A frustrating SoCal detail job...

powertrip · 02-18-2010, 04:31 PM

Hey all, figured I'd take a few minutes here to vent and possibly get some constructive ideas.

Recently I had my car detailed by one of the "former" members of this forum. I had seen some of his work, and it seemed to look pretty good based upon the photographic evidence provided. I contacted this guy and worked out the details regarding what I was looking for performance-wise. My biggest concerns were light swirl marks on the Carbon Fiber roof, and some swirls and stains on the paint from fallout. This guy went on and on about how getting rid of swirls was his specialty

.

After his sales job I turned the car over to him, and he proceeded to work on it for approximately 5 hours. Eventually the guy calls me to let me know it's done, and at this point it's dark out. Once I arrived I looked at the roof and interior and they looked decent enough. I questioned him about the swirls still in the paint, and at this point he starts with the whole "are you the orignal owner" bullshit. He goes on to tell me that the swirls are really deep (which they weren't), and that a basic 3 stage won't work on it. I pay the guy his $350 and say to hell with it because I needed to get home to my wife and newborn.

Needless to say, the next day I inspected the car and it looked like shit. I am 99% sure that this guy didn't even do a full 3 step process on the paint, but only on the roof.

At this point do I find another SoCal detailer, or do I just buy the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own

?

eclipsisNA · 02-18-2010, 06:38 PM

5 hours is nowhere near long enough to even do a 1-step paint correction, let alone 3 steps. A 3-step should take at least 20 hours on a E92.

BTW, congrats on the newborn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertrip

Hey all, figured I'd take a few minutes here to vent and possibly get some constructive ideas.

Recently I had my car detailed by one of the "former" members of this forum. I had seen some of his work, and it seemed to look pretty good based upon the photographic evidence provided. I contacted this guy and worked out the details regarding what I was looking for performance-wise. My biggest concerns were light swirl marks on the Carbon Fiber roof, and some swirls and stains on the paint from fallout. This guy went on and on about how getting rid of swirls was his specialty

.

After his sales job I turned the car over to him, and he proceeded to work on it for approximately 5 hours. Eventually the guy calls me to let me know it's done, and at this point it's dark out. Once I arrived I looked at the roof and interior and they looked decent enough. I questioned him about the swirls still in the paint, and at this point he starts with the whole "are you the orignal owner" bullshit. He goes on to tell me that the swirls are really deep (which they weren't), and that a basic 3 stage won't work on it. I pay the guy his $350 and say to hell with it because I needed to get home to my wife and newborn.

Needless to say, the next day I inspected the car and it looked like shit. I am 99% sure that this guy didn't even do a full 3 step process on the paint, but only on the roof.

At this point do I find another SoCal detailer, or do I just buy the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own

?

attbimmer · 02-18-2010, 11:28 PM

Yeah I agree 5 hours is no where near enough time and $350 for 5 hours of work is also nuts. Most 2 stage polishes I have done in the past on small cars (like 911s) took 12-15 hours. My E90 took longer and I even then it needed at least another pass to really make it perfect.

NewM3driver · 02-18-2010, 11:51 PM

I do my own. If you want something done right...

Envious Eric · 02-19-2010, 02:00 PM

It takes me the following with clay in each process:
1 step = 5 hours
2 step = 8-9 hours
3 step = 15-20+

what were his steps? clay, polish, wax is NOT considered a three step! In a true three step, there should be clay, ONE compound step, followed by a medium polish, then a light polish step, then sealant wax. In a 4 step process, its a heavy compound, light compound, medium polish, light polish. (of course there are variances with machine/polishes/pad combos to fit each step)

check over on autopia for a detailer

*edit, you need to talk it over and discuss the expectations of the detail as well. If you want 99%perfection, expect it to take a couple days time and run about $1000. If you DD the car and want it cleaned up, then that is a 5 hour detail and in the 250-350 range.

albert1028 · 02-19-2010, 03:24 PM

Can you tell us who it was as a reference?

eclipsisNA · 02-19-2010, 04:11 PM

If you still have my phone #, call me and I can stop by to see what the damage looks like, I'll be swinging through Irvine on Sunday.

Envious Eric · 02-19-2010, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eclipsis

If you still have my phone #, call me and I can stop by to see what the damage looks like, I'll be swinging through Irvine on Sunday.

well if that's not soliciting, I dont know what is...

I dont want to hear it from you anymore about throwing up work, ok?

eclipsisNA · 02-19-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

well if that's not soliciting, I dont know what is...

I dont want to hear it from you anymore about throwing up work, ok?

