Thread: I always thought I knew something about detailing...

until I let someone (Billy @ Presidential Detail in Tampa) handle a "full detail"/paint restoration on my SL65. I bought the car back in April (2006 with 5K on the odometer) and detailed it myself and was very proud of myself...

I happened to see some of Billy's work and damned if under the proper light my "shiny" black beast was really a bit scarred in places. So I decided to see what he could do...I will never look cross at anyone for paying too much for a real detail job...ever. He ended up doing all of my cars...all of them black...

so this is your SL! I have seen pictures in another thread.. love the murdered look!!

No question, that car looked awesome after the work was done!!! I don't quite know if I like the blacked out look - I'm old!!!! But, very nice car and detail work!!!

Both of your Mercedes are gorgeous!!!! and now corrected nicely, never get tired of looking at those write ups!!.

Did I violate some TOU? My link got squashed...I'd still like to get the pictures on here for folks to see the before and after difference...let me know what I need to do.

You can post as many pictures as you like, I had also deleted the email address but I put it back. The detailing section is becoming a very hard area for us to manage. There is sponsors that pay and help the site and in return get the priviledge of promoting their business, at the same time there is other detailers that like to show case their work. So for now as long as its not a sales pitch and the business name is not mentioned, its ok but we have to find a better way to manage this.

I understand where you are coming from...but it wasn't meant to be a sales pitch. It would actually help people who can perform that type of work (which aren't that many nationwide) overall...

Most folks don't know the difference between a "full detail" vs. full paint correction...and try to equate pricing structure for both as the same...comparing apples to oranges.

This kid actually spent 22hrs on the SL65 and 28hrs on the E55 and I paid accordingly...A full detail or even a quick wax from car wash centers for $19.99 or a mobile guy doing wash/waxes/polish for a $49.99 isn't the same...it may even do more damage (ex. I once got a detail at the MB dealership from their "guy"...worse hack job ever.)

For most folks the $19.99 special is ok and works for them but for others questioning whether it is worth it for a full paint correction...yes it is. I just wanted to show from my experience and pictures why it's worth it...

just curious how much does 20+++ hours worth of work from a PRO cost?

Originally Posted by Jason A

just curious how much does 20+++ hours worth of work from a PRO cost?

NWAS Shop rate for correction is 65/hr. Details easily can become 600-1500+ depending on the amount of work needing to be done for true paint correction. Our shop also has detailing packages which we have set amounts of time we spend on cars and are reasonably priced as thats what keeps our shop going in our marketplace.

Originally Posted by Jason A

just curious how much does 20+++ hours worth of work from a PRO cost?

He actually cut me a deal since he was doing 3 cars (all black) and I paid $400 a piece. Which is a deal for me since he usually charges $30-$35hr...

He did my daily driver (Cadillac Deville) in about 15hrs

PS...He was just starting out and is a one man shop so I guess his pricing structure would be a lot less given those factors.