Mobile Van still in progress!

Kristopher1129 said:
Oh my bad. I thought you said a truck, ha.

I personally think the Astro will give you plenty of space. I know some will say it's not big enough for what they wanna do. But, I don't see it being a problem. I could see if you were hooking up a wash system with an engine and everything. But I'm just gonna us an electric PW.

A full size van IMO isn't really necessary. But, it's all personal preference.
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I personally love astros but knowing that most of the times you might not need a tank maybe a full size van is not really necessary also gas is climbing.

Exotic Auto Detail via tapatalk
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

I mean if your going full mobile I would not rule out the water tank. Some people live in apartments and they don't have an water for you to lose. Meaning you lose $$$, I would get try to get 75 gallon water tank.
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

The DIY liners would probably work out for most of you on this forum for detailing use. It is a lot cheaper than paying for a shop to do a spray. The key is prep-work; just like anything else. My friend's girlfriend rolled liner into her bronco II and it looked really good. Or maybe that was her that looked good.lol As long the surface is prep'd and clean, and you don't miss any spots rolling it, it should look legit and wear pretty good.
As far as the weight issue for the suspension, water weighs 8lbs per gallon. Add that to the weight of the rest of your equipment, and see what you vehicles capacity is and go from there. I would think a large van would be able to support the weight with out issues. As long as you aren't low riding the van you should be fine.lol Maybe the less obvious thing to check is the weight each tire can hold and always keeping them at the max side wall psi suggested plus some.
Where would I find the water tank for a truck? With these water tanks, do you just hook a pump inline with the tank and the water hose?
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

ExoticAutoDetai said:
I personally love astros but knowing that most of the times you might not need a tank maybe a full size van is not really necessary also gas is climbing.

Exotic Auto Detail via tapatalk
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slickooz said:
I mean if your going full mobile I would not rule out the water tank. Some people live in apartments and they don't have an water for you to lose. Meaning you lose $$$, I would get try to get 75 gallon water tank.
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Agreed, I wouldn't rule out the water tank. You will absolutely kick yourself when a customer doesn't have water for you (or doesn't want you to use their water). I just want all my bases covered by having everything I'm gonna need. If they have a car sitting in the middle of a huge parking lot...I'll still be able to detail it.

Another plus side to it...is that if you get a business account, a lot of times they won't want you setup right outside their door. If you have your own water, and generator...you can move to the back of the parking lot, and not disrupt the operation of their business. :xyxthumbs:

ShaunD said:
The DIY liners would probably work out for most of you on this forum for detailing use. It is a lot cheaper than paying for a shop to do a spray. The key is prep-work; just like anything else. My friend's girlfriend rolled liner into her bronco II and it looked really good. Or maybe that was her that looked good.lol As long the surface is prep'd and clean, and you don't miss any spots rolling it, it should look legit and wear pretty good.
As far as the weight issue for the suspension, water weighs 8lbs per gallon. Add that to the weight of the rest of your equipment, and see what you vehicles capacity is and go from there. I would think a large van would be able to support the weight with out issues. As long as you aren't low riding the van you should be fine.lol Maybe the less obvious thing to check is the weight each tire can hold and always keeping them at the max side wall psi suggested plus some.
Where would I find the water tank for a truck? With these water tanks, do you just hook a pump inline with the tank and the water hose?
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Cool man, thanks. I'll check that out. I'm probably just gonna buy a cargo liner to slide in. I've found them on various sites. They're pre cut to fit. Doesn't get much easier than that.

As for the truck bed water tanks. I've been checking out this site that sells all kinds of tanks. Their prices are fair too. Here's a link...

Plastic-Mart - Truck Bed Water Tanks :
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

ShaunD said:
With these water tanks, do you just hook a pump inline with the tank and the water hose?
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Yep that's it. I got an electric one and kinda of a smaller one to help maintain how fast I use the water. (you don't want to run out) So I wired in another car battery in the back of the truck to turn the pump on with a flip of the switch and another switch to let the truck charge the battery in the back of the bed when driving around. It works just fine for me.
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

Nice van! Appears to be ready for your own personal touch! I have my Escalade SUV,and I carry everything. I rarely or never use anything of the customers. I just like the idea of having it all in the truck.
Keep us aware of the changes!
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

Why not plan on doing a rinseless wash if the vehicle is out of water service? That would drastically cut down on water used.

Also, if it's too dirty to do that, you could always take it to a coin-op after explaining to the client you are insured. :xyxthumbs:
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

Kristopher1129 said:
Agreed, I wouldn't rule out the water tank. You will absolutely kick yourself when a customer doesn't have water for you (or doesn't want you to use their water). I just want all my bases covered by having everything I'm gonna need. If they have a car sitting in the middle of a huge parking lot...I'll still be able to detail it.

