Mobile Van still in progress!

B&B Tennessee said:
I think it will be a great addition bro - even if you only make an extra 100 a day..... that is a chunk at the end of the month :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

For sure man. Once I go out and dish out brochures and talk to some people....I'm sure I'm gonna come out of that with some serious accounts/customers. My biggest problem is how to operate both at the same time. If I could...I would do all the work myself, ha. I hate leaving the quality of my service in someone elses hands. Can't stand that!!
 
Kristopher1129 said:
For sure man. Once I go out and dish out brochures and talk to some people....I'm sure I'm gonna come out of that with some serious accounts/customers. My biggest problem is how to operate both at the same time. If I could...I would do all the work myself, ha. I hate leaving the quality of my service in someone elses hands. Can't stand that!!
Click to expand...

Yeah feel ya there - let one of my guys take over today - while I went and marketed..... he does a great job but he missed some spots that my OCD A** noticed. Maybe nothing to the client but a big deal to me..... just shows me that I am not ready to let someone do the work when I am not there sadly.
 
B&B Tennessee said:
Yeah feel ya there - let one of my guys take over today - while I went and marketed..... he does a great job but he missed some spots that my OCD A** noticed. Maybe nothing to the client but a big deal to me..... just shows me that I am not ready to let someone do the work when I am not there sadly.
Click to expand...

I ain't ready either. Probably never will be, ha.
 
Van looks sweet man...nice job:dblthumb2:. I buckled down and got myself a few goodies over the weekend...finally got myself an air compressor (only 3 gallon but 135 psi...will work good with a 3" DA and good for blowin out interiors). Got my work platform (cant wait till it gets here). Finally got a cordless drill (should help a lot with headlight jobs...no more cords!). Got a spray painter for the air compressor...also got the equivalent of a 'foam cannon'...from HD though and it was only $17 rather than $120....now i need a power washer.

I'm kinda torn...I like the size of an electrical...and since i'd be staying in one spot the extension cord wont be a big problem (ive used one before to power wash a house...BIG pain in the a$$..cord and hose kept gettin tangled). But they only range around 1800-2000 PSI. I like the 'hook up and go' part of a gas powered one...and the fact its more powerful...but almost more expensive/bulky.

What kind do you have, how much PSI does it have and how do you like it?

BTW can't wait to see the full write up on your van from start to finish :)
 
Very COOL Kristopher!!
You're inspiring me to go get a van!! Ha! Just don't tell my wife....
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
Van looks sweet man...nice job:dblthumb2:. I buckled down and got myself a few goodies over the weekend...finally got myself an air compressor (only 3 gallon but 135 psi...will work good with a 3" DA and good for blowin out interiors). Got my work platform (cant wait till it gets here). Finally got a cordless drill (should help a lot with headlight jobs...no more cords!). Got a spray painter for the air compressor...also got the equivalent of a 'foam cannon'...from HD though and it was only $17 rather than $120....now i need a power washer.

I'm kinda torn...I like the size of an electrical...and since i'd be staying in one spot the extension cord wont be a big problem (ive used one before to power wash a house...BIG pain in the a$$..cord and hose kept gettin tangled). But they only range around 1800-2000 PSI. I like the 'hook up and go' part of a gas powered one...and the fact its more powerful...but almost more expensive/bulky.

What kind do you have, how much PSI does it have and how do you like it?

BTW can't wait to see the full write up on your van from start to finish :)
Click to expand...

Well, I can't really comment much on my pressure washer since I haven't really used it. I did a ton of research and this one was the way to go as far as reviews go. I got a Stanley 1.4 gpm electric. I tried it out yesterday, and it seemed to work pretty good. But I had a leak on one of my hoses that I had to fix and it was messing with the PWs performance. But, I fixed that now...and I assume it would work fine.

jimmyjam said:
Very COOL Kristopher!!
You're inspiring me to go get a van!! Ha! Just don't tell my wife....
Click to expand...

Thanks man! I won't tell your wife, ha. :dblthumb2:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Well, I can't really comment much on my pressure washer since I haven't really used it. I did a ton of research and this one was the way to go as far as reviews go. I got a Stanley 1.4 gpm electric. I tried it out yesterday, and it seemed to work pretty good. But I had a leak on one of my hoses that I had to fix and it was messing with the PWs performance. But, I fixed that now...and I assume it would work fine.
Click to expand...


Hmm ok...you happen to have a link to the exact one you got..and where did you buy from?
 
Kristopher1129 said:
I believe I got it from Home Depot online. Here's a link to the one I have.

Stanley 1800 PSI 1.4 GPM Maintenance Free Pump Electric Pressure Washer - P1800S-BB at The Home Depot
Click to expand...


