Charisma

I'll start with this: I simply don't take enough photos. I realize I suck at that and a lot of my clients hate it! I probably miss out on a lot of business because of it as well. It is however one of my new years' resolutions, to buy a DSLR and take many, many photos of my work!

I've been detailing since ~05 as a hobbyist, did it full-time for a few summers and now I've started it as a legitimate business. Currently it's just me and it's a nights/weekends gig as I don't have the clientele yet to go full-time. However, that's also another goal of mine. I realize it takes time though.

Anyway, on to some of my work. I'll break it up into a few posts.

Fairly recent photo of my 'shop'. I'm home-based and mobile.


Some old work on my GF's old car. Reconditioning it for resale.


Full paint correction. Local business owner gave this to his daughter to head off to school. Came back horrid.




Full Interior Recond for a mom of 3. This thing was trashed. Steam cleaned and extracted.

Charisma

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to detail my first Civic Si. Don't have any before photos, but it was wrecked as you can see here.

After it was prepped and ready for polish


After one pass with a DA and some Shine Supply classic polish


A week later after some weather the owner posted how happy he was with this photo:



Few weeks later he sent me his wife's 4Runner.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is why you should take care of your vehicles!






They later sent me their 2012 Corolla for a Basic Protection Detail as it was in good shape still.

Fast forward another few months, the client calls me up about his E46 M3 he wants to get ready to sell. He sent that on in as well!

Charisma

A high-end client of mine hit me up about detailing his Lotus Esprit V8. This thing was a blast when he took me for a ride! He also has a TT NSX, a bunch of race motorcycles and is co-owner of the retired Target F1 car.



Before/After of the light RIDS/swirls on this car.


Took it just down the road to the river for some photos.








Some various clients cars that have come through:
Wash/clay/seal on this


New car prep w/ CQuartz coating:


Wash & Wax on this Si:


Wash/clay/seal & interior detail:


Wash & Wax on this beautiful SS


Maintenance detail for a monthly customer:

lostforawhile

good question, my custom dash I'm about to put in, was color changed with an epoxy based paint, paint is adhered well, and has been for a few years, what do you recommend to clean something like that? it's gotten horribly dusty from being in the garage

Charisma

Client and good friend of mine had a protection detail done back in April. Recently did some self educating on CQuartz and asked me if I could apply it to this car for long lasting protection. Lots of time into getting this thing perfected and prepped to be coated.

Note the detail rig in the background


Note the gloss, depth and reflections. Looks wet






Here's one just for bragging rights. My personal detail rig has over 253,000 miles of abuse on it. In it's last life it was a salt/plow/landscaping truck.



A few months later after 5 washes and a lighting upgrade in the shop:

Charisma

Client wanted to get his supercharged Corvette reconditioned to post up for sale. I looked it over and felt a one-step polish w/ sealant was all it needed on the outside. But a thorough detail on everything else was in-store as well.







Car sat outside for a few days before pickup. Had to rinse the dirt off of it... final product:


After the Corvette a Terminator Cobra was scheduled. This thing was a blast because of all the other clients checking it out, especially when I was mid-engine detail.





I did a full paint correction on this. It was absolutely covered in swirls, hard water spots, bird etching, etc. It sits outside and wasn't too well maintained (at least to my standards). Here's a reflection shot on the morning of pickup.



Since everyone loves foam:

Charisma

NSX came in to get protected for the winter.



Insane levels of butter and gloss on this thing




Did a protection detail on this Jeep


I posted a giveaway just before Honda Day. Just so happens an RSX owner who was showing won a detail:





Local guy wanted to get his daily driver fixed up right.


Brand new 2015 Chevy 3500 wanted to get sealed up before the winter hits here in Baltimore.


On to a full paint correction and interior recon on this hammered Silverado


50/50 of correction on the passenger fender


Steam cleaning the interior, even the vents to ensure a totally clean area


The moneyshot!

Charisma

Do you have any pictures of how dirty it is? I'm assuming you don't think a simple wipe down will clean it? A good product I would suggest for something like that is Shine Supply's 'Clean & Shine'. Spray a generous amount on your microfiber and gently wipe away. Rub harder for stubborn dirt, but you should be alright on a dash like that to just wipe away.

lostforawhile

it's just really dusty, I wasn't sure what to wipe down an epoxy coated dash with, the dust comes off with a little water, I'll try that clean and shine on a hidden part Attachment 521905

Charisma

Rule of thumb; use the least aggressive method and work your way up. If a damp towel works, use it. Clean & Shine will work wonders on it, plus it smells fantastic.

eL_cArLos

Damn your work is legit, good work man.

h2392si

Awesome work. Thanks for sharing.

ALDJ253

What is that foam you are using?

Mugen Drew

Question for you - what is your best advice for cleaning the fabric seats in my '12 Si?

Charisma

Sorry for such a late response. It's rare that I use it anymore, it's Iron-X Snow Foam.

thrty8street

iTrader: (7)

Do you have a website for your business?

91akira

Can you explain why we use "clay" to clean cars?

nemisish20

Clay has the perfect texture to remove lightly stuck on dirt and tars/saps etc. Having dirt embedded in the clear coat is a huge cause for having a bad detail and deep swirls. Using a clay bar is mandatory on a high end detail after washing the car but before polishing it.