So Glad To Be Here

[olfac87]

Hello, fellow detailing enthusiasts. I caught the detailing bug in college doing it for a summer back in 1990. Since then I have enjoyed cleaning/detailing for years and now want to up my game. In the past I have done a clay bar and a polish, and rarely at that. That was a while ago, then I became lazy and turned into a wash/wax guy, and now I want to do more advanced detailing. I have 4 cars, all garaged:

1. 2007 Volvo V70R, black sapphire metallic, never been paint corrected
2. 2011 BMW 328ix, navy blue metallic, professionally paint corrected once in 2015
3. 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit, gloss black, brand new single stage paint job in 2019
4. 2021 Lotus Evora, Essex blue metallic clear coat (think the cool ink blue on Subaru WRXs), has PPF on the front

My aim is to “practice” on the daily drivers and then move to the two Lotus, realizing they need different levels of treatment from the Volvo/BMW. I have done a lot of reading on this forum and elsewhere and am ready to make my first investment plunge. I am focusing on the paint/exterior first and will eventually move to the interior.

I was thinking the Auto Detailing 101 or the Ask Mike Phillips your detailing questions! might be a place to post what I am thinking and receive feedback? Steer me right (pun intended)!

 

[2black1s]

You are on the right path. Either of the forums you listed will work and get you as many, and possibly even more, replies than you will know what to do with.

I'll start out by recommending that you invest in a polisher right off the bat. The Griot's G9 is a good place to start looking.

 

[olfac87]

2black1s - Thank you. I'll head to 101 first and see what that yields. I am excited about a new polisher. I am still using a Sears 10" polisher circa 1987 or so. I should probably retire it.

 

[psnt1ol]

Welcome to the forum !!!! and the madness begins... LOL

 

[PaulMys]

You are on the right path. Either of the forums you listed will work and get you as many, and possibly even more, replies than you will know what to do with.

I'll start out by recommending that you invest in a polisher right off the bat. The Griot's G9 is a good place to start looking.

^^^What John said^^^



Welcome to AGO!! We are glad you are here.

AGO is different from any other forum on the net. There are no "stupid questions". Every single member here started from square one, and I'm sure we all remember what that was like. It can seem overwhelming at first, but it really is not.

The most overwhelming thing about detailing today (as opposed to 30 years ago), is the seemingly endless choices of products/product lines that are available to you.

So never feel like you cannot ask about any process and/or product here. There will always be someone that has experience with it, and can give you detailed, first-hand expert advice.

 

[MisterSnoop]

Welcome! I have a coworker that daily drives an Evora (except when it snows, then she drives get husband's Jeep). There was a recent detail of one posted here so I'm sure you can get some insight on working on one.

 

[Markymapo1]

Try and take one of Mike’s hands on classes, it really opens up a whole new world of detailing the correct way.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I have 4 cars, all garaged:

3. 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit, gloss black, brand new single stage paint job in 2019
4. 2021 Lotus Evora, Essex blue metallic clear coat (think the cool ink blue on Subaru WRXs), has PPF on the front

My brother-in-law just bought a Lotus 2002 Esprit Twin Turbo Anniversary - Edition #0001 of 100


He'll have me detail it when it gets here from California. He owned another old 2-door European job a few year ago that I also detailed.


The Little Yeller Feller - 2000 Lotus Esprit V8

Here's the next one on it's way to Florida...


2002 Lotus Esprit Twin Turbo Anniversary - Edition #0001 of 100

 

[olfac87]

Mike - I am jealous of the car and the job you will bring to it. That is a beaut.

Thank you for all the posts you do as I have been reading like a fiend. I posted my initial approach/questions in the 101 forum hoping to solidify on new tools and products soon so I can jump in. It's fun and overwhelming at the same time.