Detailing is it worth it?
07 October 2013, 03:31 PM
#1
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Detailing is it worth it?
Afternoon
Just wondered what your thoughts and opinions are of having your car detailed?
I no this is probably the wrong section but would like your thoughts sooner rather than later
Thanks guys
Just wondered what your thoughts and opinions are of having your car detailed?
I no this is probably the wrong section but would like your thoughts sooner rather than later
Thanks guys
07 October 2013, 04:06 PM
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Speaking as someone who used to chuck the car through a car wash every couple of months but who now gives this one loving attention 2-3 times a week I'd say 'yes'.
If you've a good starting point, the car looks good and it won't take hours then that's the incentive to keep it clean and tidy, and take far less time doing so. Mine was absolutely spotless when I got it, and that's turned me from a philistine.
Some fellow enthusiasts suggested to me that detailing before putting away for Winter and one before bringing it out in Spring is a good habit.
I don't know how much the average charge is but a 'full valet' at a handwash is getting on for £50 around here. Detailing gets the car at well above that level.
If you've a good starting point, the car looks good and it won't take hours then that's the incentive to keep it clean and tidy, and take far less time doing so. Mine was absolutely spotless when I got it, and that's turned me from a philistine.
Some fellow enthusiasts suggested to me that detailing before putting away for Winter and one before bringing it out in Spring is a good habit.
I don't know how much the average charge is but a 'full valet' at a handwash is getting on for £50 around here. Detailing gets the car at well above that level.
07 October 2013, 04:52 PM
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I gave mine a proper clean yesterday, took forever and it's well worth doing. Now I can keep it how I allways do. Washed, hoovered and polished every Sunday 
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07 October 2013, 05:54 PM
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Fonzy, I just wondered what others thoughts were fella and wether it's worth the investment
Ps - I'm not brave enough to use a machine polisher!! I'd **** it up
07 October 2013, 05:56 PM
#10
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Have to agree with the above, I had my engine bay detailed over a year ago and have kept on top it ever since and it still looks as good 1 year on IMHO, find a good detailer and keep them as a good friend for life.......
07 October 2013, 05:58 PM
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Will have a look round local area and see who's about and costs
07 October 2013, 06:01 PM
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I've paid for a detail once because I needed heavy correction which my DA polisher couldn't manage. I clean my car weekly when I can, but twice a year it gets stripped down, polished and protected with various products.
I don't refer to it as detailing, as I don't clean my inlet manifold with a toothbrush but I do end up with paintwork which is spotless and protected which allows for quick 30min cleans throughout the rest of the year, but every time I've got that "just been polished" look.
07 October 2013, 06:05 PM
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It's one of those things where you need to enjoy it, is a £300 detail worth the money in practical terms? No chance - but knowing your car is spotless, paint is corrected and protected is a hobby.
I've paid for a detail once because I needed heavy correction which my DA polisher couldn't manage. I clean my car weekly when I can, but twice a year it gets stripped down, polished and protected with various products.
I don't refer to it as detailing, as I don't clean my inlet manifold with a toothbrush but I do end up with paintwork which is spotless and protected which allows for quick 30min cleans throughout the rest of the year, but every time I've got that "just been polished" look.
I've paid for a detail once because I needed heavy correction which my DA polisher couldn't manage. I clean my car weekly when I can, but twice a year it gets stripped down, polished and protected with various products.
I don't refer to it as detailing, as I don't clean my inlet manifold with a toothbrush but I do end up with paintwork which is spotless and protected which allows for quick 30min cleans throughout the rest of the year, but every time I've got that "just been polished" look.
Yeah would like the paintwork "correcting" and the engine bay sorting but like you say not bothered about the manifold getting the toothbrush treatment!!!Thanks again for the advice pal
07 October 2013, 06:44 PM
#15
As I'm a "detailer" (part time currently) and now have my own company I'm obviously going to be biased but here's a few shots of what I can achieve during a 1 day enhancement detail.
Now if you are prepared to put a little bit of effort into your wash and drying technique then I believe the average person can keep their car looking almost as good as the above ONCE the paintwork has been corrected or enhanced.
As to weather It's worth it. Well that's a purely personal decision, some people are happy to take it through an automated carwash or to the lads at Homebase and not worry about the associated swirls, scratches they WILL pick up from their efforts, but there will always be people who care about their vehicles to the extent that they want them to look at their best. Hence why there's so much work about for a skilled "detailer"
Now if you are prepared to put a little bit of effort into your wash and drying technique then I believe the average person can keep their car looking almost as good as the above ONCE the paintwork has been corrected or enhanced.
