One of my most vivid childhood memories is the incident that started my hobby in detailing. My parents gave me a new Schwinn Stingray for my eighth birthday. It was perfect. Brilliant red paint, chrome fenders and sissy bar, and a bright white seat. A guy could do anything with a bike like that. I was going places in style!
After a week and what seemed like 100,000 miles, I decided to clean my little red ride. I got out a bucket, dish soap, a sponge and a brand-new steel wool scouring pad. I cleaned everything; the wheels, tires, frame and seat all got the treatment. I was proud. That is, until the water started to dry. I could not believe my eyes. What happened to that beautiful shine? Oh, my gosh, what did I do? Dad's going to kill me!
As it turned out, Dad didn't kill me. He explained why the steel wool took the shine off the paint, then he came to my rescue. Good old Dad pulled a bottle of white stuff out of his toolbox, and he made my Schwinn look as good as new again. The rest, as they say, is history. I had discovered polish and how to make things shine. Since that day with my dad, I've polished everything imaginable.
I'm not a professional detailer; I'm an enthusiast. I have a passion for beautiful automobiles, motorcycles, boats and airplanes. If it shines and goes fast, I want one!
I wrote this book because it gives me a chance to play in the garage and call it work. It also gives me a small opportunity to share my 32-plus years of detailing experience with a few friends. At the end of the day, helping other people enjoy their cars and motorcycles is what motivates me to put these few words to paper.
I hope you enjoy the Autopia Guide to Detailing as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Please come by the Autopia Community Forum and visit. The community enjoys a wide variety of opinions and conversation.
Yours in better car care
David W. Bynon
Linear Mode
