Car detailing...an exercise in fultility

I agree with everyone that has posted, I do it because I love to. Yes it's going to get dirty again, but then I get to start all over:) Like others have said you also get a feeling of self accomplishment when someone, you know isn't even a car nut, compliments you on the appearance of your ride or you catch people doing second looks when they pass by your car.
 
Someone on this forum once said "I detail for today!" That is now my motto. My detailing hobby career is about 3-4 years old, and I am still in a very steep learning curve. I find it a challenge, relaxing, and when I'm done it gives me a very good feeling. This addiction is hurting noone; in fact, my wife and daughters appreciate that our vehicles look "better than new most of the time." I haven't quite got to the point of detailing being "a way of life", but I am close.
 
Insane said:
Unless you're making $ as a profession, don't you think it's a waste of time to detail a car? I mean... the way I hear you guys talk about detailing, it seems it will take an average person several hours to get the job done right.
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I don't think it has anything to do with making $ as a profession(you could'nt do it as a profession unless you loved it)- it's about making the worst investment you could make look better, pride of ownership, and responsibility to a degree.



And I bet my car looks better than most lay-people's, which makes me feel good.:cool:
 
Just to add my .02 worth. I also find this "Detailing Thing" relaxing. My vehicles (not my wifes) are old (I can still work on them) and at least once a week people will comment on my "NEW" truck which is 15 years old or even my 16 year old truck. Are they perfect, no, but I am working on it. Had them since they were almost new and they saw their bad times then I found this place......YEAHHHH. I also always feel that it drives better and smoother after a good detail and engine clean;)



Brian
 
Insane said:
Unless you're making $ as a profession, don't you think it's a waste of time to detail a car? I mean... the way I hear you guys talk about detailing, it seems it will take an average person several hours to get the job done right.
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It sounds to me like detailing to you is just a way for you to get a clean car. If thats all it is to you than yeah it's probably a waste of time for you. They make automatic car washes or tunnel washes for people like you. Car gets dirty got to the tunnel wash car gets clean, simple enough.



Detailing to me is much more than having a clean car. It's my "thing". It's my hobby. I like everything about it. I like learning the different steps in the process than adding little tricks I pick up along the way. I like trying all the different products. I like being outside. I love how the car feels after I'm done. I like taking it to the next level. If detailing was your "thing" you would know exactly what I'm talking about. It's much more than having a clean car.
 
I always wind up my neighbour who can't resist a comment 'oh you'll have it raining, your always out here cleaning your car' with the reply, 'yeh, but because its so slick and clean I get an extra 12 MPH, and 5MPG' he gets so mad haha :)
 
Some cars are worth "preserving" as artifacts. Others consider the condition of their car to be a reflection of their values.



Some people enjoy detailing. Some can't afford to pay a pro. Others can't find a pro who will do the work well enough to satisfy them.



Some people simply take proper care of everything they own; they consider it to be the responsibility that is part and parcel of ownership.
 
Some people watch TV

Some people listen to Music

Some people read

Some people garden

Some people build things

Some people hunt/fish

Some people collect things

Some people clean



People here to chose to detail their cars. Most people have an obsession of some form whether they realize it or not. North Americans/Europeans have an obsession with the automobile. Considering the money spent and pride/ownership many feel for their vehicles, it's no surprise the obsession people have with making sure their car looks top notch.



Paco
 
hirosh said:
if i thought it was a waste of time, i wouldn't do it. i'm sure a lot of people on this board feel the same way. for most of us, we like to detail our cars, to keep them clean, shiney, and protected. and besides, what is so wrong with wanting to have a very nice looking car that looks better than how it came off the showroom floor? :nixweiss i spent a bunch of money on my car, i want to keep it looking good for many years to come.



just think about something you're passionate about, something that you just love doing, that you'll spend your time and/or money on. and just change that to detailing, and you might understand how the rest of us feel. :wavey [/B]
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What he said:xyxthumbs
 
Insane said:
Unless you're making $ as a profession, don't you think it's a waste of time to detail a car? I mean... the way I hear you guys talk about detailing, it seems it will take an average person several hours to get the job done right.
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As Grasshopper might say (read slowly and imagine a "West Coast Chinese" accent):



It is........ the journey..... that is....... important........not...... the destination.
 
Not to mention the exercise value attached to a good detail. A while back there was this post which referred to a chart on calories burned per activity. Here is a copy of the chart:





Get Fit without Working Out continued 1 | 2

CALORIES BURNED ( 10 MINUTES ) FEMALE MALE

Walking fast 45 60

Painting 45 60

Weeding 45 60

Passionate sex 45 60

Washing a car 45 60

Playing tag with a child 50 67

Cleaning gutters 50 67

Pushing a lawn mower 55 73

Dancing 55 73

Scrubbing floors 55 73

Hiking off-trail 60 80

Biking to work 60 80

Shoveling snow 60 80

Moving furniture 60 80

Cross-country skiing 80 106

Backpacking 80 106



*Figures are for a 132-pound woman and a 176-pound man.
 
mtodde said:
It is even better when you catch someone else turning their head for a second look at your car.



The best part is having people ask what you use or who detailed your car.
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:xyxthumbs ^ My favorite part of detailing. :D
 
paco said:
Some people watch TV

Some people listen to Music

Some people read

Some people garden

Some people build things

Some people hunt/fish

Some people collect things

Some people clean



People here to chose to detail their cars. Most people have an obsession of some form whether they realize it or not.

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I have several obsessions...those being fishing, kayaking, and detailing. Of course I have "combined" all of them, since I regularly wash/detail the kayak with the same products as the car. I have also waxed all of my fishing rods, and polished one of my reels. :p
 
I still think and will probably believe until otherwise it is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your extra time (hobby wise).



The build up to the finish can take some months depending on duration and what your looking for. For me its the anticipation of wiping that last bit of wax off and pulling it out the garage for or for someone to know you as "the guy that always has his car gleaming"

lol!



John.
 
pcar 930 said:
Not to mention the exercise value attached to a good detail...chart on calories burned per activity:



CALORIES BURNED (10 MINUTES) FEMALE MALE



Washing a car 45 60



*Figures are for a 132-pound woman and a 176-pound man.
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Wow. I like this chart. Now I can show my girlfriend that I am burning the beer calories as I go. At 360 calories an hour, just think what a full detail day can do for the physique!



I would think this would almost put pro detailers in pro athlete condition. ;)
 
ZJ JIM 96 said:




I would think this would almost put pro detailers in pro athlete condition. ;)
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Maybe if microwave popcorn and Sonic's Cream Pie shakes didn't exist! :p



It does give you a good workout. I can eat 3000-3500 calories a day and lose weight between detailing and skating at the park.
 
Washing a car or passionate sex..........same amount of calories........NOW I HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE!!!!!! Dang that chart.:angry
 
saling4 said:
Washing a car or passionate sex..........same amount of calories........NOW I HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE!!!!!! Dang that chart.:angry
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Wash the car.....after all, it never talks back to you! :)
 
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