Washing price for Freightliner and 46' Enclosed Trailer

mshu7 · 05-09-08, 03:44

Hey guys, I need some assistance. I got an email from a guy this morning asking me to wash and polish the wheels on his Freightliner and a 46' enclosed 4-car trailer this week. He's bringing some cars to a car show here in Indy.

I plan on going with ONR and maybe throwing in some OCW as well (if he wants it). I know you guys typically say to divide the length in half and then multiple that by an hourly rate, but I wasn't sure if that would apply for this instance.

I'd really appreciate some input, specifically suggestions on pricing how long this type of service should take. I've asked him for a picture of his setup so if he sends something to me, I'll post it up to give everyone a better idea of project.

Thanks!

gmblack3a · 05-09-08, 05:36

Corded drill, mothers powerball and blue magic polish on the wheels.

The blue magic has more cut that most any polish out there. So if they are bad, this will save you some time. I have used 18v dewalt cordless drills on these bigger wheels before and the batteries just do not last. Even when using 3 batteries.

Polished the alcoa wheels on a GMC Topkick

I apply the blue magic thick with an old MF. Start out with the drill on low speed to work the product in, then increase the speed as you go. I do about 20% of each wheel at a time.

Brandon1 · 05-09-08, 06:06

Honestly, ONR isnt going to cut it on the rig. It has way to many greasy dirty nasty frame and suspention parts to clean. You will need a heavy degreaser and a pressure washer.

I'd go with something like a wash, polish the wheels, and OCW. If it's less than 2-3 yrs old, make it $300. If it's more than 3yrs old, make it $500

elitemobile · 05-09-08, 09:15

Id prob go with an hourly rate...
From my experience you just never know what your going to run into

AppliedColors · 05-09-08, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by elitemobile

Id prob go with an hourly rate...
From my experience you just never know what your going to run into

Agreed.

Hourly @ $65. You could lose your shirt if you bid the job wrong.

mshu7 · 05-09-08, 01:11

GMblack3a - Thanks for the suggestions. The wheels you did look fantastic. I'll pick-up a Powerball for sure. Is the Blue Magic polish something I can get at a local parts store?

Brandon1 - I was afraid of that. I've got a PW hooked up to a 90-gallon tank so hopefully that will suffice. Plus, I have a foam canon so I'm sure I'll break that out as well.

Elitemobile & AppliedColors - I just emailed him and gave him my hourly rate. Thanks for the suggestion. I think you're both absolutely right.

I ended up getting another email from him. He said it's 13' 6" tall so I'll probably need a 10' ladder. He said the guy that normally washes it for him can do it in about 3-4 hours (with a long-handled brush). Apparently, he's coming down here for the Mecum collector car auction, which sounds pretty cool.

Thanks again for all your help guys!

gmblack3a · 05-09-08, 01:14

Yes, Blue magic at any parts store.

mshu7 · 05-09-08, 01:17

Very cool. Thanks!

mshu7 · 05-09-08, 01:34

Update: I foundo the rig won't be available until 1pm next Wednesday, which gives me a lot less time than I was hoping for (thought I'd have a full day available). Fortunately, a GOOD detailer about 5 miles down the road from me is going to help me get it knocked out. He actually was part of a crew that detailed a fleet of retired planes, including Air Force 1 last year or the year before. Since he's dealt with big rigs like this I definitely feel more comfortable with it.

Jimmy Buffit · 05-10-08, 05:30

Mike, he asked me for a quote, also. I passed, we're just too busy. I did quote him 5 hours, if he wanted to bring it to our Shop.

Have you worked with Rod in the past? He's a great guy! He helped us out last weekend with a 12 car collection of classics.

Good Luck!

Jim

mshu7 · 05-10-08, 05:43

Hey Jimmy! Thanks for chiming in!

When you quoted him 5 hours, how many guys would you have had working on it?

I actually stopped in at Rod's shop last fall I think. You're right, he's a great guy. I was unsure how he'd react to another detailer stopping in at his shop, but through another contact I know, he said Rod was a good guy. Rod was nice as could be when I went in there for the first time. He actually let me take a person that had called him while I was there because the guy was in Mooresville and didn't want to come up to Pittsboro. It ended up being a cool little S2000. Since that time, I've had nothing but respect for Rod. I've visited him a few random times since then. We also seem to see each other driving around quite a bit.

So anyways, after I found out yesterday that the rig wouldn't be available until 1pm, I called Rod immediately. He was gracious enough to help me out. I'm really looking forward to working with him.

Rod and I have a good business relationship going. Even though we are competitors, we try to help each other out whenever possible. It's nice having an ally near me to help out when need be.

He also mentioned the very cool collector cars he did with you and your crew. I'm sure it was an honor to work on such a fleet. Which magazine was doing a story on him? I'd like to check out the article if I can.

Thanks again for your input! Hope business is going well for you.

Jimmy Buffit · 05-10-08, 06:17

CCCA - Classic Car Club of America