Detailing is my drug of choice..

xTravBx · 09-02-06, 06:14

Well, this could be in an off-topic forum, but I think it goes best right here.

I've been addicted to cars ever since I got my license at the age of 16. A solid 8 years of modifying, restoring, upgrading, fixing, etc.

I've worked in shops doing professional detailing. Since then, I've done it on my own, generally for free, for friends and family.

Why free? It's my drug of choice.

When I'm detailing, and polishing, and restoring, whether its a Chevy Prizm, a BMW 540i, my own VW 1.8T, you name it - I just love doing it. I have no other cares in the world. I for once can fully concentrate on the task at hand. Making this vehicle look showroom again. I just can zone out for hours. I love it. It's an art, and its my drug.

I just had to share my thoughts with everyone. It's been one of those long days, stress at work, stress in my relationship, stress in school. It's everywhere. But tomorrow, I'll be detailing an untouched 1996 black on black Volvo 850 turbo. It is in need of some serious work, and I can't wait to get to business on it.

SVR · 09-02-06, 06:38

Awesome
I'm addicted to it. A great drug indeed

Spending all that time on a vehicle and then standing back when finished and seeing the transformation that you have done is incredibly rewarding and achieving the results I have lately, gives me a real confidence boost.

VWdriver · 09-02-06, 07:57

Detailing is cool and all but I still like sitting down and doing drugs more. :/

xTravBx · 09-02-06, 08:26

I've never done drugs, to be 100% honest. I was raised in a crappy family situation, and kind've turned towards my friends for family. They just happened to basically all be straight-edge kids. And I grew up whole-heartedly supporting the whole drug-free sXe scene.

Now that things seem to be rough again for me, I enjoy detailing... lots of other things, too. But I can honestly say the pure focus I obtain when detailing, has gotten me through some emotional bullcrap.

BigAl3 · 09-02-06, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by xTravBx

I've never done drugs, to be 100% honest.

same here (i knew it when i saw the X's in your name

). i've seen way too many people get screwed up by them, and it's just a waste of time & money, imo. btw... i saw gorilla biscuits a few weeks ago!

abbeysdad · 09-02-06, 11:37

More like a passion bordering on obsession.

For me it's new car fever that I caught back in June. Usually it only lasts a few weeks or until the first scratch, but it's got me good this time! Maybe cause I'm coming off three, three year lease deals (9 yrs.) and this one I actually bought.
There's a satisfaction in keeping a new car new just as there is in renewing an ugly duckling and making it new again. It feels good when somebody gets in your car and comments on how beatiful it is.

Drugs are for losers, detailing, like gardening, is just good therapy ! lol

HondaGuy · 09-03-06, 03:07

Never done illegal drugs either. Pointless. People who do it take the easy way out. My drug of choice... speed, its what I do when ever I need to get away. Probably just as dangerous though.

froll · 09-03-06, 03:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbeysdad

More like a passion bordering on obsession.

For me it's new car fever that I caught back in June. Usually it only lasts a few weeks or until the first scratch, but it's got me good this time! Maybe cause I'm coming off three, three year lease deals (9 yrs.) and this one I actually bought.
There's a satisfaction in keeping a new car new just as there is in renewing an ugly duckling and making it new again. It feels good when somebody gets in your car and comments on how beatiful it is.

Drugs are for losers, detailing, like gardening, is just good therapy ! lol

I agree about the often time short lived fever. But this time, I'm 6 months in, and $$$$$$$ deep in detailing supplies which I never did before. If for no other reason than to avoid the wrath of my wife, I think I'm hooked on detailing. I find that a 4 hour Saturday morning wash and detail, fully armed with my Ipod has proved to be the best therapy I can get. No phones, no decisions and no pressures. And, a great looking shiny car to boot. I just love when I hear someone say, This is the cleanest car I've ever seen; or Does your car know what dust is? It has turned into a great hobby and a chance to "meet" nice people on these boards.

Neothin · 09-03-06, 09:12

what really sucks is when you go from home where electrical outlets, shade, and a hose are readily available to living in an apartment by school where nothing is available. Where you have to search franticly for a place to wash your car.

my poor addiction

abbeysdad · 09-03-06, 03:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neothin

what really sucks is when you go from home where electrical outlets, shade, and a hose are readily available to living in an apartment by school where nothing is available. Where you have to search franticly for a place to wash your car.

my poor addiction

You can get a "quick fix" down at the coin-op !

xTravBx · 09-03-06, 07:16

Well, didn't get to do my brothers Volvo today.

I guess it's gonna be waiting.

I forgot I didn't have the right pads. I'm still waiting on them in the mail, no local places sell them, as far as I know...

It sucks, too. I needed it. I'm like 90% sure my girl is cheating on me. And generally you don't suspect that sort of junk, unless it really is happening. Oh well. I guess I shouldn't younger chicks. It hurts, but what can you do? Once a cheater, always a cheater. I swear it.

AdrianStewart · 09-03-06, 07:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by xTravBx

Well, didn't get to do my brothers Volvo today.

I guess it's gonna be waiting.

I forgot I didn't have the right pads. I'm still waiting on them in the mail, no local places sell them, as far as I know...

It sucks, too. I needed it. I'm like 90% sure my girl is cheating on me. And generally you don't suspect that sort of junk, unless it really is happening. Oh well. I guess I shouldn't younger chicks. It hurts, but what can you do? Once a cheater, always a cheater. I swear it.

Here's my take, wrap the rascal, protect yourself ... get it when you can and be a pig til she leaves, then find another one! Don't marry her or get bent out of shape if this doesn't work ... you'll get a few good details in and soon enough the next chick will appear!