togwt
07-28-2011, 06:39 AM
This article is dedicated to my Father and my friend and comrade, Squadron Leader David (Flyboy) Waterman - Per Ardua Ad Astra
Let me say that detailing vehicles is a physically very demanding, at least on a par with construction work, having said that a long-term friend and my RAF squadron leader was involved in an auto accident, he was stopped at traffic lights when another car hit his car. He is now unable to stand for long periods and his hands loose gripping strength periodically.
His pride and joy is a garage queen, a red / tan interior 1962 Jaguar E-Type, a regular BOS winner in Concours d’élégance events. He asked me if I could come up with some suggestions to enable him to detail his beloved Jag. Of course I offered to detail it for him but he declined as he wants to maintain his independence.
For someone who has limited motor function or a partly physically disabled person who would find it difficult to carry water buckets around this maybe the answer. Optimum No Rinse (ONR) Car wash solution dilution ratio - 1oz / 2 gallons either in a 16 oz spray bottle or a pressure sprayers give easy, accurate and cost effective application.
Spray down individual panels, glass surfaces or wheels with ONR solution, and then wipe-down each panel with a wet micro fibre towel
Kreepstool Rolling Chair
Features a strong, steel frame and a well cushioned seat with full backrest, with smooth rolling urethane wheels it glides over most obstacles and a super stable base configuration has suspension springs on all wheels. As for safety, the parking brakes keep the stool firmly in place.
There are many compartments to store tools. Auto parts, tools and chemicals may be stored in upper and lower utility compartments and a unique horizontal tube can be used for cords and hoses. Even drink holders are included
Specification
• Strong, steel frame
• Cushioned seat and backrest
• Smooth rolling urethane wheels
• Parking brakes
• Multiple tool compartments
• Small parts drawer
• Stable base
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Ground clearance: 4"
• Overall height: 33"
• Seat height: 18"
• Base: 21" L x 19" W
• Maximum weight limit: 450 lbs.
• Lifetime Warranty
Scissor Lift
Choose a lift based on the empty weight of your vehicle, not gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as this is the total the vehicle would weigh if fully loaded with cargo (this gives you a safety margin)
Atlas Pro 6MR is a free standing 6,000 lb. capacity portable scissor lift. The perfect lift for body shops and vehicle detailing specialists, this portable lift will effectively raise a 6,000 LB. car or truck to a comfortable working height in garages with a low ceiling. The unique design allows access to some areas on the underside of the car not easily accessible with other portable lifts.
The complete mid-rise lift includes one set (4) of truck adapters and another set of sliding car adapters. The arms can be located to an infinite amount of positions to accommodate the unique lifting points found on certain vehicles- Greg Smith Equipment - Pro6MR Portable Scissor Lift
Vehicle Washing
Waterless washing means ther are no heavy water buckets to move around. Always work in a shaded area on a surface that is cool to the touch. Make sure surface is not gritty with dirt or sand to avoid scratching. Optimum Optiâ„¢ - Clean water-less wash is designed to wipe away dirt and grime from automotive paint and other surfaces safely and effectively in a spray and wipe application. The substantive polymers encapsulate the dirt and grime to protect the paint from marring while lubricating and bonding to the painted and other automotive surfaces to provide greater protection while leaving a slick glossy finish behind.
A combination of polymers and surfactant cleaners safely removes dirt and grime and leaves a glossy protective finish. Based on the same surfactant type polymers used in Optimum (OPT) No Rinseâ„¢ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR)it is safe for use on all automotive surfaces.
ONR works fine for a car with light to medium road dirt while Optimum Opti™ - Clean can be used on a car with several days of built- up road salt, dirt and grime. The reason is that Opti™ - Clean contains the same polymers as ONR that encapsulate dirt but at a much higher concentration, as well as additional polymers not used in ONR. A totally waterless wash that provides some surface protection and its ideal for a quick clean up or for use when there is no water available (apartments, condominiums, concours d’élégance or car shows) Simply spray Optimum Opti-Clean on any surface and wipe off with a plush microfiber towel till the area is clean and dry.
