I gradutated to another detailing level today

Totoland Mach

Totoland Mach

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After detailing for upteen years for myself, I started a part-time job (mostly weekends) with a BMW reseller. He sells approx. 100 cars per year and has a stunning detail area in a small shop. It's heated/air conditioned, wall and ceiling lighting, portable halogens, air compressor, pro steamer, u-name-it. It's a great working area year 'round and I can average 1-2 late model Bimmers per week.

Well, today, he showed me air sanding with a Snap-On palm sander and 3000 grit pad. Then I moved to a DeWalt rotary and compound. I've never done this process, so it was a good learning experience on a 745 Li (white). It's a lot of work but the results are stunning. I think it will take some practice to get the technique quicker, but it sure is a heck of a method for scratch and swirl removal.

Hat's off to those that use a rotary!

The work area is so nice! Clean with a white epoxy painted floor, lighting, everything I could ask for. Especially compared to my garage detailing!

I introduced him to XMT Carnuba Finishing Glaze and he was stunned at the finish. I'll get some pics this weekend.

Toto
 
Sounds like an awesome place to detail and you get to work on nice cars too!
 
Sounds like everything is working out for you. Hope it continues to go well!
 
sounds great! what are you going to be doing, like old 2002's and such? i drive a bimmer so that is especially good sounding
 
Kelso said:
sounds great! what are you going to be doing, like old 2002's and such? i drive a bimmer so that is especially good sounding
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Kelso: Most of the Bimmers are 02-03-04's. The owner buys off-lease vehicles from BMW Leasing.

I started on a white 745 Li yesterday and he showed me how to use a 3000 grit pad on an air sander (almost made this old man's heart stop to see the paint dull!). Then, compound out the 3000 grit finish, then polish, then wax. I showed me Meg's #83 where he was using 3M Finesse It and XMT Glaze and he was impressed.

The biggest difference between mobile or driveway detailing is the shop. It's bright, clean, and comfortable. If the weather turns bad, no problem. Plus, all the equipment is right at hand.

Toto
 
Wow!!! That sounds like bliss!! I envy you a set up like that. Enjoy it and PLEASE give us lots of pics so that we can live vicariously through you! :cheers:
 
damn that sounds great. i got a white jag so i would not mind learning this or reading about it. there are some areas that could do with a treatment....

yeah...post the pics. i also considered those beemers before i bought my jag 2 weeks ago so would love to see how they come up in the pictures.

:cheers:
 
How about some pics of this place? Sounds awesome!
 
Here's some pics. This car is the first one I've ever used 3000 grit on an air sander (believe me, I was more than a little intimidated). It had light scratches and a couple of decent medium ones. The 3000 pad makes short work of removal. Then, I compounded with a DeWalt Rotary at 1200 (again, first time with a rotary...not as difficult as I imagined).

Here's my work area....Let it rain/snow....doesn't matter anymore.

BMW_White745Li.jpg


This pic shows some light surface scratches on the hood. They were representative of the entire car.

BMW745_HoodScratches.jpg


Finally, a hood shot after 3000 grit + compounding + Meguiars 83. We will final wax this Sunday with Wolfgang DGS

BMW745_Hood_AfterCompound.jpg


I've got a black 745 Li waiting for me after this.

It's a blast having all the lighting and equipment right there.

Totoland Mach
 
So that's what Mecca looks like! Congratulations on both the spotless workplace and learning new skills......that I wish I had.
 
Sweet!! That last shot is amazing! I don't think I've ever seen a reflection like that in white before! :applause: I can't wait to see the black! :)
 
FloridaNative said:
Sweet!! That last shot is amazing! I don't think I've ever seen a reflection like that in white before! :applause: I can't wait to see the black! :)
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Florida Native: By this Sunday, I should have it done with a nice coat of Wolfgang....the car should hurt your eyes to look at it in the sun LOL

Toto
 
Congratulations,The working conditions sure look inviting..keep posting the pics..
 
WOW! I would love to be able to do my work in a place like that!!!
 
Finished!

Finished the White 745 Li last night...finally! One thing I'm learning is my driveway details pale in comparison to this shop. The owner wants Ten Tenths work. It's very rewarding, but waaaay more demanding than other cars I've done before. Given the price these beauties sell for used, it's what helps sell them.

Here's a shot from above:
BMW745Li_White_Finished.jpg


Working on the interior. Those extra lights really help!
BMW745Li_White_Front.jpg


Interior Shot. I had to alter the white balance of the pic to get this.
BMW745Li_Interior_Finished.jpg


I've got a dark blue 5 Series to do later this week.

Toto
 
Wow!!! She's beautiful!!! You did an awesome job on her! What a gorgeous work place. With all that white and everything being so clean, it's like the shop is in heaven! :p

I can't wait to see the black done up in WG. I'll make sure to wear my shades when I read your post! ;)

:applause: :cheers:
 
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