I know Dave had posted a thread elsewhere on this board regarding his intention on doing a class but I figured that this "write up" I guess we'll call it was more appropriate here than as a reply to the initial thread. My thinking is that this is for newer guys who are looking to get into detailing and looking for places to learn. I also figured that it was titled "Detailing School" and well, that's what it kinda was lol I'm mostly writing this because like most of the people reading this, you've probably been looking for a place but not sure if attending it will help or hurt your learning experience. Plus, are you spending your learning dollars correctly. I'm hoping, to some extent, this post will help you decide if Dave's class is right for you or not. Anyway, Dave "DSMS" on here, Street Dreams Details had posted on his website a service for "consultation". So I figured, I live in the area, I'm getting into detailing on the pro side, and well, I can use some consultation. I gave Dave a call and after an hour or more on the phone he decided to do a class with me. It was the first "class" he ever did and it went exceptionally well. Here's my take on it to share with newer guys (or even seasoned guys looking to get a new perspective on the higher end work). Before I start, I'd like to give a little disclaimer. This isn't the first forum I've ever been on and even though the subjects are different from place to place, how people "talk" on here is usually consistent. With that being said, you should understand that what I'm writing below is how Dave does things and how it works for him. Everyone with experience on here or any other forum may not agree but everyone should be respectful of each other as they would want it themselves. Every pilot flies their plane differently but they all land on their wheels the same in the end. First about Dave. Dave is professional from answering the first phone call until leaving the class. In a nut shell, he has his shit together. If he didn't tell me, I would never know he never taught before. He only does (from what I know anyway) high end exotics and very select non-exotics. To be blunt, he good enough to have that luxury. For the rest of us who are starting out, he is very understanding that his teaching techniques aren't tunnel visioned into a $200,000 car. He shows you what you need to know for a $20,000 Honda or a $200,000 Ferrari. He's a straight shooter and takes his time with you. Now about the class. The phone call with Dave will be the introductory phase where he'll find out what you know, what you don't, and where you want to go. When we met, we first went over the car. Odd as it sounds, he'll show you things that you may not realize as to why you need to move the car forward or back to reach certain things..... Or why you don't want to spray certain types of materials with Sonax and so on... To continue, after we went over some nomenclature, we then started with product knowledge.... why this and why not that.... (again, for what works for him)..... And most importantly the proper order to do everything and why. The wheels.... yes, 2 hours on the wheels.... why? Well, it's a class and there's a lot of back and forth. He shows you how to do one full wheel then my turn. Too much pressure, not enough, proper tools to reach certain areas and how to use them properly and so on... After that tires and wheel wells.... Why cleaning a tire is so important and overlooked because people rush. Then exterior.... Foam application (don't hate, again, what works!) and shows how and why it works, then how to properly wash the car. How to properly use the power washer, the 2-bucket method, and soap ratios. All things that seem like you already know it until you realize how F'd up you've been doing it!!! And if you don't believe me, take the class or PM me and i'll fill you in. Honestly, I am one of those people that truly believe that small things add up to a lot. In this class, it's exactly what he shows you. Anyway, Soup to nuts interiors, including brush work, how to prevent streaking on leather, plastic, and windows. How to kill the smell, proper steaming and spot removal etc. Finally the paint correction. Well, this was interesting. I brought my sister's piece of sh&t Ford Escape in which wasn't washed or waxed in 2 years and was hacked up with a snow brush for 2 winters. So 5 hours later we were able to paint correct the hood (as in nothing else but the hood). But, I learned more in 5 hours on just a hood than I ever would have rushing through the rest of the truck just to get finished. How to properly fold the towels, when is a towel too dirty, proper machine placement, proper speeds and movement techniques, how can you tell if you're doing okay just by how the swirls look and so on. ALLLLLLLLL things that newer guys or even guys who aren't getting PERFECT results should know. All in all I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reaching out to Dave and going over the possibility of him doing a class. The price is great and the results even better. He doesn't sell you anything or try to tell you what you need. He tells you what's a scam, what you don't need.... You can't get any better than one on one instruction..... And if you're not in the area, it's worth the trip.... Remember, it's an investment that will return exponentially over time. I hope this unbiased write up helped and was somewhat informative or at the very least, helps you decide on what direction to take. I've known Dave now a total of 15 hours so I'm not here selling anything, just my experience. Stay safe. Mike
Give him a call, he can definitely help you out... Even over the phone you would be amazed what you can learn....
... You realize I now have to go look up pro audio/video equipment to see if I can make this work right? :tiptoe:
Lets think for a second.... You're a Mac geek.... Have your own YouTube channel, you own every product out there, and detail the best of the best cars... In the powerful words of Rob Schneider of WaterBoy - "YOU CAN DO IT!" Mike
Dave ... are you wiling to trade a koi pond for a class section? I'll deliver it to NJ and set it up for you. LOL.
mac with webcam is all you need to do video conferencing . they can ask you questions right there on the spot