Powertrip and I know have met each other before to show our M3s to each other. I know members from this forum personally because I also own an M3 and have a reason to be here. Being we have an existing non-business relationship, I can offer him my opinion on what he should do. Besides, I don't do work in Irvine any longer, so how about you mind your own business.

Envious Eric · 02-19-2010, 04:29 PM

lol...just giving you a hard time man, I'm over all the past junk that happened

M3_LIN · 02-19-2010, 04:34 PM

hmm, i have a guy and his name is richard. http://www.showcardetailing.com/

Im pretty sure u can go to him and he'll show u what he can do on ur car and you can see if he knows how to remove swirls or not. Then after that u can hire him. He's worked on M before and he's going 2 work on my M on March 20th as well

Let me know if you want his phone number.

Ed Lin

Cosmin · 02-19-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

It takes me the following with clay in each process:
1 step = 5 hours
2 step = 8-9 hours
3 step = 15-20+

time frame is around there.
u can do it your own, is time consuming.

powertrip · 02-19-2010, 06:17 PM

Werd, I'll shoot you a call on Sunday

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eclipsis

Powertrip and I know have met each other before to show our M3s to each other. I know members from this forum personally because I also own an M3 and have a reason to be here. Being we have an existing non-business relationship, I can offer him my opinion on what he should do. Besides, I don't do work in Irvine any longer, so how about you mind your own business.

FStop7 · 02-19-2010, 11:23 PM

I am glad Eclipse posted in this thread because when I read the OP I thought maybe it was him that Powertrip was talking about. Good to know that this is not the case.

JCtx · 02-20-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertrip

Needless to say, the next day I inspected the car and it looked like shit. I am 99% sure that this guy didn't even do a full 3 step process on the paint, but only on the roof.

Sorry to hear about your experience man, and congrats on the new family addition.

Hey, since it's pretty clear you were ripped off, I'd seriously consider posting the guy's info so he doesn't do the same to others. Take care.

xchosun1x · 02-20-2010, 07:24 PM

yea give Eclipsis a call....he knows what he's talking about

kmac1980 · 03-24-2010, 09:16 AM

i'm assuming all these time figures are being quoted assuming there is one person working on the car. I know shops that can turn around a 2 step in 5 hours, however they have a couple guys working on the car at once.

I think $350 is a bit expensive to have one guy at your car for 5 hours, but pretty standard when you have a couple guys in a shop working on it.

Envious Eric · 03-24-2010, 05:23 PM

MOST paint correction guys and high level detailers have one person doing the work...
SOME have two people who are insync with each other and can both operate on the same level on all levels
SOME have one person proficient on the interior, while the other works on the exterior
SOME have two people running around thinking they know it all on all aspects of the detail process but really only know the half of each!

350/2people = 175 per person/5 hours = 35/hr each = not too shabby.
350/2 people (one owner, one employee @ 10/hr) = 300 for owner, 50 for employee = 60/hr for owner = much better living wage!

There is a reason some higher end detailers charge $60-75/hr!!!! (mainly for paint correction work)

FruitCake · 03-27-2010, 10:23 AM

can we please know who it is?
if you don't want it public can you PM me?

