Todd@RUPES
05-13-2013, 10:28 AM
The Stig, for his many benefits and attributes, has one glaring deficiency. He is so focused on all things shiny that he sometimes forgets the date of something. This morning I received a box from Autopia-CarCare.com as a birthday present from El Stig (as he goes by when he travels in Spain). This is great, but my birthday is not for another month.
However this presents me with the opportunity to touch on the one subject that many detailers avoid like the plague: How to open and care for your Autopia-CarCare.com package!
It is a feeling that reminds me of my cold feet running to the Christmas tree early Christmas morning to see what the shiny packages, tucked so securely underneath, had for me... The feeling of smelling the interior of a new car, of a new date... It is that magical moment when the door bell rings and the Fed EX guy is standing there with your new package, perfectly wrapped form the shipping crew at Autopia!
Here is the box, as delivered...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/1.jpg
Take note of the careful and expert wrapping. The tape, which proudly displays the various brands offered by Palm Beach Motoring Group, wraps the perimeter of the box to keep your contents neatly in place.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/2.jpg
Next locate the top of the box. This is simple and important. The packers at Autopia loaded your box when it was in this direction, which will make removing the contents easier and help prevent leaking or spillage. The top has the shipping labels.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/3.jpg
Methods of Extraction:
After locating the top of the box, set it done, top-side-up. Now we must open the box without harming the precious cargo inside. (If you order from Autopia, you know you got the good stuff).
The Kitchen Knife Method
The Kitchen Knife Method is very convenient, particularly if you bring your mail into your house. I personally do not recommend using a butter knife or dull blade as it will not cut the quality, self-sticking storage tape cleanly. Remember, this isn`t a package of used books from Amazon, this is a package of premium car care products from Autopia. For best results use a knife with a stainless steel blade and sharpen if necessary.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/4.jpg
While a high-quality kitchen knife works well, it can be a little tricky to hold. Hold the blade, sharp edge up, and lightly cut into the tape. Then cut in a direction AWAY FROM YOUR BODY.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/5.jpg
Pros:
Convenient
Clean Cut On Tape
Cons:
Can Be Difficult To Handle
Ergonomically Incorrect
The Box Cutter Method
If you believe in the saying -"The Correct Tool For The Job"- The Box Cutter Method is for you. These easy-to-hold tools feature a sharp steel blade that slices clean through the tape. The ergonomic design allows for precise control. You can penetrate the tape without damaging the cargo inside with confidence.
Extend the blade slightly, add light pressure, and slice in a left-to-right movement. Never pull towards your body.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/6.jpg
Pros:
Easy-to-handle
Easy-to-control
Provides precise cut
Cons:
Might require walking into the garage to access
Technical Tip: When using any sharp object, never open the Autopia Box by pulling the sharp object towards you!
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/7.jpg
The Car Key Method
Using car keys to break the tape`s hold on your new order is popular. You can even substitute motorcycle keys, house keys, safe keys, safe deposit box keys, lock keys, door keys, and more! They are extremely convenient. If you are like me, you have keys in just about every corner, room, and place in your house, apartment, room or dwelling!
Keys will cut through the tape, but level a rugged mark that is not aesthetically appealing. Since we are dealing with the best car care products in the world, I would forgo using normal keys and save this method for something special. The keys below are from an original 1963 Fuel Injected Corvette. If you have a more regular car, I would recommend using the former two methods.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/8.jpg
Pros:
Keys are everywhere, you probably have some in your pocket
Cons:
Rough edge from cutting
Less precise cut
The Grab and Tear Method
The Grab and Tear Method requires a little digit strength. This method originated when cavemen tried to open things years ago, so using it can take you back to a more primitive time. It also works when you simply cannot take 3 steps into your house and locate a better working tool.
Simply dig your fingers into the tape line, and pry open.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/9.jpg
Pros:
Works without tools
Cons:
Messiest opening method
Requires some strength
Most times you will still need a blade to open the corners of the box where the flaps meet.
The Use Anything That Looks Like It Could Work Method
With this method, use reach for anything that is hard, skinny, and looks like it could do the job. You could use a nail, a pen, a screw, garden sheers, a drill bit, or more! We DO NOT recommend using motorized equipment such as Dremels, Drills, or Chainsaws.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/10.jpg
Pros:
Varies
Cons:
Varies
The Blunt-Force Trauma Method
We DO NOT recommend using this method. Your box from Autopia-CarCare.com contains precious, premium car care products. This method could quickly damage the contents through concussive blows. While Autopia uses premium, box-stock, 1.4 mm cardboard, it is still cardboard and you will quickly decimate the box and its contents.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/11.jpg
Pros:
Really?
Cons:
Catastrophic Damage
How To Open:
Slide your tool of choice across the opening of the box, away from or perpendicular to your body.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/12.jpg
Then slide the tool under the edges of the flaps, again away from or perpendicular to your body.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/13.jpg
Open the sets of flaps.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/14.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/15.jpg
Remove the eco-friendly, water-dissolving popcorn from your package to reveal your package. It looks like the Stig sent me a BLACKFIRE BlackICE Hybrid Montan Wax. You can request paper stuffing (instead of the popcorn) in the comments section at checkout!
