Who amongst you Gents, still detail your own rides?

[Hawaiianwargod]

I still do. Just detailed my BMW last weekend. The Tacoma can wait... This weekend.

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[Johnman2880]

I always detail my own rides. I would never trust my baby to some minimum wage person who dosent care about my ride. I detail my Camaro once a week at LEAST and the outback (wifes car) once a month or so. My monster truck dosent get much love but it's a big nasty beach and shes fine being dirty. I cant see paying someone that much to do a sub par job. I clean under the hood and everything on my camaro.

[Hawaiianwargod]

I feel the same way.
I rather do the work myself because I had experienced it before, after paying someone to detail it, I ended up redoing it because I was not satisfied with their work.

[Fishman15]

I never let anyone touch my truck when it comes to cleaning...

[mtpockets]

I do, well kind of. I make sure it's always parked so the rain can get at it good, and occasionally I'll open her up, roll the windows down and blow the dust out of the cab. When it's too muddy I'll spoil her a bit with a power wash.

[bodyhard]

Always detail my rides, wont let any one just touch my cars.

[Hawaiianwargod]

Always detail my rides, wont let any one just touch my cars.

John,
What wax do you use? I've heard Adam's products are awesome.
I've been using chemical guys and Meguire products.

[401Delta]

I get some help...the sap on the hood is from the trees, the piss on the tires are from my dogs, and I'm personally responsible for all of the mud.

[deadwoodgregg]

What wax do you use? I've been using chemical guys and Meguire products.

Meguiars makes great products at great prices. I use Chemical Guys soaps in my foam cannon and some of their air fresheners.

My vehicle is garage kept. Clay bar (ultra fine) once a year and follow with Jescar Power Lock paint sealant (Menzerna).

https://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-po...ealant-32.html

Pinnacle Souveran paste wax once a year.

https://www.autogeek.net/pinsouvwax.html

Pinnacle Crystal Mist detailer as needed.

https://www.autogeek.net/pincrysmis.html

Pinnacle Souveran liquid spray wax every 1-2 months as needed.

https://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-so...spray-wax.html

I have 4 different kinds of high quality microfiber towels (5 gallon bucket of each). These chinchilla towels are really nice.

https://www.autogeek.net/chinchilla-cloths.html

Only order in bulk from Autogeek and only when they have 25% off with free shipping.

[Brackneyc]

I run my daily drivers through the local wash to get the big stuff. Then detail at home. I wash the convertibles at home.

The 67 Camaro has only seen water once in the last 12 years. Srs.

[ironwill2008]

I tend to keep vehicles for a long time, so this leads to my doing all the maintenance/repair work, as well as appearance work, myself. I use a wide spectrum of detail materials from several different companies. These days, just about everyone makes good detailing products; those that don't, they disappear off the market pretty quickly.

1986 Z28, bought new (the original 16" alloy wheels and Goodyear Gatorbacks are in storage):







2003 S10 ZR2, also bought new (after 15 years of good service, I recently traded it on a new '18 Silverado 4WD):





The Camaro has always been garage-kept, and has never seen rain or snow, so it's relatively easy to keep it looking good. The ZR2, OTOH, had never seen a garage; it was parked outdoors since day 1. It took a lot of work to keep it looking like that, especially underneath, what with the salt dumped on the roads all Winter long here.

Fifteen years from now, I'll post pics of the Silverado---and more Z28 pics.

[Hawaiianwargod]

Meguiars makes great products at great prices. I use Chemical Guys soaps in my foam cannon and some of their air fresheners.

My vehicle is garage kept. Clay bar (ultra fine) once a year and follow with Jescar Power Lock paint sealant (Menzerna).

https://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-po...ealant-32.html

Pinnacle Souveran paste wax once a year.

https://www.autogeek.net/pinsouvwax.html

Pinnacle Crystal Mist detailer as needed.

https://www.autogeek.net/pincrysmis.html

Pinnacle Souveran liquid spray wax every 1-2 months as needed.

https://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-so...spray-wax.html

I have 4 different kinds of high quality microfiber towels (5 gallon bucket of each). These chinchilla towels are really nice.

https://www.autogeek.net/chinchilla-cloths.html

Only order in bulk from Autogeek and only when they have 25% off with free shipping.

Awesome info! Thank you, I will check these out.

