Giving a detailing demonstration

[animes2k]

Some members of our local S2000 community work at and with a local Honda dealer and they're nice enough to open up their service bays for us a few times a year to do a "Wash and Wax" day. There are three wash bays (hoses, drains in the floor) and enough room for about 30-40 S2000s.

The last couple of times I've gone I haven't really done much to my own car since I tend to keep it in pretty good condition. Instead I've been giving pointers and helping out where I can on other folks cars.

This upcoming event (June 3) I will be giving a somewhat organized detailing demonstration. Organized as in it's been announced. People can watch or they can go ahead and do whatever they like. I'll be using a volunteer's car for the demonstration (black or red).

I've got a basic outline of what I think I need to cover (many items I'll just touch on, some will be more in-depth). I'm going to be demonstrating "The Perfect Shine" technique as outlined by DavidB and using Sonus products for the demonstration.

My outline is below. If you see any glaring omissions or have any suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Greeting/Who am I
What is Detailing?
Why Detailing?
What can detailing do/What can't detailing do?
Overview of what I'll cover
Demonstration w/product discussions:
- Wash techniques (mitts, 2 bucket, foam guns)
- Drying techniques (rinse dry, WW towels, water blade, chamois, blower)
- Evaluating the paint & surface conditions
- Claying

- Polishing
-- swirl removal vs. hiding
-- scratch removal
-- using the PC
-- advanced techniques overview (rotary, wetsanding, touchups)

- Protecting the finish
-- sealant vs. wax vs. cleaner wax
-- layering

- Wheel cleaning and detailing
- Trim detailing (rubber, glass, vinyl tops, plastic rear window, tires, seals, wheel wells, bare metal)

- Quick Detailing (how to, when to, when not to)
End

I don't want to cover engine or undercarriage work and I'm not going to touch on interior detailing unless there are questions.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Mikeyc]

My chapter of the S2000 owners club is having a big 3 day meet in August called the New England Nor'Easter. Part of the meet is a show & shine at Cardinal Honda in Groton, CT. So I don't have to teach the detailing class myself, I'm trying to get Megs to come in and do a class. I've also contacted Poorboy's since they're just around the corner in NY.

However, if neither Megs or PBs shows I may volunteer to teach a class myself. If I do I'm planning on putting together some sort of hand out that people can take home and refer to. Whatever you put together, I would love to see and use if you'll allow me to.

[animes2k]

Well, it's not really going to be a class - just more of a demonstration. We had the Meguiar's rep in last summer and while he was a skilled detailer, it wasn't an organized demonstration - just sort of helping out some folks later in the day and starting out with product introductions and free samples.

Since I have a working relationship with the guys here (David and David), David O. has committed to supplying some special discount coupons and Guide to Detailing CDs for everyone that wants one. That will be the extent of my handouts unless I also get some free products to give away

[LordZeal]

Damn, I'm in Richmond and would really like to take my new Civic SI to one of these, but a good friend of mine is getting married on the 3rd. When's your next one planned?

[animes2k]

We usually don't know until a few weeks ahead of time. Also, I'm not one of the event organizers, I'm just pitching in to "add value" to the event... Plus, it's scary watching some of these guys wash and wax their cars! Gotta help 'em out!

The organizers only allow S2000s into the service bays (it'd be nice if they made sure to completely empty the bays the night before), so you'd be welcome but would have to park outside...