Pictures & Comments - 2018 New Jersey Roadshow Detailing Class

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike Phillips
  • Start date Start date
M

Mike Phillips

Guest
Pictures & Comments - 2018 New Jersey Roadshow Detailing Class


Amazing people, gracious hosts and incredible class!


This class detailed 12 cars over the course of 2 days, 6 cars a day! Now that's HANDS ON! In fact, ask any of the below people how much time they spent in the classroom sitting in a chair and I'm confident they answer you...

10, maybe 15 minutes max each day



Everyone that attends any of our classes receives our Certificate of Participation. Including,

3-Day Boot Camp Class here at Autogeek in Stuart, Florida - info
2-Day Boat Detailing Class here at Autogeek in Stuart, Florida - info
1-Day & 2-Day Roadshow Car Detailing Classes - info


While there are some that don't believe in detailing classes or certificates, those that do value education, training, hands-on experience and the certificate that comes with it from someone that's been doing this his entire life now also appreciates this piece of paper. The ONLY way to get it is to attend one of our classes.

There is no one in the industry with a webpage anywhere with their credentials listed to back up their signature on the certificate like I do. So to me and to the people that attend any of our classes, this piece of paper has value and is worthy of framing and sharing with customers or friends and family.


New_Jersey_Cert_000.JPG




Here's the graduating class for the 2018 Autogeek Roadshow Class!


Rahul
This is Rahul Dahiya the owner of Shield and Sheen Detail Shop in Windsor, New Jersey. Rahul and I have been coordinating holding our Roadshow class at his shop for about 8 months and it just goes to show that perseverance and tenacity pays off!

Rahul is also a member of the IDA and holds both CD and SV Certifications.

New_Jersey_Cert_001.JPG





David Emmel

Here's David, he let us use his beautriful 1957 Chevy (in the background), for one of our training cars. David came in from Weehawken, New Jersey. I met David at SEMA last year when he came by the Autogeek booth to ask about his car and our detailing classes. It was great to see David follow-through from our conversation and get signed-up for and take both days of the New Jersey Roadshow Class.

Thank you David for your trust!

New_Jersey_Cert_002.JPG





John Lee

John belongs to a local BMW club and brought the 2010 MBW M1 which we used as a training car for this class. This car turned out to be a POWERFUL demonstration of the term Road Film as you will see in the pictures to come. The before and after pictures also share why I don't believe in any ceramic coating that lasts over 1 year if the car it's applied to is a daily driver. The picture explains why for any doubters.

New_Jersey_Cert_004.JPG





RUPES Detailing Belt
The RUPES Detailing Belt John is modeling was provided by RUPES as a part of our Sponsorship Program. John won this RUPES Detailing Belt and wears it like a true passionate pro detailer!

New_Jersey_Cert_003.JPG





Stephan Teller
Stephan joined us from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Thank you Stephan for making the trip to Windsor, New Jersey to attend the Autogeek Roadshow Detailing Class!

New_Jersey_Cert_005.JPG





Joseph Valente
Joseph joined us for both days from Burlington, New Jersey. Thank you Joseph for attending both days of the Autogeek Roadshow Detailing Class!

New_Jersey_Cert_006.JPG




Bob Feldman
Bob attended the Friday class and cam from Brick, New Jersey to attend the class. Thank you Bob for coming to the short stroke and RUPES portion of the 2-day class!

New_Jersey_Cert_007.JPG





Matt Guesto
It was a genuine pleasure working with you over the course of the two day class Matt, and THANK YOU for also taking some great pictures that I'll be sharing in this thread! I would also like to thank you for driving in from Schnecksville, Pennsylvania to attend this class!

New_Jersey_Cert_009.JPG




Tornador Air Blow Out Gun
Matt was also the winner of the Tornador Air Blow Out gun provided to use from Dennis Dehn at Tornador as a part of our Sponsorship Program for all our detailing classes. Thank you Dennis and congratulations Matt!

New_Jersey_Cert_008.JPG





Ivo Burmeister
Ivo came to use from Brooklyn, New York. Ivo also drove to the class and let us use his 1991 Jaguar XJS V12 for the portion of the class on how to correctly do one-step production detailing. What Ivo found out as well as everyone else is that when you're using GREAT abrasive technology you can get incredible results from just a single step. Thank you Ivo for your trust!

