and engine before washing the car. That way all dirt and grime that get on the paint will be washed away when you pre-rinse the car. 2.When polishing, learn to use less polish. It'll break down faster and reduce the chance of hologramming. 3.Get proficient with your PC. You won't always be able to use your rotary. Where are you from and where do you live now? Born in Vancouver BC and have settled in Maple Ridge, about 45 minutes away. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? Green Pinto wagon. The only thing worse than driving a Pinto wagon was driving a dirty one! Current automobiles- 03 VW W8 4Motion Passat Wagen What motivates you to detail? Feeding my kids. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? Yes. Clark from Polished Bliss, David Saunders and Bob Wiliis. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? Yes. Dad always kept his cars clean. My brothers Gti was 9 years old. Was daily driven and autocrossed. Looked like it never left the showroom. Had me spend 7 hours polishing out scratches you couldn't see. Dude waxes his BBQ after every use. No shit. Kinda like a birth defect I think. What is your favourite part about detailing? Getting paid to do something I love to do. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? Been doing it full time for 18 years. It never gets old. What is your favourite car to detail and why? Don't really have a favorite car. My favorite details are when clients allow me to do what I need to do to make their car perfect. Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? Being that I do everyday cars most of the time, getting to do a higher end car is a nice change. What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) AG High Tech Cleaning Pad What are your current favourite brands and why? I don't have any favorites. I'm fortunate to be able to use a multitude of very good products on a daily basis. What do you do when you’re not detailing? ZZZZZZZZZZZ A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? Porsche. • Wax or Sealant? Yes • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food They're not? • Coffee or Cola Latte. Good god man, we're not savages! Other Things That’s my story, what’s yours? Vendors Questions (In addition to the above) What are your current favourite brands and why? See above. Where are you based? BC, Canada What’s your favourite product ? You want me to pick one? Madness!! I'd have to say, Scholl S30/40, DG Aquawax, Colli 845, Victoria Wax Mayhem and Swisswax Pneu Why? Scholl for the way it looks, Aquawax for the way it makes flake pop, Colli 845 because it looks good on everything, has good durability and is so easy to use, Mayhem because nothing makes black look, well, blacker and Pneu because it leaves the perfect finish on tires. How much testing goes into making a product or choosing one to sell? Regardless of the product, I go through an entire bottle before it goes up for sale in my store. Can we expect anything new from your company in the near future?[/QUOTE] A few changes to the website and hopefully a few new product lines.
An interview with Avatar: What does it mean- it’s a new Chevy Camaro because I used to work where they assemble it. What do you like most about detailing? Making dull things shiny, dirty things clean, unhappy people happy What are your favourite products/processes and why? AG Custom Wheel Cleaner, because it is gentle yet effective What’s your dream car(s) and why? Lamborghini Reventon, because there was only 20 made and it would likely be a dream to see one What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? Olds alero, it was my first car I ever bought Tell me about your first detail? 1998 Jaguar, brand new What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Create a system and stick to it, you make less errors that way What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Golf (use to teach it) cycling, and photoraphy Do you have any pets? 2 Chihuahuas, Chico and Pedro Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. Wash from top of the car to the bottom, always use two buckets and wrap the starter and alternator I tinfoil to avoid and issues. Where are you from and where do you live now? Niagara Falls, now I live in Hampton What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? My Alero, do to a hit and run I had a big scuff on the side I needed to get rid off and then the rest just came. Current automobiles- 07 Chevy Avalanche What motivates you to detail? The appreciation I receive from car buffs Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? NO Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? I am the only normal one, my son is following in my footsteps What is your favourite part about detailing? everything If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? I did it as a hobby now its full time What is your favourite car to detail and why? Audi’s they just look so sharp when they are clean Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? Supercar, the lines are always great What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) a good vacuum, crappy ones do crappy jobs What are your current favourite brands and why? Collective Soul, I grew up listening to everything from them What do you do when you’re not detailing? reading, trying to finish my MBA A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? Lambo hands down • Wax or Sealant? Both, sealant then a wax • Rotary or Orbital Polisher What’s an orbital • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food I like food with flavour, if it’s healthy than all the better • Coffee or Cola Coffee Other Things
Yes - I like to keep you guessing There is also one calle "The man behind the brand" for vendors (no takers yet
