Forum Frustration

[paradog]

I would also have to concure with Lauren and her frustration. And its not just about my car's finish. Which is awaiting a multiple hours overhaul after the winter weather! There seem to be 3 groups on this forum:

1. Professional Detailers
2. People with Time and Money to spare
3. The Rest

I fall into the last catagory. My car doesnt have a temperature regulated garage...it sleeps outside...in the rain, snow, heat, whatever the Good Mother calls for. It also is driven daily in those same conditions! Seeing a car jacked up on a lift for a detail is a joke. I'm lucky if the driveway is dry and not being used for childs play. I have children and a wife I like to spend time with. I have a job that keeps me busy when the clock has been punched. And yet I still enjoy getting my car to shine better than my neighbor's car. There are only so many hours.

SO those in Catagories 1 and 2 can boast and preen their peacock feathers all they want. Show me your car when it lives like mine. Show me those real conditions without the models and the hype. Show me how to do it better. Show me a video for the average joe who doesn't have a lift or a garage or $500 to drop on tools and products. Stop telling me to buy this product or that one. I've already spent enough! Don't tell me I need a different machine. This forum was the reason I bought the PC 7424 to begin with! And for goodness sake...if someone makes a mistake and it's not up to your standards according to the Detailers Bible... say a prayer for the rest of us and give a word of advice rather than criticize.



My appologies if this violates the rules of the AGO, but I felt a need to air this. I will except the banning if it comes to that. Peace........out.

 

[Gary Sword]

Most of my neighbors don't do anything to their cars except wash them. A nice coat of wax applied by hand would make your car look better then the majority of cars I see on the roads. If you drive your car every day and keep it outside it's almost impossible to keep it perfect. Just a little time and care will keep it looking better then most.

I love cars and and love to keep them looking good. I have been working 7 days a week for over a year now. I love detailing my cars just to clear my head and get away from my other work for a little while. If you are just detailing your own car it should be something you enjoy doing and nothing to get frustrated about. You don't have to spend lots of time and money to keep your car looking good.

I better to get a copy of that detailer's bible just to keep myself on my toes.

 

[Nica]

Paradog, well I for one don't see anything wrong with venting but to categorize people I don’t know. I just don’t think it's necessary. For example you bring up the lift, you do realize that Toto works there and chooses to work under that environment. My friend I just don’t see an argument there.

Now I agree with you, I'm fortunate that I have an old beater and the other vehicles can sit in the garage, I detail them and maintain them every weekend. Now just because I have additional vehicles does that make me better then you or anyone else, I don't really think so. Just because Gary has a Lambo does that make him better then us? I personally don't think so, I think Gary is a cool person and I enjoy reading what ever he shares. Gary sorry for bringing you into this. Sure he's loaded, but does that mean he's not at our level? That is the reason why I joined this place because I didn't see any levels, people thinking they were better then everyone else.

I'm like you in the detailing, I've never used a PC and ever since I joined this place I've been purchasing products to keep my vehicle clean and looking new. Now every time someone gets stuck or has a question, all members here join in to help out and suggest other products that they have used. Again I stress suggestion and that is all it is.

Well I don't think there is anything wrong with what you posted buddy but some stuff I don't think really applies.

Please don't take what I say the wrong way, just sharing my thoughts not trying to be rude nor trying to stir the post just feed back.

 

[orngez]

it's obvious you are frustrated... but the variety of people on the forum are the reasons we have forums...i have a full time regular job that is more than full time..5 to 6 days a week, up to 12-14 hours a day during the busy season...detailing is my escape from the world...and it makes me an extra buck every now and again...i feel i have a pretty good setup but it is paid for by other peoples' money, detailing even bought my mom her birthday present ...you for got one MAJOR category...hobbyist...I don't have free time...but as a hobbyist I make free time for detailing even if it is in the middle of the night...my roomate thinks its a fetish...hahaha...if you want to categorize people on the forum don't be frustrated with the "other" categories on the forum...just enjoy what category you are in and know that you still probably have a much better looking car than 99% of the general populous..or at least the know how/resources to make it look good...

 

[ejflanag]

I agree i am a poor college student that has a car that sits in a driveway year round but i purchase my products and detail in my driveway because its a hobby, i enjoy being outside and keeping a clean car. Now i do have a PC and a good selection of product but i bought it cause i enjoy my hobby and thats where me extra money goes. Its really just how u feel and what u want people are just here to learn and teach.

