Good car detailers in Calgary?

[spikerS]

I know we have Autoobsessed as a sponsor, and normally I would like to support sponsors, but I really don't want to go to Edmonton for this.

Searching the last 6 months on the board, I am not finding any recommendations for detailers, so I thought I would pose the question anew.

Spring is just around the corner, and I would like to book an appt in the spring for a interior clean, and an exterior polish and paint touch up.

Who in town does a good job, and would be willing to do a full size truck? Additionally, if anyone can give me a ball park figure on what that would cost?

[KRyn]

I think the consensus of the forum is Jed @ Mobile Reflections is #1. But he costs big dollars. After that I don't think there is much agreement.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/326544/getting-car-detailed/

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/366196/beyonds-favourite-detailer/

[G-ZUS]

sneak or sneek (sp) on here is very good at what he does

[J.M.]

Looking for the same thing, especially interior and engine bay detail.

[SkiBum5.0]

I would say Mobile Reflections - He is going to cost a bit of money but detailing is time consuming work. I remember it being $500-$700 to fix some serious hazing and pad burns on my M3 at MR which I thought was really reasonable.

Edit: that was quoted at 8 hours of work

[Tik-Tok]

I used Detailz for a van I was flipping last year. The interior was absolutely disgusting, and coffee stains on every seat. I was blown away by how good of a job they did. Normally I distrust any business with a Z in the name instead of S, but I'll definitely use these guys again in the future.

[danny.ta]

Jed at Mobile Reflections for sure!

[Mitsu3000gt]

Detailz has a ton of good feedback, and great prices. That's where my car is going in the spring. A friend of mine took his car there as well and they did an unbelievable job for the money.

[R-Audi]

My family has always used Auto Protectors and had good results..

[Billf6531]

I had Shine Revolution do my 2005 Ram 1500, and picked it up this afternoon. It's a dark maroon and had hundreds of swirls and small scratches in the paint. It looks like a new truck, now. They don't just grind down the clear coat, they ADD clear coat material. They did a fantastic job on it, including shining the chrome and clearing the dulled head lights, for $400. The price is a 'winter special', but I'd have paid the regular price now that I've seen the results. I couldn't be happier, and I'd recommend these guys in a heart beat.

[Mitsu3000gt]

^^ Interesting, that place claims to add clearcoat every time.

[carzcraz]

If you're looking to do Opti-Coat, Carlos Baca comes highly recommended. His name comes up very often on various car forums.

You can find a lot of his past jobs (interior and exterior) here...
http://www.live2detail.com/search.php?searchid=334550&pp=

[JustinMCS]

i have had good work from Jed at Mobile Reflections.

That shine place looks interesting. Can't help but think the "review" is from someone who works there as they are a new user and every post is in the for sale section....

[bart]

http://i.imgur.com/N82uh.jpg

[max_boost]

Yep. He's a Jed(i) master at the craft.

[btimbit]

Only experience I have with this in Calgary is with Mr Detail, but I have nothing but good things to say. Full interior (like new condition) and basic exterior wash on a crew cab ford was about $200. Think they had a package where they'd do full interior clean, engine detailing, trunk, exterior wash and polish for around $350. Don't think they do any sort of paint correction though since they're beside a carstar and they both agreed not to step on each others toes.

[amear]

Jed at Mobile Reflections hands down.

[Billf6531]

Originally posted by JustinMCS

That shine place loos interesting. Can't help but think the "review" is from someone who works there as they are a new user and every post is in the for sale section....

Which 'review' are you impugning?

[Cos]

.

[tirebob]

Originally posted by Cos
Lots of people at my work have been using sublime detail in Airdrie, maybe a good alternative for the northies. Will probably get him to do some work on my Cobra come spring. Logan is awesome! I have referred many people his way and never anything but praise is given after the job is done!

[Disoblige]

I booked my Honda at Detailz for next Thursday for a Complete Package Detailing.

I'll let you guys know how it goes. Pretty excited.

[J.M.]

