An Interview with...

[Woodie]

An interview with
Sean aka Woodie

Avatar: What does it mean-
Lightning McQueen from the movie cars. Beside the fact that it was a brilliant movie, it captures my belief that every car has its own personality and emotions.

What do you like most about detailing?
The transformation in the cars appearance and the owner's reaction when they see the finished product.

What are your favourite products/processes and why?
Sealants/Waxes and applying the LSP. It's probably the easiest step and is kinda therapeutic. Probably the reason I wax my car so often.

What’s your dream car(s) and why?
Either a weekend toy like a Caterham or Lotus 7 or a track car so that I can enjoy the pure thrill of driving every now and then.

What’s your favourite previously owned automobile?
Probably my first car - a 1980 Opel Kadett. Most of the reason my be sentimental, but it was a simple, fun car to thrash around.

Tell me about your first detail?
I grew up as the neighbourhood car washer, and although my services were nowhere near detailing standard, I was known for my quality service. My first proper detail was probably a Toyota Tazz I did for a work colleague about 4 years ago.

What’s the best thing you’ve learned?
Patience - you can't rush a proper detail. Also learned that attention to the smallest details add to the overall finished product.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
Formula 1, road running and reading.

Do you have any pets?
3 Dogs - 2 German Shepherds named Zak & Cody and a Maltese named Coco. 2 Cats - Kitty and Tiger. There are also two budgies, but those belong to my daughter.

Name three techniques that you think you should share to fellow Detailers.
2BM, Claying and rinseless washing for times when a full wash isn't possible.

Where are you from and where do you live now?
Born in Port Elizabeth and lived there for almost 24 years. Now on my second tour of duty in Johannesburg (Florida Park on West Rand) after a stint in Cape Town.

What was your first car and what got you interested in keeping cars perfect?
1980 Opel Kadett. I inherited my car care genes from my father.

Current automobiles-
2008 Mazda 6 2.0 Active and my wife has a 2005 Opel Corsa 1.6 sedan.

What motivates you to detail?
It provides me with an opportunity to do something constructive while having time to reflect (excuse the pun). I also enjoy the transformation brought about by the process.

Would you ever pay someone else to detail your car?
Possibly, but the potential detailers can be counted on one hand.

Does detailing run in the family at all, or are you the only normal one?
Although I got my genes from my father, he is more into keeping his car clean rather than full detailing so I guess it's just me.

What is your favourite part about detailing?
Waxing/sealing - it's like the icing on a cake.

If detailing is a hobby for you, would you like to do it full time, or do you feel that it would take the fun out of it?
I don't think that I'd do it full time as then it becomes a job and not a joy.

What is your favourite car to detail and why?
Something dark and curvy that gives good reward for the effort put in.


Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car?
A Supercar is cool because it's a Supercar and unless you're Carn you don't get to do it too often. However, I enjoy taking a beaten daily driver and transforming it into a looker - something along the lines of Miss Congeniality for cars.

What detailing tool do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (Excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.)
A foam gun

What are your current favourite brands and why?
I make no excuse for being a Meguiars fan. I believe that they have a wide range of quality products to cover a full detail. I also enjoy the Blackfire Paint Sealant and Carnauba Wax for ease of use and brilliant finish.

What do you do when you’re not detailing?
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughters and engaging in my other hobbies and interests.

A few quick fire questions:

•Ferrari or Lamborghini?
Neither really, but if I'm forced to choose it would be Ferrari.

•Wax or Sealant?
Wax

•Rotary or Orbital Polisher?
Rotary

•Hamburger & Chips or Healthy food?
Either, depending on my mood.

•Coffee or Coke?
Neither - Pepsi Light is my poison of choice.