An interview with Ralph Nickolas (BlackMachDown) How did you wind up on this forum?: doing research on higher end waxes, seems like you guys had the highest percentage of users with experience Avatar: What does it mean- It's a picture of my favorite wax What do you like most about detailing? Stepping back after all the hard work you've done and the vehicle just glistens and it seems like it runs just a little bit better (could be me though) What are your favourite products/processes and why? ONR- its a god send for me in colorado I can keep my cars always looking great! What’s your dream car(s) and why? koeniggsegg ccx, ever since the topgear did a test with it i knew i had to have one What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? 1995 ford mustang GT in vibrant red Tell me about your first detail? well.. after i wrecked my first car, my parents lent me a work truck (black) to drive around while the insurance co decided if they were going to total the car or repair it. they totalled it so i was given about 2k cash to go buy a new car. Meanwhile i drove the truck around and never washed it since it was a company truck and i didnt think i would keep it. I couldnt find another car so i made a deal with my parents to buy the truck from them (sweet deal in my favor) so it had all these water spots and just really dirty. went to pepboys and bought megs gold class shampoo, and some turtle wax black car wax, and a can of tire shine, the transformation of that truck was huge and my parents wanted to renig on the deal and have me pay more lol What’s the best thing you’ve learned? take your time, a detail is just that paying attention, if you have the car looking awesome but don't wipe down the door jambs it just makes the car look like crap What are some of your other hobbies and interests? cars, computers, videogames, photography Do you have any pets? 2 black lab/border collie mixes Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. i have none to share im still learning! Where are you from and where do you live now? Texas, Colorado What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? 2000 mitsubishi eclipse, and a 2001 ford f250 Current automobiles- 2008 acura mdx, 2007 ford f150, 2001 chevy corvette z06 What motivates you to detail? bringing new life to tired cars Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? yes, a couple of pros here and on other forums Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? attention to detail runs in the family, however detailing cars does not What is your favourite part about detailing? i put on my headphones and goto work and the stress melts away If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? I'd like to make it a part of my future network of businesses however at the level i'm thinking it won't be feasible What is your favourite car to detail and why? my corvette, it hardly has swirls since i dont daily drive it Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? haven't detailed a supercar yet What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) PC7424/xp, its more than just a paint correction tool, you can use it to scrub carpets, and to sand , and even as a weight to keep your microfibers from blowing away. And on stubborn "sticky" paints it works wonders What are your current favourite brands and why? blackfire- their wet diamond is a great sealant that truly does mimic a wax. menzerna- their polishes work great for me (no humidity where i live) What do you do when you’re not detailing? working, hanging out with the wife and dogs, hanging with friends, riding around in the vette A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini?-Lambo • Wax or Sealant?-wax, rboe to be exact • Rotary or Orbital Polisher-i like the rotary better • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food-burger fries and a shake ftw • Coffee or Cola-I'm from TX there is no other choice but Dr. Pepper Other Things
An interview with Andrew What do you like most about detailing? It is calming to me, and the is always pleasing! What are your favourite products/processes and why? Don't have much experience, but I love to do paint correction and would love to practice more. What’s your dream car(s) and why? BMW E39 M5. Something about it that just appeals to me. It isn't a classic, and it isn't that modern. Just seems to have everything I need in a car, speed, luxury, performance. What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? Not applicable. I'm only in high school without a learner's permit. Tell me about your first detail? Probably 3 summers ago cleaning out our neglected BMW's. Spent a good hour getting stains out of our BMW X5's carpet. What’s the best thing you’ve learned? The 2 bucket method and proper orbital polisher use. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Not sure where I'm at. I love detailing, cars in general, computers, R/C cars but would also like to get more serious at photography and track, sprinting in particular. Do you have any pets? My parents have some goldfish. :shrug: Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. I'm still learning all the techniques on here! Where are you from and where do you live now? Born in Queens, NY but am now in northern NJ. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? Not applicable, but I do like to sit in a clean and well kept car. I don't want to be seen in some trashy car. Current automobiles- Not applicable. What motivates you to detail? I like to keep the cars I ride in clean and presentable. It is also relaxing and a good way to spend my free time. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? I would pay they professionals on here. Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? I'm the only one. What is your favourite part about detailing? I like polishing and applying wax. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? I wouldn't do it full time. I'd like to try this as a summer job, though. What is your favourite car to detail and why? I love detailing my dad's BMW 325xi. It isn't washed that often, so the outcome of a good detail is spectacular. My mom's BMW X5 is the same, but is silver so the outcome is less spectacular. Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? Everyday car as the start and finish is more drastic. What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) Still learning from you guys. What are your current favourite brands and why? Armor All...just kidding. Still trying to figure this out. What do you do when you’re not detailing? Videos games, sports, out with friends. Typical high schooler stuff. A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? Ferrari. • Wax or Sealant? Sealant. Lasts longer so I have protection until my schedule frees up for another detail. • Rotary or Orbital Polisher I'll stick with my orbital polisher I already have. • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food Both. • Coffee or Cola Water. That’s my story, what’s yours?
