LS1Steve

I thankfully now have my Z in a garage! But before, I had in the driveway under a cover. I can see now that the covering has my car FULL of swirl mark micro scratches. I am debating getting a several hundred dollar detailing job done, but I figure it'd be best (for my wallet too) to just learn how to do it.

My history has consisted of car washing and NuFinish polishing, never anything else. I'm terrified of orbital buffers as I've seen many people F up their cars, but I'd like to learn how to use them, how to select compounds, how to get a progressively better finish on my clear coat.

Anyone have good links, youtubes, or any how-to's with very specific step by steps?

davered00ss

Check out your local forums. there are companies like Meguiar's, Adams., that put on Detailing 101 classes. they will teach you how to wash, clay, and use a buffer on your car using their products.

there are also detailing forums, by autogeek, chemical guys, Meguirar's, Adams etc.

You can also check out youtube tutorial videos from the same companies.

I hope this helps.

Dave

rkj427

videos will provide you guidance................

check out the Adam's videos here..............

http://adamspolishes.com/video

or else go to YouTube and subscribe to them to have access to all of the Adam's videos, old and new....................

0Adam's Polish

Thanks Dave........Here's the link for our videos, there is a lot of good info

http://adamspolishes.com/video

BudgetPlan1

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...4mUqaB4UuPQ91m

davered00ss

AMMO NY on youtube does some nice videos as well.

Adams has videos of how to use each of their products on their website.

WIC7Diver

Some don’t care for his style, but look up Junkman2000 on YouTube. He has quite a few no nonsense videos on proper care. Also Adams Polishescom video section , Mike Phillips from Autogeek.net and Larry from Ammo have great videos to get you going.

After watching hundreds of hours videos, I have found all the videos get down a few basic areas. I would qualify those as follows:

Exterior
Wash
decontamination
correction
protection

Interior
Clean
protection

Tools and Products
Don’t get hung up on these but rather study the above general areas and the proper tools and products will start to make sense.

Take one area and focus on perfecting the technique for each. For example just saying washing is a bit of an understatement IMO because how you wash your wheels should differ from how you wash paint. Here’s my wash set up regiment:

I use 3 buckets every time I wash with dedicated wash media for 2 when “washing” my car-

Bucket 1- wheels with my wheel woolies, fender brush, tire brush and lug brush. Adams Shampoo & Water in the bucket and a bottle of APC. I’ll clean wheels and exhaust pipes out if this bucket and rinse with the hose.

Bucket 2- Adams Shampoo & Water. 2 wool wash mits one for the top half of the car and an old one for the lower rockers and defuser.

3rd bucket clean water. Buckets 2 & 3 are known as the Two bucket system and each have grit guards in the bottom of the bucket.

Keep in mind this is one aspect of just getting things ready to clean the car but an example to illustrate how far to break things down to get to your comfort level for each. It may seem daunting and confusing but just break it down to these main topics and you’ll be doing it all on your own in no time.

Enjoy the passion.

Grzldvt1

Not to knock your post, I detail for a living and Junkman's posts are useless. About the best I have seen is him promoting a product so he can get more for free.
Adam's videos are the way to go.

WIC7Diver

Like I said, he's not for everyone but he is an example of what is out there: good, bad or indifferent.

Frankers

I really like Ammo NYC and Dallas Paint Correction & Auto Detailing YouTube channels. Check them out below:

https://www.youtube.com/user/AMMONYCdotcom
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVl...QbHMmKdVWTleaQ

On Ammo NYC he has a beginner detailing playlist that is great to check out and start with. He also has an older video where he does a quick detail on a 2014 Stingray.
I like DPCAD for his unbiased product recommendations. He uses cheap products sometimes because they work. It is refreshing to see that since most videos are sponsored or want to be sponsored.


Have fun!

Innovate

I like The Rag Company channel, AMMO, Autogeek 40+ minute class video's, Obsessed Garage (sometimes, not a fan of long drawn out video's), and Ben Bailey. Haha, the last one is mine. I am starting to post detailing video's for customers. The name of the channel will change soon to Innovative Auto Detailing.

You Tube

The Rag Company video's were my favorite as I use Optimum products. Larry @AMMO is great for learning to use a DA and so is Mike @autogeek.

Adam's Polishes are great as well, their videos are great and to the point. Which you will find some people's channels are long and drawn out.

P.S. No, I am not the cash cab Ben Bailey. You may find parts of my current and future video's funny, to bad I am still no comedian.

Slick61

Another vote for AutoGeek.net... huge detailing forum that's not as brand-centric as others.


Another idea... Meguiar's HQ is in Orange County, if you fancy a weekend trip... their intro detailing class is very fun, informative, and hands-on regarding washing, claying, & DA polishing... good pizza too.


I have also taken their more rarely offered advanced class, which focuses more on wet-sanding and rotary polishing... also very hands-on & informative.


They used to do a Thursday night "open garage", where you could drop by in the evening & try out pretty much any product they have... and/or ask advice from their staff. Usually starts up once daylight savings kicks in.


FYI... no affiliation with Meguiar's... I like (and use) a lot of their stuff, tho not exclusively.

BudgetPlan1

Some YouTube channels and forums; Autopia is nice forum, lotsa very experienced & pros sharing info

Autogeek: https://www.youtube.com/user/autogeek

Esoteric https://www.youtube.com/user/EsotericAutoDetail

Autopia:
https://www.autopia.org/

Autogeek:
https://www.autogeekonline.net/

cmonkey713

Autogeek is your best choice for the how-to videos and products.

mike100

I like the old Junkman videos. It is easy...you will need to invest about $200 in stuff to get started with a DA polisher. Maybe a little more.

If you and a friend split the costs on the buffing and polishing compound, that can help as an entire quart of product is a little expensive. I buy pint squeezy bottles anyhow and you could dispense the giant quart jugs into those (make sure they are airtight).