The vehicles Austin details!

A

Austin

New member
As mentioned by Mike, I'm going to start a media dump for all of the vehicles I detail. Okay, not all... but the notable ones!

First off, my first ever Maserati detail! I performed a full leather treatment (this thing has leather EVERYWHERE!) and paint sealant. I burned the late night oil on this one, so no after pics.



Full polish and sealant on this 3 Series. BMW is known for having super soft paint, so plenty of blood, sweat and tears on this one.



Two step paint correction, sealant, and race day prep on this mega high HP Terminator.

 
LSC HUNTER

LSC HUNTER

New member
What product did you use on the seats to clean off the stains? My friend has a pontoon boat that has the same type of "patina" those seats in your pictures have and I would love to get it clean for him.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
Great start, Austin! I've always had a soft spot for Maserati, and that boat is mind blowing.


Nice work.
 
A

Austin

New member
Thanks everyone!

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LSC HUNTER said:
What product did you use on the seats to clean off the stains? My friend has a pontoon boat that has the same type of "patina" those seats in your pictures have and I would love to get it clean for him.
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I used degreaser (purple power) to first clean the seats, then followed up with a special bleach combo I use to remove the stains left behind. You can see the faint outline of where the folding front seat was sitting on itself... so don't be discouraged if there are still some stains.

The true power is in the application method. Use a still brush to agitate the chemical until it foams up - this will get the best results.
 
B

beerdog

New member
WOW!.. You need to start posting detailing tips. What is the best way to get that swirl free finish?
 
A

Austin

New member
beerdog said:
WOW!.. You need to start posting detailing tips. What is the best way to get that swirl free finish?
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I would love to post up some tips every now and then. As for the swirl free finish, I could talk (or type) for days and still not have everything covered. I could start a series of how to's to cover that, though.

redn8 said:
If you don't mind saying, how much do you charge to detail?
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The average in and out on an everyday car I charge about $150 (wash and wax plus inside detail), but some of my higher end jobs have fetched $600+. That Cobra was a 12 hour job and ran about $450.
 
A

Austin

New member
Thanks. The Cobra required a full wash and decontamination (clay bar and iron deposit removal), that is a couple hours right there. Add in prep for polishing (removing bits and pieces, taping off trim and edges, protecting delicate parts like his carbon fiber wiper cowl), then the polishing stage was the big block of time. The car was polished with two different chemicals, so two times around the car. Add a third time for sealant.

The majority of vehicles I detail are day jobs. I prefer to do no more than one car in a day so it gets the attention it deserves.
 
redn8

redn8

LOD Officer
Have you used any Zaino products? I'm a nut when it comes to cleaning my cars, I want it perfect so I spend a lot of time on mine. I've never given it much thought but I would charge more than $150 per car because of the time and effort put into every car. I would easily pay $200 for a good detail but it has to be a great job. I know that may sound high but that is what I am willing to pay and I would not do it for less. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to tell you how to run your business but I know what time and effort you put into every car and to me it's worth it to me/ Maybe I spend too much, who knows.Anyway great work and I'm bringing mine over to your place for a good detail.
 
A

Austin

New member
I've used a few Zaino products; they have some good offerings. As far as pricing goes, it's all about the car and customer. I won't bother with a two stage paint correction on a Corolla. I also wouldn't cut corners on a Cobra. But at this point I'm juggling my business detailing auto's and working for another gentleman detailing boats. I like to grab a car every now and then just to mix things up.

It's really interesting, though, to see what somebody is or is not willing to pay for my services. I can't tell you how many people scoff at what I view an amazing value for my $150 package. Others, like yourself, would readily pay more. :cool:
 
redn8

redn8

LOD Officer
Those who are willing to pay more are those who have done it themselves and know what's involved. It's hard to find someone who is willing to do a job the right way and are proud of their work as I know you are.
 
driller

driller

El Presidente
I'm sure the average detail you get around here for $150 doesn't measure up.

The only reason I pay it is my lack of personal time.
 
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
I need to find a good detailer in my area, i use to have one where i lived. I like doing it my self, just no time.
 
A

Austin

New member
Eric, I learned most of what I know just by learning about the business online. Crazy right? My multiple project cars and hefty equipment investments helped out too. It's been said that I'm 'chosen' to be in this field. :D
 
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