[While both of these products are pH neutral, Optiâ„¢ - Clean contains much higher levels of polymers than No Rinse as well as some new polymers that we developed for this type of application. The added polymers are necessary to compensate for using a fraction of the water as compared to a regular No Rinse wash] David Ghodoussi OPT.
Application- - avoid cross-contamination by using different micro fibre towels for differing surfaces i.e. separate towels for glass, paintwork, wheels, and interior surfaces. Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with a plush microfiber towel.
Fold and use a new section of the towel as needed. For glass and interior surfaces, apply one or two sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel. For lower panels and wheels, spray liberally and let it soak for a few seconds and then wipe off. When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT) No Rinseâ„¢ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR).
Directions for using the concentrate:
• Dilute Optimum Opti™ - Clean concentrate 1:3 with distilled water.
• Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with a plush microfiber towel. Fold and use a new section of the towel as needed.
• Glass and interior surfaces, using a separate micro fibre towel apply one or two sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel.
• Wheels and lower paint panels, using a separate micro fibre towel, spray liberally and let it soak for a few seconds and then wipe off. When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT) No Rinse™ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR).
Polishing
Machine Polishers
FLEX L3403 VRG - lightweight (4.85 lbs) Power Output: 11.5 Amp electric motor, this Circular Polisher is slim, lightweight, and powerful .Remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation like any circular polishing machine, but the L3403 is so light and easy to use, you’d think it was an orbital.
Porter-Cable 7424 XP- lightweight (4.75 lbs) with a 4.5 Amp electric motor, with a more ergonomic placement of speed dial and upgraded on/off switch. The random orbital buffer gets its name from the action of the buffer (or polishing head) This operates by the shaft rotating and spinning the back plate on an orbit radius or an eccentric offset (or throw) of 5/32-inch as opposed to a revolution on a direct-drive system, and within this eccentric orbit it also rotates in very small circles
The random orbital buffer operates with a variable speed, user adjustable, from 2,500 – 6,000 orbits per minute. (Speed # 1-5 also have a half speed setting) The application of detailing products with a random orbital has the advantage of ensuring an even pressure and constant contact speed, mimicking free hand motion but at a far greater speed. By allowing the weight and the random motion of the machine do the work, thus ensuring that the product is applied in a thin even layer, and will allow products to get embedded deeper into the paint film surface`s porosity. This machine produces vibration, so something to consider before purchase.
FLEX PE14-2-150 Lightweight Rotary - (10 amp /motor with a no-load speed range of 600-2100 rpm) lighter (5.5 Lbs) more agile, and very easy to control than any other rotary polisher it’s well adapted for newcomers to the hobby, but it delivers the results that a seasoned pro expects from a rotary machine.
Ergonomically designed shape to give your hand and wrist a comfortable place to rest during operation with a lightweight body (5.6 pounds) the front of the polisher is perfectly curved to fit the user`s hand and coated in rubber for superior comfort. The spindle lock mechanism is located behind the hump you see above so you cannot accidentally press it. This Rotary Polisher is built to be light, agile, and fast - perfect for professional detailers who spend hours behind a buffer.
Balance and Vibration Elimination
The dual orbital action heads produce an overlapping motion that simulates gentle hand-rubbed quality and eliminate the danger of heat build-up or swirl marks, with exceptional stability and smooth operation. The machine responds to pressure applied and polishes painted or unpainted surfaces with maximum safety and efficiency.
