To Detail or not to Detail?

[stanghetz]

Having convinced myself that I was only passing through once, I ordered an AMG specced 350 Shooting Brake in March. Prettiest car that MB make in my view. There is just something curiously satisfying about the curves on the car; even though I think that the old W210 is still drop dead gorgeous after driving it around for 10 years!
Anyway, I thought I was making a reasonable job looking after it till I came across the whole world of detailing…….which is a bit of an eye opener.

Am I crazy to or not to have cars detailed? Has anyone got a genuine long term experience of the benefits?

 

[Charles Morgan]

You'll spend lots of money, become obsessional, paranoid and afraid to get your car dirty, and if you're really unlucky, turn into Rashman.

 

[merc85]

It can be obsessive, and it caused me to sell the Best car ive ever owed, which was a Concours 24k 380sel typical thing like after driving it having the need to take all four wheels off to clean the brake dust from the coil springs etc.

These days i keep a car clean but not so that i dont feel i cant use it.

 

[developer]

Don't be put off by the "what's the point - it's going to rain tomorrow" brigade.

There are processes/products available now (Gtechniq, for example) that will prepare your car to the best finish possible and then seal it, meaning all you have to do is wash it and it returns to that just polished finish.

For me, a few hours on the car is better than a few hours down the pub/on the golf course etc:

 

[def90cars]

Helps reduce mast******on considerably.

 

[automaniaman]

Polish on bro...

 

[Rashman]

You'll spend lots of money, become obsessional, paranoid and afraid to get your car dirty, and if you're really unlucky, turn into Rashman.

Wahahahaha

Oi!
There's nothing wrong with me!
I'm fine!









help me... help me... help me...

 

[merc85]

Don't be put off by the "what's the point - it's going to rain tomorrow" brigade.

There are processes/products available now (Gtechniq, for example) that will prepare your car to the best finish possible and then seal it, meaning all you have to do is wash it and it returns to that just polished finish.

For me, a few hours on the car is better than a few hours down the pub/on the golf course etc:

If i owned a car like yours i wouldnt even drive it lol, id just start it up whilst sitting in the garage listening to that AMG sound lol

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Personally I wouldn't bother with more than you currently do, both of your cars look spotless to me.

Shoes, now that's a different matter......

 

[Charles Morgan]

Looks like we'll have to spring Rash from the Priory again.

Joking apart, I enjoy what passes for detailing chez moi. Spent the day cleaning out the interior of my new arrival (the filth that came out of the two front mats was extraordinary), and then tried out the new snow foam on the Volvo and the Alpina. This was proper money shot stuff, none of the thin watery Halfords stuff. An hour after doing it it's still visible on the drive.

 

[james angell]

I can speak with some experience with regards to this thread. I have had most of my cars detailed over the last 6 years.

I find the car not only looks better for having been polished etc but so much easier to clean, look after and keep looking top notch. My Cls is easier and faster to wash than my everyday hatchback due to the gtechniq coatings.

 

[stanghetz]

Don't be put off by the "what's the point - it's going to rain tomorrow" brigade.

There are processes/products available now (Gtechniq, for example) that will prepare your car to the best finish possible and then seal it, meaning all you have to do is wash it and it returns to that just polished finish.

For me, a few hours on the car is better than a few hours down the pub/on the golf course etc:

Saturdays....before lunch......golf . Sundays before lunch .....Wash & vacuum both cars. My formula for a rewarding weekend.

 

[stanghetz]

James - what kind of detailing do you have done on your cars, and how often have you had to have the process repeated?

 

[stevehg]

Now that's just OTT. Not satisfied with the two bucket method, you've progressed to three!!

This thread sums up my personal opinion about detailing. You don't have to be obsessive to benefit from it. I use the modern coatings etc from the likes of Gtechniq to save me time. With a quick easy wash the car looks really good again. I use c2v3 on bodywork, glass and wheels as it's super easy to apply and recoat. Lasts at least six months between applications. I use G1 on the windscreens. Reduces ice build up in winter, flies in summer and again makes it super easy to clean. This lasts about 15-18 months on my cars, about 10-15K per year.

cheers, Steve

 

[james angell]

James - what kind of detailing do you have done on your cars, and how often have you had to have the process repeated?

This Is what I had done:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/detailing/164665-my-cls63-amg-detailed.html

I keep on top of it then just with a quick detailer. I normally then have it washed by Ed after a year and any protection topped up if needed.

 

[developer]

Now that's just OTT. Not satisfied with the two bucket method, you've progressed to three!!

OTT, me, never.

The green bucket is for my wheels - it's only 6 brushes and two cloths - that's normal isn't it .

 

[Dee James]

i must admit to not usually being into the detailing thing but i did find the three hours i recently spent cleaning the interior and feeding the leather strangely therapeutic . . .

 

[Charles Morgan]

OTT, me, never.

You'll have to throw all those away now they've picked up bits of dirt from the bushes

Honestly...

 

[merc85]

Me likes engine bays

The most satisfying bit for me is cleaning the engine bay, Well on a silver car its got tobe more rewarding than cleaning the body lol

 

[EdwardMB3]

You cant deny the smell of a new detailed car