Meguiars Detailing Clinic in Hartford, CT 02.18.07

[Bird03]

Hi everyone.

Meguiars is holding a detailing clinic in Hartford, CT. on Sunday February 18th.

It will be held from 10am to 2pm at:

XX Tuning http://www.xxtuning.com/
19 Thomas Street
East Hartford, CT 06108

They will cover from the basics all the way to wet sanding and rotary buffing and Meguiar's products will be available for purchase onsite.

In order to go you must first become a member of their forum. Go to:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/

In the "Log in" box on the upper left side, click on "register now", pick a screen-name and password and register for the forum just like you did when joining our T-Bird forum.

Once you've registered, go to this thread:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17584

At the end of that thread do a post saying that you are coming to the clinic.

So far, Praire Sal, Nicky-the Squid, and I are attending.

Hope we can see Dino and Chuck at some point during the weekend even if they aren't able to make it to the clinic.

I think I'll make it a leisurely weekend and go down there early Saturday and stay overnight, so I'm booking the Hampton Inn in Rocky Hill for Saturday night.

Hampton Inn
20 Waterchase Dr.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
1-860-563-7877

$80.10 + tax AARP rate
$84.55 + tax AAA rate
$89.00 + tax non-association rate

The list for the clinic was slow in booking (at one point they thought they might cancel it), but now the list is filling up and you should try to sign up before the end of the week to avoid being shut out.

Hope to see as many people as possible there,

Wes

[Bird03]

The Meguiars class is almost full, so please sign up now if you plan to go.

[Sweet T]

I'll be pup sitting while my son's in the Bahama's (what's wrong with this picture?).

You guys can certainly practice your new skills on Sweet T when you get back hehe.

Oh, and watch out for the CT state police.....they LOVE out of state vehicles!!

[Johnny Gumballs]

I am gonna try and make it up that morning. I will know this evening.

[Johnny Gumballs]

I put myself down on the list for Hartford on their web site.

[Bird03]

That's great John.

So far we have:

Dino (Blueheaven)
Sal (Praire360)
Nick (Nicky-the-Squid)
Wes (Bird03)
John (Micamaven)

[Bird03]

I just got an email from Nick. He'll be down on Saturday and staying over through Sunday.

Maybe after the detailing clinic on Sunday, we can hit Reins Deli before returning home.

http://www.reinsdeli.com/ (http://www.reinsdeli.com/letseat.htm)

[Bruce]

Hey guys, what cars are you bringing. I can't believe the birds will be coming out to play? I have signed up to go and could go down on Saturday. Final question is this a guy thing or are any significant others going?

[Johnny Gumballs]

Bruce........I am coming up on Sunday morning without Deb. I am driving the Hyundai up there.

[Chuck]

Guys, I'll be there. At 1st I thought it was this weekend - duh. I'm only 45 minutes away but will meet everyone for dinner Saturday night and hook up again with everyone at the clinic. Now if I can just get on an register - seems my company thinks going to the Meguiar's web site is some kind of threat. I'll have to get on using my ISPs proxy tomorrow or Sunday.

[Bruce]

I just made reservations at the Hampton Inn for 2/17. I will plan to arrive at 3PM (check in time) or if someone wants to do something earlier I can change my arrival time.
I will be coming alone and in the Lexus.

[Prairie360]

Mr Bling,

Should we think about coming up Saturday and spending the night?

Either way is good for me. we'll take either the Beater or the Explorer. I'm leaning towards the Explorer though.

[Johnny Gumballs]

I cant go up there on Saturday Sal. I got stuff goin' on that day.
Dont let me hold you up though. If you want to hang with da boyz on Saturday, I will meet you first thing Sunday in Hartford.

[Prairie360]

Sunday morning is fine John. We'll talk this week to firm up the times.

[Bruce]

Has anyone received confirmation yet because I haven't and I sent Jeremy another request this morning.

[Johnny Gumballs]

Are we supposed to get a confirmation? How do you get in touch with Jeremy? ( who ever that is )

[Bruce]

John, Go to the website for the clinic and click on his name and send him a PM. That is part of the instructions after registration. Jeremy is the guy who is putting on the clinic.

[MATBird]

No confirmation here either. However, in my discussions with Meguiars people, they said that by doing this via PM will/has bogged them down with info.
I believe they needed 30 seats filled to go forward, but by doing it via PM's, from a variety of websites, they could have an overload problem. I would like to hear from them but I doubt that we will.