If machine vibration would aggravate your hands use a Cyclo Polisher as it has two heads, spinning in opposite directions, so the machine remains balanced. The opposing heads create an overlapping polishing pattern. Each head is direct drive; the heads spin at 1,800 RPM per head (3,600 RPM combined), which makes the machine pretty safe. Along with its fractional (1/3) horsepower motor the gearbox generates a lot of torque, so even though you don`t have the speed of a rotary, you can apply pressure to get more work out of a machine polish
Lightweight and excellent balance enables the operator to work around complex curves, large areas and contours. Changeable bonnets or Velcro discs, pads and brushes. It`s ideal for safety removing scratches and polishing large areas, its 4-inch heads also enable the user to work around curves and smaller areas
Spray Wax
Optimum contains UV-A and UV-B absorbers to shield your paint from all the sun’s harmful rays. The formula combines high-grade carnauba wax and sealant polymers to give you outstanding shine and protection. The carnauba produces a warm, high-impact gloss that is the standard in the auto care industry while the polymers bond the shine to the paint to create the long-lasting durability typical of a synthetic wax.
The best part is that Optimum Car Wax is incredibly easy to apply, wipe on, walk away (WOWA) Spray it onto your vehicle and spread it over the paint with a microfiber towel. No buffing is required to get a gorgeous carnauba shine. Paint has a beautiful, wet shine and is protected from the sun, acid rain, and pollution for up to 5 months.
Paint Surface Maintenance
The Original California Car Duster® - utilizes the proven technology of baking a special paraffin wax into 100% cotton strands to assure that dust is lifted and removed, not just pushed around. The CCD gives cars the appearance of looking just washed. The traditional, classic wooden handle and heavy duty mop head preferred by car show entrants and enthusiasts. When first purchased place the CCD strand side down on newspaper for 48 hours to eliminate any excess paraffin wax. Use very little downward pressure and use long even strokes in one direction only.
There is no need to wash the CCD; the longer it’s used the better it works. I’ve had mine for almost six years, the previous ten year old CCD ‘walked’’ at a Concours d’élégance event.
Wheel Surfaces
• Use detailing clay to remove any embedded contaminants
• Use a solvent based cleaner to remove any road tar
• Apply P21S Total Auto Wash to wheel surfaces and let soak in, agitate with a long-handled boar’s haired brush before rinsing
• Spray P21S Wheel Cleaner (Gel or Liquid) this cleaner is 100% acid-free and will not damage any type of wheel finish. (Gel for badly soiled and regular for normal soil) onto wheel rims and lat soak in (for badly soiled surfaces us P21S-Red (422)
• Before finally removing cleaner, agitate with a soft brush and then rinse off (See Wheel Brushes)
• Rinse wheel surface thoroughly with clean water Interior
Interior
Iz einszett Cockpit Premium, an interior treatment developed specifically for the cockpit providing an original factory matte finish. For use on dash, vinyl seats, urethane covered leather upholstery, door handles, trim, stereo/head units, and clear plastic. Cleans components and contains (UV) protection that prevents fading from the sun that occurs over time.
The gentle formula is water-based and free of oils providing a flat matte, original showroom finish. Non-slip finish allows for application on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob
Application – spray product onto a folded 100% cotton micro fibre towel and wipe down areas to be detailed. Allow to dry and buff lightly
Cleaning Glass
The Glass Master Pro is a 14 inch wand with a triangular cleaning head, which allows you to clean near and far without uncomfortable stretching or straining. The wedge-shaped head fits perfectly into the corners of the windshield or back window so you reach every speck of dust, the perfect tool for a sloping back window. The tool includes 2 triangular sponge faced paddles, that snap on and off with ease.
These paddles make wet and dry cleaning possible during the same session without requiring any extra preparation. The durable, elastic trimmed bonnets come in three varieties: micro-fibre, nylon mesh and cotton terry. All of the bonnets are reusable, reversible and washable.
Apply Stoners Invisible Glass â„¢ to the micro fibre glass cleaning (very low nap) towel and rub glass surface with a light to medium pressure (it will dry streak-free / lint-free) Be sure to roll down your windows about half way so you can clean the top edges of the glass.
