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detail_king
08-06-2008, 10:00 PM
I have been washing cars for about 8 years. When I first started, I would use some dishwashing soap, a bucket, a hose, and a sponge that I use to clean the dishes when my mom made me. After awhile and as my mom got nicer cars, I started to get more serious. Every so often, I would go to the local auto parts store and get some car wash stuff. The first time I got a buffer, my dad and I went and bought a buffer, an air compressor, and some wax. I had no clue what I was doing and my mom was so nervous that I was going to mess up the paint on her car. At the end, I was actally pretty happy with the results but, by no means was it great! That car is long gone and now the new car in the family is worth a lot more money and it is only a year old with swirl marks and alot of minor defects in the paint (rock chips, rust spots, etc.) I want to do a full detail on my mom`s mustang for her just because I enjoy that line of work. My question is, how much will I need to spend to get a complete set of supplies that will have the paint looking better than the day it left the showroom floor. A list of supplies for the interior and exterior would also be greatly appreciated. If possible I would like to stay under about a $3000 budget as if the results are good, I would possibly like to start detailing as a small little business for some cash as many people in my area (San Diego) will pay good money for these services. Thanks guys for reading and any help would be greatly appreciated!



Kevin

BigAl3
08-06-2008, 10:07 PM
:welcome ! if you`re just starting out and don`t own a quality machine already, you might want to invest in a PC (porter cable) or Flex (the Flex has more power and cost twice as much). do a search on the Flex and you`ll find plenty of info. check out the "click & brag" section and you`ll see many different details on different cars with the different product/pad combinations...



Car Detailing Step-by-Step (http://articles.autopia.org/topics/17-car-detailing-stepbystep-1.html)



Flex XC 3401 VRG vs. Porter Cable 7424 (http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/flex_demo.html)



Flex XC 3401 VRG - Detailed Image (http://www.detailedimage.com/Flex-M26/XC-3401-VRG-P128/)

JonP
08-06-2008, 10:09 PM
Interesting screen name, these guys (http://www.detailking.com/) can help you get started in detailing.

detail_king
08-06-2008, 10:26 PM
Im hoping that one day (soon) I will be a respectable detail king

detail_king
08-06-2008, 10:27 PM
Are packages good to buy?

Jscort98
08-06-2008, 11:30 PM
Welcome to Autopia.



If you`re thinking about doing detailing as a business I would learn to use a rotary or at least get a flex. The time saved will be a lot.

detail_king
08-07-2008, 10:15 AM
What is the difference between like a one step detail, two step detail, etc.

the other pc
08-07-2008, 10:23 AM
detail_king,



Since you’re driving distance form OC I’d recommend coming up and taking one of Meguiar’s weekend detailing classes or dropping in for a Thursday night open garage. They’re an excellent intro to detailing processes and techniques.





PC.

detail_king
08-07-2008, 10:26 AM
PC



can you give me a link to the class?

Envious Eric
08-07-2008, 10:29 AM
you are going to need the following...



water

soap

drying towels

microfiber

compounds

polishes

waxes

pads

backing plates

PC/rotary

extension cord

vacuum

extractor (optional)

assortment of brushes

chemical cleaners/degreasers

clay

buckets

bags

storage

transoportation

advertising



amongst other little things I missed, its cheap to start up, but you also have to know what you are doing so you are not one of those fly by night hacks who just detail for money, but rather enjoy detailing, and like the money which pays the bills.

detail_king
08-07-2008, 10:32 AM
toyotaguy,



how much approx. do you think startup would be with a van included in that price?

the other pc
08-07-2008, 10:35 AM
PC



can you give me a link to the class?

Meg’s forum (http://www.meguiarsonline.com/)



tonight’s open garage/extreme makeover (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21951) (we have a couple guys coming up from SD tonight)



Saturday class schedule (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20684)





PC.

detail_king
08-07-2008, 10:46 AM
I take it I would learn a lot of valuable information right!??

the other pc
08-07-2008, 10:57 AM
yes.









.

detail_king
08-07-2008, 11:00 AM
I am going to look in2 that class for the near future. thanks man!