practical advice for a workaholic?

W

wutangclams

New member
Hey everyone!



Thanks for creating this unique place.. its an unbelievable collection of knowledge and experience!



To provide a bit of background, I work about 16 hours a day at a very high pressure office job. On weekends, I usually have to remote in to keep up with the workload.. this I know is a problem, but thats another post for another forum!



Anyway.. this leaves me with almost no time to devote to my new car Which I LOVE! A White Fiat Abarth, and from what I've read im not alone!



I wanted to do this right.. I dug through pages of threads and guides, and told myself that I would set aside time to collect the right products and know-how so that I can spec the vehicle out, have them start making it, and order everything I need to prepare for arrival. (another poster did this the right way a few pages back on the very same vehicle)



Well.. it defiantly did Not work out that way. Real life got in the way, as it always does, and my old car had to GO before I could even place the order for the new car.. so I had to renounce my plans and purchase the abarth on the lot.. you know.. the one that everyone tests out and learns how to drive stick shift on. Hey I was lucky they even had one at the dealership..



Be that as it may, I'm trying not to give up on my passion for keeping this car looking its best. Most guides and tutorials are geared toward the correct approach.. involving planning, ordering products online, careful applications, and stunning results.. but I'm now resigning to the reality that this approach just wont work with my schedule.. I dont really have any Saturdays to forfeit for this.



So is there any recommended guide for someone in my situation? I've owned the car for just under a week and have No products to treat it with. Shes starting to get a bit dirty, and ideally, I would like to purchase everything at AutoZone, which I know is frowned upon, but its like 2 miles from my house..



I've never even waxed a car before, and yes you've read that correctly.. Never. I dont want to do any damage to the finish, so I've refrained from automatic car washes or anything like that yet.. but I know it'll be time soon and so I'll need to devise the best course of action.



Any guidance is greatly appreciated.. I know you get a lot of "Where do I start" posts.. please dont interpret this as such. This is more of a.. 'how do you keep a car beautiful with local products and no free time' thread.. which I hope is less insulting to the community.



Thanks again for any help!



EDIT: I almost forgot.. this is a daily driver, in south florida high humidity hot weather.
 
wutangclams said:
.. to provide a bit of background, I work about 16 hours a day at a very high pressure office job. On weekends, I usually have to remote in to keep up with the workload.. this I know is a problem, but thats another post for another forum!
Click to expand...



Wutang, welcome aboard! I'd like you to spend a bit of time reading about Optimum's Opti-Coat....it was made for your situation. Enjoy.
 
I don't mean to take you off topic, but have you considered just finding someone on these boards nearby where you live, and paying them to do the protection on the vehicle, and you just maintain it with regular washes? It seems that might be best with your heavy work load.
 
Welcome to Autopia!! Agree with tom p.--seriously consider Optimum Opti Coat Store - Opti Coat 2.0



Also, consider finding a reputable detailer in your area (this forum could help) and have them properly prepare the car and apply the OptiCoat. Since OptiCoat is a permanent coating that is like adding an additional clearcoat, the finish needs to be corrected before applying the coating, otherwise you just seal in the defects. After that if you just use some sensible washing techniques, you'll be good to go for many years to come. Even if you have to use a commercial car wash sometimes, if you just stick to touchless washes you'll be OK. If you find a few extra moments from time to time you can add a coat of Optimum Car Wax (spray) that will enhance the finish and it only will take you 15 minutes.
 
I can agree with finding someone to Opticoat. It is a great product. I've been using it lately to protect some collectible vehicles and really like the look.



I might add if you have an Advanced Auto Parts near you you won't be disappointed with Griots if they carry it.
 
I'd pay a professional to correct the paint and OptiCoat it.



Also, I don't mean just any professional because there are a TON of hacks. Find someone on this board who has a lot of examples of their work up for inspection and pay them to do it. Also, have them use Gtechniq's C4 on the plastic trim.



Finally, look into Optimum No Rinse, a grout sponge or two, a bucket with a grit guard, a good waffle weave drying towel, a pressurized spray bottle, and a nice detail spray to use as a drying aid. Also look into Stoner's invisible glass, a glass towel or two, a tire brush, and Meguiar's Endurance Tire Gel. Oh, grab some 1Z Cockpit Premium for lightly cleaning and protecting the interior.



That list of items will pretty much keep your ride looking amazing once it has the OptiCoat and C4 on it.
 
I agree with all previous responses. Pay someone to do it right from the beginning with Opti-Coat. Look into the Garry Dean Wash Method. Using this method I have been able to wash my whole car in 10-15 minutes. Your car should be faster.



Working like you do your time seems worth more than your money. That makes it logical to pay someone else to maintain it for you.
 
You're all geniuses!



Thats exactly what I'm going to do! I'll start looking for a reputable member in my area..



If anyone knows anyone notorious in South Florida.. please do let me know.



Thanks for your help!
 
wutangclams said:
You're all geniuses!



Thats exactly what I'm going to do! I'll start looking for a reputable member in my area..



If anyone knows anyone notorious in South Florida.. please do let me know.



Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...





Does Opti-coat sponsor this forum? Im curious becuase i dont see it being pushed this hard on the "other" forums.

Just curious. or is it that good? I also have seen many users report that opti-coat didnt last long.
 
deathshead said:
Does Opti-coat sponsor this forum? Im curious becuase i dont see it being pushed this hard on the "other" forums.

Just curious. or is it that good? I also have seen many users report that opti-coat didnt last long.
Click to expand...

First time I've heard anyone say Opti Coat doesn't last long!!!! Other than application issues which usually turn out to be user error haven't heard many negatives at all regarding Opti Coat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top