Detailer in Miami

UNRATLD · 07-31-04, 10:12

I recently bought a black Viper. I've taken it to two different detailers, both who have screwed it up in one way or another. Swirl marks, light scratches, etc.

Since I don't have time to try out every detailer in Miami, I was hoping someone on this board would be familiar with a truly outstanding one who can restore the car's finish.

If so, please send me an email or just post in this thread.

Thanks!

tpgsr · 07-31-04, 11:36

How much are you willing to spend for a perfect finish? you can pm me if you prefer

Superior Shine · 07-31-04, 09:05

I am orig from Miami, unfortunately I am 2700 miles away at the moment.

This might help --- http://www.mobileworks.com/florida.html

hwigand · 07-31-04, 09:08

I'll ask then, what am I looking at in cost to find a good detailer in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale area? I know nothing about detailing and my first attempt last weekend was poor to say the least. Do I learn or is this semi-affordable?

TortoiseAWD · 08-01-04, 05:03

UNRATLD,

Please, do NOT crosspost. I merged the duplicate threads into this one.

Thanks,
Tort
(moderator)

ShineShop · 08-01-04, 08:06

Quote:

Originally posted by hwigand
I'll ask then, what am I looking at in cost to find a good detailer in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale area? I know nothing about detailing and my first attempt last weekend was poor to say the least. Do I learn or is this semi-affordable?

If you can afford the viper than it should be affordable in my books. You need to search out someone that has experience with high speed polishing and really knows what they are doing. I wish I could help you myself but I am 2 hours north of Detroit so that's no help. I would expect to pay a minimum of $40-$50 per hour for someone credible to correct the problems with your paint and it should take anywhere from 2.5-5 hours for someone who is knowledgable and good at what they do. You will need to have the paint "stripped" of all the goop and silicones they have slathered all over so you can really see what the paint looks like without anything hiding the imperfections (a common practice by inexperienced or "hacker" detailers). Once you can see what is really wrong with the paint you can go about correcting the imperfections by showing the person who polishes the car what's wrong.
Any professional would do this anyway but just for interests sake you should do it yourself so you can see what a mess the 2 previous guys have made. I suggest you buy a bottle of "Dawn" dishwashing detergent and wash the car with it. Allow the soap to "dwell" on the paint for 7-10 minutes to really strip off all the crap and then rinse liberally with cool water. I am sure what you see when you are done will be an eye opener.

UNRATLD · 08-01-04, 08:50

I appreciate your reply, but I (the Viper owner) wasn't inquiring about the cost; that was posted by hwigand.

I'd happily pay $250 (the high end of your estimate - $50 x 5 hrs) if someone brought the exterior back to near-new. The problem is finding someone who knows *** they are doing. The experimental phase of finding the right detailer is costly to me and damaging to the car.

I admire excellence in all endeavours, including car detailing, and am willing to pay for a true professional. However, the problem is, ALL detailers consider themselves pros, even while they are scratching your paint all to hell. I can't rely on their word or self-assessments anymore, which is why I came here looking.

ajbarnes · 08-01-04, 09:02

I may be moving to the Fort Lauderdale area soon (Margate), so maybe I can be of assistance.

I'm getting tired of the north (Philly, etc.) with all of the bad weather and crazy winters!

ShineShop · 08-01-04, 09:07

Well stated. There is unfortunately no standard of assurance that will guarantee you a good job. I would suggest visiting the absolute best and most respected body shop in Miami and asking who they use to do their high speed polishing. They may have someone in house who can do it for you. I personally only use bodyshop grade polishing products because they contain no fillers or silicones that can hide imperfections. A bodyshop should be able to do the same for you. I am sorry I can't give you someone to do the work for you but I have no contacts in Miami. I would recommend calling around some of the high end car dealers as well and speak to the general manager and ask for a recommendation. Make sure to state your expectations up front and that will usually scare off anyone that can't handle doing the job right. You definitely don't want another idiot screwing up your paint further. I wish you good luck and hope you find someone who can make your car look as good as it should.

ShineShop · 08-01-04, 09:12

Hey AJ, if you're going - please take me with you! I am getting sick to death of the long Canadian winters! LOL.

tpgsr · 08-01-04, 09:39

UNRATLD & hwigand, I sent you both PM's

Hopefully i may be of assistance, i want to do some traveling before the year is out