Old School Autopian Check In !!!

[Setec Astronomy]

We learned from one another, built some lasting relationships and saw the industry make huge changes from products to tools, really amazing journey!

Anthony, I attribute the rapid changes in the industry from the time I joined here in 2004, to the "crowd sourcing" of best practices of detailers not only from around the country, but around the world, on forums like this one and others. I guess that baton has been passed to YouTube, which unfortunately suffers from a lot of commercialism and what another member here or at AGO described as "group think".

I always give you credit, not only for starting the Optimum Forum, not only for being at ground zero of coating development (and by extension WOWA development, including coining the term), but also for being one of the first to post detailing videos to the internet, before YouTube even existed. I think you were the first to demonstrate ONR on video, and maybe the first to demonstrate coating application, including paint sprayer application on that black pickup truck, if I recall. I think I`ve only heard of that one other time, when Rasky applied Opti-Coat that way to a honeycomb grille.

 

[Anthony Orosco]

Setec, I remember Rasky, he contacted me about my spray method and was successful in doing the application, hopefully he is still advancing that. The industry has changed for the good and for the worse in the sense that great majority of detailers now want to be seen as "influencers" and on IG and Youtube I see a great deal of trash talking, sad to see that.

I fired up an old hard drive last week and ran across those early videos! I was shocked just how long ago those were, even some I never posted. Miss my long hair! lol

Again I appreciate the kind words and likewise I very much value your input into these topics and discussions.

 

[mgm2003]

Here, but not often..... Things have changed. It is funny looking back 20+ years on a forum. I still love a few staple things: Lake Country Pads (EXCELLENT), still use Zaino, Menzerna Polishes and 3M Ultrafina. But have also found some new gems: FEYNLAB A50, as an example. Whoa! Super impressive (and want to try more from their lineup). I haven`t jumped into the `ceramic coating` thing just yet, but have seen a few products that look excellent. Always good to see things evolve and improve. It`s one hell of a fun hobby (and for the pro`s here--hat`s off to the expert advise you supply free of charge!).

 

[jr_mints]

Here since 2004. Don’t come around near as much as I used to. Still huge Collinite guy.