canopy, or not....

**Envious Eric** · 09-04-2006, 08:29 PM

how many of you have them, and how many actually use them????....I was thinking about getting one, and having the name, #, and website printed on it, but I dont think that I will end up using it as much as I would like to...

**AMDin93103** · 09-04-2006, 10:04 PM

Caravan from Costco. I use mine three or four times a week. . . during the summer. You may want to divert your finances towards other needs until spring. M2C.

**imported_GregCavi** · 09-04-2006, 10:15 PM

I have one and love it. If you get one buy weight bags to hold it down!!

Greg

**AMDin93103** · 09-04-2006, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by GregCavi

I have one and love it. If you get one buy weight bags to hold it down!!

Greg

. . .or fill two five gal bucket with water and position one on two legs diagonal from one another with a bungee cord. 30 pounds on each side has proven to be completely effective and more portable than weights.

**Scottwax** · 09-05-2006, 12:04 AM

I am definitely getting one next spring. We did way too many cars in the full sun this past summer in 100+ degree heat.

**SpoiledMan** · 09-05-2006, 12:09 AM

I have and use it when I have to polish and have no other shade. I have a Caravan from Costco as well. It`s easy for one person to set up, comes with a bag and sides for about $200. It also has an aluminum frame.

Scott, if you have a Costco near you they should be out about April-May but they do sell out.

**I.A.S.** · 09-05-2006, 01:35 AM

canopy works great especially if u are in a climate that is very hot and sunny like CA, AZ, TX, NV, etc....

i use mine on every detail unless i use a garage....very easy to set up and fast, well worth the investment..

**imported_mirrorfinishman** · 09-05-2006, 07:39 AM

Maybe someone can explain.

Of course, during the midday sun, when the sun is directly overhead, the canopy would be most effective because the shadow of the canopy will cast directly over the car being detailed.

How effective is a canopy when the sun is at a low angle in the sky, such as either early morning or late afternoon? At these times, wouldn`t the shadow of the canopy actually be to the side of where the car is parked? Thus allowing sunlight to still shine directly on the car.

**Bigtony** · 09-05-2006, 07:55 AM

your right about the angle of the shade, the tops are still shaded for the most part, you can also purchase the side panel to correct that, but we use 2 side by side to get the shade needed, I picked up (2) 12x14 canopies (EZ UP) at KMART for $129.00 each and a 10x10 at BIG LOTS for $59.99, I can`t imagine working without them.I`d like to upgrade in the near future to a couple 10x20`s.

**imported_WCD** · 09-05-2006, 08:12 AM

The Caravan from Costco came with side panels when I bought mine.

Another marketing tool is to purchase a banner with your information and hang it from the ends of the canopy. I had mine done in black with bright yellow text. You could read it from 100 ft. away and whenever you work a corner parking lot, make sure to place it facing the intersection.

Rob

**imported_Shaun Carollo** · 09-05-2006, 04:38 PM

Here is our old set up:

We recently upgraded to 2 12X12`s and this allows use to cover the vehicle at any time of day with ease. The banner attracts a ton of attention. The cost for the tents was just under $400 and the banner was $150 I think. I`m going to add another same size banner to let people know that we also do boats and rv`s; with the great lakes here tons of people have both and we really havent tapped into these markets.

Shaun

**a.k.a. Patrick** · 09-05-2006, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Scottwax

I am definitely getting one next spring. We did way too many cars in the full sun this past summer in 100+ degree heat.

But you love Summer Scott!

**Scottwax** · 09-05-2006, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by a.k.a. Patrick

But you love Summer Scott!

Heat doesn`t bother me, but it would be easier to buff out heavily swirled paint if we had shade to work in.

Believe me, I am dreading winter and cleaning cars when it is 35, windy and cloudy.

**a.k.a. Patrick** · 09-05-2006, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Heat doesn`t bother me, but it would be easier to buff out heavily swirled paint if we had shade to work in.

Believe me, I am dreading winter and cleaning cars when it is 35, windy and cloudy.

I know amigo..........(Your still from another world though)

I cant even imagine working below 50 on a car, outside.......