New_Jersey_Cert_010.JPG






Axel Bart
Axel is a real cool cat. He's attended 9 of our 3-day classes here at Autogeek and now this 2-day roadshow class in New Jersey. I always appreciate his passion for the craft as he's a true perfectionist. Thank you Axel for your trust and your passion for the craft as well as your passion to share with others your knowledge and skills.

New_Jersey_Cert_012.JPG






RUPES BigFoot Knee Pads
Dylan and team at RUPES was so kind as to provide some incredible raffle prizes for our detailing classes including RUPES BigFoot Knee Pads to protect your knees when detailing cars. Axel won a set of these very sturdy and well-made knee pads and not only will they protect Axel's knees they'll probably last a life time!

New_Jersey_Cert_011.JPG





Mark Bruner
Mark attended the Friday class that covered multiple step or show car detailing using both short stroke polishers, the RUPES BigFoot long stroke polishers and paint polishing system as well as how to correctly do one-step or production detailing. Thank you Mark for your trust!

New_Jersey_Cert_013.JPG






Dave McLaughlin
Dave came from Baldwinsville, New York to attend the Friday class. It was great having you Dave and thank you for your trust in the Autogeek name as well as mine to attend one of our hands-on detailing classes!

New_Jersey_Cert_014.JPG





Christy Fillweber
Wow! What can I say but THANK YOU CHRISTY! You were such a blessing to have at this class. First you came in on Thursday along with Pete to help set-up all day! Then you took both days of the class and then on Sunday, helped us to clean-up and pack-up! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all your extra hard work to help our class be successful! I hope to see you at a future 3-day class here in Stuart, Florida!

New_Jersey_Cert_015.JPG





Josh Costin
I think we met at SEMA last year and then you joined us for a recent Wednesday night class here in Stuart, Florida at Autogeek's Show Car Garage.

700 HP Hennessy Vette and Jeep Cherokee - Waxed and Coated

Thank you Josh for your passion for detailing, I'm confident you'll do well and inspire others to catch the disease we all know as car detailing!

New_Jersey_Cert_017.JPG




Metro-Vac Sidekick
David Stern is so kind as to support our effort to provide education to the car detailing industry that he's signed-up for or Sponsorship Program by providing 10 Metro-Vac Sidekicks for Autogeek's detailing classes in 2018! Thank you David and congratulations Josh! I'm sure you'll put the Sidekick to good use!

New_Jersey_Cert_016.JPG





Nick Alisio
Nick cam in from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to attend both days of the Autogeek Roadshow Class. Nick as the class progressed from start to finish I always saw you smiling! I hope you had just as much fun as Andre and I at this 2-day class at Rahul's shop.

New_Jersey_Cert_019.JPG




RUPES Claw Pad Cleaner
Nick also won a RUPES Claw Pad Cleaning Tool! Congratulations Nick!

New_Jersey_Cert_018.JPG





Lee Coles
Lee joined us from Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Lee also brought and let us use his 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sedan with the CERAMICLEAR paint system from the factory.

As we all found out, the Ceramiclear paint system is NOT ROCK HARD like everyone is always saying in the forum and facebook world. In FACT we corrected the swirled-out paint using only a POLISHING PAD. Just wait for the pictures! And thank you Lee for trusting us with your beautiful car and also trusting in the Autogeek name as well as my name that you would get the REAL-DEAL and by this I mean a REAL hands-on detailing class.

New_Jersey_Cert_020.JPG



Joe Wear
Joe joined us from New Egypt, New Jersey. Joe was a real go-getter in the class always ready to move onto the next tool or procedure. He also made sure all the cars were fully rinsed during the washing session. Thank you Joe!

New_Jersey_Cert_021.JPG




Alex Bieich
Alex was one of the chemists that took part in this class. Alex works full time as a chemist for Exxon Mobile, which is one of the largest companies in the world! I always appreciate questions Alex and I hope you feel I did a good job in answering all your questions to the best of my ability.

