falcaineer

Welcome to the forums glad to have ya. 

​Welcome Chris!
 
​A lot of good people and information here!
 
​Be sure to check out the Adam's videos here on the site, and on YouTube for additional information on the products and processes!
 
  

I always cover the alternator or any exposed wiring with a bag first. Then I spray the engine down and begin cleaning. And spray down again after I've agitated the dirt. Before starting the engine I always blow the engine bay dry, then apply the dressing. And I always use a water hose. I never use a pressure washer on the engine bay.

That's exactly what I was thinking. It doesn't need to be endorsed by Adam's at all (unless they had a vision). Just some people who would be willing to take the time to show someone newer or wanting to expand their skill set the ways.
 
I'd be in for the Connecticut area if anyone wants help!

I like this idea, Shane.  In fact, I've already done this several times for friends and co-workers who know I'm an avid detailer.  (At least a couple became Adam's customers, as a result of our interaction.)
 
Seems like some folks are over-thinking this.  "Official" clinics are the best way to learn from "vetted" experts, but they're not the ONLY way.  I see NO need for Adam's to assume any liability here by "endorsing" or "vetting" "representatives," much less expend any resources on "compensation."  
 
I don't want to put words in Shane's mouth, but I THINK his initial suggestion was a simple list of experienced enthusiasts, willing to make themselves available to less experienced beginners, organized by geographic region.  Since I'm already doing it, count me in.

Her: "I can't believe you wasted half a day washing that pickup."
 
Me:  "What did YOU do this morning?"
 
Her:  "Facebook and Twitter."
 
Me: "God Bless America."

Hey kids, jump in the "Lasagna Pan" and we'll go get ice cream! 
 
You might have seen posts where people say that using Dawn on you car will dry out the plastic and rubber trim, and this is true, but you would have to use it really often to see these effects over time.
 
The bigger reason to wash with CS with APC added is "POLYMERS".  Yep, that's the good stuff in CS and SW that make washing safer for your paint.  The polymers are what encapsulate the dirt, which allows the dirt to be wiped from the paint with much less chance of scratching.  Kind of like how a clam gets a tiny piece of sand in it, which is irritating to its tender parts, so it coats it in calcium carbonate to make it smooth and more comfortable, making a pearl.
 
Dawn does not have these polymers to encapsulate the dirt.  A dish soap's primary function is to cut grease, and unless you're making lasagna on the hood of your car, you don't need to remove grease from your paint.
 
These polymers are also what makes rinseless washing possible.  RW contains even more polymers to make the process of washing without a hose safer.  The only downside to lots of polymers is that they work against the suds.  Try running RW through a Foam Cannon or Foam Gun, you're not going to get much suds, no matter how much product you put in.
 
So that brings up the next argument, and there are shampoos out there that downplay the suds, saying that the polymers are more important and you don't need all the suds.  Just like people will say a Foam Cannon or Foam Gun is all for show.  Wrong.  The suds are what allows the shampoo to cling to the paint, rather than just running right off onto the ground.  The longer the cling-time of the shampoo, the more chance the polymers have to work on encapsulating the dirt, and the more time the cleaning agents have to work on loosening the crud on the paint, which makes the process of wiping your wash pad or mitt across the dirty paint safer.
 
So a good quality washing product like Car Shampoo is going to balance recipe to get enough polymers to help encapsulate the dirt, but also give you adequate suds so it stays on the paint long enough to be most beneficial.

But "Lasagna Pan" is the name of my car!
 
Seriously, though, what are the negative effects the Dawn poses to a car? I've read several posts saying it, but haven't seen one that actually defines it. I really don't want to damage my car, but in the times I've used Dawn, I didn't notice any adverse effects. Please help me understand!

But "Lasagna Pan" is the name of my car!
 
Seriously, though, what are the negative effects the Dawn poses to a car? I've read several posts saying it, but haven't seen one that actually defines it. I really don't want to damage my car, but in the times I've used Dawn, I didn't notice any adverse effects. Please help me understand!

ADAMS HAS CRACKED STEALTH TECHNOLOGY!

I seperate by towel type and soil level or use. For example, I don't wash utility towels or any towel used on wheels or jambs with any towel used on paint.
 
I typically do:
 
Load #1 - Plush polishing towels.
 
Load #2 - Waffle weave drying towels.
 
Load #3 - Utility, glass, interior, and wheel towels.
 
I always use MFR&B, and pre-treat and rinse soiled areas before machine washing.

Applied HGG and Buttery a week ago, and today's wash just dried with Pumpkin Spice Detail Spray. The tires were cleaned with T&RC and then I applied Tire Shine.
 

 
 

 

Light rain today, applied paint sealant and patriot 3 weeks ago.

hmmmmm..... I don't know.......  ...... I don't see anything I really need........yeah, not too much here for me.......  I'll just look around some more although I don't need any of this...
 
 
 
 
I guess I'll grab some detail spray....... maybe a bottle of glass cleaner........ well, I'm almost out of wheel cleaner so I'll get a quart.........I could use a replacement bucket........oh, glass towels!.... gimme a couple of those......A gallon of shampoo will hold me over........some tire shine, too.........I hear the paint sealant is good........hey a new foam gun!............might as well grab another bucket......... and a couple grit guards.........

Welcome to the addiction, Steve!
 
Beautiful car. But you may want to ease up on the polish. Your engine is starting to show through.   

Don't be discouraged if you have trouble the first time.  It actually takes a little practice.
 
By my 3rd application I was loving the stuff.

If it happens to your 2004 Toyota Camry that is fine. When it happens to a Camaro ZL1 that costs 60k panic mode ensues until you find out everything is ok.

Is it OK if I resurrect this one?
 

...

Not really a detailing meme, but I'm sure you all can relate....

Ken!
 
Anyone else notice the PA members are coming out of the woodwork?! That's 3 in the last several days (Yoshi, Erik0917, and now Ken). Being from WV, I'm a little skeptical...but I'm sure they're good folks if they're on here!   

Yup. Need to get it off the wall and on the floor!