Boyd Coddington Dead at 63

[Ed. note: Man, this news breaks my heart, and I haven't even been into cars long enough to truly understand!]

[autoweek.com] Boyd Coddington, the hot-rod innovator whose creations won the coveted Grand National Roadster Show's America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy a record seven times, died Wednesday morning after a lengthy hospital stay. He was 63.

Photo courtesy viewimages.com

"It is my firm belief that Boyd is the founding father of this street-rod movement," said Gary Meadors of the Goodguys. "From the Boyd cars to the Boyd billet aluminum wheels . . . that whole smooth look that he brought to street rodding is what set him apart. He took our hobby to a whole other level with all the exposure he got in media outside our world. He was a forerunner, and he will be missed."

Get the full story at Autoweek.com

OctaneGuy's "2-Bucket Technique" Video is baaack!

After disappearing from the my known world for, oh, 18 months or so, Richard Lin, a.k.a. "Octane Guy" re-posts the (link to the) inspiring "2-Bucket Wash Technique" video. Why do I care? Why do *you* care? Well let's just say, before this video, I was using Dawn and a sponge. And only one bucket? *gasp!* If you think there's nothing wrong with that, you certainly need to watch this video!

"You will never wash your car the same way again"
-- fictitious car magazine reviewer guy

Basically this is the video that got me started down the OCDetailer path to which those who know me, can now laugh at. Yeah, so what if Richard isn't in it, his then partner-in-crime (Mike Phillips) is certainly an expert in his own right, and brakes down the best car-washing technique I've ever heard of!

Don't forget to visit Richard's community forum, ShowcarDetailing.com for more pro tips you could ever wish for. And if you're ever in "sunny Southern California" stop by his actual, physical (IRL even!) workshop and store in beautiful Orange County, California!

2-Bucket Wash Technique (Google Video)
showcardetailing.com

(Not a shill, but certainly a fan!)

Detailing Day!

After I got my Detailing Kit, everyone said I needed to pickup Richard Lin's* DVD, "How-to use the PC (Porter Cable) for Showcar Results". (I was going to anyway, but thanks everyone!)


I watched the DVD three times in the first week. Only, the sound was down because I'm a chronic multi-tasker and was doing other things at the same time. I could see what the guy was doing and even with the sound down I was learning the "routine". Yesterday I threw it back in the player and played it with the audio up about 5 times in a row. But because I'm a chronic multi-tasker, I wasn't watching it! I could hear it fine though, and again, I was learning!

Last night I finally dedicated my attention to watching *and* hearing it at the same time. Twice even! After the second viewing it was about midnight so I went to bed, totally pumped and ready to polish and wax my MINI in the morning!

Well, lets just say I made a lot of "friends" today as several of my neighbors came to see what I was doing (I guess blue painter's tape all over a MINI and a whirring sound tends to attract attention). I had complete confidence in using the PC (the exact model in the video!), as well as my Meguiar's products. (again, the same products! who knew!) After repeated viewings of the lesson, I was confident that I knew the right technique to begin this project without even a test spot! What I didn't know was that it was going to take all day! However, thanks to the video, I got PERFECT RESULTS on my first try!

Not only that, I also got three inquiries on "how much I charge". I didn't mention this was my first time ever turning on a PC *or* waxing a car! (Not sure if I'll make a side gig out of it though- my back is killing me!)

*Showcargarage.com AutoDetailingSolutions.com

Lookie What I Got! Meguiars' Auto Detailing Kit

I rarely "impulse buy"- in fact my motto is "When you're constantly window shopping, nothing is an impulse buy!" (mental note- copyright that!). Sure I may have been drinking a couple hours when I saw this killer deal from autodetailingsolutions.com, but decided I had to jump on it! Check it out!

Package #2 DA Polisher NXT Speed Kit:

1 Meguiar's G100 Electric Dual Action Polisher (Lifetime Warranty)*
1 Backing Plate.
2 W8006 Foam Polishing Pad
1 W9006 Foam Finishing Pad
2 Super Plush Microfiber DA Bonnets
1 Meguiar's Clay Bar (Small)
1 M8032 Speed Glaze 32 oz.
1 G12718 NXT Tech Wax 18 oz. (Comes with 1 Applicator Pad)
1 G13224 NXT Speed Detailer 24 oz.
3 16 x 16 Microfiber Towels
1 Duffel Bag

*"Dual-action for professional results in minutes. Combine the right tool with the right technique and you'll achieve a finish of unmatched quality using Meguiar's machine-applied products. The tool you can pick up right here. Made especially for by Porter Cable, this variable-speed, dual-action polisher operates with alternating back-and forth motions that mimic the sensation of hand polishing. This popular user friendly machine is excellent for safely removing stubborn fine scratches and achieving swirl free results!"

Neat huh!! Only, now... I gotta pick up OctaneGuy's DVD on how to use it! I can't wait for winter to be over!

PS: Please don't tell my girlfriend. Oh yeah- I don't have one! :)