As to weather It's worth it. Well that's a purely personal decision, some people are happy to take it through an automated carwash or to the lads at Homebase and not worry about the associated swirls, scratches they WILL pick up from their efforts, but there will always be people who care about their vehicles to the extent that they want them to look at their best. Hence why there's so much work about for a skilled "detailer"
07 October 2013, 06:51 PM
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Fella mine gets done every weekend, washed, dried off, waxed and polished but would like to know if it's better to get it "detailed" ?
Fonzy, I just wondered what others thoughts were fella and wether it's worth the investment
Ps - I'm not brave enough to use a machine polisher!! I'd **** it up
Fonzy, I just wondered what others thoughts were fella and wether it's worth the investment
Ps - I'm not brave enough to use a machine polisher!! I'd **** it up
I bought a polisher, used it once and to be honest did worry about adding a dent or something worth, so haven't used it since.
I'm certainly considering a detailer.
I'm not one and never will be and the car's standard of cleanliness has dropped since I took ownership (it had to anyway, couldn't have been better looked after by the previous owner).
Detailing it will bring it back up and I can then look forward to another 6-8 months of doing it myself before it falls down again.
07 October 2013, 07:19 PM
#17
And before people start with "Oh but how bad were those cars before you worked on them"
Here's what the Vantage was like when it arrived with me, after a life of being cleaned at the local £10 carwash.
And here's what it looked like when It was completed. It didn't get 100% correction as It wasn't in for that. I'd say it got a good 90% correction, using a Rupes Bigfoot LHR15, Rupes yellow pad and Menzerna polishes, wiped down with IPA then Zaino Z2 Z6 & Z8 used as LSP.
Sorry about all the pictures.....Just trying to prove a point
Here's what the Vantage was like when it arrived with me, after a life of being cleaned at the local £10 carwash.
And here's what it looked like when It was completed. It didn't get 100% correction as It wasn't in for that. I'd say it got a good 90% correction, using a Rupes Bigfoot LHR15, Rupes yellow pad and Menzerna polishes, wiped down with IPA then Zaino Z2 Z6 & Z8 used as LSP.
Sorry about all the pictures.....Just trying to prove a point
07 October 2013, 07:23 PM
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07 October 2013, 07:27 PM
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As I'm a "detailer" (part time currently) and now have my own company I'm obviously going to be biased but here's a few shots of what I can achieve during a 1 day enhancement detail.
Now if you are prepared to put a little bit of effort into your wash and drying technique then I believe the average person can keep their car looking almost as good as the above ONCE the paintwork has been corrected or enhanced.
As to weather It's worth it. Well that's a purely personal decision, some people are happy to take it through an automated carwash or to the lads at Homebase and not worry about the associated swirls, scratches they WILL pick up from their efforts, but there will always be people who care about their vehicles to the extent that they want them to look at their best. Hence why there's so much work about for a skilled "detailer"
Now if you are prepared to put a little bit of effort into your wash and drying technique then I believe the average person can keep their car looking almost as good as the above ONCE the paintwork has been corrected or enhanced.
As to weather It's worth it. Well that's a purely personal decision, some people are happy to take it through an automated carwash or to the lads at Homebase and not worry about the associated swirls, scratches they WILL pick up from their efforts, but there will always be people who care about their vehicles to the extent that they want them to look at their best. Hence why there's so much work about for a skilled "detailer"
Do you travel with the detailing work or is it a case of come to you? What sort of price for a "detail/correction" ?
Cheers again
07 October 2013, 07:38 PM
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07 October 2013, 08:09 PM
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07 October 2013, 08:27 PM
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http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=297421
This is a thread from the chap who detailed mine last November.
This is how it looks now:
This is a thread from the chap who detailed mine last November.
This is how it looks now:
07 October 2013, 08:29 PM
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I spent forever removing the little tar spots on the car, and then realised today we had tardis in work lol. Those cars look superb. I guess depending how bad the car is and how much a detailer would charge it may be worth a one of investment. You will be amazed by the results. That looks stunning ^^
07 October 2013, 08:57 PM
#30
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=297421
This is a thread from the chap who detailed mine last November.
This is how it looks now:
This is a thread from the chap who detailed mine last November.
This is how it looks now:
Detailed by a pro and looked after by the owner and still looks this good.
Well done mate