[Hawaiianwargod]

I run my daily drivers through the local wash to get the big stuff. Then detail at home. I wash the convertibles at home.

The 67 Camaro has only seen water once in the last 12 years. Srs.

Wow! 12 years???? That's insane!
I always wanted a 67-69 Camaro. Hopefully I will still be able to...

[Hawaiianwargod]

I tend to keep vehicles for a long time, so this leads to my doing all the maintenance/repair work, as well as appearance work, myself. I use a wide spectrum of detail materials from several different companies. These days, just about everyone makes good detailing products; those that don't, they disappear off the market pretty quickly.

1986 Z28, bought new (the original 16" alloy wheels and Goodyear Gatorbacks are in storage):







2003 S10 ZR2, also bought new (after 15 years of good service, I recently traded it on a new '18 Silverado 4WD):





The Camaro has always been garage-kept, and has never seen rain or snow, so it's relatively easy to keep it looking good. The ZR2, OTOH, had never seen a garage; it was parked outdoors since day 1. It took a lot of work to keep it looking like that, especially underneath, what with the salt dumped on the roads all Winter long here.

Fifteen years from now, I'll post pics of the Silverado---and more Z28 pics.

Nice rides Ironwill! The Z28 looks like it just came out from the lot! Props!

[Brackneyc]

Wow! 12 years???? That's insane!
I always wanted a 67-69 Camaro. Hopefully I will still be able to...

Yup. Washed it after it was painted. Just dust and wax now.

[ironwill2008]

I always wanted a 67-69 Camaro. Hopefully I will still be able to...

Bring $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Due to the popularity of televised collector-car auctions this past several years, and the carpetbaggers who profit from them, prices for even rust-bucket first-gen Camaros has gone through the roof. Additionally, Caveat Emptor if you're a serious buyer.

[Brackneyc]

Bring $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Due to the popularity of televised collector-car auctions this past several years, and the carpetbaggers who profit from them, prices for even rust-bucket first-gen Camaros has gone through the roof. Additionally, Caveat Emptor if you're a serious buyer.

I’ve had lots of “offers” for mine at car shows, and random inquiries at gas stations. It’s not really for sale, but if a ridiculous offer came in, I might take it. It’s a plane Jane 67, so it won’t ever bring Barrett Jackson money. It has a few legit appraisals that price it in a range I’d probably never pay.

[ironwill2008]

I’ve had lots of “offers” for mine at car shows, and random inquiries at gas stations. It’s not really for sale, but if a ridiculous offer came in, I might take it. It’s a plane Jane 67, so it won’t ever bring Barrett Jackson money. It has a few legit appraisals that price it in a range I’d probably never pay.

If it's rust-free (either original body work or a pro restoration) and has a V8, it's worth a lot of $$$, regardless of it's options. As I'm sure you already know, numbers-matching drive train, desirable options (Z28 package, for one), can boost the value to astronomical values. Even 'resto-mods' (pristine body work/paint, but non-original different engine/trans/suspension/brakes/etc) bring big $$$. If it's a Camaro, it has value.

[Brackneyc]

If it's rust-free (either original body work or a pro restoration) and has a V8, it's worth a lot of $$$, regardless of it's options. As I'm sure you already know, numbers-matching drive train, desirable options (Z28 package, for one), can boost the value to astronomical values. Even 'resto-mods' (pristine body work/paint, but non-original different engine/trans/suspension/brakes/etc) bring big $$$. If it's a Camaro, it has value.

I feel fortunate that the monetary value of our car is secondary to all the other value it brings to me and my family.

Now, as I said, I can’t deny that the right offer at the right time could support a decision to sell it. But it was never part of the plan to make money from it.

[crupiea]

I dont detail vehicles, Hardly wash them.

My car is a junker so no need, it would still be a junker but cleaner.

My bike is nice but I prefer it with some dirt and grime on it to be honest. It shows i ride the thing, its not just a garage queen.

When it comes to bikes, I do sort of look down my nose if someone pulls up with one thats not dirty, Its like they just wheeled it off the trailer and will wheel it right back on when the ride is over.

[Brackneyc]

I dont detail vehicles, Hardly wash them.

My car is a junker so no need, it would still be a junker but cleaner.

My bike is nice but I prefer it with some dirt and grime on it to be honest. It shows i ride the thing, its not just a garage queen.

When it comes to bikes, I do sort of look down my nose if someone pulls up with one thats not dirty, Its like they just wheeled it off the trailer and will wheel it right back on when the ride is over.

