Just to clarify, I would have done everything to my car whether or not I was entering. Maybe not clean the engine to the extent that's necessary but I do keep it somewhat clean anyway. It's my pastime, hobby. I sit all day putting together and designing very detailed small jewelry and there's something relaxing to go out and clean my car. I don't need my glasses!!
And luckily so much of my visible engine is new that its easy to clean. I'm putting a brush attachment on my vac then wiping down what's left. I'll probably get a friend to help and make a day of it.
I will fess up that I'm leaving my car with my detailers while I'm at a trade show the week before the event. I don't get back until Tuesday and the car has to be there friday so I won't have time to do everything. I'll let him do the big cleaning and buffing and I'll do the final bits at the event. He always details my cars in July while I'm gone anyway.

 

Nope, gave it up years ago

Cheers
DD

 

I'll tell ya, I'm not entirely sure I would ever do it again. If I do, it won't be with a car that sees lots of use in bad conditions, that's for sure.

With any luck I'll be starting a major Jag project this year and I'm debating just how far I want to go with 'all the bits that nobody ever looks at' type of thing. There's a LOT of satisfaction in it but it's SO much work to keep it looking good.

It's like any hobby, I guess. You throw yourself at it and have a good time. If you get a bit burned out, you give it a rest. Maybe you'll go back, maybe not.

It was sure fun while it lasted, though....sorta like the marriage

Cheers
DD

 

Well Doug, the way you descibe it mate, I guess I can never really get there.....

I suppose I'm really just an enthusiastic amateur, but the neighbours seem to think I'm nuts, so maybe I qualify??

One day I may wash n clean the car inside n out.....the next day have the wheels off and am painting the calipers / hubs whilst cleaning the wheels inside n out.

A few days later I have the car jacked up at all four points and am washing the wheel wells as I didn't get around to it the day before.

Anytime the cars washed the bonnet and boot lid are lifted, doors opened and everything wiped down. Its already cleaned beforehand and this simple measure means it stays that way.

similarly with my exhaust tips, always washed every wash and never neglected....that way they look as good as new 7 years and 114k miles later on the A6.

Although it can be hard / tiring I also find it can be theraputic to some degree.

I particularly enjoy a drive later in the sun ( when its in the sky ) in a freshly cleaned, fresh smelling car

 

From what you've described you're at least half way there already


Cheers
DD

 

I thought Jim was describing the normal car guy weekend wash process, but turns out I may be most of the way to the loony bin myself...

 

Errrr sometimes mid week too

 

When Jim mentioned painting calipers and hubs and cleaning the inside of the wheels as part of a normal routine....well, that's a clue . I think he has the disease but not all of the symptoms are manifest at the moment. Or he hasn't revealed them to us.


Jim, does your car-care kit include a lint roller? C'mon. Be honest now!




Do you use a small brush to clean your dashboard vents and radio buttons? Are you taking the time to clean your brake and throttle pedals? If so, you're a concours guy and don't realize it. You might as well attend some events and enjoy the fun

Cheers
DD

 

Replies below within your quote.......

 

You need an intervention right away..... OR simply resign yourself to entering a concours event. You got the right stuff!

Cheers
DD

 

Wait a minute! I have a lint roller in my car!! With a black top, it's a necessity!! Lol

 

I was hoping someone would mention a lint roller, I thought everyone with a fabric roof liner used one? This one's for Doug. A collection of dental picks (dentists call them explorers I think) can go places a Q-tip or tooth brush can't. Nothing better then a dental pick to remove stubborn dirt from any exposed bolt threads.
I only attend the fun shows these day but have the satisfaction of knowing that should I open the hood (bonnet) at a non trailer event or even when no one is around in my garage that my aging car's engine still looks factory fresh - but now with miles. Who says retired folks can't be kept busy?
Footnote: My wife and my daily drivers don't know what dental tools are but those cars are kept to what most folks would call a relatively high standard of detail.
RB

 

Very clever

If I ever get back into the game I'll add dental explorers to my kit!

Cheers
DD