That one looks pretty cool Kris..1800 is pretty decent PSI for cars i'd think..does it have a fan spray head or just they orbital type of head? We had an electric one before but we were using it to prep to paint a house..just didnt have enough kick so we got a troy built that is about 2200 psi..gas powered...has worked really well...kinda heavy but has more than paid for itself IMO. But just too big to haul around in our car lol...now if i had a nice van like SOME people then i might consider it :). The stanley one LOOKS cool too..i know thats not a HUGE factor but..i like my equipment to look good as well as work good :dblthumb2:
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
That one looks pretty cool Kris..1800 is pretty decent PSI for cars i'd think..does it have a fan spray head or just they orbital type of head? We had an electric one before but we were using it to prep to paint a house..just didnt have enough kick so we got a troy built that is about 2200 psi..gas powered...has worked really well...kinda heavy but has more than paid for itself IMO. But just too big to haul around in our car lol...now if i had a nice van like SOME people then i might consider it :). The stanley one LOOKS cool too..i know thats not a HUGE factor but..i like my equipment to look good as well as work good :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Yeah I agree. It does look cool, ha. I simply bought it for the reviews. I think it has a fan nozzle. I'll probably change it anyways. Or maybe I won't...who knows. Definitely don't need much psi just to wash a car. My main reason is to cut down on the water use. 1.4 gpm is pretty good.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Yeah I agree. It does look cool, ha. I simply bought it for the reviews. I think it has a fan nozzle. I'll probably change it anyways. Or maybe I won't...who knows. Definitely don't need much psi just to wash a car. My main reason is to cut down on the water use. 1.4 gpm is pretty good.
Click to expand...


Yeah thats true...so funny how some simple tools (not the super high grade stuff even) can make a job so much easier. Used my cordless drill for the 1st time today on a side job...was SO much nicer not having to drag a damn cord around..especially when you're up on a roof like i was !:nomore: A pressure washer would be super nice for hard to reach areas too like wheel wells (which i HATE doing). The steamer I bought has already paid for itself even in the week ive used it. Again not a $700...but a $75 craigslist one...now true it doesnt run as hot...but still close to 200 degrees is damn hot...and saves our hands from having to scrub so much on interiors...as well as saves on us having to use so many chemicals. Powerwasher is next...just need to keep business coming in!
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
Yeah thats true...so funny how some simple tools (not the super high grade stuff even) can make a job so much easier. Used my cordless drill for the 1st time today on a side job...was SO much nicer not having to drag a damn cord around..especially when you're up on a roof like i was !:nomore: A pressure washer would be super nice for hard to reach areas too like wheel wells (which i HATE doing). The steamer I bought has already paid for itself even in the week ive used it. Again not a $700...but a $75 craigslist one...now true it doesnt run as hot...but still close to 200 degrees is damn hot...and saves our hands from having to scrub so much on interiors...as well as saves on us having to use so many chemicals. Powerwasher is next...just need to keep business coming in!
Click to expand...

Stay motivated...and the work will come buddy. :dblthumb2:
 
Well, since mother nature is a real pain in my ass and decided to slap us with another snow storm in April...I got some work done on the mobile van cause my customer rescheduled.

So, I emptied it out and removed one of the cabinets that it came with. I found this one to just flat out be in the way. By taking it out I freed up some seriously useful space. I was able to mount the air compressor, pressure washer, and the generator in that general area. Enough talking...here's some pics cause I know you guys have been dying for me to shutup and take pictures, haha...


Here's the compressor, pressure washer, and generator. The generator obviously isn't secured yet. But I think it will be bracketed down in this area so I can easily roll it out with a ramp.

NED_421.jpg


Here's a picture from the back looking in. I think I'll keep the shelving that is in there now. It will be useful in one way shape or form.

NED_422.jpg


I also hung a couple cord, and hose racks to the right. (sorry for the dark picture...but you're not missing much anyways, ha)

NED_424.jpg


Here's the part I really liked, and worked better than I originally thought. This is my bottle holders for spray bottles, and applicator bottles. Had my buddy custom make these bad boys. They fit perfect, and are solid as a rock. I will be doing the same thing on the other back door. But I have to change out the lock cylinder and door handle on that side...so the little plate that goes over the door is off at the moment.

NED_423.jpg



So, that's where I'm at currently. I have the Aztec extractor already, and I actually JUST took it out of the box and put the wheels on. That's going in as well, just don't know where or how I'm gonna stabilize it. I also have a water tank coming in the mail. Then I need a wet/dry vac. Things are coming around real quick!!

Any suggestions, comments, feedback of any kind is welcome. I'm trying to get setup as best as possible right from the start. :dblthumb2:
 
Looks awesome Kris! Those holders on the back door are awesome. Definitely something I'd want if I ever got a mobile rig up and going. Your going to be up and running in no time.
 