I keep my bikes clean. I wouldn’t say they are detailed by any means. But they are clean. Since I don’t ride in the rain or down dirt roads, they don’t really get dirty.

With both of my former corvettes, both got washed twice a year. Once was a detail, once just a wash.

[ironwill2008]

I feel fortunate that the monetary value of our car is secondary to all the other value it brings to me and my family.

Now, as I said, I can’t deny that the right offer at the right time could support a decision to sell it. But it was never part of the plan to make money from it.

You and I are exactly alike in that respect. Performance and specialty vehicles should be in the hands of the enthusiasts who work on them, drive them, and love them for what they are, and not used as pawns by "collectors" who know nor care little for them other than their monetary value when they are brought to auction for other millionaires to hoard.

I've gone off in the past in here about my disdain for the carpetbaggers who run Barret-Jackson, Mecum, and a handful of other money-grab collector-car auctions.

Bastages.

[bodyhard]

John,
What wax do you use? I've heard Adam's products are awesome.
I've been using chemical guys and Meguire products.

I use all Meguiars products I also have a buffering machine that I used to buff my cars to a nice glass like shine. Although I have not detailed my Camaro as yet I just been washing it, but my older spyder I detail it all the time.

[Dave76]

I always wanted a 67-69 Camaro. Hopefully I will still be able to...

Stupid me. I couldn't wait to get rid of my 327 '69 Camaro when I graduated from college and got a job in 1976. I have kicked myself in the butt many times over that decision. I was a 22 yr old ignorant kid.

[Clinos]

Lot of good info in this thread.

My cars are light in color so I hit a car wash once a month since they are dirty the moment I drive 3 blocks past the car wash. I've never really gotten into the detailing and other than a few products haven't really taken an interest in it like I should have for protecting an investment.

I do have my bikes detailed right before the season starts and then hand wash maybe once a month if I have time and a few beers in the fridge, might wash in between if we are going in town or bar hopping, otherwise the road dirt is a healthy second coating that keeps the paint under it protected from the other elements.

[Hawaiianwargod]

Bring $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Due to the popularity of televised collector-car auctions this past several years, and the carpetbaggers who profit from them, prices for even rust-bucket first-gen Camaros has gone through the roof. Additionally, Caveat Emptor if you're a serious buyer.

Wish I could but not feasible for awhile. I just can't imagine owning those classic muscle cars.
Camaro would be my first choice then Chevelle. Also my all time fave is those Chevy 55-57 Nomad. I just can't afford those.

[Hawaiianwargod]

I use all Meguiars products I also have a buffering machine that I used to buff my cars to a nice glass like shine. Although I have not detailed my Camaro as yet I just been washing it, but my older spyder I detail it all the time.

Damn John that looks brand new. I agree Meguiars make awesome products.
I love those wheels man! Are those 18's or 19's?

[Hawaiianwargod]

Stupid me. I couldn't wait to get rid of my 327 '69 Camaro when I graduated from college and got a job in 1976. I have kicked myself in the butt many times over that decision. I was a 22 yr old ignorant kid.

Man, only if I have a Delorean that could bring me back during that time, I would have talk to you and convince you not to sell that baby!
I spent so much money on stupid stuff. If I just purchase a Camaro way back it would have been a good investment.

[Hawaiianwargod]

Lot of good info in this thread.

My cars are light in color so I hit a car wash once a month since they are dirty the moment I drive 3 blocks past the car wash. I've never really gotten into the detailing and other than a few products haven't really taken an interest in it like I should have for protecting an investment.

I do have my bikes detailed right before the season starts and then hand wash maybe once a month if I have time and a few beers in the fridge, might wash in between if we are going in town or bar hopping, otherwise the road dirt is a healthy second coating that keeps the paint under it protected from the other elements.

It's funny, Back then I ussually don't car wash my cars. I just pay someone to do it.
But now it bothers me when it's not done right.
I find it relaxing.... I enjoy listening some good tunes, sip some wine while detailing my cars.
Heck, I take my rifles apart and just clean it and put it back in the safe. It's relaxing.
Damn, I'm old.

[Hawaiianwargod]

Will have some excuse to clean some rifles since I am off tomorrow.
Then enjoy some Thanksgiving dinner... Merica!
And spend some time with my spoiled a** Corso.