Photos from Day 1 of the "Future of Detailing" October 2021 Clinic

Last Updated March 10, 2022

I took thousands of photos over the course of this month’s “Future of Detailing” clinic in my capacity as Dr. Beasley’s resident photographer.

As you might guess, whittling these photos down to a single gallery for “Behind the Detail” was hard. So hard so that I found myself needing to spit the galleries across two posts for each day of the clinic (plus the Sunday night reception dinner!). Below are nearly 120 photos from the reception dinner and Day 1. We’ll be posting photos from Day 2 and a video testimonial recap next week as well, so stay tuned for more!

The Reception Dinner

Things kicked off Sunday night with a reception dinner at Wicker Park venue/restaurant Chop Shop. Most everyone was able to make it out, so we were all able to break the ice, introduce ourselves to each other and most importantly, have a good time! My favorite part was the cheese curds.

Jim talks Microsphere Abrasives

Things kicked off bright and early Monday morning at 8am with a discussion on Nano Surface Primers and their microsphere abrasive technology from Dr. Beasley’s chemist and founder Jim Lafeber.

Scott Voelz tells the story of Lake Country Manufacturing

Next up was a presentation from Lake Country Manufacturing’s Scott Voelz. Scott broke down the history of Lake Country Manufacturing and their philosophy when it comes to paintwork correction pads and machines. Bob Eichelberg (formerly of FLEX, now with LC Power Tools) talked a little bit about the electrical engineering aspect of building a detailing shop, emphasizing the importance of using the right extension cords and fuse breakers to avoid damaging expensive detailing power tools like buffers and shop vacs.

Chris Metcalf Talks FLEX machines

FLEX’s Chris Metcalf then jumped in to talk about what’s happening with FLEX these days after being bought by Chervon. Thankfully it’s been nothing but good for “Das Original”! Chris is a wealth of information on FLEX machines and everyone was eager to pick his brain with some 1-on-1 instruction.

Chris Metcalf and 48 Detailing’s Zaia Dinkha demo Nano Surface Primers on “the BEAST”

After that, 48 Detailing’s Zaia Dinkha jumped in to show FLEX’s XC3401 (a.k.a. the BEAST) and how it works with Nano Surface Primers and some Lake Country MFG pads. Chris Metcalf assisted with some additional explanation on how the buffer interfaces with the paint, and Zaia was quick to show the class just how cool NSPs run even after extended working time.

Scott Voelz demos the LC Power Tools UDOS 51e

The UDOS 51e is possibly the most versatile machine buffer ever built, with 5 different settings from rotary to three different DA throws. One thing Scott and Bob Eichelberg were quick to point out was how versatile the UDOS is when it comes to pads — even though they have special pads from Lake Country they recommend, it still works well with whatever pads you like most.

Hands-On Sanding Mark Removal from Test Hoods

With the demos complete, it was now time for the class to actually get hands-on with the variety of buffers on hand, ranging from FLEX to Rupes to the UDOS 51e. Chris Metcalf and John Eydeler (48 Detailing co-founder) were essential here when it came to one-on-one instruction — they’re never afraid to jump in and assist a student, especially when the student doesn’t even realize they need assistance in the first place!

Paintwork Correction on the $1MIL 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

Then it came time for the main attraction for Day 1 — buffing out a ridiculously valuable, 1 of 1 vehicle (the only one of its kind with a white interior!). After a quick defect-revealing wipe down with Prep Wash, students were assigned panels and got to work, with our instructors keeping a close eye in case any assistance is needed. The test spot showed that NSP 45 paired with a Lake Country HDO Orange pad was more than enough to take care of the lighter scratches on the incredibly soft single stage paint.

Installing Nano-Resin MX on the $1MIL 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

Once the paintwork was corrected and primed with NSP 45, it was time to protect with Nano-Resin MX. Zaia gave a short demo on applying the Paint Coating Builder to properly set up for the coating, before the class followed suit in applying the Builder to the rest of the vehicle. Then Zaia broke out the pipette and instructed in the proper application of MX itself. The class applied the coating pretty quickly, and even immediately after the installation the single stage black paint was absolutely glowing. It’s always good to look for high spots after, of course, so our Director of Success busted out his trusty high spot inspection white board to get a better view.

Pizza from Pequod’s and Brews from Haymarket!

After a quick Glass Serum Pro demo from Simon’s foreman Christyan and some test panel free play, the pizzas from Pequod’s had arrived! Also arriving was John Neurauter from Haymarket, a graduate of the June “Future of Detailing” clinic and co-owner of Haymarket Brewing of Chicago/Michigan. Everyone got together in the Simon’s waiting room to chow down and knock back a cold one to celebrate the end of a successful Day 1!