Do You Enjoy Cleaning & Detailing?
#41
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2005
Location: Big Bend Country, TX
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
Nope..... haven't done a thorough cleaning on the C7 from 4700-mile trip I just got back from.... sprayed it off in a wand car wash....
Ferrari's the same way, sprayed it off when I got back from Prescott, AZ... (I live near Dallas).... but to detail it? Nope.
On a scale of 0-10 my cars are usually around a 7....
Like others have said..... I prefer to be driving them.. at my age, (76), I don't care what others think.... if detailing floats someone's canoe power to 'em.....
Ferrari's the same way, sprayed it off when I got back from Prescott, AZ... (I live near Dallas).... but to detail it? Nope.
On a scale of 0-10 my cars are usually around a 7....
Like others have said..... I prefer to be driving them.. at my age, (76), I don't care what others think.... if detailing floats someone's canoe power to 'em.....
#42
Instructor
I do.
I wash my cars in the garage, door open. Lots of neighbors stop by, and there's always the, "I'll bring mine over next" comments. One neighbor stopped by yesterday as I was finishing up on the wax. He asked how I can spend hours washing and detailing my car "all the time". It kinda threw me a bit, it was almost like he thought I was wasting my time.
I find it a bit therapeutic working my way around the car, and here's nothing better for me to see the end result of my work. It is a bit mindless, you don't have to think about anything in life that is stressful, and I like that. I find it relaxing just going through the steps, and not worring about all the small things. I've also found issues with various cars while detailing them. Loose trim, missing fasteners, tire issues, etc.
So is it just me, or do you enjoy cleaning and detailing you Vette?
I wash my cars in the garage, door open. Lots of neighbors stop by, and there's always the, "I'll bring mine over next" comments. One neighbor stopped by yesterday as I was finishing up on the wax. He asked how I can spend hours washing and detailing my car "all the time". It kinda threw me a bit, it was almost like he thought I was wasting my time.
I find it a bit therapeutic working my way around the car, and here's nothing better for me to see the end result of my work. It is a bit mindless, you don't have to think about anything in life that is stressful, and I like that. I find it relaxing just going through the steps, and not worring about all the small things. I've also found issues with various cars while detailing them. Loose trim, missing fasteners, tire issues, etc.
So is it just me, or do you enjoy cleaning and detailing you Vette?
I'm with you, I get the same therapy when cleaning my boat or Harley as well. Its my escape from reality!
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DanZR1 (10-11-2017)
#43
Burning Brakes
I'm in the "no, but I do it anyway" camp. When I decided to buy a black C7, I consciously decided to commit to keeping it clean. Black looks too awesome when clean, and too ugly when dirty and/or covered in swirls, not to stay on top of it. No regrets, btw. And after 18 mos (and 16k miles), it still looks gorgeous.
#44
Racer
Thread Starter
Same here, I was lucky enough to marry a gear-head. Not surprising since I met her at a Corvette club event, she has her own Vette. I do macro. Wash, dry and wheels. She does micro. Interior, grille and gap detail. We're a pretty good team in the garage...
Last edited by DanZR1; 10-11-2017 at 11:38 AM.
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joemessman (10-11-2017)
#45
I like washing and even waxing/polishing. What I hate is drying the car. Just when you think it's dry you find yet more water drips
I don't really get the comments about "I don't do it because I don't care what anyone else thinks". Neither do I. I do it 100% for myself and my own pleasure of seeing near perfect car. I
I don't really get the comments about "I don't do it because I don't care what anyone else thinks". Neither do I. I do it 100% for myself and my own pleasure of seeing near perfect car. I
#46
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Jan 2017
Location: Saint Clair Shores Michigan
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While I'm not jumping out of my seat waiting for the opportunity to clean and detail my C7, the end result totally makes everything worth it. It's a necessary evil so to speak.
Definitely recommended to at least have a podcast on while you "go to work" - it makes the procedure go by pretty fast.
Definitely recommended to at least have a podcast on while you "go to work" - it makes the procedure go by pretty fast.
#47
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Bonneville Salt Flats, 223mph Aug. '04
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Additionally, I find the C7 a detailer's nightmare... with its many separate pieces (read, many abutting edges) and all the grilles, louvers, slots, etc. My C5 is much simpler and easier to deal with in this regard.
#48
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Nov 2015
Location: Lake Havasu City Arizona
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Detail mine every day. I like it. Not a chore at all. I am retired now and have the time. I have always been that way with my cars. Even when I had my old 59 Desoto that was beat to crap with a 383 in it, I detailed it like it was really something. lol
I guess it came from my Dad that preached to me to take care of every thing. I not only do it with cars, but with everything else I have.
