D E T A I L I N G
THE GARAGE HAS PLAYED AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MY DETAILING APPROACH
Background
My first car was a 1982 two-tone blue Plymouth Horizon. I inherited it from my mom, and it was a perfect first car. Like most young automobile enthusiasts, I enjoyed the freedom and attention 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 really took root. I became adamant about keeping it looking as pristine as possible and I performed driveway washes it 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 big part of me that takes pride 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 plan on completing a dozen or so 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 studio. The detailing environment I have created allows me to approach detailing in the manner a professional would.
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.
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 plan on completing a dozen or so 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 studio. The detailing environment I have created allows me to approach detailing in the manner a professional would.
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.
Products
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.
Auto Obsessed introduced me to Griot's Garage and I quickly amassed a comprehensive collection of their easy-to-use products. Then, I began branching out to other products with more specific uses. As with most obsessions, things did get a little out of hand. I soon found I 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 more uniformity and consistency within my arsenal of car care products.
Auto Obsessed introduced me to Griot's Garage and I quickly amassed a comprehensive collection of their easy-to-use products. Then, I began branching out to other products with more specific uses. As with most obsessions, things did get a little out of hand. I soon found I 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 more uniformity and consistency within my arsenal of car care products.
Affiliations
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. He generously sponsored some projects I did with the Gyeon line of coatings. I found the Gyeon line to be very sophisticated and I was very pleased with the Syncro coating system I applied in the summer of 2018. I am a regular visitor to Carzilla and I always enjoy chatting with Chris and seeing what is new in the world of detailing products and supplies. The Carzilla.ca website is comprehensive as well and offers Canada-wide shipping.
If you want to order anything on the Carzilla website, you can use the "RADGARAGE" discount code to receive 5% off your order or you can click on the banner above and the discount will automatically be applied at checkout. (code is valid for Canada & US orders!)
If you want to order anything on the Carzilla website, you can use the "RADGARAGE" discount code to receive 5% off your order or you can click on the banner above and the discount will automatically be applied at checkout. (code is valid for Canada & US orders!)
When I began sharing my garage development project on garagejournal.com back in 2012, a fellow garage and detailing enthusiast located in Florida began sharing his project. Our garages had a lot in common and our similar approaches to detailing and garage organization were clearly apparent. I have enjoyed getting to know Matt over the years and I have enjoyed watching his rise to prominence within the detailing world. A few years ago, Matt founded Obsessed Garage, which has become 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 highly encourage you to click the banner above and check out the wide range of products, equipment and tools available through the Obsessed Garage web store.
Organization & Equipment
In addition to the pursuit of high quality detailing products, I am always on the hunt for tools that will help me perfect my craft. I have a considerable collection of detailing tools and equipment 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.
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 now stock a plethora (yes, a plethora) of foam, wool and microfibre pads 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 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 suburban garage.
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 now stock a plethora (yes, a plethora) of foam, wool and microfibre pads 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 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 suburban garage.
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.
Projects
Most 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 showcase the art and beauty of the craft. There is a certain style of video that I have developed that I feel is unique in the endless sea of detailing videos you can find online. 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 video productions. If you would like to view the body of video work I have produced, please visit my "Videography" page or my YouTube channel. Below, are some of my most memorable detailing projects to date.
Creating videos is fun for me and I am constantly trying to bring innovation to my video productions. If you would like to view the body of video work I have produced, please visit my "Videography" page or my YouTube channel. Below, are some of my most memorable detailing projects to date.
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If you have any questions or comments related to detailing, feel free to contact me