[tl_boy]

My dads bday is coming up July 24th. He is currently overseas, and I was thinking of spiffing up his ride before he comes back. I want it to be perfect. I was thinking of washing it, then claybarring it (do i need this for a 2 yr old car?), then polishing it, then waxing it. Then i want to treat the leather, and clean his carpets. I don't have a buffer, and I don't have the products for this.

I'm lazy. Should I just pay someone to do this? I want it perfect, if i do it myself how long would it take? If i pay someone, how much should i expect to pay for this? How long does the wax last before i need to do it again?

what do y'all think. and do i need to by a buffer or whatever if i do it myself? If its gonna take me 6 hours of my time, and 50 bucks in products, i'd rather just pay someone 200 bucks or so to do it.

[firstkill]

cost for good materials will be about 100 in total expecting you have nothing.
Pack of towels, good car wash, good wax, good leather cleaner and conditioner. All the little things add up quickly.

But then you will be able to wash all your cars for a long time. A strong wax like zaino will last 4-6 mnths... if you put the time to do multiple layers.

I would say it will take you around 4 hours of a day for the wash/clay/ 1 layer of wax. Maybe more if you take your time. Interior will take another hour.

I usually end up taking a few breaks inbetween and it will take you a whole day.

fk

[aapriadi]

Originally Posted by tl_boy

My dads bday is coming up July 24th. He is currently overseas, and I was thinking of spiffing up his ride before he comes back. I want it to be perfect. I was thinking of washing it, then claybarring it (do i need this for a 2 yr old car?), then polishing it, then waxing it. Then i want to treat the leather, and clean his carpets. I don't have a buffer, and I don't have the products for this.

I'm lazy. Should I just pay someone to do this? I want it perfect, if i do it myself how long would it take? If i pay someone, how much should i expect to pay for this? How long does the wax last before i need to do it again?

what do y'all think. and do i need to by a buffer or whatever if i do it myself? If its gonna take me 6 hours of my time, and 50 bucks in products, i'd rather just pay someone 200 bucks or so to do it.

you're like me, plain lazy
if i were you i will just pay a pro to do it

[ga-bmwdrvr]

If you've never done it, are lazy, and want it perfect you should pay someone to do it.

[Hunter399]

Ill help you if you want drew

I have everything

[e90fanatic]

i am lazy but after paying people to detail my car...soon i found out that they do a shitty job detailing my car...whether it's Delta Sonic or a body shop.....it's best if you do it yourself since you know that products you are using and that you covered every inch. I split it to two days so it's less work/ day

[StewtheBassman]

You'll pay someone and they'll use a pressure washer, they'll wipe it with dirty towels and rags, they won't sweat over it like you would, and in the end your Dad'll be like" thanks for spending money on me"(Big deal).

Now if you forget for a minute that you're lazy, and you actually put some personal elbow grease into it and make it beautiful yourself, it's more of a gift to your Dad. Even if the job isn't perfect (although it's more likely to be perfect once you get over your intransigence), your Dad will get that fuzzy feeling that parents get when their kids DO something for them. Ask any parent, that's how it is.

[picus]

You get what you pay for. If you guys are talking about $39.99 express details then yes, odds are you're talking 4 guys with a pressure washer and a lot of glaze. If you find a reputable local detailer you'll pay more, but you'll get a much better job done.

[StewtheBassman]

i got over my intransigence and Zaino's my car last weekend. I did an amazing job, and really claying and Zaino'ing are NOT rocket science, and I'm very proud of the job I did.

[ga-bmwdrvr]

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

i got over my intransigence and Zaino's my car last weekend. I did an amazing job, and really claying and Zaino'ing are NOT rocket science, and I'm very proud of the job I did.

It depends on how well maintained the car is. The color is important too. If it is a light color you could get away with clay, chemical cleaner, glaze/polish then wax. In other words: clay followed by Meguiars or Mothers three step system. This would be the economical way of doing it. The economical/lazy way to go would be: Meguiars Color X followed by a topper such as NXT or a carnauba wax. If you are willing to order products I would recommend AIO/SG. Zaino would also be an option but AIO's cleaning abillities would be very helpful. StewtheBassman's car was probably already in pretty good condition.

If there are a lot of swirls and the car is dark then a good detailer would be the best option to really make it look good. As someone stated, do not go to a $39.99 place. Be prepared to pay over $100 if you want it done right.

[StewtheBassman]

If Hunter is willing to go over and help him I think he should take up the offer.

[ga-bmwdrvr]

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

If Hunter is willing to go over and help him I think he should take up the offer.

Agreed, there is no better satisfaction than knowing you did it yourself. And like you said, his father will appreciate it much more.

[StewtheBassman]

My 5 year old draws me a picture and I'm glowing. If she grew up and waxed my Bimmer, I'd be in heaven!

[tl_boy]

Hunter, thanks bro. Yeah the concern I had in paying someone is not knowing what went on behind the scenes... what products, technique, etc...

Hunter, do you have that much free time? lol... I'll probably take you up on your offer because i know you know these things, and i don't have a clue. I'll call you about it.

[Hunter399]

alright

It needs to be before monday because im leaving town for 2 weeks

[tl_boy]

Hope it stops raining soon


hey, you rolling on 16's man?

hehe

Originally Posted by hunter399

alright

It needs to be before monday because im leaving town for 2 weeks

[Hunter399]

hell na

I dont think my car would even go if i put the 16s back

the caris so slammed it would be on the ground!

[StewtheBassman]

Okay, do it this weekend, and we want before AND after pics!