New_Jersey_Cert_022.JPG





Jim Salvatore
Jim was our other chemist in the group and it was great that you were able to get into this class Jim. I found your information about abrasive technology to be very interesting. I hope you enjoyed the class and our conversations. And thank you for the gifts! You didn't' have to do that.... :)

New_Jersey_Cert_023.JPG





Ifong Cheng

Ifong came to use from Felton, Delaware and I could tell he was incredibly interested in learning as much as he could over the course of both days of the class. I hope you had a great time Ifong and learned a lot, if there's anything I can do for you or anyone that attended this class you can always reach out to me via e-mail, this forum or my personal cell which I shared in the e-mails I sent everyone.

New_Jersey_Cert_024.JPG





Tom Reilly (and Kate)

Tom is from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. Tom it was a real pleasure having both you and your wife Kate in the class and I hope that from this class you found the information you need to move forward with detailing your cars on your own. And for any time where you want help, you now know a few people from the class that are knowledgeable, skilled and professional.

New_Jersey_Cert_025.JPG





Allen Harris

Allen was great! I could tell he was very interested in learning the art of polishing paint via machine. Allen came to the class from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. I had a great time working with you Allen and remember to keep that cord over your shoulder when buffing on the sides of cars! :)

New_Jersey_Cert_027.JPG



RUPES Detailing Belt
Allen is also the lucky winner of a RUPES Detailing Belt, which was provided by RUPES as a part of our Sponsorship Program. Enjoy the RUPES Detailing Belt every time you detail you car!

New_Jersey_Cert_026.JPG





Roman Materna

Roman came from Secaucus, New Jersey and trusted us with his SURVIVOR 1992 Nissan 240sx Convertible. Thank you Roman for trusting us with your incredible rare survivor car. Not only did it give us a chance to learn the proper way to clean and protect a canvas convertible top but everyone also was able to learn how to machine polish the flexible plastic window to remove years of swirls, scratches and oxidation.

New_Jersey_Cert_028.JPG





Chris Lomax

Chris came from Easton, Pennsylvania. It was interesting to talk to you Chris and find out what you do for a living. I'm sorry you had to leave early but it sounded like after attending the tool session of the Saturday class you were able to put the missing parts to your knowledge base and skill set that you needed to put it all together. If you have any further questions, please feel encouraged to give me a call.

New_Jersey_Cert_029.JPG





Tom Powers
Tom came from Worcester, Massachusetts and his background as a heavy duty diesel mechanic is interesting. It was great talking to you Tom and I wish you success in your new venture detailing cars "profitably". :)

New_Jersey_Cert_030.JPG





Nick DeFabrizio
It was a real pleasure having you in the class Nick, I hope you learned a lot plus had a lot of fun working on all the cool cars with all the cool tools.

New_Jersey_Cert_031.JPG




Louis Serrano

Glad you could make the class Louis, it was a pleasure having you attend from Yonkers, New York. Hope you had as much fun as myself, Andrea and everyone else working on all the cool cars!

New_Jersey_Cert_032.JPG




Joe Dias
Joe is from Somerville, New Jersey. It was really great to have you in the class Joe and thank you for also coming back on Sunday to take the IDA Skill Validation Tests. Anyone would be luck to have you work on their car!

New_Jersey_Cert_033.JPG




Please help me to congratulate the class of New Jersey 2018 Autogeek Roadshow Car Detailing Class!


I would trust any of you with my own cars!


:)
 
Continued....


The Winner for the Grand Prize at the New Jersey Roadshow Class was Josh Lee!

New_Jersey_Cert_034.JPG




Here's his winning photo!

New_Jersey_Cert_035.JPG




And here's what he won!


GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY KIT!
BLACKFIRE Paint Correction and PRO Ceramic Coating Griots Garage Polisher Kit

NewJerseyPrize.jpg




Including,

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher (retail $149.99)
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher


Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pad System 6.5 Inch 6 Pack – 2 orange, 2 white 2 black (retail $59.99) -
Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pad System 6.5 Inch


BLACKFIRE Compound & Polish Duo (32 oz. BF Compound and 32oz. BF Polish) (retail $79.99)
BLACKFIRE compound and finishing polish


BLACKFIRE Paint Prep (retail $24.99)
BLACKFIRE Paint Prep


BLACKFIRE Pro Ceramic Coating Kit (retail $69.99)
BLACKFIRE Pro Ceramic Coating Kit


BLACKFIRE SiO2 Spray Sealant (retail $47.99)
https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-s...y-sealant.html


BLACKFIRE T-Shirt (retail $19.99)
https://www.autogeek.net/free-blackfire-shirt.html


Supreme 530 Microfiber Towel 12 Pack (retail $49.99)
https://www.autogeek.net/mf-530-12.html


BLACKFIRE Detailer's Bag (retail: $49.99)
https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-c...e-product.html


Retail Cost: $552.91



Congratulations Josh!