Originally posted by Disoblige
I booked my Honda at Detailz for next Thursday for a Complete Package Detailing.

I'll let you guys know how it goes. Pretty excited.

Write a review! Checked out their website and prices are pretty reasonable for the complete interior/exterior package. Might end up going to them.

[88CRX]

I've never personally used Jed but I have seen multiple cars he's detailed and they've all looked flawless.

[Weapon_R]

My experience with Detailz wasn't very good at all. They forgot to polish my trunk lid completely when I arrived (black car). The guys took it back to polish and brought it out again. When I looked over, it was obvious that they also forgot to polish the area near the door handles. They took it back and did a couple passes and then fed me some line about how it can't be done any more because the clear was too shallow in that area. It was clear they wanted nothing more to do with the car. I regret not taking it to Jed but I think he was booked solid at that time.

[Disoblige]

I got scared and booked with Jed instead next week :rofl:
Spoke to him on the phone and I'm really excited to see his work.
Better safe than sorry. I don't want to take chances on detailing places any more.

[shakalaka]

Any rough estimates in terms of the costs for Detailz and Jed for comparison purposes?

[Disoblige]

Around a 30% premium maybe, but he travels to you and he seems to really take pride in his work. He said that he used to do his full detail and nothing lower, but he learned to not be so OCD about it and understand that not everyone wants to spend $600+ on a perfect detail. I told him what I wanted on the phone and he took the time to understand my needs, and we booked a time. Nice guy, and hope the work will stand up too. My standards are pretty high and my car's usually pretty clean inside and out. I just want it to look better than new so I'm taking it to Jed.

They have a 15% off special right now.

[K3RMiTdot]

i used jed a while ago, hes great.

[nytrydr89]

so I understand the consensus is Jed but hes not booking until the last week of june. need an exterior of a black car done. whats the next best solution?

[G-ZUS]

Originally posted by nytrydr89
so I understand the consensus is Jed but hes not booking until the last week of june. need an exterior of a black car done. whats the next best solution?

pm sneek on here

[v2kai]

I've gone to Jed in the past and several friends have gone to Carlos Baca. Jed did good work, but IMO Carlos Baca is better. Attention to detail and care for his work is second to none and he has the proper equipment to check clearcoat depths before a polisher even comes close to your vehicle.

Not sure if Jed has invested in this kind of equipment now, but at the time I went with him he did not. It was purely on 'faith' when polishing that adequate clearcoat was present. At the time Carlos was also cheaper, but I believe both have upped their rates since my last visit.

If you look up meticulous in the dictionary, you'll see Carlos Baca smiling back at you.

[ExtraSlow]

Has anyone used Sublime in Airdrie for the big packages? Seems like those are pretty much what jed does, and you don't actually save that much over using Jed. Probably easier to get into though. Wish there was a great detail shop near my house, Airdrie is a hassle since I don't live out there.

Jed has my van today, I can report back later this week. I need my new pickup done as well.

What's the contact info for Carlos? Is he out of a shop or mobile like Jed?

[v2kai]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow

What's the contact info for Carlos? Is he out of a shop or mobile like Jed?

Carlos actually does it on the side, it's not his full time gig. He does it out of his garage. It's passion for detail that drives his work; the buck is a bonus. His garage is fully kitted out like a proper detail shop. I'll see if I can track down his number. He also has a detailing forum he runs I believe... could potentially contact through there as well. I'll see what I can dig up.

[HiSpec]

Does anyone know if any of the detailers mentioned above own a hot water extractor for interior detailing work? My interior carpet needs some cleaning up from the hard crusted salt stain from the previous owner.

[shakalaka]

I am wondering if anyone knows of any alternatives to Auto Obsessed in Edmonton?

[ExtraSlow]

I've asked around, and nobody seems to think anyone in Southern Alberta is at the level of Auto Obsessed. Some claim Jed's work is close, but given the fact he's a one-man show, it's a little hard to compare to a large commercial operation in terms of facility or volume.

I would think Calgary could support a few detail shops, it's strange that we don't have a go-to choice in Calgary from the beyond community.

