Ask a Detailer

Hey guys, I've been a member of this forum since last summer when I got my new Taco but haven't posted much.

Anyway, detailing has been a hobby of mine since I was in high school. A few years ago, I got back into it pretty heavily. So heavily, I decided to start my own mobile auto detailing business. Fortunately, last fall I was able to quit my IT job that I had held for over 8 years and start my business full time.

I've spent more hours than I want to admit frequenting the most popular detailing boards as well as serving as the "resident detailer" for a Mazda3 forum. On that forum in particular, there is an "Ask a Detailer" thread dedicated to, what else, detailing questions. I think it's over 90 pages long today.

Since it was decided to have a "Detailing" sub-forum, it may be nice to have a similar thread here. I could start the thread with some basic info to help everyone get started. With spring/summer being my busy season, I can't spend as much time as I'd like on all my detailing boards, but I will try to help out whenever possible on here.

Anyway, just a thought. If not, I'll still try to help out here as much as I can.

 

sounds like a pretty good idea to me!!!

 

For me too... and your contribution will be very welcome by all of us here.....Thanks

 

I'll try to start working on some information to post on washing, claying, polishing, waxing, etc. Give me a few days. I'm going to be out of town this weekend.

 

sounds great

 

Very Cool! Thank you!

 

Thank you for your input. It will be appreciated!

 

That's a terrific idea.

mShu7, do you see any advice or previous posts in this topic of the forums that you wouldn't agree with?

I have been interesting in doing some detailing to my new 08 Prerunner and would like to know where a beginner like me, on sort of a budget, could start. Is there a "detailing kit" (one package or wax, shammys, towels, cleaner...) that I can get at Advanced, AutoZone, Wal-Mart, Target, etc?

Thanks in advance.

 

misfitiii - I've not really had a chance to look through the other threads b/c I've been pretty busy lately. When I start my thread though, I'll be sure to include over the counter product recommendations as well as boutique product recommendations.

 

Congrats on your new business! So when do I get my complimentary detailing done? Looking forward to hearing what you have to say about keeping my Taco looking great.

 

gdawg25 - Thanks! If you want to drive down here to Indiana, I'll help ya out .

 

Great idea, I know I could certainly use some info on the "how-to"s of detailing.

 

Good Idea Mike! !! That sure will give some professional class to this Forum Good luck with your new business! ! Hell if we can't afford gas for them they might as well look good all the time

 

Great Idea Mike! ! ! Good luck with your new business, you may just give some class to this Forum Hell if we can't afford gas for these things they might as well look good all the time! !!

 

I am having an issue with my truck. I Went off roading with some of the guys from TW over in Uwharrie. A couple days later, after washing all the mud off, I noticed that along with that nice speedway blue shine, I also have a bunch of smear marks exactly in the spots where the mud splats were. Doors, hood, roof etc.

Tacomaman06 informed me about that clay like mud and suggested I us some quick detail solution. I got ahold of some Maguires Quick Detailer, but no change. It worked good on some bird crap I found on the fender, but these marks wont go away.

I never heard of going through mud and mud tarnishing your paint where it lands.

What would you or anyone suggest???

And by the way, thanks Will, I gave it a shot, but now it's back to the drawing board on this one...

 

Get some automotive clay bar that you can get at any major autoparts store. Follow the directions on the box and it should take care of that stuff for you, good luck!

 

nothing left but to claybar now bro. i know that will do the trick. then you gotta polish and wax...in that order. it will take care of the problem you are having with the mud stains on the paint.

 

Hey there mshu7, What do you think about the Mr Clean no dry system? I have been using it but I still dry my Taco after... Would you reccomend that product to a fat & lazy Taco owner who would rather switch to lite beer than do sit-ups?

I lost 5lb's last week and the only thing I did diff was to wash and dry my truck myself (usually go to the carwash)!!!!!

 

Hey Chris, I used the Mr. Clean system when it first came out. I think I ended up throwing it in the trash after I ran out of soap.

If you want an easy car wash, check out Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR for short). You'll only need about 2 gallons of water to wash your truck. Because you don't have to get out the hose and be constantly rinsing, it saves a lot of time and water. Plus, it doesn't scratch the paint. Best of all, it leaves a small layer of polymer protection behind.

ONR: http://ecocarcare.net/no-rinse-wash-shine.php
My quick ONR demo video from a few months ago:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vR8z8boxPXw

Alright guys, I'm going to try and work on some "how to" stuff this weekend for this forum. Sorry it's taken me so long. Spring weather is keeping me busy!

 

Nice! what kind of towel or garment used for wash/dry?