:dblthumb2:
 
Continued....


Here at Autogeek we support the International Detailing Association and their goals. As such, for 2018 we hold our 2-day roadshow classes on Friday and Saturday and then offer IDA Skills Validation Testing on Sunday after the classes.

At the New Jersey Roadshow Class we had 4 people sign-up for, take and pass the Skills Validation Tests!


Gil Obregon - Tango Mike
Facebook: Tango-Mike’s Professional Automotive Detailing

NJSVTest_01.JPG




Pete Tanzini - Pete's Detailing LLC
Facebook: Pete Tanzini (Pete's Detailing)

NJSVTest_02.JPG




Luis Rivera - Gemini Detailing
Facebook: Gemini Detailing Specialist

NJSVTest_03.JPG




Joseph Dias - The Art of Detailing LLC
Facebook: Joe Dias

NJSVTest_04.JPG




Help me to congratulate these four guys as Skills Validated with the IDA!



:)
 
Wow, good turn out!

Looks like you all had a great time!

Congrats to all who attended. :dblthumb2:
 
Looks like a good turn out, and a lot of happy faces!

Awesome give aways, especially the Grand Prize one! Very cool and very generous.
 
Justin unbelievable experience again I had such a blast and congratulations to all the winners and the class i hope to do it again very soon thank you Mike ,Rahul, Andre, Autogeek.
 
Looks like fun, hopefully Ivo comments here. In his neck of the woods often
 
It was a great time. Mike really does a fantastic job teaching detailing.

Attention to details is second to none.

And his crew was awesome, along with the folks at Shield and Sheen


:xyxthumbs:
 
Great class, if you've ever wanted to learn from the best and have ever even considered taking the class you do it, you won't regret it.

Learned a ton, wish I stayed for both days. As soon as I got home I went to work on my daily driver, clayed it, used the Blackfire one step compound and had no concerns over what to do. Result came out great. Thanks again. Really enjoyed it.

BTW Mike wasn't kidding about time sitting in the chair. My feet were killing me the next day. A lot of time in the shop...working!

But I'm sure Mike wrote an "article" about it. (take the class-you'll know what I mean).


Thanks again to the entire crew.


:)
 
The Roadshow Detailing Class was absolutely fantastic. I've been waiting for one of these to come to my area, and within 15 minutes of getting the email that it was happening, I signed up for both days without hesitation.

I have been an enthusiast detailer for a number of years, and have learned what I know about the detailing craft through various YouTube videos (many featuring Mike Phillips) and through these very forums (also, through Mike). While my skills have gotten better over time, I've had a great deal of trepidation when it came to abrasive detailing or anything that involved picking up an orbital machine spinning faster than my eye can see. Among my group of friends I am the "resident detailer" - they trust me with their cars, and I knew that I would have to expand my skill set at some point to make all of our cars better than ever.

Before the class even started, I received roughly a half dozen emails from Mike himself about a week in advance, informing the class of everything we would need to be ready the first morning. I was about 5 minutes early on day one, and could already tell this was going to be serious because I was pretty much the last person to arrive. The garage setup was incredible, with beautifully laid out products that looked like a detailer's shop dream (at least my dreams, anyway!)

Mike promised us from the get-go that we would get an incredible amount of hands-on time using tools and chemicals on cars. With approximately 22 hours of class time across both days, I can honestly say - when Mike says you get to be hands-on, he means you will get HANDS-ON!!! I learned more in the 2 days of this class than I have in the last 2 years of scouring the internet. Tips, tricks, methodology, fundamental skills, advanced techniques - Mike shares ALL of it with the class. He is 100% genuine, accessible, and open to any question. If you've seen Mike in his videos on YouTube or on Competition Ready, I can say that the guy you see online and on TV is the SAME guy you'll meet in person. The other class participants are also real enthusiasts - everyone is highly motivated and incredibly careful with the cars that are volunteered for the class. I would absolutely trust everyone with the surface of my car if another class were to come to my area!