[Neil4Speed]

I have heard great things about Jeds work for over 5+ Years. He is a great guy, and actually donated a detail package to a charity I was with a few years back. I thought that was a real class act.

[Cos]

.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I'm going to use Detailz (full interior/exterior package) when the roads are clean and I'll let everyone know how it is. I've seen their work and I thought it was great. Price is right too.

[shakalaka]

I am sure Autoobsessed is great however their prices reflect that as well since they cost 1K plus from what I heard last. Just doesn't seem much value in spending that much to 'clean' a car when it's going to get dirty in a few days anyway.

[carson blocks]

I just used LeClercq Autoworks in Centennial place for a wash, spot polish and hand wax job. I'm not obsessive, but the car looks great to me and it's not even that expensive once you back out the $40 saved on parking.

[ZeroGravity]

Originally posted by v2kai


Carlos actually does it on the side, it's not his full time gig. He does it out of his garage. It's passion for detail that drives his work; the buck is a bonus. His garage is fully kitted out like a proper detail shop. I'll see if I can track down his number. He also has a detailing forum he runs I believe... could potentially contact through there as well. I'll see what I can dig up.

Is this the same Carlos who used to run the Detailing Bliss forum by any chance?

[nytrydr89]

I've booked in with shine revolution later this week. $375 after a 25% discount? That's exterior only but he says he guarantees showroom look once its all said and done. I will let you know how it turns out.

[know1edge]

Originally posted by v2kai
I've gone to Jed in the past and several friends have gone to Carlos Baca. Jed did good work, but IMO Carlos Baca is better. Attention to detail and care for his work is second to none and he has the proper equipment to check clearcoat depths before a polisher even comes close to your vehicle.

Not sure if Jed has invested in this kind of equipment now, but at the time I went with him he did not. It was purely on 'faith' when polishing that adequate clearcoat was present. At the time Carlos was also cheaper, but I believe both have upped their rates since my last visit.

A paint depth gauge. These can range anywhere from $100 to $1000+. Most PDGs measure TOTAL paint thickness, not differentiating clearcoat or basecoat, so just think about that a little.



Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Has anyone used Sublime in Airdrie for the big packages? Seems like those are pretty much what jed does, and you don't actually save that much over using Jed. Probably easier to get into though. Wish there was a great detail shop near my house, Airdrie is a hassle since I don't live out there.

Originally posted by Cos


Airdrie guy is actually a beyonder. HeavyDiesel I think? Cant quite member. Some staff at my work have got work done by him. They are all quite happy.

Owner's name is Logan? I think. Used to own "The Wax Shop" on Barlow


Originally posted by HiSpec
Does anyone know if any of the detailers mentioned above own a hot water extractor for interior detailing work? My interior carpet needs some cleaning up from the hard crusted salt stain from the previous owner.

I know Refine does. I'm sure even Bubbles does.

[know1edge]

OK I quickly dug up some info on Carlos
http://www.live2detail.com/showthread.php?5345-2013-Scion-FR-S

Carlos Baca
403-614-5614
[email protected]

[BMDUBS]

I have never heard of this Carlos guy. What is the name of his business?

Either way, Jed with Mobile Reflections is hands down the best. Jed is super professional, knows his paints and products.

I had a nasty key scratch on my new car and I used it to bargain a couple of thousand off the purchase price from the dealer. Jed looked at it and measured the paint depth with a proper digital gauge measuring many different parts of the body work around the scratched area to establish how much he could polish. During the polishing process he was continually measuring how much he had taken off. He even went as far as ensuring the polished spot would not out shine the rest of the body work with the proper compounds. The end result was amazing for the amount of visible damage there was and could never tell there was any damage there unless you were told. His pricing was more than fair for the result.

I whole heatedly suggest anyone who is OCD or is looking for a premium detail in Calgary have Jed take care of it. I am sure you wont be disappointed :thumbsup:

[5fivespeed]

Google or Facebook Drive Clean Calgary, they do some impressive work. The Facebook page also shows alot of the before and after detailing shots.