[Chuck]

Oh boy - I didn't do that either - gonna have to remember to do that tonight

[Bruce]

Well, if nothing else its a boys day out on the town. I just would feel better with a confirmation, but what the heck its only a 4 hour ride to and from.

[Chuck]

Well I did get on to the Meguiars site last night and did drop Jeremy a PM. In my PM I did mention "a bunch of my Thunderbird buddies who have probably already PMed you". As Dino said, if they don't let us in we can always find someplace to have lunch and BS for a while.

[Bruce]

Its a boys weekend out.

[Sweet T]

Why do I get the feeling Chuck, Nicky and Sal are going to get all you boys in trouble? :bigsmile:

[Bruce]

No, not them, they would never do that. Get ready Hartford!

[Johnny Gumballs]

UPS delivered my dual action polisher this afternoon with assorted 6 inch pads. ( light cutting, polishing, and finishing pads manufactured by Lake Country ) I have some 4 inch pads coming with smaller back plate to attach, and a few Meguiar's products to make the Platinum beauty look mmmaaarrrvvveeelllooouuusss!!!

[Bruce]

Don't Burn Through The Clearcoat!

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Why do I get the feeling Chuck, Nicky and Sal are going to get all you boys in trouble? :bigsmile:
Whaaat? I could see Chuck, maybe even Sal but why me? :biggrinsa

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Nope, no confirmation here either. I don't care, I'm goin.

[Johnny Gumballs]

I want to see them throw two italians from New york out!

[Sweet T]

Whaaat? I could see Chuck, maybe even Sal but why me? :biggrinsa

Nicky-the-Stud.....oh no, not you....Mr. Innocent.

Don't look now boys, but this is the very first get together, when the weather hasn't even been mentioned once....and they're predicting a foot of snow! Nothing is keeping you from this weekend.

You guys have got something up your sleeves......:flamingde :naughty: :lol:

[Bruce]

Not me Barbara. I'm in it strickly for the detailing.

[mdbluebrd]

Not me Barbara. I'm in it strickly for the detailing.

And I've always heard the Devil's in the details... :flamingde

[Johnny Gumballs]

The devil is in the 'detailing'............

[Nicky-The-Squid]

I want to see them throw two italians from New york out!

They wouldn't touch two Italians from New York. Come to think of it I wouldn't touch two Italians from New York either. Yech!! :omg:

[Chuck]

I'm psyched. Should be a good time. Even if they do throw us out, I'm sure we won't be bored. Actually watching them try to throw John and Sal out would be worth the drive in itself.

[Bruce]

Now remember we are guests at a rice-burners shop. So be nice!

[Sweet T]

I'd be willing to bet you guys will end up teaching the course!

I can see it now, "Ummm, excuse me, but if you do it that way, you'll scratch the paint, this is the proper way to do it...."

[JAB02LHS]

I'd be willing to bet you guys will end up teaching the course!
I can see it now, "Ummm, excuse me, but if you do it that way, you'll scratch the paint, this is the proper way to do it...."

Won't be the first time the attendees teach the instructor. The world today is full of book smart instructors who have never actually done what they are trying to teach.

Especially the out of work self proclaimed "Consultants" who read a book then try to come into your work place and try to tell the people that have been doing it for 20 years how they are doing it all wrong.
One of their favorite lines is "ALL YOU GOTTA DO IS!" they come in screw things up and move on down to their next train wreck.

[Prairie360]

The weather reports are ominous for Sunday. The good news is that they can't get the 24 hour forecast right. The five day forecast is always a stretch.

Da Long Island Mob

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/membergallery/data/500/4062The_Long_Island_Mob.jpg

[Johnny Gumballs]

Ominous or no ominous. Who cares. The Birds are in their nest. The beaters will take a beating. And the New England mob will be together for a day of learning the fine art of polishing AND gavone-ing a good meal together!!:wavey: :pinkie:

[Bruce]

Beaters, What beaters?
Hey John are you bringing your black cashmere coat & fedora and violin? :wink:

[VABird05]

Hey Sal, is this the clinic where you were going to detail my Bronze baby for me? heehee :high5:
BTW, I like "The Anthill Mob". Now to put names with those mugs ...

Y'all have a good time, don't get into too much trouble, and bring back lots of good tips for everyone. :thumbsup:

[Prairie360]

Ominous or no ominous. Who cares. The Birds are in their nest. The beaters will take a beating. And the New England mob will be together for a day of learning the fine art of polishing AND gavone-ing a good meal together!!:wavey: :pinkie:

John,

Beater or Explorer? I hope you're right John. If the weather is anything like Valentines Day, I'm not sure we'll be able to go.
Let's hope not.