Ultimately I came away from the class with a plethora of new skills that I can't wait to try out. Now I feel confident that I know how to detect and identify issues on the surface of a car, the proper way to safely and effectively handle serious tools, how to work on a variety of surfaces and materials, and how to appropriately communicate these skills to perspective clientele.

I was fortunate that Mike selected my friend's 2010 BMW 128i (white with black vinyl graphics) for one of the final 12 cars to be detailed over the weekend. The reception from the owner and his family has been outstanding - the car has gone quite some time since its last wash (much less wax or sealant). The owners and class participants were equally shocked upon seeing the car literally changing color after removing that heavy layer of road film!

Big thanks to Pete, Christy, Axel, and Andre for helping me with literally every question I came up with across both days. Working side by side with these folks is seriously fantastic! I hope anyone who takes these classes in the future has the chance to work with them.

Huge thanks to Autogeek, I'm loving the RUPES detailing belt and the swag from the #AGroadshowNJ contest. These tools are being put to the test this coming weekend!

Finally, special thanks to Rahul at Shield & Sheen for opening the doors to us so we could use (and hopefully not abuse!) his shop for the weekend. It's a great facility and he has a wealth of knowledge.

Looking forward to attending my next class, hopefully a 3-day class next time!

- John Lee
 
Continued....


Our Roadshow Classes are set up to take place on Friday and Saturday and then Sunday is open for anyone that has already taken and passed the IDA written tests to become "IDA Certified Detailer". Autogeek supports the goals of the IDA or International Detailing Association and as such we provide education and training to ensure anyone detailing professionally is growing in both knowledge and skills.

The Autogeek Roadshow Classes are set-up so you can attend one day, or both days. Each day is $495.00. If you sign-up for any upcoming class 30 days before the date of the class you get a $100.00 store credit at Autogeek.com - if you sign up for both days 30 days before the date of the class you get a $200.00 store credit.

The idea being we have to have a safety margin of people already signed-up BEFORE we start shipping 2000 POUNDS of tools and products hundreds and thousands of miles from Stuart, Florida. If you've ever owned a business and had to make important financial decisions then you can understand the reasoning behind the store credit for signing up early. No one signs up? We cancel the class and move on.


Class Topics
I put a lot or work and thought into how to structure a 2 day class where theoretically a person may only take one day. I PURPOSEFULLY chose to make the two days VERY DIFFERENT because in a perfect world we want people to sign-up for BOTH days. We also understand that the price for both days is not always in everyone's budget so I created compelling topics for both days but using different tools, pads and products. If you're brand new to car detailing then both days are great as you're going to learn a lot and also get pure 100% HANDS-ON time behind a multitude of tools so that when you leave you will have the confidence you need to tackle anything in your garage. Same goes for anyone that attends and details for money. After the class you'll have the confidence to tackle any car detailing project or the WISDOM to turn the project down.


Topics for both days include,


Multiple Step Paint Correction
This is where you put the paint through a series of step to maximize defect removal and perfection of the paint. This type of work is done for show cars or ANY car that you love. The process includes compounding, polishing and then either sealing with a wax or sealant or chemically stripping the paint and then sealing the paint with a ceramic paint coating. Each day covers 2 distinct types of tools and 4 cars so there's PLENTY of room for everyone to buff. (notice I always have large cars in my classes).



One-step paint detailing
This is where you put the paint through a single step or use what is called a cleaner/wax or AIO to restore the factory new shine. This type of work is done for daily drivers, like the car you driver to and from work each day. The technique you learn are important because you use a one-step cleaner/wax very different than a finishing wax also called a show car wax. (When I use the word "wax" it is a generic term for both carnauba waxes or synthetic paint sealants). This portion of the class takes place AFTER the students use 2 different tool sets. When we get to this point I call this, free-for-all. This means the student gets to use the tool of their choice in order to spend more time with the tool. In every class I've ever taught, the class is blown away from the results they can get from ONE step after seeing all the work and time that goes into doing 3 to 4 steps. That said, they also learn that there is a time and reason for doing both multiple-step detailing and one-step correction work and when to use one over the other. No stone is left unturned in our classes.