Another plus side to it...is that if you get a business account, a lot of times they won't want you setup right outside their door. If you have your own water, and generator...you can move to the back of the parking lot, and not disrupt the operation of their business. :xyxthumbs:




Cool man, thanks. I'll check that out. I'm probably just gonna buy a cargo liner to slide in. I've found them on various sites. They're pre cut to fit. Doesn't get much easier than that.

As for the truck bed water tanks. I've been checking out this site that sells all kinds of tanks. Their prices are fair too. Here's a link...

Plastic-Mart - Truck Bed Water Tanks :
Click to expand...

I wonder how those Plastic water tanks hold up in the winter though. You might want to look into that because obviously water expands when it freezes and it might crack the plastic (depending on how thick the plastic is). It does look pretty durable so, you should be okay. Just something to look into. Good luck!
 
Showroom Shine said:
Nice van! Appears to be ready for your own personal touch! I have my Escalade SUV,and I carry everything. I rarely or never use anything of the customers. I just like the idea of having it all in the truck.
Keep us aware of the changes!
Click to expand...

Thanks man! I hear that. I'd just rather not use the generator all day if I don't have to. I really could care less about having to use my water tank. That's no big deal. But the generator noise can be frustrating. But, I haven't exactly gotten any mobile experience yet...so who knows what I'll settle into doing. Just all preference I guess. :cheers:

aerogt01 said:
Why not plan on doing a rinseless wash if the vehicle is out of water service? That would drastically cut down on water used.

Also, if it's too dirty to do that, you could always take it to a coin-op after explaining to the client you are insured. :xyxthumbs:
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I will be doing rinseless and waterless washes for property with water containment issues. But I'm partial to a pressure wash. I just feel it does a more thorough job. The coin op is definitely something I would consider if I didn't have a shop. But, if a vehicle is that grimy...they can drop it off at my shop. :dblthumb2:
 
Re: Mobile can still in progress!

STI4Life06 said:
I wonder how those Plastic water tanks hold up in the winter though. You might want to look into that because obviously water expands when it freezes and it might crack the plastic (depending on how thick the plastic is). It does look pretty durable so, you should be okay. Just something to look into. Good luck!
Click to expand...

I'm sure if you let the water freeze inside, it may become an issue. But, that's not a concern of mine cause my van will be parked inside every night. Plus, I do have a shop. So mobile will only be available in the spring, and into partial fall. Once it gets cold, the tank will remain empty till spring again. :xyxthumbs:

I would imagine if you filled it up fresh everyday...you would be fine. It would take hours to freeze that much water. But then again...if it's a truck bed tank, you may have a problem. Inside a van you would be good though. As long as you emptied it out at the end of the day. I'm gonna put a release valve in my tank so I can just let it drain right outside the side sliding door.
 
I don't have a van. I've got a quad cab dodge dakota. I use a 55 gallon low profile tank with a 12V pump. The pump provides water pressure to my electric pressure washer. Its a small unit but does a good job for me. I can usually wash three larger vehicles or 4 smaller ones before needing a refill. Having said that I love ONR. Its enable me to work all day with the tank 1/2 full and come home with some left. YMMV. I really don't want to need a trailer.
 
Little update on the van. I just had all the brakes changed, cause they were not so good. Found out one of the break lines is leaking pretty bad. Also, the reverse lights, and break lights were out for some reason, AND apparently I don't have a key to the back door lock, and the handle is broken!!!!

So, brakes are fixed. Fixed the light problem today. Also took apart the lock mechanism, and the handle. Bought a new lock cylinder (gotta have a locksmith give me a key), bought a new handle, and I have an appointment with my mechanic for the brake line, and an inspection.

I just want to start working on the inside of this thing!

The good news is...once the brake line is fixed, it should pass inspection with flying colors (crossing fingers). Also, the lock and handle should be the end of my ventures with mechanic/cosmetic work. Plus, I did get all my custom made bottle holders made. They're just waiting to be put on. So I got that goin for me, haha. :xyxthumbs:
 
Don't be surprised if it needs idler arms for inspection, unless of course they were already replaced. If you need them get Moog brand because they are the fix for the Astro's idler arm problem. I'm glad to hear you're getting it all together. :props:
 
tuscarora dave said:
Don't be surprised if it needs idler arms for inspection, unless of course they were already replaced. If you need them get Moog brand because they are the fix for the Astro's idler arm problem. I'm glad to hear you're getting it all together. :props:
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I'm trying!! Stuff keeps coming up. But, I really feel like it's coming together finally. I definitely underestimated the amount of work it takes to get this done right.

My original deadline was April. By then I want it to be stocked, ready, and tested at least a few times.

I actually made my first appointment for mobile...but it's not necessarily a paying job. It's a barter between me, and a guy I've gone to for professional photos before. I'm gonna go by his house on a sunday, and detail his SUV in and out while he takes photos. He's gonna put together some high def video for me as well. Should be a great test for the mobile unit, as well as a great opportunity to add some really cool action shots to my mobile page on the website! :dblthumb2:
 
Win-Win for sure on the bartering deal. I do a lot of bartering for the things I need.
 
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