Had to bite my tongue

perry · 05-21-05, 06:00

I was at mom's house putting some sealant on her car today, and grandma (mom's mother-in-law) saw my car in the driveway so she decided that meant she was invited to stop by. Spent about 2.5 hours on Friday polishing it, couple more hours earlier in the week claying and washing.. A clean car is part of mom's birthday present this year

So, yea, I have about 5 hours in to the detail at that point, and grandma stops by with her boy-friend. Grandma decides to lean on the rear quarter panel.. She's wearing blue jeans. At least I had not applied sealant there yet. Her boy-friend leans his hand on the car in 7 or 8 places.. all places where I had just applied the sealant. After they left I had to track down all the places where he had his fingers and reapply the sealant.

Had to bite my tongue and avoid asking them to stop touching the car. No big deal; they meant no harm and don't know any better and mom will start in on messing it up when she gets home Monday, but after I've been working so long it's kinda nerve racking to have them rolling all over the nice shiney car

Want it at least look nice for a day or two

Need to get me a little sign, "Look but please don't touch"

General Lee · 05-21-05, 06:10

I know what you mean, The other day my buddy decided to take his finger and rub the paint in a circular motion on the C post to "feel my wax job" he says when there was a layer of pollen/dust on the vehicle.

I jumped his sh*t but tried to understand he's not an Autopian.

Scottwax · 05-21-05, 09:48

You missed a chance to educate them. I don't hesitate to tell anyone not to lean on my own car, or lay down their checkbooks on my paint (or their's) to write a check. Most people have no idea they are messing up their paint with casual touching, leaning or laying stuff on their car.

perry · 05-21-05, 10:41

Yea, but Grandma? You'd correct Grandma? You'd correct my Grandma?

Gotta choose your battles....

Scottwax · 05-21-05, 10:51

Quote:

Originally posted by perry
Yea, but Grandma? You'd correct Grandma? You'd correct my Grandma? Gotta choose your battles....

I've asked my Mom not to lean on my car and explained why. I have to polish it out again, not her.

perry · 05-22-05, 10:13

I'll correct mom.. Purse on the roof, hood, trunk, whatever. I've shown her the scratch marks they've left and she seems to understand. Doesn't change what she does, but she understands

But Grandma... can't correct a lady that is never wrong

WrxRob513 · 05-23-05, 02:59

Quote:

Originally posted by perry

But Grandma... can't correct a lady that is never wrong

Prometheus · 05-23-05, 04:09

My dad is the same way. Explained it probably a few dozen times, and I've given up. He's the one that turned me on to cars, but for some reason either cant see or doesnt care about marring and annoying little scratches everywhere. Got it right, pick your battles.