Friday Tools

8mm Short Stroke Polisher
These are the easiest tools to learn how to use and master, (that's two things). I teach people how to walk before they learn to run. This includes primarily the Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher because out of all the 8mm free spinning tools on the market this is the MOST POWERFUL version and in my opinion the best bang for the buck. I do bring in other examples of 8mm free spinning orbital polishers so the class can try them all out and come to their own conclusion as to which has the most power.

RUPES Paint Polishing SYSTEM
Note the word SYSTEM is all capital letters. RUPES is NOT a tool, it's a SYSTEM and I teach it as a system. I am also the author of the only how-to book on the market for the RUPES system and when you receive your copy of the RUPES book you will find in the book I also teach RUPES as a system approach to polishing paint. The RUPES system work great and in the Friday class you will learn to use the RUPES system as a system. Later down the road if you want to experiment with different pads and products that's up to you but if you find you don't get consistent, professional results when mixing and matching non-RUPES pads and product with RUPES tools you will have the foundational knowledge, experience and skills to return to the RUPES system.


One step paint detailing
This is where besides the normal steps of cleaning a car and removing any bonded contaminants, you do ONE STEP to the paint by machine. This is a NORMAL procedure in the production detailing industry only in this class you learn how to get professional results, not create a hacked-up, swirled out mess. The techniques you learn to do high quality one-step production detailing will also help you anytime you're working on RVs, Boats or Airplanes as these three categories of transportation are almost always tackled using a one-step cleaner/wax or for those of you that prefer the short three letter word for one-step cleaner/wax an AIO. (Cleaner/wax or cleaner/sealant and AIO are the EXACT same thing, just the letters change).



Saturday Tools

FLEX Power Tools
FLEX is a huge player in the car detailing world with their infamous 8mm GEAR-DRIVEN orbital Polisher the XC 3401 VRG. Years ago when I wrote my FLEX how to book I coined the nickname the BEAST to describe the power of the FLEX 3401 and it is a fast and powerful way to do major paint correction without having to use a rotary buffer. WE also cover the FLEX XFE7-15 which is a 15mm free spinning long stroke orbital polisher with the nickname the FINISHER. The Finisher is just that, it's for doing final finishing work to refine the results created by the BEAST and to maximize gloss and clarity. At this time FLEX does not have their own chemical line so I will showcase the FLEX tools with any chemical line that in my opinion and experience uses great abrasive technology. If you don't know what I mean by great abrasive technology than all you have to do is start reading the AGO forum as I talk about this all the time and how it is the MOST important factor when it comes to polishing paint.


Griot's BOSS System
The Griot's BOSS system consists primarily of the G21 and G15 long stroke orbital polishers with one having 21mm orbit stroke length and the other having a 15mm orbits stroke length but also includes a complete SYSTEM of matching pads, compounds, polishes and a finishing sealant. The Griot's BOSS system is a strong performer and provides consistent pro grade results as good as any other tool or system on the market. The BOSS creams, which consist of 2 compounds, a medium cut polish and a fine cut finishing sealant that both offers light cutting and sealing of the paint uses GREAT abrasive technology, and as mentioned previously, the MOST important factor when it comes to polishing paint is the stuff that is actually touching the paint, not you the person.


One step paint detailing
This is where besides the normal steps of cleaning a car and removing any bonded contaminants, you do ONE STEP to the paint by machine. This is a NORMAL procedure in the production detailing industry only in this class you learn how to get professional results, not create a hacked-up, swirled out mess. The techniques you learn to do high quality one-step production detailing will also help you anytime you're working on RVs, Boats or Airplanes as these three categories of transportation are almost always tackled using a one-step cleaner/wax or for those of you that prefer the short three letter word for one-step cleaner/wax an AIO. (Cleaner/wax or cleaner/sealant and AIO are the EXACT same thing, just the letters change).


Besides the above tools taught on Friday and Saturday, we also cover as many other exterior car detailing topics and techniques as can be packed into a one day class. Anyone that has taken any of our classes, (3-day here at Autogeek in Stuart, Florida, our 2-day roadshow class or our annual boat detailing class, knows these are FAST PACED classes and there is little to no sitting on your butt time. That said, we can only pack so many topics into a 10 hour class but we always do the best that we can.