An interview with: Sean Avatar: What does it mean- It's Airwolf, one of my favorite tv shows of all time and always takes me back to being a kid What do you like most about detailing? It calms me down and the best part about it is nobody bugs you when you are detailing a car, nobody comes out and offers to help, they just let you do your thing. What are your favourite products/processes and why? I enjoy applying and removing the LSP. What’s your dream car(s) and why? I have a lot i'm a car guy, Lamborghini Murcielago, Mclaren F1, Porsche Carrera GT, Aston Martin DB9 to name just a few What’s your favourite previously owned automobile? I had a 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse that I absolutely loved, tons of aftermarket mods and it was just a sexy lookin car. I have to confess I still look for it sometimes on autotrader and craigslist. Tell me about your first detail? My friend and I decided to respray the hood on my dad's 861/2 nissan hardbody truck. Once that was done we wetsanded and buffed the entire truck. Keep in mind we had no idea really what we were doing for example we used a makita grinder that only had one speed 5500RPM! We just feathered the trigger the whole time. I must admit though to the untrained eye of a 15 year old it looked perfect. What’s the best thing you’ve learned? Take your time with each step that you perform, the more thorough you do each step the easier the next step will go. What are some of your other hobbies and interests? I enjoy hanging out with my wife and our son. I also enjoy a good movie and of course anything that has to do with cars. Do you have any pets? I have 3 cats, and a dog Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers. Allow products to dwell as they are supposed to then do your thing, if they don't have time to work then they don't. Always use fresh towels there is nothing more frustrating than having to do the inside of a windshield on a vette twice cause your towel was to dirty. When removing your LSP step back away from the car about 20 feet and look at all angles to make sure you didn't miss any (especially on light colored cars) Where are you from and where do you live now? I was born and raised in Escondido, CA. I still live here. What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect? My Dad's old work truck 86 1/2 nissan hardbody pickup. I started with the 10 year old products in my parents garage and when those didn't get the job done i bought the next step up at Pep boys. And have been stepping things up ever since. Current automobiles- 08 Nissan Titan SE 04 Nissan Maxima SL 03 Nissan 350Z What motivates you to detail? Supporting my wife and son. Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car? Yes some of the detailers on this forum Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one? I'm the only normal one. My older brother washes his cars but doesn't trully detail them. What is your favourite part about detailing? When you are all finished and you can step back and admire your hard work. If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it? I have been detailing full time now for about 3 1/2 years. I still find it a lot of fun, however I do get really busy and have difficulty finding time to spend time on my own vehicles. What is your favourite car to detail and why? I like to detail my 350Z cause it looks so good when it's finished. It's a rare color "Brickyard" which has awesome metallic in it when its in the sun. Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car? That's a tough one, I enjoy doing everyday cars when they aren't beyond the point of no return. They have such a drastic difference. Most of the supercars I do are already in great shape so not as dramatic of a turnaround but at the same time supercars just look so damn good. What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.) A good variety of brushes, they can make an extremely difficult job much easier. What are your current favourite brands and why? P21S Wheel Gel cause it works on everything and saves me time and headaches. DODO Juice Purple Haze soft wax it makes the metallic pop big time. What do you do when you’re not detailing? I spend a lot of time with my family. My wife and I have quite a few tv shows we are addicted to in the evening time. I also tend to spend a lot of time on this forum. A few quick fire questions: • Ferrari or Lamborghini? Lambo • Wax or Sealant? Sealant then Wax • Rotary or Orbital Polisher Rotary • Hamburger / French fries or Healthy food Cheeseburger and fries... meat group, bread group, milk group, and vegetable group... sounds balanced to me. • Coffee or Cola Dr. Pepper and No Fear Energy Drinks. Other Things That’s my story, what’s yours?
