Full detail Time length

[detailthis]

I find that there are a few things you can do to help speed up detailing time. A pressure washer like anthony said is great time saver. If I get a pretty filthy vehicle I spray a cleaner/degreaser on the door jams and pressure wash those as well-saves some time.



If I get a vehicle with a trashed interior I find it easier to remove the seats. It may take you 10 minutes, but it'll save about an hour. I makes cleaning between the seats, the consule, and the whole carpet a little easier. Just don't decide to remove the seats half way through the interior detail, because that'll defeat the whole purpose.

 

[Casebrius]

I would seriously hope you guys are asking the owner before you remove interior panels and seats. If I took my M3, or any car for that matter to a detailer and came back to find panels and seats removed, I would be steaming.

 

[Anthony O.]

I am interested of buying pressure washer. Can you recommand one?

Check with Sams Club or Costco

How do you clean the interior with a pressure washer? Isn't that a little overkill, or are you talking about pulling the floor mats out and doing that with the PW only.



It amazes me that folks can do a complete exterior in 2 hours, but I can see how practice and lots of experience make it possible. Ron and Anthony could you elaborate on how long it actually takes you to do one polishing step on an average sized vehicle?

I just polished a VW Jetta, well I clayed it and Optimum waxed it at the same time, and it took me about 30 minutes.



Add an extra 15 to 20 minutes if I had to Cyclo it or if I had to use a rotary it would take another 30 to 45 minutes.



So the washing takes me on average 20 minutes. If I had to clay it and then use my Cyclo after that it would tack on about another 45 minutes. If it had to be clayed, rotary, Cyclo then wax it would take around 2 hours for the exterior, including washing and tire dressing. This of course does not take into account tar removal, dealing with stained trim or heavy scratches.



Hope that helps,

Anthony

 

[imported_themightytimmah]

I would seriously hope you guys are asking the owner before you remove interior panels and seats. If I took my M3, or any car for that matter to a detailer and came back to find panels and seats removed, I would be steaming.

I always ask the client, and make it clear that all trim/seats/etc will be carefully removed and reinstalled, and I usually explain to them that it allows me to clean/shampoo areas that are not normally accessable. Many of my clients are actually impressed by seeing the car all apart, as they feel it is a sign of a thorough job. I've never had anyone get angry about it, but hey, theres a first for everything.

 

[brwill2005]

Anthony- So you washed, clayed and waxed the Jetta. I am really impressed with your efficiency, considering the quality work you do. I am assuming this is on cars that are in decent shape. How large of an area do you cyclo and rotary polish at once, and how long do you spend on each area before moving on?

 

[Anthony O.]

Anthony- So you washed, clayed and waxed the Jetta. I am really impressed with your efficiency, considering the quality work you do. I am assuming this is on cars that are in decent shape. How large of an area do you cyclo and rotary polish at once, and how long do you spend on each area before moving on?

Hey Brad,



This Jetta, while the interior was a wreck with tons of dog hair, the exterior was suprisingly in great shape.



I cheated a bit on the exterior while claying. I used Optimum spray wax as a lubricant for the clay. So I sprayed the OCW on a small area, clayed it and then sprayed just a bit more and buffed it out.



Normally I like to buff an area (rotary) that is about 2x2 and I buff the area until I feel the product has done its job, usually a few minutes for a car in good shape. Some bad cars can take about 45 minutes per panel! Again it all depends on the paints condition.



If I can get by with just the Cyclo, which I will polish much larger areas with, I will use it for all steps except the waxing.



Hope that helps,

Anthony

 

[brwill2005]

Thanks Anthony. I will have to try tht OPT and clay technique. I did a car a few weeks ago with enough dog hair to make a rug. Anyways, its always nice to hear your input.

 

[klnyc]

I hand wash the vehicle and thuroughly clean the rims and tires and dry the vehicle the best I can. then I move on into the interior hoping that by the time im done inside the outside will be dry in the areas where water likes to hide (mirrors, behind tail lights, seems)

I do the opposite, I wash interior 1st then work my self to exterior.