Get To Know Your Ask-A-Pro Author – Tim Coats
by Tim CoatsHey everyone, the guys from DI reached out and asked me to take part in a series in which they will be interviewing each author. They asked me to provide you with a little information about myself along with answering a few detailing questions they provided. If you are interested in learning more about any of the other authors, check out the complete line of the Get To Know Your Ask-A-Pro Author articles by clicking here!
1. How did you get started in detailing?
I often joke with my clients that buying a black car back in high school was what spawned my career/addiction with making things shiny. The funny part of the joke is that it’s actually true. My friends were so impressed with how great my 1998 black Lexus looked that they wanted to pay me to detail their cars on the weekends. Their parents, then friends etc. etc. began to take notice and thus Adonis Detail was formed. We have evolved and grown since but never forget our humble beginnings going door to door.
2. Of the cars you have worked on, which was your favorite?
This is a tough one, I don’t think it’s possible to ever pick one car as a favorite. I definitely love working on Porsches, any air cooled or even modern water cooled 911 and I turn into a big fan boy. Working on several Carrera GT’s rank high on the list. One of my favorite 911’s was a 1976 Carrera RS that was one of the few cars restored by Porsche A.G. back in the 80’s.
3. Tell us about your longest and most challenging detail project?
One of my longest and most challenging detail projects was a jet black 1991 Ferrari Testarossa. It had been completely wrapped in a clear bra by a local shop, unfortunately the end result left much to be desired. The overall project spawned about two weeks where we fully removed the clear bra, paint corrected the vehicle, clear bra’d several areas then coated the entire car with a hard glass coating system. The end result was one of my most drastic turn arounds and resulted in a very happy customer. He later sold the car at auction to a very well known Ferrari collector.
4. What is your least favorite area to detail, if any?
I absolutely do not like detailing interiors. Luckily specializing in paint coatings and protective film applications oftentimes the cars we work on don’t need much interior cleaning. I still remember some of the earlier projects requiring in depth interior cleaning, and still do not enjoy that part of the process.
5. What was the best and worst customer experience you have had?
We really have some of the best clients in the world, so it’s difficult to choose one. Recently, one of my best customer experiences was from one of my Tesla clients. This client had waited over 3 years to receive their Tesla Model X and upon delivery towed the car straight to us, he didn’t want to drive it until the car was clear bra’d, detailed and coated. When he picked up the car we had it arranged with his wife to be dropped off in his driveway without his knowledge. His reaction to seeing how beautiful the Deep Blue Metallic paint was priceless.
6. Imagine that you awoke on a magical detailing island and a VIP client is having their vehicle flown in but you have no idea what it will be. The island has a wash bay, water, hose, two buckets and electricity. What 10 individual products would you want Detailed Image to ship you?
Note: The following 10 items would likely change as new items become available and may differ if I weren’t limited to just 10.
- Optimum No Rinse
- Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner Plus
- Rupes LHR21
- Sonax Polymer Net Shield
- Rupes Swirl Finder Pen Light
- Rupes Keramik Gloss Fine Gel Polish
- Rupes Yellow Polishing Foam Pad
- Meguiar’s DA Microfiber Finishing Disc
- Meguiar’s M205
- Meguiar’s Last Touch
I appreciate you taking the time to read about me and if you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Hey Tim,
I just had a quick question I was hoping you could help answer. I have a 2017 GTI that I just recently coated with Gtechniq Wheel Armor on my factory Alloy painted wheels. I was wondering what would be the best, and the least abrasive way to clean my wheels and protect my coating? Would car pro iron X be safe to use even though I have the red powder coated calipers with the GTI badge (Performance Package)? Brush, agitate? Or just iron remover and water?
Thanks a lot!
Kyle
Or if anyone other than Tim has an answer or any suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated as well.
Thanks,
Kyle
Hey Tim
My wife drove her Infiniti fx35 through a puddle at a construction site that had cement run off in it so of course by the time she told me about it, the splashes had dried out on the cars paint! I’ve tried everything from diluted vinegar with water to Tar X but with no luck. Do you have any idea or suggestions on how to remove this stuff? Thanks
Jason