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/16.jpg
However this presents me with the opportunity to touch on the one subject that many detailers avoid like the plague: How to open and care for your Autopia-CarCare.com package!
It is a feeling that reminds me of my cold feet running to the Christmas tree early Christmas morning to see what the shiny packages, tucked so securely underneath, had for me... The feeling of smelling the interior of a new car, of a new date... It is that magical moment when the door bell rings and the Fed EX guy is standing there with your new package, perfectly wrapped form the shipping crew at Autopia!
Here is the box, as delivered...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/1.jpg
Take note of the careful and expert wrapping. The tape, which proudly displays the various brands offered by Palm Beach Motoring Group, wraps the perimeter of the box to keep your contents neatly in place.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/2.jpg
Next locate the top of the box. This is simple and important. The packers at Autopia loaded your box when it was in this direction, which will make removing the contents easier and help prevent leaking or spillage. The top has the shipping labels.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/3.jpg
Methods of Extraction:
After locating the top of the box, set it done, top-side-up. Now we must open the box without harming the precious cargo inside. (If you order from Autopia, you know you got the good stuff).
The Kitchen Knife Method
The Kitchen Knife Method is very convenient, particularly if you bring your mail into your house. I personally do not recommend using a butter knife or dull blade as it will not cut the quality, self-sticking storage tape cleanly. Remember, this isn`t a package of used books from Amazon, this is a package of premium car care products from Autopia. For best results use a knife with a stainless steel blade and sharpen if necessary.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/4.jpg
While a high-quality kitchen knife works well, it can be a little tricky to hold. Hold the blade, sharp edge up, and lightly cut into the tape. Then cut in a direction AWAY FROM YOUR BODY.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/5.jpg
Pros:
Convenient
Clean Cut On Tape
Cons:
Can Be Difficult To Handle
Ergonomically Incorrect
The Box Cutter Method
If you believe in the saying -"The Correct Tool For The Job"- The Box Cutter Method is for you. These easy-to-hold tools feature a sharp steel blade that slices clean through the tape. The ergonomic design allows for precise control. You can penetrate the tape without damaging the cargo inside with confidence.
Extend the blade slightly, add light pressure, and slice in a left-to-right movement. Never pull towards your body.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/6.jpg
Pros:
Easy-to-handle
Easy-to-control
Provides precise cut
Cons:
Might require walking into the garage to access
Technical Tip: When using any sharp object, never open the Autopia Box by pulling the sharp object towards you!
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/7.jpg
The Car Key Method
Using car keys to break the tape`s hold on your new order is popular. You can even substitute motorcycle keys, house keys, safe keys, safe deposit box keys, lock keys, door keys, and more! They are extremely convenient. If you are like me, you have keys in just about every corner, room, and place in your house, apartment, room or dwelling!
Keys will cut through the tape, but level a rugged mark that is not aesthetically appealing. Since we are dealing with the best car care products in the world, I would forgo using normal keys and save this method for something special. The keys below are from an original 1963 Fuel Injected Corvette. If you have a more regular car, I would recommend using the former two methods.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/8.jpg
Pros:
Keys are everywhere, you probably have some in your pocket
Cons:
Rough edge from cutting
Less precise cut
The Grab and Tear Method
The Grab and Tear Method requires a little digit strength. This method originated when cavemen tried to open things years ago, so using it can take you back to a more primitive time. It also works when you simply cannot take 3 steps into your house and locate a better working tool.
Simply dig your fingers into the tape line, and pry open.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/9.jpg
Pros:
Works without tools
Cons:
Messiest opening method
Requires some strength
Most times you will still need a blade to open the corners of the box where the flaps meet.
The Use Anything That Looks Like It Could Work Method
With this method, use reach for anything that is hard, skinny, and looks like it could do the job. You could use a nail, a pen, a screw, garden sheers, a drill bit, or more! We DO NOT recommend using motorized equipment such as Dremels, Drills, or Chainsaws.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/10.jpg
Pros:
Varies
Cons:
Varies
The Blunt-Force Trauma Method
We DO NOT recommend using this method. Your box from Autopia-CarCare.com contains precious, premium car care products. This method could quickly damage the contents through concussive blows. While Autopia uses premium, box-stock, 1.4 mm cardboard, it is still cardboard and you will quickly decimate the box and its contents.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/11.jpg
Pros:
Really?
Cons:
Catastrophic Damage
How To Open:
Slide your tool of choice across the opening of the box, away from or perpendicular to your body.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/12.jpg
Then slide the tool under the edges of the flaps, again away from or perpendicular to your body.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/13.jpg
Open the sets of flaps.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/14.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/15.jpg
Remove the eco-friendly, water-dissolving popcorn from your package to reveal your package. It looks like the Stig sent me a BLACKFIRE BlackICE Hybrid Montan Wax. You can request paper stuffing (instead of the popcorn) in the comments section at checkout!
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/box/16.jpg