Need detailer to detail/fix scratches/dings on car...

Robmorrow · 08-03-07, 02:24

Hi,

Just found this board. First of all, what does the reference to "Autopia" level type detailer mean? Is Autopia actually a detail shop?

In any case, I have a 99 Honda CRV, green color that I am looking to sell so I wanted to clean and prep the car for sale.

Here are the main problems I need to be fixed. I had several scratches on the doors of the car, and also rock chips on the hood of the car. I tried to touch it up with touch up paint, but it looks even worse now as the new paint seems darker, and just looks to thick with paint over paint. I need someone to sand or buff out the extra paint, and repair the chips/remove scratches.

Also, probably because my car has been sitting under the sun too much, not garaged for the last few years, that the rubber molding beneath the windows on all 4 doors is cracking/peeling off. Under it, it's just chrome, so I could just remove all the molding, and shrine up the chrome. Or is there anyone who knows how to replace/repair the rubber molding beneath the windows?

That's about it besides a full detail as well on the car.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Update: I am in the Los Angeles 626 area code area.

Thanks,

Rob

kapinnn · 08-04-07, 06:52

Welcome to Autopia!

Autopia is just this forum where detailers share their experiences and knowledge helping other detailers and normal folks. It is no detail shop and no training center.

An Autopia detailer is, in general, very thorough and works on quality vs volume. We are usually very picky and take a lot of pride in our work.

Regarding rock chips it is really hard to fix those. You can try to fill in with touch up paint and polish but it never looks perfect. If it's not horrible I say let it be, if it's bad, you might want to respray the panel.

If the molding is cracking it's pretty much done. You might want to get it replaced but I don't know any detailers that actually do that work.

I am sure some detailers in your are will chime in and let you know the services they can offer. It will most likely be a thorough interior and exterior cleaning and paint restoration (removing oxidation, swirls, and light scratches). Some might also wet-sand deeper scratches.

Robmorrow · 08-05-07, 01:57

Thanks for the reply. I found out the proper term of the peeling rubber on the base of the windows is called weather stripping, and that could be replaced.

Any detailers in the area that can do the work I described, please PM me.

kapinnn · 08-07-07, 06:07

I suggest changing your title to "Detailer needed in Los Angeles" in case you have not gotten replies.

That should help draw more attention

artikxscout · 08-07-07, 08:33

yeah, that's basically what you need to do. Your car is probably oxidized and heavily swirled up.

Superior Fine · 08-08-07, 09:54

I had a delightful chat with this fine gent last Thursday then again Monday.

I will not peel off the bad rubber on the moldings and color-sand globs of touch up on his vehicle in addition to a complete detail for $160. I to say the least was not hired.

Robmorrow · 08-09-07, 03:44

I don't think I talked to you, but are you quoting me now $160 for the full detail?

SpoiledMan · 08-09-07, 05:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superior Fine

I had a delightful chat with this fine gent last Thursday then again Monday.

I will not peel off the bad rubber on the moldings and color-sand globs of touch up on his vehicle in addition to a complete detail for $160. I to say the least was not hired.

Neither was I.

kapinnn · 08-10-07, 10:36

I think he is saying he will not do a full detail PLUS remove touch-up paint or rubber trim for only $160.

I don't do a full detail (Wash, clay, polish, wax, and interior) for less than $300 on a sedan or small SUV and I don't even live in California. I can do all that without the polishing for about $200, though.