Misc. topics include,

  • Wet wash engine detailing
  • Cosmetic engine detailing
  • Topical glass polishing
  • Sub-surface glass polishing
  • All forms of mechanical decontamination
  • Chemical decontamination
  • Car washing including - traditional hose and bucket wash, foam gun, waterless wash and rinseless wash
  • Plastic trim restoration
  • Headlight correction
  • Tires and wheels - Tire dressings, tire coatings and machine scrubbing
  • Dr. Color Chip Rock Chip Repair
  • Canvas top cleaning and protecting - RaggTopp
  • Vinyl top cleaning and protecting - 303 Aerospace
  • Taping off and covering up
  • Paint Thickness Gages and how to use for protection and marketing
  • Swirl Finder Lights
  • And many other minor topics that have huge impact



Big Picture
The above is a synopsis of what both days look like but pictures tell the real story. After this post I will start sharing pictures taken at this roadshow class that took place at the Shield and Sheen Detail Shop in Windsor, New Jersey. We have 7 more roadshow classes coming up in the next few weeks and months.

If you want to take your knowledge level and skill level to a higher level then clear your schedule, figure out your budget and get signed up.

I've been teaching classes now for 31 years and I welcome both beginners and seasoned veterans. If you're a newbie, don't be intimidated, I guarantee the class will be both fun and educational. If you've been detailing cars for 5, 10, 15, 20 and even 30 years, don't think there's nothing you cannot learn, I know from decades of FEEDBACK that even seasoned veterans in this industry love all our classes.

Click the below link to get information about all 3 of our current types of detailing classes

Autogeek's Detailing Classes - 3-day here at Stuart, 2-day Roadshow - 2-day Boat Detailing Class


To sign-up over the phone, simply call Andre

1-800-869-3011 x244



:)
 
Continued....


Class starts at 7:30am SHARP! This means you get here around 7:00am so you can do all the other things you need to do so you don't slow everyone else down, things like,

  • Park your car
  • Get your name tag
  • Enjoy some hot coffee and donuts
  • Meet you new friends
  • Use the facilities


The above takes time so technically the class starts at 7:00am but the ACTION starts at 7:30am and we go until 5:30pm and that comes to 10 HOURS of hands-on training. You'll see, just keep reading.


First thing Friday morning - 8mm Free Spinning Short Stroke Orbital Polishers

These are the Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polishers and also some Griot's 3" Mini Polishers, some with 3" backing plates and some with 2" backing plats. Off to the right are some Porter Cables, Meguiar's MT300 and the Chemical Guys Torq 10FX

New_Jersey_Cert_037.JPG




Below are high-end products from Pinnacle Natural Brilliance including,

Waterless wash
Clay Lube
Pinnacle Ultra Fine Poly Clay (in the box on top of the waterless wash)
Advanced Compound
Advanced Finishing Polish
Liquid and Paste Souveran Waxes

New_Jersey_Cert_036.JPG




Below you can see a collection of Lake Country Foam 5.5" Flat Pads, the simplest and easies to learn how-to-use foam buffing pads.

Orange - cutting
White - polishing
Black - finishing

New_Jersey_Cert_038.JPG




:)
 
Continued....


After going over the techniques for correctly using a waterless wash the class proceed to clean both cars using Pinnacle Waterless Wash.

After the waterless wash both cars were clayed to remove above surface bonded contaminants, along the way we used the Baggie Test and also the Swirl Finder Light as well as the Defelsko Paint Thickness Gage, (sorry no pictures, but it is part of all our classes), after all of the above we did a Test Spot.


The correct way to do a Test Spot

Most people when asked why is it important to do a Test Spot only give or know half of the answer. The first part of the answer is to do some testing and then use the least aggressive product to get the job done. The part most people either forget or don't know or simply don't know how to verbalize is,

The reason you do a test spot to dial in the least aggressive products to get the job done is to get the job done while leaving the MOST PAINT on the car.


Remember, the factory clear on modern cars is thinner than a post-it note so you don't teach people to simply start out with a compound but instead, test a polish first to see what can be done. Later in this class everyone will see this very important concept in practice.