[Johnny Gumballs]

Explorer Sal!!!

[Johnny Gumballs]

I got a bunch of stuff in from the autogeek website: Porter Cable Dual action polisher, 6 inch back plate, 6 1/2 inch Lake country light cutting, polishing, and buffing pads. Finess pads in transit. I have 4" pads in transit for the tight spots( with adapter ). I bought Meguiar's #80, # 83,( for swirls and light scratching )( I may send back the #83.......too abrasive for my paint issues ) #81 for polishing, and NXT to finish. Oh yeah.......pad cleaner, and lubricating moisturizer for the pads before you start buffing, etc etc etc!

I would give anything for a heated well lit garage. I will try and crank up the heater that I bought with the lighting I put in and see what I can accomplish once the class is over.

[Johnny Gumballs]

So.........we have me, Prairie Sal, George, Chuck, Bruce, Nicky, Wes, and Dino hangin' on Sunday! Wow! How cool is that? Eight T Bird lunatics in the dead of winter going to a polishing class!:yes: :wow:

I am looking forward to seeing my New England friends.

[Bruce]

So John, bring your "stuff" and you can practice on our daily drivers.

[Chuck]

I have some swirls on my pickup that you can get out for me

[MATBird]

John: Be careful heating that storage area. Since it's so cold, with the heat you will create a lot of moisture in the air.

[Johnny Gumballs]

OK George. Thanks for the head's up.

[JRM]

I hope the weather is good for you guys for Sunday, I counldn't go because my niece is having a sweet sixteen party on Sunday. So bring back some good tips and enjoy the boys day (night) out. I will miss seeing everyone.

[mdbluebrd]

I got a bunch of stuff in from the autogeek website: Porter Cable Dual action polisher, 6 inch back plate, 6 1/2 inch Lake country light cutting, polishing, and buffing pads. Finess pads in transit. I have 4" pads in transit for the tight spots( with adapter ). I bought Meguiar's #80, # 83,( for swirls and light scratching )( I may send back the #83.......too abrasive for my paint issues ) #81 for polishing, and NXT to finish. Oh yeah.......pad cleaner, and lubricating moisturizer for the pads before you start buffing, etc etc etc!

I would give anything for a heated well lit garage. I will try and crank up the heater that I bought with the lighting I put in and see what I can accomplish once the class is over.

Hey John, if you decide you want to get rid of the #83, I'll buy it from you. I've got a couple of older cars that need brought back to life...

[Sweet T]

Hey New England Mob......

Don't know if you guys will get to see this post, but could someone please ask them if they know how to get fingerprint dust off? It turns to paste. It's also stuck in minute scratches I never knew I had.

Have fun!!

[hammer55]

Hey New England Mob......

Don't know if you guys will get to see this post, but could someone please ask them if they know how to get fingerprint dust off? It turns to paste. It's also stuck in minute scratches I never knew I had.

Have fun!!

clay bar, it will take them off and all residual wax, for the minuet scatches, polish, or scatch-ex, then rewax

[Sweet T]

Sorry Mark,

I should have specified (thought of it after I posted), the minute scratches are on the inside, around the CD player/climate control area.

OK, I'm blonde.....can I clay those parts of the interior? I don't see why not....right?

[Johnny Gumballs]

OK Larry. I will keep that in mind.Hey John, if you decide you want to get rid of the #83, I'll buy it from you. I've got a couple of older cars that need brought back to life...

[Johnny Gumballs]

What Hammer said Barbara.Sorry Mark,

I should have specified (thought of it after I posted), the minute scratches are on the inside, around the CD player/climate control area.

OK, I'm blonde.....can I clay those parts of the interior? I don't see why not....right?

[hammer55]

Sorry Mark,

I should have specified (thought of it after I posted), the minute scratches are on the inside, around the CD player/climate control area.

OK, I'm blonde.....can I clay those parts of the interior? I don't see why not....right?

no, but a dash kit will hide them

[Johnny Gumballs]

Well........we went to the Meguiar's class today. It was very informative. I learned alot about polishing and using a dual action and a rotary buffer.
As much as I like what a rotary can do, I will be fine with my dual action for a good while using the right pads and products.

Photo on left: Wes, Bruce, Nicky, Roger, Chuck, George and Dino.

Other photo: Thats Chuck being placed in ' timeout ' by Wes in Wes' trunk.

[Sweet T]

Why am I not surprised Chuck needed a time out.......

