RAD GARAGE - Rick's Residential Detailing Theatre and Dream Garage
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DETAILING

THE GARAGE HAS PLAYED AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN MY DETAILING EVOLUTION
My first car was a 1982 two-tone blue Plymouth Horizon. I inherited it from my mom and it served me well. Like most young automobile enthusiasts, I enjoyed the freedom and satisfaction a sweet ride represented. With less than 100 horsepower, my car wasn't going to wow anyone with its performance so I channeled my enthusiasm towards keeping it as clean as I could. This is where my detailing fascination took root. I became adamant about keeping it looking as pristine as possible and I performed driveway washes on a highly frequent basis. Ever since, I have been obsessed with keeping my vehicles as close to showroom condition as possible. Things have come a long way from washing my car on my parents' driveway with Dawn dishwashing soap and a ratty terrycloth towel, but there is still a deep sense of satisfaction that comes when someone comments on the cleanliness of my car.

Since owning this garage, I have performed a number of projects on cars belonging to friends and family. Recently, I have begun offering my services to select car enthusiasts that appreciate my detailing approach and style. I have no plans of "going pro", but I do plan on completing a small number of projects per year. While I plan on remaining a weekend warrior, I will admit my garage is equipped with virtually everything you would expect to see in a professional detailing space. The environment I have created allows me to approach detailing in an efficient, patient and satisfying manner.

​My passion for detailing is evident in everything from the design of my space to the storage systems I have developed. It truly is my own personal detailing theatre. If you are interested in my detailing services, feel free to contact me. 
As with most things garage-related, my collection of detailing products has evolved. In 2008, when my wife and I returned from many years of overseas life, my love for detailing began to intensify. For years, I had dreamed of having my own garage space to pamper my car. I bought an immaculate 2006 Cadillac STS-V and scoured the shelves of every automotive store in the city in search of products that would help me keep her in showroom shape. From there, I began to research new products and I quickly found myself making regular online purchases through Auto Obsessed in Edmonton as well as Carzilla in Calgary.
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​Auto Obsessed introduced me to Griot's Garage and I quickly amassed a comprehensive collection of their easy-to-use products. Later on, I took a deep dive into Leno's Garage and Adam's Polishes products. As with most obsessions, things escalated from there. I soon had multiple products from various companies that performed the same basic function. It was around this time that my YouTube channel began attracting the attention of detailing product companies, and I began forging relationships that resulted in the acquisition of a wide array of high quality detailing products from a number of reputable manufacturers. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the products I use to visit my Products page as well as my Linktree to access the various discount codes I am able to offer. ​
In addition to the constant pursuit of the latest and greatest detailing products, I am always on the hunt for tools that will help me perfect my process. I have a considerable collection of detailing tools and gadgets that help me achieve the results I am after. I have accumulated many brushes for many different uses and I keep them at the ready on hooks below my bank of cabinets.
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​I have a comprehensive arsenal of polishers as well. I started out using 6" and 3" Griot's Garage random orbitals but I have since upgraded to Rupes units including the LHR15 Mark II, LHR75E and the handy longneck version of the iBrid Nano Polisher. I went a bit crazy with pads and I own a wide variety of foam, wool and microfibre pads that enable me to combat swirls and light scratches that inevitably invade a car's clear coat.

​I have a Makita MAC5200 compressor that powers various pneumatic Tornador air tools. Compressed air also allows me to effectively dislodge stubborn buildup and debris from the engine bay, dash, and other hard-to-reach and water sensitive areas. I have an extensive collection of microfiber towels that serve a number of specific uses. I have a built in 
pressure washer, a few vacuums, a car dryer, numerous foam guns and cannons, a Bissell carpet extractor, a Mytee steamer along with many other tools that are more at home in a detailing shop than in a residential garage.
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Pretty much ever facet of the space is dedicated to housing and featuring my collection of products and tools. Most of my equipment stows away nicely in my Craftsman MD cabinets, but I keep my most commonly used tools at the ready. Whatever isn't on shelves, hooks, or bars is stowed in my Craftsman cabinets. I'm quite particular about the organization in my garage, so things are always evolving. One rule I follow is to only store things I use. If something doesn't see regular use, it doesn't stay in the garage. Strict adherence to this cardinal rule ensures my space is optimized and free of senseless clutter. 

If you are interested in learning more about the various tools and equipment I use in my garage, feel free to check out my Gear page. (COMING SOON)

YOUTUBE

The majority of the detailing work I perform in my garage is on my own car. When the opportunity arises for me to pamper someone else's car, I like to capture the process on video. For many years now, I have shared my detailing work through videos that aim to showcase the art and beauty of the detailing process. I feel my videography style is unique and offers an artistic alternative to the vast majority of detailing videos you can find online. I'm not saying they are better. I'm just saying they are different. The feedback I receive regarding my detailing process and results is vastly positive and it helps fuel my passion. 

Creating videos is fun for me and I am constantly trying to bring innovation to my presentations. If you would like to view my body of work, please visit my "Videography" page or my YouTube channel.

AFFILIATES

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Over the years, I have come to know the owner of Carzilla and he has been highly supportive of the work I do. He has been generous with his knowledge of various products and has always steered me towards products and tools that have allowed me to fine tune my process and results. The Carzilla website is comprehensive as well and offers Canada-wide shipping.
​​If you are interested in making a purchase through the Carzilla website, apply the "RADGARAGE" discount code and enjoy 5% off your order.
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I am fortunate to call the brains behind the TOC Supplies operation a friend. Owen and his team at TOC are relatively new to the Canadian detailing scene, but they have quickly established their company as a preeminent force in the Canadian detail supply marketplace. They offer an expanding array of products, tools and equipment that enhance the detailing process. 
If you are considering making a purchase through the TOC website, apply the "RADGARAGE" code to take advantage of 10% savings on your order.
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I have enjoyed getting to know Matt Moreman over the years and I have enjoyed watching his rise to prominence within the garage and detailing worlds. A few years ago, Obsessed Garage is a highly reputable and successful retailer of quality garage and detailing equipment. Matt and his team put incredible amounts of research into the products they carry.
​If you are a garage enthusiast, I encourage you to utilize my OG affiliate link and check out the highly curated range of products, equipment and tools available there.
If you have any questions or comments related to detailing, feel free to contact me
All images and content © 2014-2022. All Rights Reserved.                                                                   
  • Home
  • Affiliates
  • Audi
    • 2018 SQ5 Technik (Current)
    • 2014 SQ5 Technik (Previous)
    • 2009 Q7 S-Line (Previous)
  • Blog
  • Build
  • Contact
  • Design
  • Detailing
  • Door
  • Drainage
  • Gallery
  • Heat
  • History
  • Lighting
  • Livestreams
  • Merchandise
  • Music
  • Organization
  • Pressure Washer
  • QuickJack
  • Swisstrax Floor
  • Videography
  • YouTube