 

[Nuke33]

Im in college as well, I dont have the money to do this stuff eather. But that is where i spend my play money i dont go all out i splurge on the good stuff every now and then.. hey if its what you like you have to spend. I love doing it its like an escape for me it really relaxes me plus I like my car super clean and all ways looking good. I dont go as crazy as some people my car is a DD and i t gets durty but thats half the fun to get out there and wash it again. I dont fult the people that do i envy them I hape that I am that successfull someday to be able to have a nice car and a nice place to keep it but for now its just relaxing and fun and its fun to get nee stuff for your collection. It is fun to surf the forums and look at the nice cars and the drastic turn around and I like talking to all the people that love this as much as I do

Ryan

 

[HighEndDetail]

I would also have to concure with Lauren and her frustration. And its not just about my car's finish. Which is awaiting a multiple hours overhaul after the winter weather! There seem to be 3 groups on this forum:

1. Professional Detailers
2. People with Time and Money to spare
3. The Rest

I fall into the last catagory. My car doesnt have a temperature regulated garage...it sleeps outside...in the rain, snow, heat, whatever the Good Mother calls for. It also is driven daily in those same conditions! Seeing a car jacked up on a lift for a detail is a joke. I'm lucky if the driveway is dry and not being used for childs play. I have children and a wife I like to spend time with. I have a job that keeps me busy when the clock has been punched. And yet I still enjoy getting my car to shine better than my neighbor's car. There are only so many hours.

SO those in Catagories 1 and 2 can boast and preen their peacock feathers all they want. Show me your car when it lives like mine. Show me those real conditions without the models and the hype. Show me how to do it better. Show me a video for the average joe who doesn't have a lift or a garage or $500 to drop on tools and products. Stop telling me to buy this product or that one. I've already spent enough! Don't tell me I need a different machine. This forum was the reason I bought the PC 7424 to begin with! And for goodness sake...if someone makes a mistake and it's not up to your standards according to the Detailers Bible... say a prayer for the rest of us and give a word of advice rather than criticize.

My appologies if this violates the rules of the AGO, but I felt a need to air this. I will except the banning if it comes to that. Peace........out.

I fall in the 1st group. But then again I am in all 3 groups. My vehicle is a 24/7 outside daily driver. It might get washed ever 3 weeks. Nobody is telling you to buy anything, just because a new product comes out. Doesn't mean you need to buy it. Do your research on products, then determine what you should buy. Were do you live, if you are close I will glady help you, with your car. Or anybody at that,if you are close I gladly will help anybody. That is how I learned, people were willing to show me, so I return the time to help too.

 

[Nuke33]

Just like Highenddetail says everyone will help thats what i love about this place I have never meet nicer people... No joke.... I just do my resurch and only get the tried and true products that maybe not everyone is useing atm there on to new stuff but if you have a question about it everyone can help you and give you tricks and tips

 

[ltoman]

Yah and here is my rant:
please do not get angry, annoyed, or irritated with me, or dislike me,or think i am a b^#@ch, or expect me to shut up in a free country because I dont think the forum is a place to show wendy's nearly nude nether regions nor her bare breast implants. You are men and of course you like it - duh! But not here. It just is out of place. yet I feel I have to watch my words at best, when the men do not. No, I don't want naked men!!! I want to learn how to make my cars look better, and i spend a lot more here than $500 - lol!! You can say don't look, but like then I could not have even looked at the detail fest photos, and I wanted to go. And i loved the way the white vette was wrapped by Ed for traveling - way better than painter' s tape. Would you guys want to read posts if up came a guy wearing a string by my car? I think not, and i would hear it. I already know I have pissed off many a forum member here and mods as well, and meybe more and i have watched it- meaning my mouth. Dontdislike me for it. I condone your liking it, and I can see how it brought Max $$$ - a good idea at detail fest - but it is definitely testosterone charged here, and I like all you guys and am not a prude - I joke dirty and all for a laugh, but can't win.
done.
Yes, i am pms.

