03/20/2010 - Detailing Clinic at Bimmer Sales Limited, Arlington VA

[bimmerfrau]

Big kudos for John for organizing and facilitating this clinic. Sean patiently explained all-things detailing with buffing/polishing/cleaning/scrubbing/etc. and patiently fielded questions from all of us newbies, intermediates, and fellow detailing gurus. I even got the opportunity to fire the awesome and feared foam gun

By the way, I knew never that there were over 1,001 different buffing sponges in existence or that it seriously takes a lot of elbow grease to get that perfect mirror-shine even with a buffing tool. I have a new appreciation for all detail specialists now.

In the seven years I've owned the 528i, I dont think she has received such pampering and ultra-treatment. Ronny (the dent-removal king) performed miracles in less than 15 minutes. Overall, it was an eye-opening experience and I learned so much about how to care for my investment.

Thanks John!

[zett4m]

Great event. This was my first CCA event since joining and I loved it. Even though I have been a self-admitted wash-n-wax nut for a couple years now, I learned a great deal - especially when it comes to using a buffer. I am no longer afraid. =)

Here is a quick pic I snapped with my phone:

[John in VA]

got pulled over as i was leaving bimmer sales, geez what luck, hope no one else got tagged. Got nailed with a 44/30 but luckily officer gave me failure to obey highway sign which shouldnt carry points over to my md license hopefully. She was a pretty hot blond officer at least!

Lucky break! I saw a female officer out of their car just up the street from Bimmer Sales as I was leaving. She was occupied at the time, but I didn't see a BMW pulled over. Stay safe!

[John in VA]

...By the way, I knew never that there were over 1,001 different buffing sponges in existence or that it seriously takes a lot of elbow grease to get that perfect mirror-shine even with a buffing tool. I have a new appreciation for all detail specialists now.

News alert - There are now over 1,003 different pads available!! Seriously, it can be quite daunting when you first wade into the detailing pool, but Sean did a great job of helping to demystify the process for us. Thanks for attending!

[Psi5]

Inspired, I waxed my wheels today. I needed to switch to my summer wheels anyway and they were already off the car, so a wash and wax before install was in order. We'll see how the brake is affected.

[zett4m]

Would it be possible to post Sean's information for those who want to inquire about his detailing services? Can someone post Ronnie-the-dent-guy's info? (Always a nice number to have, just in case.)

And would anyone else be interested in starting a thread to compare notes about who uses what chemical/gear for cleaning our rides? I thought about starting one, but since I am obviously new to this board, I'm not sure if it should go here or in the Car Care forum...

[Reach]

Please do post up info. I'm looking for a premium detailer for my car this summer. I've paid for 2 'swirl removal' details this year so far and am happy with neither of them!

[bimmerfrau]

Please do post up info. I'm looking for a premium detailer for my car this summer. I've paid for 2 'swirl removal' details this year so far and am happy with neither of them!

Well, my friend, if what he did to the test area on my 10-year old 528i hood last Saturday is any indication, this guy can put mirrors on your car. Seriously, everyone raved at his work on Saturday.

[John in VA]

zett4m - "Car Care" is probably a better place to carry on this discussion and further comparative notes or info.

Ronny does not provide mobile direct-to-consumer PDR service. He services a number of shops on different days, so you could meet up with him at one of them. He's at Sean's on Fridays, I believe. We might be able to get him to give us a reduced group rate if we could find a venue and guarantee him a specific amount of cars/panels to work.

Ronny Sharpes
Total Look, Inc. - Alexandria VA
571-233-2186

Sean obviously has the skills, but has a short detailing client list, and admitted that he is expensive. As we know, you frequently get what you pay for! You can reach Sean at Bimmer Sales Limited: 703-578-1808.

Reach - please let us know whose work you were not happy with. It can help others avoid wasting time & $$.

[MGN33RD]

i dont know if anyone is still looking for the foam lance that fits with karcher power washers bayonet style like the karcher k series on autogeek.net selling for $119 http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-foam-cannon-hp.html but I have actually found the manufacturer for the foam lance and can get them to you guys for around $50-$60 as sean stated at the detailing session. The manufacturer will only sell to me at a min 10 quantity so I wanted to know if there is any interest (around 5 people) else I may buy the autogeek one myself. I will be posting this in the car care section also.

[John in VA]

John,

Thanks for organizing and thanks to Sean for all the useful info. Might it be possible to post a list of all the links Sean mentioned? There were so many, it was hard to keep up. Autogeek, Professional Detailing Service (?), etc. If you, or anyone has a list, that'd be great.

David

Sites for useful tips, products, and forums

www.autodetailingsolutions.net/
www.autogeek.net/
www.autopia.org/
www.carcareonline.com
www.cartersconsumables.co.uk/
www.coastaltool.com/
www.detailingbliss.com/
www.detailedimage.com
www.glosshaus-home.com/
www.meguiars.com/
www.properautocare.com/
www.sonus-usa.com/
http://www.topoftheline.com/
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...e/Aftermarket/