After doing the Test Spot, it was determined that both cars needed to be compounded followed by polishing in order to remove the swirls and scratches to show car quality. (my expectation)


The class started in the classroom at 7:30am sharp and by about 8:30, after drawing for prizes from RUPES, Tornador, Metro-Vac, everyone was out of their chair learning the art of polishing paint using 8mm short stroke free spinning orbital polishers.


Compounding with Pinnacle Advanced Compound and Lake Country Pads

New_Jersey_Class_001.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_002.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_003.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_004.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_005.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_005c.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_006.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_007.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_008.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_009.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_010.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_011.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_012.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_013.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_014.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_015.JPG




Next up... polishing with Pinnacle Advanced Polish

New_Jersey_Class_016.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_017.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_018.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_019.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_020.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_021.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_022.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_023.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_024.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_025.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_026.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_027.JPG



Next up... machine applying Pinnacle Souveran Carnauba Wax

New_Jersey_Class_028.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_029.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_030.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_031.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_032.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_033.JPG




Towel Inspection
After the class applied a uniform layer of wax and allowed it to dry, next up everyone INSPECTS their microfiber towels, then using microfiber gloves CAREFULLY removes the wax. For this portion of the class I cover a LOT of techniques to insure a show car finish without re-instilling scratches which would be what I call, working backwards.

Towel inspection is so important and my guess hardly ever taught, or performed... but by the time the day is over, via repetition, everyone in the class will now have towel inspection as a new "Best Practice".


New_Jersey_Class_034.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_035.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_036.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_037.JPG




Wax-on, Wax-off!

New_Jersey_Class_038.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_039.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_040.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_041.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_042.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_043.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_044.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_045.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_046.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_047.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_047c.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_048.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_049.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_050.JPG




:)
 
Continued....

Also - little things like how to correctly remove painter's tape off of custom paint jobs so as not to break anything or remove paint are techniques covered in all classes.

New_Jersey_Class_051.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_051c.JPG




And we always try to get convertible with vinyl tops and canvas tops show we can show the correct and safe way to both wash and protect these two types of tops. For this 1967 Corvette Convertible with a vinyl convertible top we used 303 Protectant.

New_Jersey_Class_052.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_053.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_054.JPG


New_Jersey_Class_055.JPG




:)
 
Continued....

Here are the beauty shots....


Process
  • Pinnacle Waterless Wash
  • Inspection for swirls and contaminants
  • Pinnacle Ultra Fine Detailing Clay
  • Pinnacle Advanced Compound
  • Pinnacled Advanced Finishing Polish
  • Pinnacle Souveran Wax
  • 303 Aerospace Protectant on the white vinyl top on the Corvette
  • Stick a fork in them and kick them out the door


New_Jersey_Cert_039.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_040.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_041.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_042.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_043.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_044.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_045.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_046.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_047.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_048.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_049.JPG


New_Jersey_Cert_050.JPG





Here's Friday's class

New_Jersey_Cert_051.JPG



From left to right

Bob, Matt, Rahul, Nick, Tom, Kate, Joseph, Roman, Stephan, Josh, Ivo (in the back behind Josh), Alex, Joe, Lee, David, Christy, John, Pete, Jim, Dave, Axel, Ifong, Mark, Allen and me

New_Jersey_Cert_052.JPG



Excellent work everyone!


:dblthumb2:
 
Congrats to all attending the class for a well done work! And congrats to those passing the IDA certified!

/Tony
 
Continued...


Next up we go over the RUPES Paint Polishing System.

For this session we have a 2008 Mercedes-Benz with the factory Ceramiclear paint system and a 2010 BMW M1

Anytime I read a comment by anyone in the blogosphere when they are talking about Ceramiclear paints, they always say the same thing,

Ceramiclear paints are rock hard"


I always respectfully completely disagree and I prove my take on Ceramiclear paints in this class - LIVE in front of 22 people

Here's me doing the Test Spot

New_Jersey_Class_056.JPG




More pictures to come showing the class in action, but until I can process them, here's the finished results...



Finished!

New_Jersey_Class_057.JPG





From left to right,

Joseph, Matt, Ifong, Bob, Nick, Ivo, Alex, Rahul, Dave, Joe, Jim, David, John, Alex, Pete, Christy, Josh, Allen, Mark, Lee, Stephan and Roman

New_Jersey_Class_058.JPG




:)
 
Back
Top