timing...how long does it take you??

[Todd@RUPES]

Very interesting thread, and I will only add this...



If you work like a machine, then you can achieve 90-95 percent correction on most cars in a certain time frame. This is an important "package".



But to get true, 100 percent type correction, and take paint ant the finish to the most perfect it can be takes a serious more amount of time and skill. You have to finish each square inch to its highest potential with your abilities, contanstly running your technique and product through your head and reevaluating your opitions and paints reaction to them.



Removing badges, trim, taping, measure paint, ect can take several hours in and of it self if your goal is perfection. Its the ability to take paint all the way thru compounding, polishing, burinishing and sealing each square inch that defines the true art of detailing, and this "art" takes time.



It can never be fully accomplished nor appericated it if you are on a time frame.



Just MO.

 

[zoomzoom3]

for the following process:



wash

clay

1 step compound with rotary

1 step polish with pc/udm

1 wax with pc

tires, wheels, wells

windows in and out

plastics, carpets, seats

leather conditioning



on a 4 door sedan -

on a tacoma size truck -

on a escalade size suv -



trying to guage how long it takes others compared to how long it takes me...

All of that...probably a full 8 hours. Yes I work slow, but I get results!:xyxthumbs

 

[Old Pirate]

For me it depends on the condition of the interior (which i hate the most) and the exterior too, for me i would say 6 thru 16 hrs. I'm using the UDM and i'm a somewhat a semi-old fart. But i would do any detail ( someone's car) like if it's my own. I just want it to be as much as perfect that i can get it and the customer is smiling and :drool: , i'm always willing to learn more so i can be better than i was before.........:usa .......someday i will get a rotary!

 

[AP2TUDE]

It can never be fully accomplished nor appericated it if you are on a time frame.

I think that this is the most accurate statement that has been made in this whole thread.



As a real detailer, the result is all that matters. It isn't about a timeframe, it isn't about simply getting it done, it is getting it done a certain way.



If you are dealing with a specific timeframe, then you aren't detailing to the fullest of your ability, you aren't finishing the job. You are simply doing what you can in the time that you have, almost judging the lesser evils.



Do you think the customer will appreciate a perfect interior or exterior? How much paint correction is adequate if perfection isn't an option?



I just don't think that anybody can say it takes "X" amount of time to do any specific task. Some wheels have tar on their interiors, others don't. Some seats or carpets have stains that need to come out, others don't. Some glass needs to be clayed or polished, others not.



So how long does it take me? Usually a long time...until I know it is done the way I am happy with. In the cases where I have a limited timeframe, I make sure to discuss with the client exactly what is possible in that timeframe, to make sure that they are still really pleased with the outcome, even if it is a shortcoming to my abilities.

 

[cheapshot]

-thoroughly vacuum (between seats console ac vents etc) light cleaning of door panels roof dash interior windows etc.) dressed all interior with protectant.



-Washed entire car (except engine) including door jams, hood jam, trunk jam, wheel wheels exhaust tips those small spaces between moulding etc.



-polished with PC and Polish small sections at a time using a halogen light.



-fishing polish PC small sections was able to move a bit quicker.



-sealant applied with PC, removed by hand with MF.



-wax applied by hand and removed by hand with MF.



This took me all day from 8:00am to about 7:00pm



Nobody could pay me for this type of work, I did it as a surprise for a friend with a black car, just the look on his face made it so worth it!



PS: This encluded a few cold drinks trough out detail, and a sandwich for lunch!

 

[AutoNova]

Here is an example of my most basic package. This package can be done in 3-5 hours depending on size of vehicle. All of the packages I offer are done same day for the convience of customers.



Many times when I am wetsanding or doing swirl removal I have the customer leave the car at the beginnig of the week and I work on it bit by bit for a couple days. Many times it depends on the age and freshness of the paint for how long it will take.



NOVA #1: $149.00



Recommended for cars new– to 4 years old

Protection Value: 2-3 months

Time Needed: 4-6 hours



Exterior

Hand wash, clean tires, bugs, wheel wells, doorjambs, dress tires and wheel wells, degrease engine.

1-step machine polish/ wax

Interior

Vacuum interior and trunk, clean crevices, vents, vinyl, clean and condition leather, hot-water extract carpets, mats and seats, dress interior, clean windows, fragrance.

 

[Accellora]

You guys amaze me with your speed. I could never wash, clay, compound, polish, and wax my car in three hours - no way possible I could without doing half arsed work.



Now the interior work I may be able to do in four hours but I cannot get anywhere near your speed on the exterior. I just don't see how you guys do it so fast.

Man! You said it! Last time I washed my car I was able to do just a two bucket wash, tires w/dressing, wells, exterior windows. I didn't have enough time for interior, wax, polish anything. Took 3 hours. I have a large truck and the roof itself is a chore to get to.



All this and my little 3-year old who insists to help each time all while my wife is nagging if I'm finished yet.

 

[Invigor]

I depends



I can do a Focus head to toe in about 3 hours...I've also done a Focus ZX3 that just the interior alone took 7 hours :|



Did a 3-step polish on an 87 Chevy 2500 yesturday in about 4 hours. That included wash, clay, remove tar, 3 step polish and a wax. Dress the tires, inside/outside windows. It was spiderweb city, but came out quite quickly.



It probably would've only been 2 hours had I used the makita...but I just can't find the right pad setup with it, so I'm stuck with the pc....which ain't so bad on softer paint