TRIP REPORT

Detailing Day July 17 2005

It’s the trip I hate but everybody else seems to love. The Detailing Day was kinda fun the first time around, but each year I get roped into running it. Now, as each year passes, I wish there were more weeks in the year so that the following one wouldn’t come around so quickly.

At least this year it was different for me. I actually managed some time to work on my own car (the Nissan – because it needed more cleaning than the Subi).

The attendees for the day were Ron and Glenys in the Challenger, Dwayne in the Brumby, Big John in the Rodeo, Gaven in the Triton (initially, then he went home and brought back the Liberty for its TLC treatment), Dave in the Brumby, Camo in the Liberty, Bryan in the RX, suffering the effects of his 21st the night before and Dane in the Liberty wagon.

Also calling in to say hello were Keith and Danna (on their return journey to Maryborough following Bryan’s party), Jan (so Dave could fit an alloy bash plate to the Forester) and Christine.

It seemed to me that this year most of everybody’s time was spent beautifying the exteriors of the vehicles. There was a lot of gerni-ing, washing, chamois-ing, buffing and polishing happening but not much in the way of vacuuming, glass cleaning or interior cleaning.

Removing a year’s worth of lantana scratches seems to be most people’s priority, so the buffing machine gets a good workout. Thankfully, these days the buffing compound and pads used are much more gentle then in the olden days, so the lantana scratches can be removed without damaging the paintwork or creating swirl marks. However, it is still hard work and it helps to be somewhat experienced – so I get to do most of it for the day. My back lets me know for the next couple of days though.

A big thank you has to go to Glenys and Jan for their excellent Tong Master work at the BBQ. A large number of very hungry men were revived enough to get back into it after the tummies were filled.

Another big thank you must be extended to Dave, who didn’t spend a minute of his time working on his car. Instead, he selflessly gave his time to assist everybody else and especially Jan. It’s no wonder he thoroughly deserved his recently appointed life membership.

I actually came away from the day having learnt something. Gaven’s Triton had quite a few paint drips all over it and especially on the rear, and we used industrial solvent based hand cleaner to remove all but the most stubborn ones. There’s one to store away for a rainy day.

Everybody went home with a gleaming car that looked a million dollars, and I’m sure they would have been worth a few dollars more resale value than when they arrived.

Only 12 months ‘til the next one. So get out into the lantana so that you too can reap the benefits of the club’s Detailing Day. I know I can’t wait!

Greg Bryant SC480