No time to detail? - Page 2

Chris223 · 07-06-08, 05:43

Want to trade monday-friday schedules? I just had my hours at work cut from 39 to 14 in one week (I'm part time working the summer while home from school). I opened the other day, when the employees had our morning meeting they told us our sales were on pace to be better than last year, and I remarked "aahh, now I can see why my hours got cut". I'm getting furious. 15 hours a week, 3 5 hours shifts, car that gets 20 mpg and 40 miles rnd trip to work... 6 of my 15 hours go towards gas.

99blackSE · 07-06-08, 06:34

I know how ya feel, between jobs and trying to see friends and family, it's not easy. Honestly I think you just need a solid day off if it's attainable. Good luck man, don't burnout!

RDAVEX7 · 07-06-08, 07:07

I work alot as well, 8 to 5 (if im lucky) and I have to be on call during the week. Then there is the wekends where im working and on call at night. Not every weekend but a 2 week stint is not fun. I am married with 4 kids also, ages 8, 7, and two 5 year olds. Needless to say I have a busy life and my wife works at night starting around 7 pm usually and the night routine with the kids is almost a full time job with the morning routine too.

I usually wash and dry first thing when I come home and do polishing interior etc. on the weekends. I got my kids involved so washing has gotten faster and they enjoy it. Now they all want to use the rotary, and that aint happening! My son has taken to it the most (3 girls) and could probably do the washing and waxing himself if I let him. It doesnt always work out time wise so any one of the cars can go untouched for a few weeks but I always try to do alittle here and there.

Scottwax · 07-06-08, 08:18

No time to detail my own car either. The last time it was polished was in November (other than the hood back in March). Went more than two weeks without even washing it until I got to it on Friday of this past week.

Honestly though, that is one of the reasons I will never own a black car again. I am not willing to put the time into it to keep the paint at 95% corrected or better. After detailing other people's cars all day, I'd rather get in a 32-42 mile ride on my road bike than clean my car....or resize and host pictures and post more click & brags!

dazzerjp · 07-06-08, 08:54

do it on sunday.

like they said on top gear @Clean the car, clean the mind@

RDAVEX7 · 07-06-08, 10:51

I guess if I detailed cars all day I wouldnt want to do it at home either. For me its kinda relaxing in a way, I think alot when tinkering with the car by myself. I also have an e-commerce business that takes alot of time, night time is when I can really work on it, and not in it.

Tusin · 07-07-08, 11:08

Dude...tell me about it. I've been working on my "detail" since May.

Yesterday I really felt like I was making some serious progress. My technique is a lot better and I was getting through each panel in about 30-minutes or so per polish.

Unfortunately, 2 hours into it the skies opened up and gave me a torrental down-pour that never let up. Now my car is unprotected (no wax, sealant, nothing) and the work week has started again.

I hate not having a garage.

jswift2000 · 07-08-08, 05:57

I hear you - my work hours during the week are nuts (IT in a financial company) and the weekends are equally as busy with work and family.

However, I'm an early riser (even on the weekends) and I found that is a very good time to wash - no one else is up, its not too hot and the sun isnt out beating on the car. Give that a shot. If you have to throw on some protection, just wash it when you get home (have a beer or two, grab some chow and get to washing), throw on the LSP and then let it sit overnight and wipe it off 1st thing in the morning.

Most importantly you need to find time for yourself.

Lost Pup · 07-09-08, 03:56

Stay at Home Dad Here with 3 kids ages 6,8 and 10.

I detail one panel/section at a time on my Ford Supercrew when possible. It rare that I actually detail the entire truck completely. Carrying a small detail bag helps to kill time while waiting for the kids during pickups of their normal activities. My house or home is the last place I detail my truck.

My favorite location is a local playground parking lot, kids are in sight and I have some great shade.

I use an Inverter to power my buffer and/or PC where ever I happen to be.

AuAltima3.5 · 07-10-08, 10:29

I agree with splitting up. But I usually do interior, then exterior.

Example: do the interior on a weekday evening, and the exterior early or late on a weekend.

A HUGE timesaver I found: Ultima. I can literally cut LSP time to 25% of what it was before. It leaves a nice surface, but doesn't have the look of a "real" sealant or wax.

gr8-wrx · 07-11-08, 12:28

I work some long hours too, except I have Sunday off (but go to church). My suggestion would be to try and work in a quick wash and wax once every two weeks. Maybe (depending on the condition of your paint) you can use a one step cleaner/polish/wax like Meg's #66 to save time.

Bigpikle · 07-11-08, 01:13

I find it relaxing and a good way to unwind... working away from home for days on end its nice to get back and wash the car to chill and work my body as well as my mind.

Get some speedy products like the WOWA sealants, OS, UPGP etc - a great way to wash and top up looks and protection in 1-2 hours