 

[orngez]

I fall in the 1st group. But then again I am in all 3 groups. My vehicle is a 24/7 outside daily driver. It might get washed ever 3 weeks. Nobody is telling you to buy anything, just because a new product comes out. Doesn't mean you need to buy it. Do your research on products, then determine what you should buy. Were do you live, if you are close I will glady help you, with your car. Or anybody at that,if you are close I gladly will help anybody. That is how I learned, people were willing to show me, so I return the time to help too.

ooo...we should have an online geographical map of forum members...big ole map of the globe and little pin points we can mouse over to see who is where? i am a member of a couple 350z forums and its fun to meet up with other members...we have detail days together that I usually head up and blow people away showing them that"detailing>wash and wax"....its fun teaching them how to remove swirls and give em go's at the pc on their car...some are ballsy and try out the rotary...good thing i am handy with touch up paint...we've had a couple of accidents..... Meghan is the map thing something you can make happen? i think it would be fun....

 

[Surfer]

Don't feel bad, we never use our garage lol, all our vehicles sit outside 24/7, unless I'm at my office which has a parking garage.

 

[HighEndDetail]

Yah and here is my rant:
please do not get angry, annoyed, or irritated with me, or dislike me,or think i am a b^#@ch, or expect me to shut up in a free country because I dont think the forum is a place to show wendy's nearly nude nether regions nor her bare breast implants. You are men and of course you like it - duh! But not here. It just is out of place. yet I feel I have to watch my words at best, when the men do not. No, I don't want naked men!!! I want to learn how to make my cars look better, and i spend a lot more here than $500 - lol!! You can say don't look, but like then I could not have even looked at the detail fest photos, and I wanted to go. And i loved the way the white vette was wrapped by Ed for traveling - way better than painter' s tape. Would you guys want to read posts if up came a guy wearing a string by my car? I think not, and i would hear it. I already know I have pissed off many a forum member here and mods as well, and meybe more and i have watched it- meaning my mouth. Dontdislike me for it. I condone your liking it, and I can see how it brought Max $$$ - a good idea at detail fest - but it is definitely testosterone charged here, and I like all you guys and am not a prude - I joke dirty and all for a laugh, but can't win.
done.
Yes, i am pms.

Sorry Lauren, if my thread affended you. The reason I posted a few of Wendy. Is that I am proud of the work I have done on Chris's car. The pics are the proof of the work I do. He was called to do a photo shoot for the American Sportscar calendar, then asked by the photographer to use his vette at detailfest too. Since some cry babies on another forum call me a hack. His car show's Im not. Thats all

 

[ltoman]

Sorry Lauren, if my thread affended you. The reason I posted a few of Wendy. Is that I am proud of the work I have done on Chris's car. The pics are the proof of the work I do. He was called to do a photo shoot for the American Sportscar calendar, then asked by the photographer to use his vette at detailfest too. Since some cry babies on another forum call me a hack. His car show's Im not. Thats all

ed, you have always been kind to me and you do fantastic work. you would be welcome to work on my 07 vette anytime - truly.

i LOVED how you guys protected it with carpet plastic!!!! fantastic idea.
i had asked before how to protect it on a road trip and 3m blue painters tape was the only response.

besides, your photos were less explicit - she was not facing forward without shorts and legs spread in a minute - truly tiny- flesh coloed thong thingy like in some other shots - it was no wonder the cops showed to arrest the naked lady, as they put it. see what i mean?
ed you are all good with me, and not a hack. they are jealous of your work!
lauren

and i dont mean to pick on anyone here

 

[FloridaNative]

I have 2 kids and a husband, hardly any money to speak of an absolutely no garage. I understand the frustration of trying to detail with time and money constraints and also dealing with the elements. I am not a professional detailer by any stretch of the imagination and am just a hobbiest like you.

The elements, there's really nothing to be done about, you just have to work with it the best you can and enjoy your car while it looks pretty.

As far as the how to, my best advice is to read the posts and take what you can from them and adapt it as best as you are able to your situation.

It made me sad to see that you feel that you are being judged or criticized. I hope that it is not the case and that you just spoke out of emotions. ALL of us here started somewhere and ALL of us here had to learn what to do and what not to do.

The community here is one of the most supportive I have seen on the internet and I know that this forum has become a haven for me to run to when I'm stressed out by "the real world". I hope that you never feel judged or criticized. We are all people who love a well detailed car and this forum exists to help you to suceed not to make you feel bad.

My best advice, is to read as much as time permits you to read, ask lots of questions and try out what you learn. Have patience with yourself and with the process and you will find your own method that works best for you.