Resources / Tools
Imagine yourself in a kneeling position with your knees and back completely supported, your weight evenly distributed and being able to manoeuvre yourself with only the movement of your feet. Racataâ„¢
http://www.autopia.org/forum/welcome-greeting-center/] ( [url) Authors Profile [/url]
Let me say that detailing vehicles is a physically very demanding, at least on a par with construction work, having said that a long-term friend and my RAF squadron leader was involved in an auto accident, he was stopped at traffic lights when another car hit his car. He is now unable to stand for long periods and his hands loose gripping strength periodically.
His pride and joy is a garage queen, a red / tan interior 1962 Jaguar E-Type, a regular BOS winner in Concours d’élégance events. He asked me if I could come up with some suggestions to enable him to detail his beloved Jag. Of course I offered to detail it for him but he declined as he wants to maintain his independence.
For someone who has limited motor function or a partly physically disabled person who would find it difficult to carry water buckets around this maybe the answer. Optimum No Rinse (ONR) Car wash solution dilution ratio - 1oz / 2 gallons either in a 16 oz spray bottle or a pressure sprayers give easy, accurate and cost effective application.
Spray down individual panels, glass surfaces or wheels with ONR solution, and then wipe-down each panel with a wet micro fibre towel
Kreepstool Rolling Chair
Features a strong, steel frame and a well cushioned seat with full backrest, with smooth rolling urethane wheels it glides over most obstacles and a super stable base configuration has suspension springs on all wheels. As for safety, the parking brakes keep the stool firmly in place.
There are many compartments to store tools. Auto parts, tools and chemicals may be stored in upper and lower utility compartments and a unique horizontal tube can be used for cords and hoses. Even drink holders are included
Specification
• Strong, steel frame
• Cushioned seat and backrest
• Smooth rolling urethane wheels
• Parking brakes
• Multiple tool compartments
• Small parts drawer
• Stable base
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Ground clearance: 4"
• Overall height: 33"
• Seat height: 18"
• Base: 21" L x 19" W
• Maximum weight limit: 450 lbs.
• Lifetime Warranty
Scissor Lift
Choose a lift based on the empty weight of your vehicle, not gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as this is the total the vehicle would weigh if fully loaded with cargo (this gives you a safety margin)
Atlas Pro 6MR is a free standing 6,000 lb. capacity portable scissor lift. The perfect lift for body shops and vehicle detailing specialists, this portable lift will effectively raise a 6,000 LB. car or truck to a comfortable working height in garages with a low ceiling. The unique design allows access to some areas on the underside of the car not easily accessible with other portable lifts.
The complete mid-rise lift includes one set (4) of truck adapters and another set of sliding car adapters. The arms can be located to an infinite amount of positions to accommodate the unique lifting points found on certain vehicles- Greg Smith Equipment - Pro6MR Portable Scissor Lift
Vehicle Washing
Waterless washing means ther are no heavy water buckets to move around. Always work in a shaded area on a surface that is cool to the touch. Make sure surface is not gritty with dirt or sand to avoid scratching. Optimum Optiâ„¢ - Clean water-less wash is designed to wipe away dirt and grime from automotive paint and other surfaces safely and effectively in a spray and wipe application. The substantive polymers encapsulate the dirt and grime to protect the paint from marring while lubricating and bonding to the painted and other automotive surfaces to provide greater protection while leaving a slick glossy finish behind.
A combination of polymers and surfactant cleaners safely removes dirt and grime and leaves a glossy protective finish. Based on the same surfactant type polymers used in Optimum (OPT) No Rinseâ„¢ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR)it is safe for use on all automotive surfaces.
ONR works fine for a car with light to medium road dirt while Optimum Opti™ - Clean can be used on a car with several days of built- up road salt, dirt and grime. The reason is that Opti™ - Clean contains the same polymers as ONR that encapsulate dirt but at a much higher concentration, as well as additional polymers not used in ONR. A totally waterless wash that provides some surface protection and its ideal for a quick clean up or for use when there is no water available (apartments, condominiums, concours d’élégance or car shows) Simply spray Optimum Opti-Clean on any surface and wipe off with a plush microfiber towel till the area is clean and dry.
