What can one do??

[cwcad]

Yesterday during a break in the rain I had been out doing a waterless wash on the truck working in the driveway. Truck was all clean and I had the hood up working on drying the underside of the hood and general cleaning up of the engine compartment.

A neighbor from down the street came walking up to introduce himself. I know few people in my neighborhood so I thought that it was a nice jesture for him to come up and introduce himself. He was a very nice guy. We actually had a lot in common. So we talked for 15 to 20 minutes about this that and other things.

He drives a late model 1 ton Crew Cab Ford dark blue in color with a color matched cab high camper. I noticed as he drove by that afternoon that it was really quite dirty because of the nasty weather as of late. I also know that the vehicle is full of swirls because I have seen them when I go to get my mail each day.

So I offered to help him with a detail of his truck when he gets back from rotation off the oil rig that he works on which will be in about two weeks.
He stated that he did not need to do anything to his truck yet because he had the dealer installed sealant on his paint.

I just said, "OK, sounds good to me". Our friendship was to new to say anything else.

Since I know relatively few of the neighbors here in Texas I was hoping to make a good impression on him during our first meeting. The truck that I was working on was clean everywhere but the wheel wells. Tires had just been wiped down and clean. Paint was clear, clean and shiny. Engine compartment as good as I ever will get it. I was hoping to get some time to work on his truck and at the same time get to know him as well. I would like to have more than one friend in the state of Texas.

I guess what I am trying to say is that frequenting DC kind of skews my view of the real world. It really does not revolve around keeping your vehicle clean, swirl free, and shiny now does it?

 

[BLUELINE 1]

I had a similar encounter a few weeks ago. One of my co-workers over heard me talking about detailing my truck. We have never really spoken other then hello and good bye. He comes up to me and starts asking about the clay bar and what it does, so I explained it to him. About three days later he comes into work and couldn't stop talking about the diffrence the clay made on the paint. Then he starts talking about detailing other cars, so I recommended him visiting DC to maybe learn some new things first. Well he never did, and showed up at my office last week with his mother's Explorer. He had just got done "detailing" it has he said. As I started walking around it I could see swirl marks everywhere. I was thinking he probably just added more then he removed. I asked what his process was and he goes on to tell me that he took it to the local drive-thru car wash to get it clean then went home clayed it and kept waxing it until all the swirl marks were gone. He told me that he spent a total of 6 hours getting the car clean and free of swirl marks. He used an OTC cleaner wax that said in the instructions that it would remove swirl marks. Like you I didn't have the heart to tell him that he just wasted 6 hours and all he did was hide the swirl marks not remove them which it didn't even do that right. I will wait to say something to him another day, but not now because he thinks he is the MAN. If he would have listened to me and just visited the site he could have saved a lot of time and labor. So I guess I can say that my view of the real world is also screwed, but my truck doesn't mind.

 

[Mikeyc]

Unfortunately, my eyes seem to be directly wired to my mouth because when I see something wrong with the finish on someone's car I usually tell them without even thinking about it. Some people are embarassed or mildly offended, but most are unaware or don't care.

I really feel like you can say anything you want. It's really how you say it that is the most important thing. If you guys said "your car looks great, but here are some ways to make it look even better." I think that would go over better than "your car is a swirled, dirty POS."

Also, CWCAD, I know if I were your neighbor and you told me the truth about dealer paint protection I would appreciate it. Those packages cost a lot and if he knows the truth then that's just more money he can save the next time he buys a car.

 

[97F1504x4]

Also, CWCAD, I know if I were your neighbor and you told me the truth about dealer paint protection I would appreciate it. Those packages cost a lot and if he knows the truth then that's just more money he can save the next time he buys a car.

I agree i think you should inform you new neighbor in a polite manner of course that those sealants are nothing more than a sealant like Poorbopys EX-p I think it is and if you have some of that show him and inform he they only last about 3 months. That way it kind of still sound like he paid for something even though we all know he paid for nothing. Then offer to show him how much better you could get his truck looking. Then if he let's you do it then tell him that next time he buiys a new vehicle to save his money on the sealant that they really do not last

By the way not sure what kind of truck you have but I know a couple guys in Texas not sure where you are in relation to them but check out this site. It is a pay site but it's only 12.00 i think and lots of good people.

http://www.truckblog.com/

Also if you have a ford truck check this place out. Lots of Texas members here. http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/

Richard

 

[Big Leegr]

I think you did the right thing cwcad. You don't know how he reacts to criticism, and he may become defensive if you "put down" what he "invested" in. As long as he's happy, I'd leave it until I got to know him better. If I found him receptive to an offer to detail his truck, great. But, as you said, friendship is worth more than whether or not his truck is as pristine as he thinks it is.

 

[cwcad]

MikeyC and 97F1504X4,

I know what you are saying is factual and correct. I also know that I would be appreciative of any good advice given to me as far as the care and maintainence of my vehicle.

Since this is the first time that I have ever spoken to the man I felt a little uncomfortable giving advice to a man that is certainly my peer. I did not want to come across as a no-it-all. I also knw that some of my neighbors feel I am a bit anal when it comes to my truck. But that is ok. I know I am. Have never tried to hide it. I believe that I come across on these forums as that type of fellow. It is easy to be forthcoming here on the forum. It is more difficult in real life. At least for me.

 

[97F1504x4]

MikeyC and 97F1504X4,

I know what you are saying is factual and correct. I also know that I would be appreciative of any good advice given to me as far as the care and maintainence of my vehicle.

Since this is the first time that I have ever spoken to the man I felt a little uncomfortable giving advice to a man that is certainly my peer. I did not want to come across as a no-it-all. I also knw that some of my neighbors feel I am a bit anal when it comes to my truck. But that is ok. I know I am. Have never tried to hide it. I believe that I come across on these forums as that type of fellow. It is easy to be forthcoming here on the forum. It is more difficult in real life. At least for me.

I hear and understand where your coming from. But i am also sure you are a smart enough man to have been able to talk to him and explain it without seeming to be a know it all. Also do not feel bad about the other neighbors thinking you are a little anal. Mine think the same of me and also think i am a bit on the insane side. And to me that is a good thing. Anyway talk with him more and get to know him and then at some point I am sure the opportunity will present itself to tell him the truth.

Richard