POP POP'S Detail Shop

10/10/2026

Your car deserves a private salon experience. Specializing in rejuvenation and protection for classics, muscle, and modern luxury. Send a message to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

10/07/2026

Well, this was a pretty cool surprise…

Pop Pop’s Detail Shop has been nominated for the "2026 Best of Charlotte" — Auto Detailers!

To be completely honest, just seeing my little one-car-at-a-time detailing studio included among nine nominated auto detailers is humbling. I started Pop Pop’s after retiring from Corporate America with a pretty simple goal: stay busy, do work I enjoy, and give every vehicle the kind of personal attention that can be difficult to find in a high-volume detailing environment.

So, to be recognized by the community like this? That means something.

There is a little bit of a process if you’d like to cast a vote. Once you open the link, scroll down to Auto, Marine & Carts, then find Auto Detailing and select Pop Pop’s Detail Shop.

I know… they didn't exactly make it a one-click process. 😂

But if you've experienced Pop Pop’s, trusted me with one of your vehicles, referred someone my way, or simply enjoy following along with what I do, I'd be incredibly grateful for your vote.

Voting ends tonight at midnight.

Thank you for supporting this little adventure of mine. Whether it's a vote, a referral, a review, or simply following along, I don't take any of it for granted.

Less Volume. More Attention.

Vote here: https://www.yoursun.com/contests/bestofcharlotte/ #//

— Dave
Pop Pop’s Detail Shop

10/05/2026

POP POP’S DETAIL SHOP — ON THE ROAD

What started as a road trip to take Pop Pop’s Detail Shop to Chicago and Louisville turned into three incredible weeks of cars, family, and some seriously rewarding work.

Over the course of the trip, seven very different vehicles received the Pop Pop’s treatment — from nearly 50-year-old classics to everyday family drivers.

🔴 1977 Chevrolet Scottsdale Stepside
🏆 1966 Pontiac GTO
⚪ 2021 Honda Civic
🛻 2014 RAM 1500 4X4
🖤 2024 GMC Sierra X31 Off-Road
🖤 2019 Cadillac CTS
🖤 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

Each vehicle received a process based on its individual condition and goals. pH-neutral washing, mechanical and mineral decontamination, paint enhancement, Adhesion Promoter Polish, ceramic coatings and finishing protection were all part of the journey.

Some needed preservation.
Some needed refinement.
Some needed a little more correction.

The paint dictated the process.

That philosophy doesn't change whether I'm working on a classic muscle car in Chicago, a family daily in Louisville, or a vehicle here at home in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Now the polishers are back home, the road-trip memories are made, and Pop Pop’s Detail Shop is back in the garage.

October bookings are now open.

If your vehicle could use some rejuvenation, refinement or long-term protection, request your complimentary consultation and let's determine what your vehicle actually needs.

Less Volume. More Attention.
Bespoke automotive detailing in Port Charlotte.

10/03/2026

Sometimes the paint tells the story before you even wipe the polish away.

This Mosaic Black Metallic 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was the final vehicle of my recent Chicago/Louisville road trip.

The first photo was taken during the paint enhancement step. Even with the polish still on the surface, you can see the depth and clarity beginning to come alive.

It's also a pretty good demonstration of why I enjoy working with the DIY Detail 25mm Cordless DA. Beautifully balanced, controlled and comfortable enough to simply glide across the panel with one hand. No pressure. No fighting the machine. Just letting the tool, pad and polish do their job.

And then comes the part I really enjoy...

The reveal.

Once the enhancement was complete, the finish received DIY Detail HYDR8 — an 8-year ceramic coating.

That Mosaic Black paint went from good-looking black to something with considerably more depth, clarity and presence.

For me, paint enhancement isn't about chasing every microscopic imperfection.

It's about respecting the paint, refining the finish and bringing out everything that finish has to offer.

Another vehicle rejuvenated.
Another great client.
And one more reminder of why I love what I do.

Less Volume. More Attention.
Not Mass Produced. Not Cookie-Cutter. Bespoke.

10/01/2026

DON'T JUST SHOW UP. SHOW IT OFF.

Car show season in Southwest Florida is just around the corner.

I spent part of my recent road trip in Chicago doing exactly what I love—working on some pretty special vehicles. Classics, muscle cars, daily drivers, and everything in between.

And standing next to a couple of cars like these reminded me of something I've always known:

Show cars are different.

They're not just transportation. They're something you've invested in, something you've built, something you've preserved—and something you're proud to put on display.

I've owned a few myself over the years, so I understand the mindset. The little things matter. The finish matters. The details matter.

That's why I'm opening up a few spots this season for classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and modern performance vehicles that deserve more than a quick wash and a bottle of detail spray.

My Show Ready Package is designed around the vehicle—not a cookie-cutter checklist.

One car at a time.
Boutique care.
Exceptional results.

Car show season is coming.

Are you Show Ready?

📍 Pop Pop's Detail Shop — Port Charlotte, FL
📞 815-814-6898
🌐 poppopsdetailshop.com/contact

09/29/2026

☕️ THREE WEEKS. SEVEN VEHICLES. A WHOLE LOT OF MEMORIES. ❤️

Sitting here at Louisville International Airport with a cup of coffee, I'm finding myself doing a little reflecting before I head home.

