Midnight1700
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Posts
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About Midnight1700
- Birthday 11/04/1960
Converted
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Bio
Selected member of the 2011 "Air Force One" Detailing Team
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Location
Shady Cove, Oregon
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Interests
Auto Restorations, Detailing
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Occupation
Owner - Pristine Detailing
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Vehicle Year
1959
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Vehicle Make
1959 Dodge Stepside Pickup
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Real Name
Mark Fowler
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Opti-Coat
Midnight1700 replied to J.greenroyd's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
I've been using Adams products for about 4 years now and love all the products (which we have just about everything they carry) but for my own curiosity have ventured out to try other products as well. One of the products I use in my shop is Opti-coat. The Opti-Coat the majority of the people are using is the 2.0 version. This is available at the retail level and is a decent product. We, however, are a certified installer of the Opti-Coat Pro Ceramic coatings. This product is a permanent coating and requires a very in-depth prep that needs to be done prior to the application of the Pro Version. Of course this service is not for everyone, and is quite costly to have applied to a vehicle. -
Swirls in plastic
Midnight1700 replied to Fiveg56's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
Plexis works great on motorcycle windshields and other plastics. -
Americana Containers
Midnight1700 replied to Midnight1700's topic in Product Polls, Feedback, and Company Input
The last Americana that I purchased was extremely tight and just about impossible to open. "Accidentally" I knocked it off the work bench and the lid broke. At first is was a little disturbed by the incident, then I just placed it in a ZIPLoc bag along with the applicator. I guess this is one way to solve the issue with the container not opening??? -
Is it just me or does anyone else have problems with opening the jar Americana comes in? A new jar isn't bad, but after I've use it once or twice, it takes an act of God and Congress to get the thing open. Anyone else have this problem? Update from Adam:
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detailing/car washing horror stories
Midnight1700 replied to swirlparanoid's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
An ol' neighbor of mine, back in the 80's, loved the way Armorall made her tires shine. So much so that she decided to do her entire car...... the paint, chrome, and even the outside glass. At first she thought this was a great idea, until she spent all of the next day trying to clean it off her windshield because she couldn't see through it at all. All of my friends and I just set back and watched her clean the car all day in her two piece bathing suit.... -
do's and donts?...
Midnight1700 replied to Justin@SwanCreek's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
Justin, great job! Looks about like the same results I get with my steamer. The spec's of the two steamers are close to each other except I believe the one you have can hold more water. I sure like the steamer as much as I'm sure you do too. Keep up the great work! -
do's and donts?...
Midnight1700 replied to Justin@SwanCreek's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
I've been looking at that one to add to my collection. Looks like a good unit. A little large for a mobile detailer, but I'm looking to get set up in a fixed location this spring. Are you leasing or did you purchase? When I go to get one, I'll probably just purchase it....... I hate payments... -
do's and donts?...
Midnight1700 replied to Justin@SwanCreek's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
Justin, What steamer are you using? I use the VX5000 and it's awsome! -
do's and donts?...
Midnight1700 replied to Justin@SwanCreek's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
Because steam is 95% vapor, it won't cause mold! Infact, you have a much greater chance of creating mold using an extractor then a steamer! Why? Because an extractor leaves the area wet while a steamer does not. If the area isn't properly dried following the use of an extractor, mold and mildew can occur. I use my steamer on leather most of the time. It helps soften the leather and allow it to take conditioners a lot better. It does not weaken the stitching at all. -
do's and donts?...
Midnight1700 replied to Justin@SwanCreek's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
I use a commercial steamer in just about every one of my higher end details. We use it for just about everything. Cleaning the interior and exterior. I attended specialized training by one of the top detailers around on the proper usage of the steamer. I use it when ever I can! It does wonders on wheels too!!!! -
I'm scared to continue, Have pitting!!!
Midnight1700 replied to sgmccool's question in Paint Correction & Polishing
Hey Junkman, You are right about the guage. This would be a good one to get but I'm sure is out of reach for most DIY weekend warriors. To drop a grand or so would be very difficult to do. But, for home detailer, the $199.00 version would at least give a ball park reading. I took readings of my truck when it was new and I can watch the thickness each time I detail. As you said, it only gives you a total thickness and you REALLY need to be careful. But for a poor working man, it's better than nothing. Especially if you need to do any kind of sanding. Oh, by the way, Love your videos!!!! Sure learn a lot from you. Take care -
I'm scared to continue, Have pitting!!!
Midnight1700 replied to sgmccool's question in Paint Correction & Polishing
Yeh, expensive is right. One to do what you need can easily run into the thousands. I went ahead and got one of these because it wasn't too expensive and at least it will get my by for the meantime. I too am looking to get a more versatile one in the future. In time I'll be able to get all the toys I want. -
I'm scared to continue, Have pitting!!!
Midnight1700 replied to sgmccool's question in Paint Correction & Polishing
Hey Sam,I know paint guages are very expensive, but a "Must Have" when sanding. Here is a link for a paint guage that measures thickness on both metal and Aluminum cars. Here's the kicker.......................... It's only $199.00!!! I have one and it works pretty good. Not the fastest, but it is pretty accurate.http://www.paintmeter.com/eng/index_cbm.php?l=&sid=0Hope this helps,MarkPristine Detailing -
Hey Joel, Welcome to the world of OCD! It's a lot of work but a lot of fun too. As for your pricing, my interior detail starts at $85.00 and goes up from there depending on the condition. Headliners are a very special animal and MUST be treated with a gental hand so, when it comes to headliners, my prices start at $80.00 just for that. Just make sure you take care of the jammies when you do the interior.
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Cleaning Door Jams
Midnight1700 replied to Devin04's question in General Detailing Discussion and Questions
This past weekend I helped with a friends car and talk about dirty door jambs!!!! He worked on them for a little while and gave up. I took my 1/4" dowel and shaped the end to look like a chisel and then wrapped it in an old MF towel, sprayed down the jamb with APC and went to work. In just a couple of minutes the jambs were as clean as if the car were new. Easy, just the way I like it...