Shop Update

**jimmybuffit** · 09-18-2003, 07:33 AM

I had taken up quite a bit of bandwidth at the first of the year, asking for advice and help in opening a new shop.

So many people responded, so many helpful tips! This sight has been an extremely valuable resource for me.

Thanks to all!

Simply, the shop is quite successful. I am literally as busy as I want to be! I`m sure that it could do three times the current volume... if I had the space; if I had the help. But that`s another discussion.

The shop is located in new, flex space (classic glass storefront w/ 10`x10` overhead door). It is on a major, 5 lane artery leading from Indy to Zionsville, a wealth `bedroom community` north of Indy. Traffic count is 40-50,000 cars per day. The shop is situated in a small strip angled away from the street, so it is not actually visible from the street. I have a small a-frame sign at the street, and this has been remarkably successful in generating awareness and new business. Plus the name has been quite well recieved...

Some pictures of the interior in my Gallery

Questions?

Thanks again for all the help!

JJim

**andriver** · 09-18-2003, 07:51 AM

Nice shop JJim. I really like the flooring and finished walls. Good job :up .

**wash_me** · 09-18-2003, 08:15 AM

What did you use to paint the floor? How its holding up?

**safetyman2010** · 09-18-2003, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by jimamary

I had taken up quite a bit of bandwidth at the first of the year, asking for advice and help in opening a new shop.

So many people responded, so many helpful tips! This sight has been an extremely valuable resource for me.

Thanks to all!

Simply, the shop is quite successful. I am literally as busy as I want to be! I`m sure that it could do three times the current volume... if I had the space; if I had the help. But that`s another discussion.

The shop is located in new, flex space (classic glass storefront w/ 10`x10` overhead door). It is on a major, 5 lane artery leading from Indy to Zionsville, a wealth `bedroom community` north of Indy. Traffic count is 40-50,000 cars per day. The shop is situated in a small strip angled away from the street, so it is not actually visible from the street. I have a small a-frame sign at the street, and this has been remarkably successful in generating awareness and new business. Plus the name has been quite well recieved...

Some pictures of the interior in my Gallery

Questions?

Thanks again for all the help!

JJim

Congratulations Jim! I knew all your planning would pay off. I only wish we had all the tools available now when my father and I opened our shop ten years ago. Keep up the good work and continued success!

**jimmybuffit** · 09-18-2003, 09:46 PM

Floor paint is PPG`s Aquapon 35 - a 2 part epoxy with a sand additive. 2 coats. Requires dedicated prep, and time. The dark blue is wearin well - a few stains, and a few scratches (my bad!)

Almost any color available.

If you plan to us this product, PM me -I can save you some time and touble...

Jim

**PAW** · 09-18-2003, 10:16 PM

I love you`re shop`s name Jimmy Buff-It`s!!

**Scottwax** · 09-18-2003, 10:57 PM

Wow! You`ve got a great looking shop! Neat, clean, etc. I like the windows so you can get natural lighting on the cars.

**imported_dl9589** · 09-18-2003, 11:25 PM

Nice place you have, if only I lived a bit closer to Indy I would be willing to give you all the help you would need.

**safetyman2010** · 09-19-2003, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by jimamary

Floor paint is PPG`s Aquapon 35 - a 2 part epoxy with a sand additive. 2 coats. Requires dedicated prep, and time. The dark blue is wearin well - a few stains, and a few scratches (my bad!)

Almost any color available.

If you plan to us this product, PM me -I can save you some time and touble...

Jim

Did you apply it yourself? If so, how did the application go timewise and for ease of use?

**n2_space** · 09-19-2003, 03:52 PM

Nice! I still need to stop by sometime and see it

I work close to 86th and Zionsville road.

**jimmybuffit** · 09-19-2003, 08:59 PM

I did apply the paint. My bro-in-law is a pro painter. He turned me on to the brand, helped with purchasing at his cost, and gave me several prep tips. Most of the concrete was `virgin`, although it had cured for over a year. The wash bay area (very light blue) was freshly poured, so I had to wait 30 days to do that area. It really became two seperate jobs.

1. Clean well with pressure washer.

2. Floor buffer and trisodium phoshate.

3. Full stength muratic acid - dwell - flush with copious water. Allow to dry completely!

4. Mix A and B WELLand add 1/2 the suggested amount of sand (for a non slip surface). Wait 15 minutes to `set`.

5. Wear your professional respirator!!

6. Apply liberally and quickly with a medium nap roller. An assistant, with respirator, is handy here to assist with the prompt application of product - this is to avoid lap marks ...

7. Wait 24 hours.

8. Go back to step #4.

9. Wait 24 hours to walk. Wait 5 (FIVE) days before vehicular traffic.

I am very happy 6 months later. I was a liitle short on product for the wash bay area, so I `stretched` the application of two coats, and I think it is showing some signs of wear, and staining from wheel cleaners, etc. I`d use a darker color in that area next time.

Good stuff. IMO bright and vivid color adds alot to the shop environment. I get many compliments, even at the end of a busy day, when it may not be as tidy as I would like.

Jim

**imported_TIM** · 09-19-2003, 11:27 PM

since u guys seem like u know what your talking about. What are your opinions on tough stains on carpets while hand scrubbing???

**Anthony O.** · 09-20-2003, 09:14 PM

Tim,

Welcome to Autopia

Your best shot is to first do a search on "carpet cleaning" or "stains" and you will pull up a wealth of info.

Anthony

**Anthony O.** · 09-20-2003, 09:22 PM

Hey Jim,

Great job on the shop and congrats on the success:xyxthumbs

I remember when I opened up my Jujitsu school and walking into the building when they were finishing it out and thinking to myself....."Dude, this is like so totally cool! I have a true, real bonified business, with like a office and everything!!"

Then the excitement soon turned to fear and panic as I wondered if I would be able to pay rent, insurance and all the rest of that stuff. I have been wondering for years about opening up a detail shop but still a bad taste with me from my Dojo adventure and $11,000 later:shocked

So my hats off to you and may you have many years of fruitful success

Anthony