[While both of these products are pH neutral, Optiâ„¢ - Clean contains much higher levels of polymers than No Rinse as well as some new polymers that we developed for this type of application. The added polymers are necessary to compensate for using a fraction of the water as compared to a regular No Rinse wash] David Ghodoussi OPT.
Application- - avoid cross-contamination by using different micro fibre towels for differing surfaces i.e. separate towels for glass, paintwork, wheels, and interior surfaces. Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with a plush microfiber towel.
Fold and use a new section of the towel as needed. For glass and interior surfaces, apply one or two sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel. For lower panels and wheels, spray liberally and let it soak for a few seconds and then wipe off. When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT) No Rinseâ„¢ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR).
Directions for using the concentrate:
• Dilute Optimum Opti™ - Clean concentrate 1:3 with distilled water.
• Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with a plush microfiber towel. Fold and use a new section of the towel as needed.
• Glass and interior surfaces, using a separate micro fibre towel apply one or two sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel.
• Wheels and lower paint panels, using a separate micro fibre towel, spray liberally and let it soak for a few seconds and then wipe off. When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT) No Rinse™ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR).
Polishing
Machine Polishers
FLEX L3403 VRG - lightweight (4.85 lbs) Power Output: 11.5 Amp electric motor, this Circular Polisher is slim, lightweight, and powerful .Remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation like any circular polishing machine, but the L3403 is so light and easy to use, you’d think it was an orbital.
Porter-Cable 7424 XP- lightweight (4.75 lbs) with a 4.5 Amp electric motor, with a more ergonomic placement of speed dial and upgraded on/off switch. The random orbital buffer gets its name from the action of the buffer (or polishing head) This operates by the shaft rotating and spinning the back plate on an orbit radius or an eccentric offset (or throw) of 5/32-inch as opposed to a revolution on a direct-drive system, and within this eccentric orbit it also rotates in very small circles
The random orbital buffer operates with a variable speed, user adjustable, from 2,500 – 6,000 orbits per minute. (Speed # 1-5 also have a half speed setting) The application of detailing products with a random orbital has the advantage of ensuring an even pressure and constant contact speed, mimicking free hand motion but at a far greater speed. By allowing the weight and the random motion of the machine do the work, thus ensuring that the product is applied in a thin even layer, and will allow products to get embedded deeper into the paint film surface`s porosity. This machine produces vibration, so something to consider before purchase.
FLEX PE14-2-150 Lightweight Rotary - (10 amp /motor with a no-load speed range of 600-2100 rpm) lighter (5.5 Lbs) more agile, and very easy to control than any other rotary polisher it’s well adapted for newcomers to the hobby, but it delivers the results that a seasoned pro expects from a rotary machine.
Ergonomically designed shape to give your hand and wrist a comfortable place to rest during operation with a lightweight body (5.6 pounds) the front of the polisher is perfectly curved to fit the user`s hand and coated in rubber for superior comfort. The spindle lock mechanism is located behind the hump you see above so you cannot accidentally press it. This Rotary Polisher is built to be light, agile, and fast - perfect for professional detailers who spend hours behind a buffer.
Balance and Vibration Elimination
The dual orbital action heads produce an overlapping motion that simulates gentle hand-rubbed quality and eliminate the danger of heat build-up or swirl marks, with exceptional stability and smooth operation. The machine responds to pressure applied and polishes painted or unpainted surfaces with maximum safety and efficiency.