Since September 11th, I've been on the road doing what I love… with a whole lot of people I love.

Seven vehicles rejuvenated.

Classic cars. Daily drivers. Ceramic coatings. Paint enhancement. Decontamination. A few weather challenges thrown in for good measure. 😂

But honestly, when I think about these past three weeks, the cars aren't the first thing that comes to mind.

It's the kids and grandkid hugs.

The grand dog kisses and licks. 🐶

The conversations.

The time together.

The laughs.

The memories.

And then, to top it all off, an absolutely incredible couple of days at Cruisin’ The Park surrounded by more beautiful cars than any car enthusiast could possibly ask for.

I truly felt like I was in car enthusiast Heaven. ❤️

Sitting here this morning and reflecting on it all, there's really only one way I can put it…

My heart is happy.

This road trip reminded me that Pop Pop's Detail Shop has become about so much more than detailing cars.

It's about the people.

It's about the stories behind the vehicles.

It's about family.

It's about doing something I genuinely love and having the opportunity to share that passion with others.

But as much as I've loved every minute of this trip, it's time to head back to the Sunshine State I've grown to love. ☀️

And waiting for me in Port Charlotte are two of my favorite people/things in the whole world…

My awesome wife, Tabatha… and my pug, Dodge. ❤️🐾

I have to admit…

I'm really looking forward to seeing them.

So, Louisville… Chicago… thank you.

Thank you for the hospitality, the memories, the cars, the family time and the opportunity to do what I love in some pretty special places.

Pop Pop is heading home.

And when I get back, it's time to fire up the lights, pull the first vehicle through the doors, and get back to work.

🚗 OCTOBER IS ALMOST HERE

I have a few spots remaining for October.

If your vehicle is ready for some rejuvenation, refinement and preservation, reach out and request your complimentary consultation.

We'll look at your vehicle, talk about what it actually needs, and design a bespoke detailing package specifically for it.

Less Volume. More Attention.

That's the Pop Pop's Detail Shop way.

See you soon, Port Charlotte. 👋🇺🇸

POP POP’S DETAIL SHOP
Premium Care • Precision Craftsmanship • Passion in Every Detail

09/28/2026

The Chicago/Louisville road trip has come to a close. Here in Louisville, this sharp 2025 Chevrolet Traverse in Mosaic Black was the final vehicle on the list.

After receiving a full menu of prep work she received DIY Detail HYDR8 - 8 year ceramic coating. The paint turned out stunning.

Now, it's back home to Port Charlotte! A few dates left for bookings in October. Reach out to request your complimentary consultation.

Send a message to learn more

09/27/2026

🏁 POP POP IN CAR ENTHUSIAST HEAVEN! 🏁

LOUISVILLE, KY

Yesterday was STELLAR.

After nearly two weeks of taking Pop Pop’s Detail Shop on the road, it was time to put the polishers away for a day and simply enjoy being around some seriously beautiful automobiles.

And let me tell you…

Pop Pop was in CAR ENTHUSIAST HEAVEN! 😂

Cruisin’ The Park at Louisville’s Iroquois Park is one of my all-time favorite car show events, and yesterday did not disappoint.

This is the 47th year of this incredible two-day event, and with more than 1,000 cars filling the park, there was literally something for everybody.

Muscle cars.
Classics.
Street rods.
Trucks.
Survivors.
Restorations.
Customs.
The unusual.
The unexpected.

Every make, model, shape and size you could possibly imagine.

If you couldn't find it in the park yesterday… you simply weren't looking. 😂

But there's another reason this show holds a special place in my heart.

Back in 2018, I brought my 1969 Bahama Yellow Road Runner to Cruisin’ The Park.

And one of my favorite awards I've ever received came home with me that day:

🏆 Best Original Restored

That memory came rushing back yesterday as I walked through the park.

It reminded me that my love for these cars—and the people who care for them—didn't start with Pop Pop’s Detail Shop.

It started a long time ago.

And maybe that's part of why I enjoy what I do so much today.

Every car has a story.

Every owner has a reason for caring about it.

And sometimes, if we're lucky, we get to become a small part of that story.

Yesterday wasn't about polishing paint.

It wasn't about ceramic coatings.

It wasn't about the next appointment.

It was simply about cars, the people who love them, and taking it all in.

And after an amazing road trip through Chicago and Louisville, it was exactly what Pop Pop needed.

Cruisin’ The Park… you never disappoint. ❤️

Now, as this incredible road trip starts winding down, it's time for a little more family time, a few more memories, and eventually…

Home to Port Charlotte.

And then?

Back to work.

🏁 OCTOBER BOOKINGS ARE OPEN 🏁

POP POP’S DETAIL SHOP
Less Volume. More Attention.
Premium Care • Precision Craftsmanship • Passion in Every Detail

09/25/2026

Vehicle Detail #6 - Chicago! 2019 Cadillac CTS. Wash, decontamination and a 5 yerar Ceramic Coating.
The road trip continues.

(Special thanks to L&P Racing for the use of their shop)