02-18-2010, 04:31 PM	#1
powertrip Scared money don't make money. 68 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [0.00]	A frustrating SoCal detail job... Hey all, figured I'd take a few minutes here to vent and possibly get some constructive ideas. Recently I had my car detailed by one of the "former" members of this forum. I had seen some of his work, and it seemed to look pretty good based upon the photographic evidence provided. I contacted this guy and worked out the details regarding what I was looking for performance-wise. My biggest concerns were light swirl marks on the Carbon Fiber roof, and some swirls and stains on the paint from fallout. This guy went on and on about how getting rid of swirls was his specialty . After his sales job I turned the car over to him, and he proceeded to work on it for approximately 5 hours. Eventually the guy calls me to let me know it's done, and at this point it's dark out. Once I arrived I looked at the roof and interior and they looked decent enough. I questioned him about the swirls still in the paint, and at this point he starts with the whole "are you the orignal owner" bullshit. He goes on to tell me that the swirls are really deep (which they weren't), and that a basic 3 stage won't work on it. I pay the guy his $350 and say to hell with it because I needed to get home to my wife and newborn. Needless to say, the next day I inspected the car and it looked like shit. I am 99% sure that this guy didn't even do a full 3 step process on the paint, but only on the roof. At this point do I find another SoCal detailer, or do I just buy the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own ? __________________ 2009 E92 M3/DCT/Alpine White/Fox Red/Carbon Leather OE Tuned 402 whp & 303 wtq/Gintani X-pipe/MXP Axle Back/Rogue Pulley/AFE Stage 2/Cosmetics By IND & EAS HUGE THANKS: Gintani, OE Tuning, and EAS
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02-18-2010, 11:28 PM	#3
attbimmer Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 260 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3, '88 E30 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (5)	Yeah I agree 5 hours is no where near enough time and $350 for 5 hours of work is also nuts. Most 2 stage polishes I have done in the past on small cars (like 911s) took 12-15 hours. My E90 took longer and I even then it needed at least another pass to really make it perfect. __________________
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02-18-2010, 11:51 PM	#4
NewM3driver Colonel 1110 Rep 2,007 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I do my own. If you want something done right...
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02-19-2010, 02:00 PM	#5
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	It takes me the following with clay in each process: 1 step = 5 hours 2 step = 8-9 hours 3 step = 15-20+ what were his steps? clay, polish, wax is NOT considered a three step! In a true three step, there should be clay, ONE compound step, followed by a medium polish, then a light polish step, then sealant wax. In a 4 step process, its a heavy compound, light compound, medium polish, light polish. (of course there are variances with machine/polishes/pad combos to fit each step) check over on autopia for a detailer edit, you need to talk it over and discuss the expectations of the detail as well. If you want 99%perfection, expect it to take a couple days time and run about $1000. If you DD the car and want it cleaned up, then that is a 5 hour detail and in the 250-350 range. Last edited by Envious Eric; 02-19-2010 at 03:38 PM..*
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02-19-2010, 03:24 PM	#6
albert1028 First Lieutenant 20 Rep 390 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 Space Gray M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Can you tell us who it was as a reference?
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02-19-2010, 04:11 PM	#7
eclipsisNA Colonel 351 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: 2013 Estoril 328i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 BMW 428i [7.76]	If you still have my phone #, call me and I can stop by to see what the damage looks like, I'll be swinging through Irvine on Sunday.
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02-19-2010, 04:29 PM	#10
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	lol...just giving you a hard time man, I'm over all the past junk that happened
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02-19-2010, 04:34 PM	#11
M3_LIN LM-R Whore. 125 Rep 854 Posts Drives: 2009 White M3 Sedan Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	hmm, i have a guy and his name is richard. http://www.showcardetailing.com/ Im pretty sure u can go to him and he'll show u what he can do on ur car and you can see if he knows how to remove swirls or not. Then after that u can hire him. He's worked on M before and he's going 2 work on my M on March 20th as well Let me know if you want his phone number. Ed Lin __________________ 09AWE90M: Light headlight tint, Full front end clear bra wrap(Harris@InstyleGraphics), Ceramic tint(40%), Piaa GTX H3 bulb, HID 8k AE, 6k Low, INT Luxer1 lights, RD springs, LMR 20X9 +8, 20X10 +18 (Dave @ Status), Vertice CF hood Ducts(Dat @ VertexUSA), Tecnocraft FULL Envy Intake system+plenum(KEVLAR)+cabin filter covers, Meister GTC exhaust, Arkym F LIP.
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02-19-2010, 11:23 PM	#14
FStop7 I like cars 331 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	I am glad Eclipse posted in this thread because when I read the OP I thought maybe it was him that Powertrip was talking about. Good to know that this is not the case. __________________ My photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/racelap/
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02-20-2010, 07:24 PM	#16
xchosun1x Track Duty 270 Rep 2,467 Posts Drives: Track build 08 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (14)	yea give Eclipsis a call....he knows what he's talking about
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03-24-2010, 09:16 AM	#17
kmac1980 Major 36 Rep 1,043 Posts Drives: '19 540xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: toronto iTrader: (1)	i'm assuming all these time figures are being quoted assuming there is one person working on the car. I know shops that can turn around a 2 step in 5 hours, however they have a couple guys working on the car at once. I think $350 is a bit expensive to have one guy at your car for 5 hours, but pretty standard when you have a couple guys in a shop working on it.
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03-24-2010, 05:23 PM	#18
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	MOST paint correction guys and high level detailers have one person doing the work... SOME have two people who are insync with each other and can both operate on the same level on all levels SOME have one person proficient on the interior, while the other works on the exterior SOME have two people running around thinking they know it all on all aspects of the detail process but really only know the half of each! 350/2people = 175 per person/5 hours = 35/hr each = not too shabby. 350/2 people (one owner, one employee @ 10/hr) = 300 for owner, 50 for employee = 60/hr for owner = much better living wage! There is a reason some higher end detailers charge $60-75/hr!!!! (mainly for paint correction work)
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03-27-2010, 10:23 AM	#19
FruitCake Banned 88 Rep 1,680 Posts Drives: '10 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (19)	can we please know who it is? if you don't want it public can you PM me?
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