How to shop for a good detailing shop

It is one of the things on my "to do list" fixing up my 2007 Tundra and I have been ticking off the others. Linex, Bed rack, head unit and back up camera tomorrow and new backup light bulbs tomorrow.

The paint has been abused - honestly it does not look all that bad but it is not smooth to the touch and I was told it needs compounding. I also need some touch up various places - Inside is not that bad I am sure routine cleaning and then adding Husky mats will set that up ok - don't even think I need seat covers. More worried about the paint. Body shop who repaired our fender told me it did not need new paint but needed compounding and to wait 30 days before anyone touched it. Businesses don't generally go out on a limb recommending other businesses these days.

Not really sure how to find a good shop that can do this and am prepared for some sticker shop to get it done right. I honesty want to pay someone for this and have them give me guidance going forward and maybe an annual visit as I will wash the darned thing but am not going to be out there buffing it and all that. Also know The Google and Facebook reviews can only go so far and I do read them but....

So, what do you look for when you are seeking the services of a detailing professional?

If folks local to Greenville / Spartanburg SC have any recommendations for specific businesses. Please PM me.

 

Check out Yelp and see the reviews of places you’re interested in. Go check out the cars that they’re working on out in the sun.

I get that you’re not into buffing the whole truck out and putting in all that time, but a little time can be spent and can get you closer to the results you’re looking for. Then you could just let someone polish it out if that’s what you want to do. Many people around here like some stuff called iron X. I’ve heard it does wonders for removing any iron deposits that make their way into the surface of the paint. Usually it’s from brake dust and things like that. After that you could do a clay bar which is really not that hard to do but it does remove a lot of the contaminants from the paint very easily. Check out a few videos and even some threads around here explaining how to do it. Personally I’ve always been a Claybar guy. Once a year I hit it with Claybar after I wash it and then I throw down a good wax or sealant so I at least know it’s protected. Every time I wash my truck I hit it with a spray wax afterwards to help prolong my hand waxing efforts.

 

I guess I will start with estimates - it does look for most it is nearly 1K and an all day or more job. I guess it may not hurt me to try it out on a section first but I definitely need touch up and I can do it based on what I did on my bed rails but imagine a pro could do a better job. it may reduce the effort they would put in. I don't want all the inside stuff. I can do that and have a steam cleaner I use for my house etc.

 

IronX, a clay bar or synthetic clay followed by some hand or machine polishing could go a long way, even skip the polishing if you don't care aboue the swirls. The rough feeling is likely contaminates embedded in the paints especially if your clear coat is still glossy. Ironx and clay and some good wax or sealant might be all you need. You can do that in a couple hours with minimal investment.

 

A riskier route but probably cheaper to see if you want to go all out is to look for a mobile detailer. They've been popping up more and more now. A basic wash, clay, and wax shouldn't be that much. Then ask how much a simple paint correction (the compounding you speak of) would be. You can always ask for pictures of their work to see if you want to follow thru.

Or if it's something you might want to try on the weekend, go visit Harbor Freight and pick up a DA polisher, pads, and Meguiars. They have Megs products on the shelf. And don't forget the 20% off coupon. Abuse it with multiple visits. Claybar can be found at walmart or any auto parts store. It's a cheap starter package.

 

Well I am not about throwing away money so maybe I will try some of this. Neither one of us has ever paid much attention to our cars other than making sure they are maintained and manages to usually get at least 20 years on them but have always neglected that aspect of it. It feels good to have a nice looking car though and I know it is better for the paint.

 

So is the FIRST step to touch up paint? I have minor nicks on the edges of the doors and the rocker panel and the hood and a long strip on the taigate where the camper shell rubbed. Maybe start with the rocker panels where it won't be as noticeable?

 

Yeah, touch up first.
You don't want to put paint on top of wax or any other car care type products.