Quote:
Originally Posted by vbb
If so, what products and methods do you use?
Something has changed pretty dramatically in the car care world over the last 10 years. I remember getting a "clear bra" on my car back in 2011-2012 and having that be a pretty unusual thing to do on a non-exotic vehicle. That was the early stages of PPF where most of the kits were pre-cut and you could still see that line where the PPF ended and the paint began.
Flash forward to now, and it seems that getting a full body, or at least a full front end custom PPF wrap is common, even on what I'd consider regular vehicles like Tesla Model 3s, and a ton of people are in to ceramic coating, PPF stealth wrap, graphene coating, etc. People drop $10K on detailing on NEW cars, much less doing that on a restoration of a classic that might need some significant work. As a guy who has been into cars for over 25 years, the money people are spending is pretty surprising to me.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely respect technology and understand we've advanced. But as I talk to the local pro-detailing spots around me, they'll have you believe that if you're not dropping at least $4K on protecting your car, you're doing it wrong.
I've decided to keep it old school with my '22 G82 and go back to my roots. I washed my car with my trusty Meguiar's Gold Class wash and clay barred my car, then broke out the orbital buffer and some fresh pads and did things myself. I did a 1 stage polish, then finished everything up with Griot's Garage 3-in-1 ceramic spray wax. I've always been a paste wax guy, but this stuff is definitely a step up in tech and seems to work out well (as long as you don't overspray it).
Does my car look like a professional did it? No. I fully admit the pros do it better than I do. But for essentially a few hours of detailing in my driveway and garage over a weekend, and less than $100 in products (not counting the oribital buffer itself), I feel pretty good about the results--especially because I daily my car. I figure if I keep this car past 3 years I can always consider getting it professionally done or even having the hood and front bumper repainted if that is truly necessary... but spending the big money on all sorts of protecting for a new, nearly perfect vehicle is just more than this old school guy can really understand.
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You do you. That's great that you simply spend the time and energy on your vehicle in keeping it clean and protected.
To me, there's no right or wrong way to get it accomplished. There are just layers and levels of money to spend and protection offered.
To me, the idea is just to enjoy what you're doing, whether it is with a sponge and some dishwashing soap, or the latest and greatest in PPF and ceramic coating technology.