10-4 Magazine March 2022

60 10-4 Magazine / March 2022 scales at 110 lbs. I’m a firm believer that it’s not the size of the driver that counts, it’s the drive in them that matters. We all know jobs come in multiple sizes, and cleaning supplies do, as well. Most of us are familiar with the poplar national brands of polish or aluminum dressing, and frequently see them in the fuel stops and chrome supply stores. Are they the only choice? Do they also make rubber or vinyl cleaning products? If not, how do you find out about the others? Spoiler alert: I said earlier these detailers are professionals and make their living doing this. They don’t just polish, most of them sell cleaning products, too. If you want good advice, it comes at a cost. You wouldn’t go to the dentist to have a tooth looked at and not expect a bill for the office call. I talked about this over a long text conversation and had my thoughts confirmed. Different products will perform differently, given location, temperature, and humidity. What works in Southern California might not work as well in New York or Maine – even on the same truck. Maintenance, after you get cleaned and prepped, is another thing. Usually, there aren’t any instructions on the bottle, and that’s where your detail shop fills in the blanks (they really are worth the money if you can find a good facility). We had a long conversation about best practices and “how to” tips for the products she was sending. As I talked with Perry, I asked her, “What was the best advice you received when starting out?” Now hold on to your hat, because this is good, and it can be applied to any project. Her answer was, “Get informed and embrace and trust the process. Trust yourself and your tools, and remember, just because you use a big name-brand product doesn’t always mean that it’s good.” I really like her honesty and bold straight talk. She went on to explain there will never be a one bottle cure. All polish materials and “how to” videos can be misleading. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to learn from them, but take all advertisements as questionable information. Then, go out and do your own research. Any technique should be explored, and if it works for you, great. If not, don’t count it as a failure. This new information is an unused tool in your toolbox for possible use at a later date. As we ended our conversation, Perry shared this gem of knowledge, which I will enter into my “pearls of wisdom” book someday. She said, “At the end of the day, any shop can make stuff shine, but the shops that make the shine last are the ones who follow the process, from beginning to end, and then take the time to explain proper maintenance to their clients. I think that’s what sets me apart more than anything.” How and where do you get this “good advice” and what should it cost? Since I live in an area that has few real detailers, I order most of my products online and have them delivered to the shop. Now, is it best to order from the manufacturer directly or from a retailer? That’s a question for the end user (you) to consider. I have been in the habit of ordering from the retailer and seeking out their helpful hints on the best use of the products. Most retailers often carry more than one brand, depending on the depth of each line, so they know all the products well. I prefer to keep multiple brands and types of cleaners on-hand just in case the first choice doesn’t work. Most retailers have a markup above the manufacturers’ cost, which is why it can be cheaper when ordered direct, but that’s how retailers get paid for their knowledge. I have not had good luck talking with salespeople for wholesalers online, or getting any useful information from them, either. I would suggest using a specialty detailing shop for this one. Stop by their shop, get to know them, get tuned up from time to time, but don’t make yourself a nuisance. We all like to see and be seen at the poplar hangouts, but they are places of business, and these folks need to get their work done, too. I hope none of you were looking for step-by-step instructions on a spring cleanup. That would take far too long, and I may not be your best source for that. I can, however, get you headed in the right direction, if you are willing to put in some research time and plan ahead. There are many good detail shops around the country – take the time to stop by one and make some new friends. Be prepared to shake hands with a firm grip. Most of them have dirt under their nails and sweat on their brow. That just kind of happens when your best friend is a bar of rouge and a grinder. Perry told me, “Detailing ain’t for sissies, and I will let my work speak for itself.” I can’t add any more than that! Take pride in your ride and (hopefully) ride it to the head of the class. I hope to see many of you at MATS in Louisville and can’t wait to see all the pressed-out rigs. Let’s see who gets the attention of our editor while there and lands on the pages of a future issue of 10-4 Magazine. Now, show me again how to POP that polish cloth, 10-4! n