Oh man - I just found this place and I believe I may become unemployed very soon. Boss wont like the fact that I may spend untold hours browsing through the extensive threads gathering up info - learning - while Im supposed to be working.
I am impressed at the wide range of products - and knowledgeable people that carry on discussions here.
yes, I am a Zaino guy - and yes I sell zaino also - but never fear - I am not here to preach Zaino - I am here to learn and participate when I can. I got turned onto serious car care almost two years ago , shortly after picking up my first new car - the SSEi. I still have a lot to learn.
Welcome to the forum. Nothing wrong with a Zaino user so long as he/she is objective and doesn't immediately recommend every Zaino product for every conceivable car care need. So search through the archives as a good starter course and happy reading and detailing. Laters
let me take a moment to prove I am unbiased when it comes to this stuff . .
i went to a car show yesterday (speed-o-rama) here in Toronto. I spent the most time at a both where the guy was promoting zymol, lexol, councourse etc . . . yikes $149 a jar . . I may have to try it, because as he explained - it was easy on, no waiting for dry, wipe off and done ! is that true?
i was always informed it was a real arm breaker to do those pricey little glass jar waxes . . .
The Zymol waxes are very user friendly. However, they really don't have much of a following here as they are just overpriced and they don't seem to be very durable. Laters
As most of you know, I started a thread a couple of weeks ago about what I should do about a more professional vehicle for my business.
I started off with this 2002 Chevy Astro Cargo Van but it didn't run properly, So I sold it.
Then I got a Honda Ridgeline and a 6x12 Trailer, this was fine but had a few draw backs: Such as Very poor MPG's (10mpg's) pulling the trailer, and the Ridgeline that I had bought off Craigslist was dented and scratched up and was very Unprofessional, but the trailer looked great. Also, There has been many times that I have been in REALLY tight spots with the trailer and almost couldn't get out of it.
Also I would some times use my little Honda Fit with 40mpg's, but I wanted to be the best I could be and the most professional I could be. and to me, thats not a little Honda Fit?
So after Lots of searching, and lots of Prayer! God hooked me up with the perfect Cargo van. I would like you to meet CLIFFORD the Big Red Van
This Bad Boy is a 2004 Chevrolet Express 3500, Fully loaded with power everything, heated mirrors, AM/FM/CD, Full caged in cargo area with SECURITY cage on the Windows, ALARM System, Brand new Tires and Rotors.
So I wanted to spiffy up this back boy and bring you guys along with me!
here is how I bought him. Pretty good, but it's not showing its Tru potential!
Typical Dealer wax residue
Faded/Oxidized tail lights
So after the Wash (I got carried away and didn't take any pics)
I spent about 10-15 hours wetsanding and buffing on it.
Using:
Harbor Freight Rotary w/ Meguiars W66 BP
M105/ yellow
M205/white
85rd / Blue
and then a coat of BFWD left to cure over night
and then a coat of BlackFire Midnight Sun
Before:
After:
Then With the tail lights I wetsanded them with 2000 grit and buffed them back out with M105/Cyan followed by M205/Tang
Taillights Before & After
So here are the Final Pics of the Van with a Coat of BlackFire Wet Diamond and topped with Black Fire Midnight Sun
And then I got some vinyl work done while I was up in bristol detailing the Skyline.
What do ya think?
*Updates* 3/9/11
Got some 16x8 XD Hoss wheels for the Van. used stock tires since they were brand new.
The red is a great eye catching color and even though I'm a Ford man that van did turn out sweet. Make sure you show those before and after pictures to future clients they should help you alot. Good luck.\m/
Looks great. I wish you alot of luck with the New Truck and business. You do great work and it shows after. When they see you comming in this truck they will know they have a Pro.
Very nice Eric. You made a good choice, and you certainly dialed it up a notch or two. Looks great, as do the graphics. It tells me, that there is a Pro driving that around.
May you and Clifford have much success!!!ancing Dot:
Nice ride Eric! Perfect color too! "Pull me over"....I mean "look at me" red!
You should looking into some Opti-Coat for that bad boy! It will stay looking clean longer and it also save you time on washing....which is more time you can spend detailing customers cars instead. :soldier:
