Ingram Automotive Detail

[Austin]

Thanks Doug! It would seem as if I've found and followed my calling.

 

[kiwi f150]

What a difference Austin - great things are going better for you now

 

[Austin]

Thanks Mark. They're getting there, still a ways to go, but everyday stands for improvement.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Is that an EPDM roof on that RV?...what are you cleaning it with?

 

[Austin]

Regular ol' gelcoat, though I've read that the EPDM is a bear to deal with.

I used a diluted degreaser and brush, went over it several times.

 

[DNFXDLI]

I wondered...that's why I asked. TSP works well on EPDM...or dilute bleach.

 

[Austin]

I would have almost rathered this roof be EPDM so that I could have the experience of handling something so trashed. But I'm not here to complain about dirty surface materials.

 

[Austin]

Just doing my thing.

 

[aussie_f350]

Good looking bloke on the mirror!!!!

 

[Austin]

I've been working on my appearances.

 

[taxreliever]

Never ceases to amaze me. Nice!

 

[Austin]

Thanks Ken!!

Also knocked this one out yesterday.

 

[Austin]

Subcontracting is the name of the game boys and girls. All of my sub accounts will help keep me busy on my days off from the new job.

Knocked this one out for a car show prep:



Waterless 50/50 on the hood:



Satin tire shine just 'works' for this era.

 

[Austin]

Squeezed some work in on the black Mustang.



I love cleaning floormats.



3 Lexus's at my buddy's shop (he calls me up when he's busy for help) that all have some form of mold. IS250, IS-F, and an SC430.



SC430 had seats and carpet removed.



IS-F is pending parts delivery (seatbelts, carpet, padding, and floor foam all being replaced to the tune of roughly 5 grand).



Obligatory 50/50

 

[DNFXDLI]

Subbing is a great way to learn the ropes.

 

[Austin]

Today and tomorrow's big project. The goal for this job is to absolutely perfect the paint on this car. The front end (hood, fenders, and bumper) have paint protection film installed, so that saves time. As it stands now, after 5 hours, the compounding process is done. Tomorrow will be polishing, ceramic coating, and interior.

All before shots of the swirls.



I generally carry halogen lights for this work, but they weren't showing the defects on this paint.



Found some overspray.



LED lighting would end up being the way to go.



Getting there...



Overspray reduced, but not yet entirely removed.



Again, a wheel 50/50. These will also receive a ceramic coating treatment.



After the half way point of round one.



This wing is in my way. I'm not very happy with it.

 

[Austin]

Yes, I even correct taillights. These will be coated.



This rear end sucks for me. No way to get every square inch of paint perfected without hours of labor.



As I left her for day one. (take a peek in the background!)

 

[Austin]

Subbing is a great way to learn the ropes.

My sub work has been either one of two ways.

1. I work with the guy

2. I get the lead and have at it by my lonesome

I've honestly learned more by the pressure of number two, imo. Not saying the number 1 option hasn't helped me, though.

 

[fatherdoug]

The tires on the Plymouth look really nice. Clean, but not "Armorall" gaudy.

 

[Austin]

That's my water based tire shine. Diluted at 5:1 instead of 1:1. It's nice to have something water based so I can adjust sheen on the fly.