General Detailing Discussion

I wish it would hurry up and be April already. Right when I start to get into detailing and enjoying it, I have to put it on hold for 5 months. I cant even really hook up my hose because it will freeze. And I dont do well working in cold temps because I have Raynauds disease, it's a circulatory issue that basically causes my fingers and toes to turn white, cold, and painful when exposed to cold temps, even just grabbing something from the freezer can trigger it.
I want warm weather asap so I can get back at my new hobby.
I read these detailing threads and visit detailing forums now and then just to read.
I have a decent amount of products to try out. I'm most excited to try my DA polisher again with some megs 205 and/or scholls s20 black. I want to see if I can get rid some some small scratches and all the swirls. Then get it shining with some powelock, hydro2, beadmaker, reload....maybe even some ceramic if I can really hone my skills.
I envy you guys and gals in warmer climates for many reasons, and now just the ability to wash my truck when I want to.
Some day maybe I'll have a heated garage space, that would be amazing.
Sorry to rant, but if you can throw some warm weather my way I'd really appreciate it.

 

Very interesting Jim! I’ve always used Hydro2 as a base coat, never on top of anything else. How would you compare the two? Do you feel like Hydro2 on top is a better result?

 

Feel free to come visit. Of course, your truck would be filthy again when you got home.

 

Didn't want to start another thread so I thought I would had a helpful hint to this one. Way way back in the 60s my grandmother would come over and help clean the house in the Spring, and to clean the glass she would always use vinegar and water and newspapers. That's right newspapers. I have used it every since. I use it on the outside of the windows and inside on the windshield and it never never streaks, takes off everything, and there is never any type of foggy film left. Thought I would pass this along. On the tinted windows I use a microfiber and Meguiars window cleaner.

 

I remember people doing that also. I’d try it myself, but I don’t remember the last time I had a newspaper.

 

not bad. overall it's good according to the user feedback.

already listed this one in my diary for next collection.

 

Then use it for kindle-ing.

 

To be completely honest, I haven’t applied only Hydro2 in a very long time. I always went over it with Reload, then Beadmaker after I discovered it. My perception was that it sealed very well and easily, but didn’t provide the gloss that Reload or Beadmaker did. I really can’t tell you what it looks like on its own anymore.

At this point, it would be a good time to say that I haven’t done a great job of scientifically testing each product on it’s own. I enjoy playing around with detailing so much that I tend to lose track of what I’m doing. I’ve actually had to go back over my posts here many times just to see what I currently have on a specific vehicle. It’s especially an issue when I do several in a day.

Most of what I go with is gut feeling, but the main reason I use Hydro2 first is because it’s part of the process before drying. If I apply Reload first, then I have to get the vehicle wet again to apply Hydro2. According to Carpro’s forum Reload and Hydro2 bond well together, and the order doesn’t matter. It’s just easier to do Hydro2 first. If you’re not applying them at the same time, it won’t make a difference.

I also feel like Hydro2 lasts longer, so it makes more sense to me to use it as the base. Especially with Beadmaker. As much as I love the product, I can definitively say it does NOT last as long as Reload.

Now that you’ve tried it, I will do a test in the future. I will do two separate vehicles with Hydro2 and Beadmaker, just reverse the order. It’d be great to do a half and half on one vehicle, but it would be near impossible to keep Hydro2 contained to one side of a car.

 

@Pudge I did the wash on my daughter’s car yesterday. The Powerlock/Beadmaker combo held up just fine. Been a month I think?
No noticeable reduction in the protection. I’d say it’s a success at this point.

 

Just tried this today. Best tire shine applicator I’ve ever used. Made it very easy, and perfectly even coverage.

Brush King - Tire Shine Applicator and Refill Pads

$30 Brush King - Tire Shine Applicator and Refill Pads

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9F75V7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_V1ziCbWWXYM4A

 

They’re out there polishing my truck now, getting ready to apply CQuartz.

This is me all morning:

 

How's it looking Jason?

 

Looks like they just finished the polishing. They are about four hours in. My paint wasn’t even bad, I can’t imagine how long it takes to polish if it is.

 

you not taking pics of the process?

 

No, I’m trying to leave them alone. Just went out and checked, and they are actually just now starting the coating. I thought they were done with the polishing a couple of hours ago, but they weren’t. These guys aren’t screwing around.

 

This is so awesome
I can't believe the price you got.
I'd be all over this too if I had someone that would come do it.

 

Got it cheaper than that, in a way. Right before Christmas, the guys messaged me, asking if I had any CQuartz he could borrow. He had another job scheduled, and his order hadn’t come in. I did, so he came by and got some.
He just finished, and only asked for $300.00, saying that covered the CQuartz, and for helping him out of a bind. I gave him $400.00, and told him to split the extra with his helper.

 

These guys did an amazing job. I looked out at what point and they were underneath the truck cleaning.

They cleaned all the springs and everything.

 

That is incredible man. I spent 2 days doing paint correction on my truck , and didn't even do a very good job. I'd happily pay 400 for just that. Between the cquartz and other materials I bet its 200-300 alone. Great deal. Can't wait to see it.

Between the coating and your new DI water unit, you're gonna have one clean truck and can focus so much more of other areas when you detail it. I'm green with envy

 

Just posted pics. They spent all in a little over seven hours on the truck. Most of that was the polishing.

 

Looks great. That's a lot of work. And also looks like it wasn't too good to be true. Congrats Jason. You must be thrilled

 

Yes sir, pretty excited. I feel like I got a pretty incredible deal. I’d honestly had low expectations because of the price, but it turned out great. I didn’t actually expect them to spend all day, and wouldn’t have been surprised if I had to go back over it.

He told me to call him if I noticed any problems, and he’d come back out and take care of it. Hs price includes follow ups every six months for two years. His wife sets up calendar appointments on all of his ceramic coating jobs for him, and I’m already scheduled.

All I can guess is that he carries really low overhead, so he can keep the cost down. He doesn’t have a shop of his own, which is a limitation, but also saves a lot of expense.

This was a special he was running for Christmas, but even his normal price is only $750.00.

 

So cool man. I'd be happy to even pay a little more to have someone come to my house to do it

 

WOW!! That is just toooo cool!! They know what they are doing by looking at the pictures.

 

hell I'd gladly give him the $750. wonder if the guy needs a road trip to FL for a day or two???

 

Would you mind sending me this guys info? I am just down the road and might know a few folks that would probably like this guy to detail their vehicle. Send me a message if it’s ok?? Thanks

 

Yes sir, coming your way.

 

Hows it looking now that its cured @War Machine ? How's it feel? Post more pics buddy!!!!