You don't need a myriad of products, just a few tried and true to keep your car looking its best.

I hope that you don't give up in your frustration. I know that it can be alot to take in all at once and the product choices available to you can be truly dizzying. Hang in there. We're all here to help. :grouphug:

 

[AUdakota]

I dont really feel like anyone is pressuring anyone to buy anything around here, I mean people will tell you your not going to get a perfect finish with some hand applied wax. There is I would say a minimum spending amount to get a finish on your car better than 90% of the cars out there. And this limit will last you quite a while.

As far as the model pictures, well yes I am a guy and all but some of the pictures where she has her legs spread wide open I think are a little unclassy to be posted on what I consider a pretty clean site. I really have only seen a few pictures that I think are really crossing the line or close to it.

I mean yeah lauren posted those special 'green' st. patrick's day photos but you know.....

 

[ScottB]

Paradog, well someone certainly appears to have fallen out of bed on the wrong side this morning !!

you have some control over your car and detailing, you also have a clear right to never detail your car. Heck 1/2 the world and my neighborhood fail to wash even monthly.

That said, a good car cover should be your first expense. It will protect your car when home from some of Mother Nature. As for children, got one here now, and another due next month. They love water, get them out and play in the water as a family while cleaning the cars !!

============================

As for the pics of Wendy, its time to let it drop. There is nothing wrong with Justin waxing a car with his shirt off, and nothing wrong with a girl in a bikini showing off a clean car. If we were only a little more accomidating, and less finger pointing, this could be a great area. If you dont like something, close it, or one simple post with you feelings surfice. 99% of the posts here are NOT off-topic and an area I think some of you should stay out of for fear that politics, religion, and pasties might upset you to a degree !!

 

[c5golfguy]

I feel like I have to add my .02 here as well. To the OP, I don't appreciate being grouped into a "group of people" until you get to know me. You have no idea what you're talking about. Yes there are some people here that are well off and there are those that are in college and live paycheck to paycheck. People do what their goals are. What you don't know is that my car when I bought it sat outside at an apartment complex. I busted my butt week in and week out to keep it clean. It's about priority. I'm not married, I have no kids and I have had crappy girlfriends from time to time. Now the car sits in the garage b/c I busted my ass to buy my first home. Does that make me better person then someone else? Hell no, I just had a goal and reached it.

Now the car with the models. I have wanted a Corvette since I was 5. Every time I saw one driving down the road I'd yellow Cor"Bette" and then got older knew how to pronounce it. The car is a rare care with it being a white frc. It took me 2 years to find the one I wanted and could "afford". I'm damn proud that I've had several models take pictures with the car. Why shouldn't I be? It's being published and that just goes to show my taste in cars is good.

When I met Ed thru our local car club, while the car was a 1 owner car that the original owner hardly drove the car and just put a wash mit and soap on it, the paint was in horrible shape by his standards. I didn't know better. He stepped up and has helped me learn how to keep it clean to his standards.

I just think that you need to get to know people better before you ASSume they are bad people by the car they drive or where they work and how much money they make or whatever it is that you feel can make a person what they are. Wasn't long ago and I didn't have jack #### but the shirt on my back!

Lauren,

While I agree with you, I also disagree with you. Her pictures that were posted where picked by Ed and wanted to put the more tasteful ones up. He was and still is very proud of the car being photographed by Walt as well as for the 2007 Corvette Calendar. He just wanted to show off his work that resulted in some great pictures. I apologize if some of those pictures caused some grief.

 

[AStewart]

I fall into the HOBBYIST category, which means that if ANY of my friends ask for help ... generally I will help for peanuts *(and beer)*

Jealousy has a way making things appear bigger than they really are ... I'm "JEALOUS" that I don't have all the tools that the PRO's use, I'm "JEALOUS" that these guys finish the same detail in half the time, but I certainly wouldn't trade my daytime job for their's ...

NOW: I have a boatload of tools, products, and knowledge. I bought a camera to take pics (the problem is I have 100s of car photo's and only about 3 of the better half)

 

[AUdakota]

99% of the posts here are NOT off-topic and an area I think some of you should stay out of for fear that politics, religion, and pasties might upset you to a degree !!

What the heck are pasties

 

[Rapidity]

ever seen the superbowl 1/2 time show where justin rips off janet's top and exposes her boob? She had a pastie covering the nipple.