full detail - what to expect?

[zimmy0615]

Hey guys!

With winter break approaching,i'll have much more time to delagate to the titan, more specifically, getting her detailed; something ive wanted to have done for months now.

Unfortunately, I don't have the equipment, facilities, specific knowledge, or patients for that matter to do it myself. I say that becuase im sure many of you would suggest I do so, simply becuase of the trust factor...

Im sick and tired of the spider-webs, swirl marks, bird crap stains, and overall dullness of the paint on my '05 galaxy black crew cab, and i feel that i have to resort to the full blown professional detailing.

What, approximately, should i expect to pay for a full detail on the exterior?
Would I need to leave the truck at the shop for them to do the job or do they normally come to me?
Would I be correct to assume that with the pro. detail, MOST of my swirl marks/minor scratches will become invisible, if not removed?
I am aware that as far as fine scratches, the "fingernail feeler" rule is a generally adequate measure in determing the removabillity.
Im not AS concerned with the interior, simply becuase an adequate wipe down/vacuum/shampoo would do just fine, something i can reserve a couple hours for.

And finally, i'm in Houston, Texas if that helps for pricing and/or possible recommendations any of you guys may have.

Thanks alot fellas and very sorry for the lengthy post.
Look at the bright side though, just an extra excuse to divert attention from work haha!

[anmut]

Originally Posted by zimmy0615

Hey guys!

With winter break approaching,i'll have much more time to delagate to the titan, more specifically, getting her detailed; something ive wanted to have done for months now.

Unfortunately, I don't have the equipment, facilities, specific knowledge, or patients for that matter to do it myself. I say that becuase im sure many of you would suggest I do so, simply becuase of the trust factor...

Im sick and tired of the spider-webs, swirl marks, bird crap stains, and overall dullness of the paint on my '05 galaxy black crew cab, and i feel that i have to resort to the full blown professional detailing.

What, approximately, should i expect to pay for a full detail on the exterior?
Would I need to leave the truck at the shop for them to do the job or do they normally come to me?
Would I be correct to assume that with the pro. detail, MOST of my swirl marks/minor scratches will become invisible, if not removed?
I am aware that as far as fine scratches, the "fingernail feeler" rule is a generally adequate measure in determing the removabillity.
Im not AS concerned with the interior, simply becuase an adequate wipe down/vacuum/shampoo would do just fine, something i can reserve a couple hours for.

And finally, i'm in Houston, Texas if that helps for pricing and/or possible recommendations any of you guys may have.

Thanks alot fellas and very sorry for the lengthy post.
Look at the bright side though, just an extra excuse to divert attention from work haha!

I always prefer to detail myself. That said if you're not comfortable with it outsource a buff job, especially on a black vehicle. A buff, done correctly and professionally can cost anywhere between $150-$500 depending on the shop. Buffing out the clear-coat will rid you of all your paint issues except deep scratches and chips. If the body man knows what he's doing he may be able to even touch those up.

On the inside - seriously if you have ANY means to do it yourself go that route. Find some good commercial cleaners like Fireball for the fabric and Lemonlite for plastics and panels. Here are some tips:

1) Find a steam cleaner (or shop vac with wet abilities) and use the hose attachment. Mix in your fabric cleaner with some hot water in a small bucket and use a hard bristle brush to work it into the carpets. Test your seats for discoloring before using any degreasing product on them. Then use the vac/steam cleaner to get the water up and out of the fabric. With this method you can use a lot of cleaner and hot water to work out stains and still not worry about the carpet staying too wet.

2) Use an air compressor and a tooth brush to get all the fine dust and dirt out of vents and crevices. Spray in a good aerosol cleaner and use the air compressor in parts where a tooth brush doesn't reach.

3) To clean your windows use a good commercial glass cleaner. Spray the window down and take steel wool to the suds. Rub lightly and cover the entire window. Then wipe off with a nice thick paper towel.

Forget the products sold at your local auto store and found under your sink - a vehicle is exposed to much more dust and harsh sunlight than your house.

Oh and if it's leather, get some conditioner (not shine) and wipe those down once a month to keep them soft and crack free.

[cbenzon]

I own a mobile car detailing business in Salt Lake City.

For an exterior detail on a black Titan:

$99.95
Hand Wash
Wheels, Tires, Wheel Wells all cleaned and conditioned
Any road tar, tree sap, bird poop removed
Hand Wax

For removal of scratches, swirls, spider webbing:

$45 per hour. (Titan would take approximatly 4-5 hours for a full buff)
Full machine buff and polish

So, I would expect around $300 for a full exterior detail with a full buff. My hourly rate of $45 is a bit low so it could be more in your area. Check mobileworks . com for a detailer in your area.

[oxmach]

i have some info....pm sent