I told Wes three bodies could fit in that trunk!!

[Chuck]

A good time was had by all. I did learn a few things - the 2 bucked method, Water blades and Chamois are a no no (I kinda thought chamois were bad). Meguirs makes a Scratch-X for plastic (I bought some), also learned that if you spray a bit of Quick Detailer on your car when it's wet it will help eliminate water spots. Also think we found a place to do the X-Cal. Talked to the guy that loads the program, does the tune and the Dyno testing. He's already done an '02 LS so Dino & Sal were happy. Anyone in the CT-MA-NY area that is interested in finally breaking down and doing the X-Cal we're trying to get a group together and take over the shop for the day. But as usual the best part of the 2 days were the gang. Lots of laughs as always. Can't wait for Fitchburg.

[VABird05]

Nice pics, John. It's good to put faces (of some I had not seen before) with the names, and it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves. So glad the gang had a good time, and learned a little, too!

[hammer55]

A good time was had by all. I did learn a few things - the 2 bucked method, Water blades and Chamois are a no no (I kinda thought chamois were bad). Meguirs makes a Scratch-X for plastic (I bought some), also learned that if you spray a bit of Quick Detailer on your car when it's wet it will help eliminate water spots. Also think we found a place to do the X-Cal. Talked to the guy that loads the program, does the tune and the Dyno testing. He's already done an '02 LS so Dino & Sal were happy. Anyone in the CT-MA-NY area that is interested in finally breaking down and doing the X-Cal we're trying to get a group together and take over the shop for the day. But as usual the best part of the 2 days were the gang. Lots of laughs as always. Can't wait for Fitchburg.

I bought the video, and learned alot from that, using the slow flow of the water hose to get most of the water off the car was a new one for me, the sheeting action of the water pulls most of the water off the car, I bought the wash brush from meguirs, very soft, and I use the hose to wash out the brush befor I put it back in the wash bucket, hence takes the place of the two bucket method

[Johnny Gumballs]

Hammerman? You use the dual action 7424 machine on your Bird?

[hammer55]

Hammerman? You use the dual action 7424 machine on your Bird?
well its the same thing, meguires g100, but yes, found the 83 didnt work as well as the 80, and then the nxt wax, of corse still have alot of work to keep the black up, I need a nutral color bird also, so I can put the black under glass to keep it perrrrrrrrrrrrrrfecthttp://www.thunderbirdnest.com/membergallery/uploads/2784/HPIM0881_Medium_.JPG

[Johnny Gumballs]

The #83 is stronger than the #80. I dont understand how the #80 could work better for you on black. Did you use a polishing pad or some other pad.

I am interested because my black hard top needs work.

[hammer55]

The #83 is stronger than the #80. I dont understand how the #80 could work better for you on black. Did you use a polishing pad or some other pad.

I am interested because my black hard top needs work.

try the least agressive first, the 80 has more glide to it because it has more moisture, less agressive then the 83, work a small area and see how they do

[Prairie360]

John,

Mark's right. They say you should always start with the least aggressive first.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to go over allot this past Sunday. In all honesty, I was a bit disappointed with the class. And I say that wih all due respect to Jeremy, the Maguiars Rep. I give the guy allot of credit for coming out on a Sunday, to give the class.

There were subjects that they said would be discussed when the announcement was first made, that weren't.
I was hoping to see more of a demonstration of the DA and various methods. Did you see how many people there said they owned a DA?

I thought seeing the crew was the best part of it. Glad to see all you guys! Bruce... Pleasure to finally meet you my friend.

But my feeling was that the classes Maguire's held out West seem to be more comprehensive. And I wish there was more product brought along... I was hoping to stock up before the Spring.

[hammer55]

sal thanks, you yourself could give a demo on the pc, with the way your car looks you have it down, :thumbsup:

John,

Mark's right. They say you should always start with the least aggressive first.
Unfortunately, we didn't get to go over that allot Sunday. In all honesty, I was a bit disappointed with the class. There were subjects that they said would be discussed when the announcement was first made, that weren't.
We should have gotten a better demonstration of the DA and methods. Did you see how many people there said they owned a DA?

I thought seeing the crew was the best part of it. Glad to see all you guys! Bruce... Pleasure to finally meet you my friend.

But my feeling was that the classes Maguire's hold out West seem to be more comprehensive. And I wish there was more product brought along... I was hoping to stock up before the Spring.