Cheers,
Ray

[5fivespeed]

Google or Facebook Drive Clean Calgary, they do some impressive work. The Facebook page also shows alot of the before and after detailing shots.

Cheers,
Ray

[ExtraSlow]

Got the van back from Jed last night. There's a lot of real-estate on a van, and it was excellent. By request he did zero polishing, but the paint is excellent, and smooth as glass after his ceramic coating.

Interior is beautiful. As you can imagine, my kids and wife had made it pretty disgusting, and it's now showroom clean. Aside from some gouges in the hard plastic of the cargo area, that van looks brand now.

To be honest, it's not cheap, but for something I get done only once every couple of years per vehicle, it's worth it to me. If anyone is wondering, he figures he spent five hours on the itnerior, and about three on the exterior. If he had polished the exterior, I'm sure that would have added a couple of hours.

As mentioned, he's booking to the end of June now. That's dissapointing since I need my new truck worked on too. Will probably book it in with him.

[v2kai]

Originally posted by know1edge


A paint depth gauge. These can range anywhere from $100 to $1000+. Most PDGs measure TOTAL paint thickness, not differentiating clearcoat or basecoat, so just think about that a little.
.

I know Carlos invested on the higher end of that scale for his gauge, I cant say definitively but I would bet he has the capacity to measure clear if not both depths. He takes readings across the whole vehicle before polishing and went so far as to point out to us where the low spots were on our friend's car when we came to pick it up.

Either way you cant go wrong with Jed or Carlos, but I will be exclusively going to Carlos as long as he keeps up his 'hobby' after seeing his results and attention to detail.

[nj2Type-S]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
I'm going to use Detailz (full interior/exterior package) when the roads are clean and I'll let everyone know how it is. I've seen their work and I thought it was great. Price is right too.

could you please give some feedback after you've used their services? i'm interested in getting a full interior detailing from these guys. thanks!

[ExtraSlow]

Had Jed with Mobile Reflections do my truck yesterday. It's a used pickup, so I didn't have him go nuts on the exterior, but I am of the opinion that it's worth getting the paint cleaned and protected once at least. Plus, my kids will destroy that interor pretty quickly, but I will keep thenm out of it for a couple days and enjoy the spotlessness.

Again, Jed was a pleasure to deal with and his results are top-notch.

[nj2Type-S]

i had my white rdx in for detailing yesterday at refine auto. i got the gold package and was quoted $350.

i dropped my car off at 7am and left my keys in their drop box. i was told they'd get it all done by 4:30pm. i got there at 4:30pm and it still wasn't done. it was finished at 5:45pm. you can probably imagine how upset i was. they then explained to me that it took so long because there were a lot of carbon build up near the exhaust, which took a long time for them to clean.

they showed me the car, and i was really impressed with the work, both inside and out. it's not a porsche, but i felt pride in driving that thing around (got a bit of rain, though haha).

i got charged $340; $10 cheaper than the original quote, because my interior isn't that dirty. the detailer showed me around and made sure i was happy with the results. it looked and smelled brand new again.

am i happy with the results? absolutely. would i use them again? hmm..hard to say. i probably would. whilst i'm very pleased with their service and quality of work, i really wish they had just told me that they were going to be over an hour late. i missed a couple of appointments, which i could have rescheduled if i had been given enough notice.

overall, i would say it's a positive experience dealing with refine auto salon. i would've been really annoyed by the fact that they took way longer than estimated, but they were such nice people, that i could overlook that mishap.

[nagooro]

Has anyone ever used super shine car wash? (on Edmonton trail/McKnight)
Specifically their $50 exterior/interior wash. For the price I'm not expecting much, just need a quick clean.

[Billf6531]

Originally posted by nagooro
Has anyone ever used super shine car wash? (on Edmonton trail/McKnight)
Specifically their $50 exterior/interior wash. For the price I'm not expecting much, just need a quick clean.

For a reasonably good job, try Bubbles at 46 Ave & Macleod Trail, or the one at 58 Ave & Macleod. Both are around $50.