Pair of 'Sixty-Nine American Muscle Classics, presented by AutoLavish

[jlb85]

Thank you ALL for the love!!!! Like Mike says, it does take a lot of effort to make these threads, and we take pride in trying to make every thread great read. Not really to show off, but more to entertain the reader (and hopefully the owner). If we get to show off while we entertain, then bonus! This has been our philosophy from day one and I believe it is the reason we have been able to grow organically in this very tough market Detroit is right now. Of course the other reason is, like Mike said also, presentation. A lot of thought goes into how things will look on the screen.

So as we approach the vehicle not only are we looking on how we can take it to a new level, but how we will present it in the write-up. From the get-go we are looking through the camera-eye for shots that will show technique, process, and the beauty of the vehicle. So we don't do any post processing, no cropping, no adjusting. All I do is, recently, add a border and the watermark (Thanks to Joe from Superior Shine for making us all aware there are picture-jackers out there!). The framing of the pic is done at location. This simplifies the process significantly, and pushes us to not waste pictures. Having two people helps as well as one or the other can see a great opportunity and say "HOLD IT!" and snap the pic. The camera is always within arms reach. This is the prefect example:

Mike Phillips, you have been an inspiration and I have learned from you more than from anyone else. From the days of Meguiar's Online I read everything you posted. So most of our tricks I got from your bag! Thanks for being the most significant contributor to detailing knowledge on the internet! Thanks for being such a good teacher! And thanks for being an inspiration! BTW, I have your picture on my website

Your comments here have made my year! :dblthumb2:

 

[jlb85]

Many THANKS again to Jacob & Marc for the outstanding transformation of our GTO! It was a pleasure to watch these guys do there thing and see the end result.
True professionals to the max. Thanks again guys for the great job!!!!
Stu

Hello Stu! It is great to see you around! I suspect this year is going to be a busy one for the GTO? You are going to have to build more walls in the garage to place all the trophies and plaques! Thanks again for your trust and business, and thanks for the reply here rops: :buffing:

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

Jacob, I have to ask, what sort of camera do you guys use, anyway? Looks like a DSLR but what type, and what lense(s)?

 

[jlb85]

Jacob, I have to ask, what sort of camera do you guys use, anyway? Looks like a DSLR but what type, and what lense(s)?

It is a Sony Alpha 200 DSLR. Not too fancy of a camera, but we beat the living crap out of it and so far so good. We do have some stains on the mires, though, which show up from time to time in some pics (remember that silver E46 M3 we posted last year?). The camera has been frozen, and has seen 100+F. It has been kicked and dropped, and has traveled to 4 continents, up to 14,000 feet (Mauna Kea), and down to 100 below (I think Death Valley is about that). Still kicking. I Love it. Sony makes one hell of a robust camera IMO.

That said this is no match for a Nikon or Canon. The lens is the stock whatever lens, and we have a "beer can" for a Minolta which is the same body fitment. But upgrading to a multi-thousand dollar camera is not an option both for costs and for longevity. I would be too paranoid about a $3000 camera and lens getting splattered with M105 or Wheel Brightener.

Another great tip from Mr. Phillips: When I took the class in Cali, he mentioned his favorite camera was a Sony Picture CD camera, and that the most expensive camera might be great for portraits, but not necessarily for swirl marks. I will add that good lighting can bridge the gap as well, and make for great pictures with a point and shoot and a flashlight. Im the MAN

 

[jlb85]

Great work and awesome cars!

Where'd you guys get the wheel covers? I'm tired of using trashbags :laughing:

Thanks, and sorry for missing this question! The wheel covers are made of canvas, and I get them at my local Harbor Freight for about $10 for the set of 4. Once they get dirty I toss them and get a new set, about 2 to 3 sets a year. Not a big expense and looks great when working on the car. Clients always appreciate the wheel covers!

 

[taholman]

beautiful cars. i love the neon pontiac sign.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

It is a Sony Alpha 200 DSLR. Not too fancy of a camera, but we beat the living crap out of it and so far so good. We do have some stains on the mires, though, which show up from time to time in some pics (remember that silver E46 M3 we posted last year?). The camera has been frozen, and has seen 100+F. It has been kicked and dropped, and has traveled to 4 continents, up to 14,000 feet (Mauna Kea), and down to 100 below (I think Death Valley is about that). Still kicking. I Love it. Sony makes one hell of a robust camera IMO.

That said this is no match for a Nikon or Canon. The lens is the stock whatever lens, and we have a "beer can" for a Minolta which is the same body fitment. But upgrading to a multi-thousand dollar camera is not an option both for costs and for longevity. I would be too paranoid about a $3000 camera and lens getting splattered with M105 or Wheel Brightener

Awesome; yeah I totally understand not wanting to put a $3000 through the abuse that a detailer's camera no doubt sees.

I'm still debating whether I want to just go for an entry level DSLR or step up to something that shoots HD video.... but given the quality of pics you guys always post, I'll definitely add the Sony to my list of cameras to consider (despite my always having been a Canon shooter). Thanks for the answer! rops:

 

[Dan Metzler]

Another awesome job and write up! When the first page on any of Jacob's stories take a few extra seconds to download, you know it's going to be a good one.

Thanks again guys!