[PaBlkBrd]

Sorry to hear you were disappointed Sal, Its not where the class is held, but rather who holds the class. I have been to three Meguiar seminars, and Mike Phillips, Meguiar's Technical Specialist, held, or was at every one and covered every question any of the guys had. They also had an instructor for every 10 people attending their class, so there was plenty of hands on training.
I don't think the area rep anticipated the size of the class that was coming. Most of their classes have a fee involved and after the class, you are given a credit for that amount to purchase products as you choose. I did not see that on their site for this class...........Better Luck Next Time:frown:

[Bird03]

A great time was had by all.

After lunch at Reins Deli, the first stop on Saturday for Nick, Bruce, Roger, and me was the Bradley Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Ct.

1. B-25 Michell Bomber

2. Nick, Buce, and Roger in front of an F-86 Sabre Jet

3. F-4U Corsair

[Bird03]

1. F-6F Hellcat

2. Gee Bee R1 Pylon Racer

[Bird03]

Me and the B-29 Superfortress

[VABird05]

That looks like soooo much fun, Wes. I used to love going to those air museums and air shows, but it's been awhile. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[Bird03]

The next stop on Saturday for Nick, Bruce, Roger, and me was for Duckpin Bowling. This is the rarest form of bowling and mostly found only in CT, RI, and MD. Rules are the same as Candlepin (3 balls per frame) except if there is any deadwood left, it must be cleared before you roll the next ball. The ball is just slightly larger and heavier than a candlepin ball. The pins are shaped like 10-pin, but are very short.

1. Duckpin lane

2. Me after a gutter-ball

[Bird03]

Bruce broke 100 and won the first game. I won the second game with a 98.

1. Roger

2. Nick

3. Bruce

[Bird03]

Saturday night we all gathered at Dino & Susan's house before going out to dinner. They have a beautiful home and the finished basement is like a museum of new Thunderbird memorabilia. I couldn't believe all the diecast models of new Birds that I never knew existed. Many of them are displayed in lighted cabinets that Dino built into the walls himself.

Chuck met us there and we all went out to a local family-owned Italian restaurant for some great food.

1. Nick, Dino, and Chuck

2. Roger, Bruce, and Susan

[Bird03]

After dinner we celebrated Roger's Birthday

[Bird03]

On Sunday we attended the Meguiars Detailing Clinic at XX Tuning.
1. John learning how to use the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher
2. Jeremy from Meguiars with the Makita Rotary buffer
3. Cars in the shop at XX Tuning undergoing some heavy duty performance mods.

[Blue Heaven]

Great shots Wes! Thanks for posting them.

[Chuck]

Wes, excellent, love the look on John's face.

[redbirdsal]

I did learn a few things -

the 2 bucked method

spray a bit of Quick Detailer on your car when it's wet it will help eliminate water spots.

Chuck, What is "the 2 bucked" method?

Would you mind going into the Quick Detailer (to help prevent water spots) further?

[redbirdsal]

Thanks for taking and posting all the pics Wes!

Looks like y'all had a wonderful weekend!

[Bruce]

1. The two bucket method - you have a wash bucket that has soap and water to wash the car with. The second bucket has water only which you use to soak your sponge or mitt or cloth before you redip it in the soapy water. This way contaminates are kept out of the cleaning bucket so you don't scratch your finish.
2. Simply squirt some detailer on the car and it keeps the water molecules from drying then causing spots before you can dry the whole car.

[Lonestar]

Gee John, where was the handle on that DA? A lot easire to use with it screwed on.

[Johnny Gumballs]

Bill.......the class taught us that they do not recommend using a handle because it causes the pad to not hit the paint evenly. I am gonna try the handle and see when I get a chance to work on the car. I guess they feel that the side the handle is on will be pushed down more than the other side. Gee John, where was the handle on that DA? A lot easire to use with it screwed on.

[bob andersen]

Nice pictures guys. I wish I had been there. The pictures of the warbirds reminded me of my three visits to the U.S. Airforce Museum in Dayton Ohio.

[Chuck]

Just to add what Bruce said. I'm going to actually use a 3 bucket method. Bucket 1 is for the wheel wells and tires (already do this), then I guess I'll be using 2 buckets - I have noticed that there is debris in the bottom of my wash bucket, will be interesting to see if the 2 bucket method makes a difference - if the temperature would go above 30.
On another note - according to Jeremy don't use a sponge or a towel with a short pile. He recommended a deep piled or microfiber wash mitt.

[Prairie360]

Spring... Hurry up already!!

[Johnny Gumballs]

Yeah really already! I am dying to try out my new machine and products!Spring... Hurry up already!!