Gettin things started.

M

Merzbow

New member
Ok, so, after this harsh Michigan weather I'm ready to jump on the first opertunity to prep my car for the spring shows and stuff. I used "Zymöl Cleaner Wax" and then switched to "Eagle 1 Wet Polish & Wax". I like the result of the Eagle 1 better after using it a few times. I don't know a whole lot about detailing but would like to learn EVERYTHING there is to know so I can be a pro at it ;)

1) I want to try claybars. Can I use claybars when ever I feel like it, or should I only use it once a year or what...what's the deal with claybars. I did a search and read up on how to apply it but I am just looking for some general info. on them.

2) I am starting a small garage-based detailing company this spring and have a few cars lined up already. I use Eagle 1 wax and just your standard cotton circular pads I bought from Autozone that come 2 in a pack to remove the wax. Should I use the circular pads to apply the wax as well as remove it or should I use a 100% cotton cloth to apply and use the circular to remove it.

3) Does it really matter how often you wax your car?

I understand alot of you are probably grinding your teeth with my stupid questions but I'm only 17 and just getting into this kind of stuff and I don't have anyone to teach me so bear with me.

I have some other questions I will post about later on how to get certain scratches and dings out of my car. My poor baby has sustained plenty of damage from the inconsiderate morons at my school that don't know how to drive or open their car doors. I park in the farthest spot away from everyone else and some idiot ina rusted out piece allways finds it way next to me!!!!
 
1) living in Michigan you should clay bar once every 2-3 mos. im originally from northern indiana and understand what the wheather does to a car.

2) try to do some searching about starting up a business. this topic has been discussed plenty and it should give you a better idea of what you are getting into. you are going to need a lot more than a bottle of wax and a few applicators. i would definately suggest ordering products from some of the vendors on this site. when it comes to detailing as a business, remember that you are charging for a service. try to go the extra mile that other people arent willing to go to. thats why they are paying you. im not trying to sound harsh, but i recently started detailing as a business and this same advice was offered to me. i have found it to be very helpful.

3) it matters to a degree. i like to wax once a month. others do more, some do less. it is up to you on what you feel a good interval is. if you notice that rain isnt beading on your paint anymore, then it is definately time to wax.

feel free to post up any other questions you might have. you might want to search first, because your question may have already been answered and you will save a lot of time. im sure that you will find the members on this site very helpful. i sure have.
 
Thanks for replying :)

I'm not qute ready to make the detailing thing a full fledged buisness, I am working out of my garage and so far only have a Crossfire, '04 Vette convert., another Vibe, and an Escort waiting for spring. I will clean the whole car inside and out-vacuum, wax, wash, wheels, tires, dash/door/interrior panels, the works for about $30-$40. I put my heart and soul into anything I do to a car whether it be my baby, someone elses baby, or someone's piece of trash crusty Civic. I respect cars enough to make sure it's done right :)

The reason I asked about how many times you wax per year is because I heard it is not good to do it alot. That didn''t make sense to me so I thought I would check just to make sure. I don't wax mine at all during winter but I wax my car every three-five weeks. The road salt is rediculously bad for your car and I HATE driving in it and will avoid it if possible but I have to get to work somehow lol.
 
I will clean the whole car inside and out-vacuum, wax, wash, wheels, tires, dash/door/interrior panels, the works for about $30-$40. I put my heart and soul into anything I do to a car whether it be my baby, someone elses baby, or someone's piece of trash crusty Civic. I respect cars enough to make sure it's done right

I admire your sentiments on a 'job well done' and while you're not doing this for a living, if you do you may want to consider an hourly rate + materials (i.e. how long does it take you to do the detail you describe (X $ per hour) what was the cost of the materials used, insurance costs, utilities (water, electricity, etc) plus a profit margin, the detail you describe would be $150 + from a professional detailer

But keep practicing and reading forums like this so when presented with a vehicle with ‘stains’ or other problems on either paintwork or the interior you’ll know just how to deal with them. Good luck.

JonM
 
It's great that your just getting used to all of this, great hobby. $30-40 is really quite low for something like that, Somewhere closer to $70-80 is probably more realistic for a full Int/Ext detail. I like the Eagle One stuff, but I would suggest picking up some other stuff. Poorboy's is great stuff for starting out and it won't break the bank. If your interested you could shoot Poorboy a PM and he could help you decide what would be best for you. I would also suggest picking up a PC, either from one of our sponsors or from Lowe's. I didn't think I needed one, but once I had it I didn't know what I had done without it. For someone in your position you are in the right place. The members on this board are the best in the business, and they can help you with any questions that you may have, don't ever be afraid to ask, experiment, and make mistakes. Remember that everything is fixable, and you should try out as much as you can.
 
Sorry for the delay, I've been busy. I live in Clinton Twp., about 20-30 minutes from Detroit.

How much would a pc generally cost?
 
Merzbow said:
Sorry for the delay, I've been busy. I live in Clinton Twp., about 20-30 minutes from Detroit.

How much would a pc generally cost?
Click to expand...

I got mine (used just once, polishing, but I love it already) for $99 at lowes, in California.
 
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