I guess it came from my Dad that preached to me to take care of every thing. I not only do it with cars, but with everything else I have.
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DanZR1 (10-11-2017)
#49
Advanced
Admittedly, I don't really like cleaning and detailing. I do enough that I can still look myself in the mirror but that's about it. On the plus side I barely get time to drive the car so it's only getting dusty in the garage. If I was retired I'm sure it would be a different story.
#50
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2008
Location: Mount Airy NC
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C7 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I have to admit I have a love hate relationship when it comes to keeping my vehicals clean. My time is very limited working 80+ hours a week, but I do enjoy the mindless/ muscle memory that detailing entails for me. I often get comments “who cleans your car you are always working” I reply it’s me , I just manage my free time very efficantly.
I’Ve Always kept my cars looking showroom new looking since my first car. A vehicle is a big investment/expense and when I go to sell it I want the best dollar available in return. I was always thought to take care of my belongings.
Over the years I have learned how to shorten my detailing with the use of new product innovations like ceramic coating. The initial investment has saved me countless hours that I now spend with my family.
I’Ve Always kept my cars looking showroom new looking since my first car. A vehicle is a big investment/expense and when I go to sell it I want the best dollar available in return. I was always thought to take care of my belongings.
Over the years I have learned how to shorten my detailing with the use of new product innovations like ceramic coating. The initial investment has saved me countless hours that I now spend with my family.
Last edited by chefcg1; 10-11-2017 at 06:41 PM.
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joemessman (10-11-2017)
#53
Safety Car
Member Since: Dec 2009
Location: Oro Valley Arizona
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Pay me now
I'll have to ask Richard.
#54
Le Mans Master
I've enjoyed cleaning and detailing all the Corvettes I've owned. I like it when people say, "Who details your car?" And I say, "You're looking at him." And I'm not as nutty and some folks I know who take the wheels off and detail the back of them. But then again, I do try to see how much I can make my White Stingray shine!
#55
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: Bonita Springs Florida
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I always enjoyed washing and detailing my Corvettes. Since inheriting a horribly bad back, doing any extended crouching or bending over puts me out of commission for a week or better, I have to forgo that pleasure for the most part.
I try and avoid getting the car excessively dirty and keep my maintenance to washing, blow drying and some very light touch-up.
Sadly, those 3-4 hour cleaning and caressing love-affairs w/ my Corvettes are pretty much gone
I try and avoid getting the car excessively dirty and keep my maintenance to washing, blow drying and some very light touch-up.
Sadly, those 3-4 hour cleaning and caressing love-affairs w/ my Corvettes are pretty much gone
#56
I bought a black one by choice. I love the mindless and stress-free time in the garage. I also get the neighbors stopping by with their "You are going to wax the paint right off that car!" but when I have it out and ask if they want a quick ride, their answer is always the same..."You bet I do!".
#57
I don’t enjoy the process of washing and detailing, but I very much enjoy having clean and freshly detailed cars.
#58
Melting Slicks
question about Z06's rear wing (stage 1) what material is it? What stuff do you guys use to maintain it and keep it looking good? I used meguiar quik detailer couple hours ago but wasn't sure about the rear wing, so wanted to check with you guys first. (also the black vents and side z06 panel , ok to use QD as well?)
#59
Le Mans Master
The POOR Harley,Sitting and Waiting to get rubbed again.Bags where removed often to remove Brake Dust.
The PIA Brake Dust.Thanks to Brembo Dusties.It's a reoccurring Nightmare.
I love Dust.Clean the car in the garage..Yup all set..VROOM,Back out in the Sun...Nope Can't drive it yet.
Spray on wax here,over their.Change towels,OK
Brake dust in the corners.Towel,Rub,Done.
Nope,Get the Brush..The Barrel has a spot with dust...Done.Move the car.Crap not Done,WTF!! Just,Just Drive the F'N Thing..
Glass,PIA Glass.That's another 4 Sentences ALONE
The PIA Brake Dust.Thanks to Brembo Dusties.It's a reoccurring Nightmare.
I love Dust.Clean the car in the garage..Yup all set..VROOM,Back out in the Sun...Nope Can't drive it yet.
Spray on wax here,over their.Change towels,OK
Brake dust in the corners.Towel,Rub,Done.
Nope,Get the Brush..The Barrel has a spot with dust...Done.Move the car.Crap not Done,WTF!! Just,Just Drive the F'N Thing..
Glass,PIA Glass.That's another 4 Sentences ALONE
Last edited by DALE#3; 12-02-2017 at 07:19 AM.