Question on Mobile detailing

NHBFAN said:
Where did you find that tank in Wally World? I haven't had any success in finding one.



Does it have a spichet/spout, or do you have to pour the water out of the top?
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Yes, it does have a spout that you can pour the water out from on the tank. The tank is a light blue color with a black and yellow cap on top, and has "WATER" imprinted in big letters on the sides of the tank. If Walmart doesn't have it, try Target, K-mart, etc.:xyxthumbs
 
Scottwax: Be easy man. I look for fellow Autopians to remain specific in their description of ideas and advice, it helps. I will re-read to see if there are specifics listed on what people do when vacuuming cars on sight with no power that I missed.



I found Blue 5 gallon kerosene containers at Wal-Mart for less than $6 dollars, check the automotive section or around the paint section.
 
AutoNova said:
Scottwax: Be easy man. I look for fellow Autopians to remain specific in their description of ideas and advice, it helps. I will re-read to see if there are specifics listed on what people do when vacuuming cars on sight with no power that I missed.
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I am being easy. You've asked more than once in this thread or another thread about this very same subject and it has been answered. aj answered your vacuuming question in his first post and your very next post, you asked how he vacuumed without a cord. In total, he answered you twice and I answered you once.



We are all willing to help, but please read the responses carefully so none of us have to keep answering the same question over and over.



;)
 
It's cool... I need a Sam Adams and some Red Man. I still don't see where specifics are mentioned about how to vacuum without a power cord, then again I am not the brighest star in the sky. aj's advice is great and yours is always respected also.

This is why I have asked and discussed good cordless vacuums in another post.
 
AutoNova,



ajbarnes mentioned he has a shark vacuum and Scottwax has a shark vac along with a portable cordless vac made by Campbell-Hausen.



These units utilize a rechargeable battery soooooo ... no electrical outlet required.
 
AutoNova said:
I guess I may be on the wrong track or trying to accomplish the wrong objective. For people that mobile detail for offices and places of business they may not want a cord extending out the door. If you are in a parking lot there won't be electricity.
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AutoNova,



You may want to review local laws with regard to detailing at offices and places of business.



Just a thought...
 
mirrorfinishman said:
AutoNova,



You may want to review local laws with regard to detailing at offices and places of business.



Just a thought...
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Agreed. You should also ask new office clients to check with their building managers to make sure they allow detailing done on their parking lots. Every once in a while, you will get a property manager that does not allow outside venders (like mobile detailers and windshield replacement companies) to work on their parking lots.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
AutoNova,



You may want to review local laws with regard to detailing at offices and places of business.



Just a thought...
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Ahhhh....good point! I forgot to mention that also.:doh Always, always, always check into office managers, property managers, etc. before getting involved with office parks, condos, apartments, etc.. I actually have contracts, and permission for several office parks I do. I always ask permission first....very professional!:xyxthumbs
 
Sounds like a winner, I know in many of the parks that I visit I would have to look far and wide for the office, but there is probably a realty # to call. Do you experience any trouble with water disposal or does anyone use a mat to collect water?



I hear alot of good things about getting in with parking garages, does anyone do that?
 
AutoNova said:
Sounds like a winner, I know in many of the parks that I visit I would have to look far and wide for the office, but there is probably a realty # to call. Do you experience any trouble with water disposal or does anyone use a mat to collect water?



I hear alot of good things about getting in with parking garages, does anyone do that?
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I don't worry about water waste giving that I use QEW....one of the many advantages about it!:xyxthumbs But, if you are going to use pressure hoses, water hoses, etc., you could try a search on the internet for mobile water collection mats, and containment systems. I would also check into water waste laws in your state and county.



To give you a little hint for success with business parks....go straight to the propery management company of the office park.....the tenants will feel alot more comfortable getting solicitation from them, or knowing that you have permission from the property managment company to do your services there.:xyxthumbs
 
AutoNova.....I'm still pretty new at this business. But 2 1/2 years ago, when I started mobile detailing I was using warterless car wash, a straw switch broom and 3 or 4 spray bottles of water. It was rough, but I enjoyed it....and still do. I have been blessed to now have a S10 p/u long bed '89 model, but it's a blessing. I carry a 100 gallon water tank, electric pw for cars, gas pw for homes, etc., 3000 watt generator, Sears orbital polisher, Cyclo Polisher, shop vac and all the supplies for any job that come up. I really enjoy detailing cars. I hope I can start keeping some of the money I earn, now that I have almost everything I need for my business. You're gonna love it. I know I get a joy from doing it and to look at your work when the job is done.
 
AutoNova said:
What are some tricks to finding who manages a property?
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Ask the company who rents the building, or in a office park setting, ask one of the companies in the park. But, there normally should be signs, phone numbers, etc. outside in the office park advertising the property management company.
 
foris2 said:
AutoNova.....I'm still pretty new at this business. But 2 1/2 years ago, when I started mobile detailing I was using warterless car wash, a straw switch broom and 3 or 4 spray bottles of water. It was rough, but I enjoyed it....and still do. I have been blessed to now have a S10 p/u long bed '89 model, but it's a blessing. I carry a 100 gallon water tank, electric pw for cars, gas pw for homes, etc., 3000 watt generator, Sears orbital polisher, Cyclo Polisher, shop vac and all the supplies for any job that come up. I really enjoy detailing cars. I hope I can start keeping some of the money I earn, now that I have almost everything I need for my business. You're gonna love it. I know I get a joy from doing it and to look at your work when the job is done.
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Where did you get your equipment like the water tank and what kind of PW's do you have? How do you have it all hooked up? What type of rotary do you have for removing scratches?
 
Why don't you buy a Power Inverter about $30 - $40 that you can plug into your cigarette lighter. Make sure you know the wattage your vacuum consumes so you know what power inverter to buy. You have to run your engine to vacuum to avoid draining your battery.
 
Classy Detail said:
Why don't you buy a Power Inverter about $30 - $40 that you can plug into your cigarette lighter. Make sure you know the wattage your vacuum consumes so you know what power inverter to buy. You have to run your engine to vacuum to avoid draining your battery.
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Those inverters that are $30-40 are usually only 300-400Watts, simply not enough enough to run a powerful vacuum, if so it will not run at full potential. I wanted to get a 8000watt inverter but thats just too expensive, for that price you could get a generator. You will still have to run with the inverter with your car on so your batteries don't die.
 
well guys i detailed ONE interior today (745Li) and it took 4 1/2 hours. Guy gave me 70 bucks though



Im so picky and im a perfectionist so NOTHING gets missed..what are some things I should do to save time?



I vacuumed/spot removed,did all leather,windows,did all plastic with meguiars shine stuff.



Im trying to stop bouncing around (do the windows>vacuum>do leather,etc) and just do everything all at once. Anyways it was below 30 today and if i left the products on too long the froze ;) that sped me up a bit too
 
oh and as mentioned before, i did one guys car at his office and now i got 10 more people wanting their cars detailed, I ran out of cards people wanted them so much! its great, a big $$ office too
 
noxen-when I do interiors, I first remove everything from the vehicle, blow out the vents, crevices, etc then vacuum, starting in the front and then move the seats all the way forward (make sure you count the seconds it takes for each seat to go all the way forward so you can put it back in the right place when you finish), the vacuum the back. I then start cleaning the carpets, seats, door panels and headliner in the back since the seats are already moved up, then I move the seats all the way back and start on the front. Once the interior is cleaned, I wash and detail the outside, then clean all the windows inside and out, then dress the interior and exterior.



For me, that is the fastest and most efficient way to detail a car inside and out.
 
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