If machine vibration would aggravate your hands use a Cyclo Polisher as it has two heads, spinning in opposite directions, so the machine remains balanced. The opposing heads create an overlapping polishing pattern. Each head is direct drive; the heads spin at 1,800 RPM per head (3,600 RPM combined), which makes the machine pretty safe. Along with its fractional (1/3) horsepower motor the gearbox generates a lot of torque, so even though you don`t have the speed of a rotary, you can apply pressure to get more work out of a machine polish
Lightweight and excellent balance enables the operator to work around complex curves, large areas and contours. Changeable bonnets or Velcro discs, pads and brushes. It`s ideal for safety removing scratches and polishing large areas, its 4-inch heads also enable the user to work around curves and smaller areas
Spray Wax
Optimum contains UV-A and UV-B absorbers to shield your paint from all the sun’s harmful rays. The formula combines high-grade carnauba wax and sealant polymers to give you outstanding shine and protection. The carnauba produces a warm, high-impact gloss that is the standard in the auto care industry while the polymers bond the shine to the paint to create the long-lasting durability typical of a synthetic wax.
The best part is that Optimum Car Wax is incredibly easy to apply, wipe on, walk away (WOWA) Spray it onto your vehicle and spread it over the paint with a microfiber towel. No buffing is required to get a gorgeous carnauba shine. Paint has a beautiful, wet shine and is protected from the sun, acid rain, and pollution for up to 5 months.
Paint Surface Maintenance
The Original California Car Duster® - utilizes the proven technology of baking a special paraffin wax into 100% cotton strands to assure that dust is lifted and removed, not just pushed around. The CCD gives cars the appearance of looking just washed. The traditional, classic wooden handle and heavy duty mop head preferred by car show entrants and enthusiasts. When first purchased place the CCD strand side down on newspaper for 48 hours to eliminate any excess paraffin wax. Use very little downward pressure and use long even strokes in one direction only.
There is no need to wash the CCD; the longer it’s used the better it works. I’ve had mine for almost six years, the previous ten year old CCD ‘walked’’ at a Concours d’élégance event.
Wheel Surfaces
• Use detailing clay to remove any embedded contaminants
• Use a solvent based cleaner to remove any road tar
• Apply P21S Total Auto Wash to wheel surfaces and let soak in, agitate with a long-handled boar’s haired brush before rinsing
• Spray P21S Wheel Cleaner (Gel or Liquid) this cleaner is 100% acid-free and will not damage any type of wheel finish. (Gel for badly soiled and regular for normal soil) onto wheel rims and lat soak in (for badly soiled surfaces us P21S-Red (422)
• Before finally removing cleaner, agitate with a soft brush and then rinse off (See Wheel Brushes)
• Rinse wheel surface thoroughly with clean water Interior
Interior
Iz einszett Cockpit Premium, an interior treatment developed specifically for the cockpit providing an original factory matte finish. For use on dash, vinyl seats, urethane covered leather upholstery, door handles, trim, stereo/head units, and clear plastic. Cleans components and contains (UV) protection that prevents fading from the sun that occurs over time.
The gentle formula is water-based and free of oils providing a flat matte, original showroom finish. Non-slip finish allows for application on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob
Application – spray product onto a folded 100% cotton micro fibre towel and wipe down areas to be detailed. Allow to dry and buff lightly
Cleaning Glass
The Glass Master Pro is a 14 inch wand with a triangular cleaning head, which allows you to clean near and far without uncomfortable stretching or straining. The wedge-shaped head fits perfectly into the corners of the windshield or back window so you reach every speck of dust, the perfect tool for a sloping back window. The tool includes 2 triangular sponge faced paddles, that snap on and off with ease.
These paddles make wet and dry cleaning possible during the same session without requiring any extra preparation. The durable, elastic trimmed bonnets come in three varieties: micro-fibre, nylon mesh and cotton terry. All of the bonnets are reusable, reversible and washable.
Apply Stoners Invisible Glass â„¢ to the micro fibre glass cleaning (very low nap) towel and rub glass surface with a light to medium pressure (it will dry streak-free / lint-free) Be sure to roll down your windows about half way so you can clean the top edges of the glass.
Resources / Tools
Imagine yourself in a kneeling position with your knees and back completely supported, your weight evenly distributed and being able to manoeuvre yourself with only the movement of your feet. Racataâ„¢
http://www.autopia.org/forum/welcome-greeting-center/] ( [url) Authors Profile [/url]