Detailing

Author
Discussion

tcs0tm

Original Poster:

190 posts

88 months

Thursday 15th December 2016
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Sorry if this is already covered i've spent time searching with no luck but that could just be me.

Regards car detailing - is it worth it and for someone good how much would you expect to pay? Bonus points for recommendations around Manchester smile

fredt

847 posts

146 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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Worth it? In monetary sense obviously not, but if you enjoy a immaculately presented car for 5 minutes before you start driving it then yes.

Personally I think it's a massive waste of money, however if I was loaded I would do it from time to time.

Cheib

23,110 posts

174 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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I had my car detailed/Swissvaxed by the OPC when I bought it = Massive waste of money IMHO. Subsequently I had it done properly by an independent who used whatever kind of modern chemicals/treatments these guys use....made a big difference to how easy it is to keep clean even six months on....the treatment he put on the windscreen still keeps with the windscreen clear so that I can quite happily not use wipers over 40 mph etc The latter for a full days work/prep if they come to you is several hundred quid. Is it worth it ? Maybe not in cold light of day but it makes the car so much easier/quicker to keep clean.

cypriot

475 posts

98 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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do you care about swirls on your paint? if the answer is yes, then yes detailing worth it (to you). If not, then detailing will not be worth it your eyes.

Andrew911

850 posts

108 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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It also depends on how much your car is worth or likely to be worth during your ownership to keep it in good condition. I have now had Gtechniq applied by approved/certified detailers on two Porsches - a 997 & current 981 Spyder. I decided as the Spyder was new to have the full Gtechniq works (CS-Exo, wheels, glass & interior). The detailer had the car for two days, cost circa £900, comes with a seven year warranty. I am definitely a convert & wouldn't hesitate doing this again. The paint feels like silk & it's also much easier to maintain the paint - seems much easier cleaning the car etc. And no swirl marks, spidering etc. Water beads nicely off the paintwork & glass.

If you do decide on detailing then there are two main routes to go. Either wax or synthetic (e.g Gtechniq). The general consensus is that wax may only last 3-6 months & will need reapplying, whereas synthetics can last years. Everyone will have an opinion on what's the best. just do some research & make your own mind up.

red997

1,304 posts

208 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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wax over synthetic sealant smile

IMHO wax looks the best, but doesn't last;
Sealants last a very long time.

example - I sealed my wheels over a year ago, and still the brake dust just washes off with cold plain water.
That includes track days.

I've got a few waxes; Swissvax through Dodo to poor boys. VFM is the poor boys stuff - looks great but doesn't last. Still not impressed with Swissvax;
just my 2p.

Maxym

2,016 posts

235 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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Collinite 915. Water beads for ages and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Ace stuff IMO.

I'm having my Cayman GTS done with G-Techniq and the Exo water-resistant coating next week. Oh and some PPF. Hope it's worth the dosh. smile

Edited by Maxym on Friday 16th December 18:14

BobToc

1,768 posts

116 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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It's complete madness and I don't regret a penny of it.

BogglemanGTS

235 posts

104 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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It's not Manchester, but I can highly recommend Russ @ Reflectology in Sheffield.
He has done my cars for 7-8 years, and he's really good.
You can ruin a good detail in about 10 normal washes, it's partly your responsibility to keep the car looking sweet. If it's a daily driver and you take it down the local car wash on a Sunday, don't bother with a detail. However, if you are willing to 2 bucket wash every time, and it's your pride and joy, it really does bring out the best in the car.

A good new car detail is about £700
A good stage 2 detail (remove swirls and a nice coating) £800

I always have it done, so I suppose I'm a bit mad. But every car I have sold has gone in no time at all. Partly due to my obsession and partly due to the FACT they look mint.

Jay.

andyc11

326 posts

131 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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Chris Griffiths in Warrington. Top guy, check out his website.

stebbo

100 posts

98 months

Saturday 17th December 2016
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I do mine myself.
When I bought my 981S in Dec last year I spend 28-30 hours wet sanding and machine polishing. Then applied Carpro Essence by machine followed by Carpro Quartz. Wheels I had off the car and did them in Gyeon Rim.

Still as perfect as a year ago. Won't need doing for another year at least. So I just do a two bucket wash as required and a monthly spritz of Carpro Reload.


SRT Hellcat

7,015 posts

216 months

Saturday 17th December 2016
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My new to me car has been treated with Gtechniq Crystal Serum. It is awesome. A friend has recommended exo over the top. What does that add to the party in terms of difference?. I'm going to get my Hellcat done which is non metallic black.

Sparkyhd

1,792 posts

94 months

Saturday 17th December 2016
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Had gtechniq serum + evo.

The evo bit makes the water run off.

Had the roof sealed too so get nice rain beading.

SRT Hellcat

7,015 posts

216 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
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Thank you

jjlnl

157 posts

126 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
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Every weekend car i've had has been detailed.
It all started with my first one when at a show I showed the detailer what I thought was an imaculate car car.
After his judgement was passed, I decided to leave it with him for 3 days. When I got it back the difference was night and day.
So now every weekend car I get goes straight to the detailers to get it to a standard, and then I maintain from there.

mdianuk

2,890 posts

170 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
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Expect to pay around £700 for a new car detail, including clean, one/two stage polish and a glass coat protection. It makes cleaning much easier after, and helps protect the paintwork and lacquer underneath.

If you need a quality detailer, and Altrincham is a reasonable distance, drop me a message and I'll give you details of someone I absolutely would recommend and use.

Tim bo

1,956 posts

139 months

Thursday 22nd December 2016
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Requested my OPC remove the Swissvax option when I locked down build yesterday. I don't think I've found a single good comment about either a dealer's application of Swissvax nor the value for money therein.

Checked out a couple of detailers near me in London and Surrey - www.invisibletouchdetailing.co.uk and http://www.divinedetail.co.uk/. Both offer a more extensive detailing service and for less money than OPC, and both have many commendations and great reviews.

Can't recommend any detailers near Manchester but for sure Uncle Google will find multiple that offer a better and cheaper alternative to OPC.


Edited by Tim bo on Thursday 22 December 04:52

Maxym

2,016 posts

235 months

Thursday 22nd December 2016
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This thread needs pictures! banghead

Tim bo

1,956 posts

139 months

Thursday 22nd December 2016
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Maxym said:
This thread needs pictures! banghead
biggrin

Some awesome pics of a Spyder from one of the detailers I linked ...







Edited by Tim bo on Thursday 22 December 04:50

BogglemanGTS

235 posts

104 months