A sight that almost made me cry

Lefty · 02-07-09, 06:14

So I took Mrs Lefty's car down to the *only* installer of Huper Optic tinting in Phoenix today - Danny's Car Wash. Of all their locations, the only one that had someone that was actually knowledgeable on tinting was in Scottsdale. So I said what the hey, I'll drive clear across town to make sure my tinting is done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Now detailing is a relatively new disease that I've caught, but I can respect all the hard work that goes into taking care of cars. In fact, knowing how Danny's handles cars in their car washes, I specifically instructed that Mrs. Lefty's car was not to be touched by their "detailers". Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the Merc SLK55 AMG, the C4S, and the piece-de-resistance, Audi R8 that were all run through the car wash during the 45 minutes I was waiting. Except for the Porsche, all were black. And as if watching this spectacle wasn't hard enough to take, I watched in horror as one of the "detailers" used the same "towel" to dry water drops on the paint as had just been used to dry the wheels. This last sight almost triggered a nervous breakdown...

I'm speechless that someone would let their $100k+ car go through the Danny's $20 wash to be scratched all to he##. If there are any professional detailers in Scottsdale, stake out a spot at Danny's near the Kierland. After a wash there, they are going to need some paint correction !

BigAl3 · 02-07-09, 06:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefty

I'm speechless that someone would let their $100k+ car go through the Danny's $20 wash to be scratched all to he##.

unfortunately, it happens all the time. if you were to educate (talk about the different steps) the owner of the vehicle, then they might understand. most are just happy that the car is clean & shiny. most don't notice the scratches, and little details like we do...

mattyp747 · 02-07-09, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefty

I watched in horror as one of the "detailers" used the same "towel" to dry water drops on the paint as had just been used to dry the wheels.

well that is utter laziness, OMG, i hope you got in your car and drove away as fast as you could!!!!

silverstripes · 02-07-09, 08:07

I watch people in my neighborhood do this all the time. I see some people take bath towels to dry their wheels and paint with. And they use dawn soap for nearly every wash. Ive given up on trying to talk to people about proper techniques, most could care less.

Lefty · 02-08-09, 04:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverstripes

I watch people in my neighborhood do this all the time. I see some people take bath towels to dry their wheels and paint with.

You know, I used to be one of those people; using the old bath towel to dry my vehicles. But I must admit that I have converted - nothing but unadulterated MF towels for my paint ! (standard disclaimer: since I don't yet have the full arsenal of detailing equipment, the old bath towels still see service on my wheels and tires. But that is it !)

Now that I step back from this scene, the part that really shocked me was the type of car being run through this car wash. Somehow, I expected (assumed ?) that someone owning a $100k+ car would have a higher level of respect for it. I guess not...

BigAl3 · 02-08-09, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefty

You know, I used to be one of those people; using the old bath towel to dry my vehicles.

everyone has been there, most importantly is you don't do that anymore...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefty

(standard disclaimer: since I don't yet have the full arsenal of detailing equipment, the old bath towels still see service on my wheels and tires. But that is it !)

instead, get a 25 pack of the cheaper microfibers at sams club, they're only around $10...

memnuts · 02-08-09, 08:19

I used to care about how people treated their cars. I changed when i realized that autopians are the .2% of car owners that really care about how their cars look. A vast marjority of people think wax that costs more than $10 is a waste of money.
It's a fact of life the sooner you realize that the sounder you'll sleep and maybe the more money you will make fixing others screw ups

silverstripes · 02-09-09, 01:01

I can remember back when I had a old eclipse and could really care less on spending money on detailing supplies. Over the years now I look back and Im so happy I made the change. My 350z is black and probably 90 percent of the time it looks like it has just been detailed. Its a lot of work, but its a great feeling when your driving around and you know that it looks clean.