SeaJay's said:
Looks awesome Kris! Those holders on the back door are awesome. Definitely something I'd want if I ever got a mobile rig up and going. Your going to be up and running in no time.
Click to expand...

Thanks buddy! Hopefully I'll be hitting the road with my portfolio, some customer sheets, brochures, and my fully functional mobile van. I'm pretty damn excited, ha. :dblthumb2:

Just a side note too: Those spray bottles I got from Home Depot, 96 cents each. Thought that was a pretty damn good deal. I also bought 4 of the more expensive SprayMaster 5 Year Warranty bottles for my heavy degreaser, and wheel acid.
 
Awesome man...looks great. So are you going to just have super long hose for the compressor, or take it out on the job? (what kinda compressor is it anyway and what ways do ya use it?)

I love those HD bottles too...work great for 96c..ive got about 4 or 5...but i like these even more RL Flo-Master 4-Pint Hand Sprayer - 56HD at The Home Depot ....talk about a hand saver...especially for engines and tires. Just pump it up and spray...plus less refills :). Lowes has one thats similar and has a brass tip rather than plastic...I dont think they will fit in your holders but...just something to consider.

Also you said you need a wet/dry vac. I got a 12 Gallon Shop Vac (the actual brand) that is a 5.5 Peak HP and really like it...have had it for about 2 1/2 years and have used it for other stuff besides detailing (like sucking the water out of the bottom of a pool we drained) and it never skipped a beat. PLUS it converts to a leaf blower...which we use EVERY detail...since we have no compressor...i use the blower to blow dry most of the vehicle while my sis follow behind drying...can do a whole SUV with 1 MF towel. Just my 2cents :)

Lookin good man..cant wait to see the extractor...
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
Awesome man...looks great. So are you going to just have super long hose for the compressor, or take it out on the job? (what kinda compressor is it anyway and what ways do ya use it?)

I love those HD bottles too...work great for 96c..ive got about 4 or 5...but i like these even more RL Flo-Master 4-Pint Hand Sprayer - 56HD at The Home Depot ....talk about a hand saver...especially for engines and tires. Just pump it up and spray...plus less refills :). Lowes has one thats similar and has a brass tip rather than plastic...I dont think they will fit in your holders but...just something to consider.

Also you said you need a wet/dry vac. I got a 12 Gallon Shop Vac (the actual brand) that is a 5.5 Peak HP and really like it...have had it for about 2 1/2 years and have used it for other stuff besides detailing (like sucking the water out of the bottom of a pool we drained) and it never skipped a beat. PLUS it converts to a leaf blower...which we use EVERY detail...since we have no compressor...i use the blower to blow dry most of the vehicle while my sis follow behind drying...can do a whole SUV with 1 MF towel. Just my 2cents :)

Lookin good man..cant wait to see the extractor...
Click to expand...

Thanks man! The compressor I bought the other day. I wrote up a thread about it cause I got a crazy deal...and I've never seen a compressor like this one. Here's the thread, check it out...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/34301-got-awesome-deal-interesting-compressor-today.html

The bottles I just bought on a whim at Home Depot this morning. I bought 21 of those orange handled ones, and 4 of the spraymaster heavy duty bottles for acid and degreaser.

Those pump and spray bottles I've tried a few times with poor results. They are kind of a pain in my opinion. I like them for particular things. But just a plain old spray bottle works for me.

As for the vac...I usually just pick up the 6 HP Rigid vacs from Home Depot for $99. They've always served me well.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Thanks man! The compressor I bought the other day. I wrote up a thread about it cause I got a crazy deal...and I've never seen a compressor like this one. Here's the thread, check it out...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...wesome-deal-interesting-compressor-today.html

The bottles I just bought on a whim at Home Depot this morning. I bought 21 of those orange handled ones, and 4 of the spraymaster heavy duty bottles for acid and degreaser.

Those pump and spray bottles I've tried a few times with poor results. They are kind of a pain in my opinion. I like them for particular things. But just a plain old spray bottle works for me.

As for the vac...I usually just pick up the 6 HP Rigid vacs from Home Depot for $99. They've always served me well.
Click to expand...


Cool compressor, ive never seen one like that either....really different. Im in the hunt for a bigger one that what i just ordered lol...i kinda got the painting 'itch' after i ordered it...so i need more CFM...so gotta upgrade...might end up on craigslist lol :)..ive gotten lucky with buying off there SO FAR...hope my luck continues.

The pump guns have worked great for me...i have 3...APC,APC+ and degreaser. For dressings i use the regular spray trigger bottles.

Know whats funny about those rigid vacs? They arn't made by rigid lol...home depot owns the rights to the "rigid' name...and just uses em on the shop vacs...i thought that was kinda funny.

The shop vac i told you about was only $60 or 70 during an x-mas sale...im broke all the time so i really have to shop for good deals...and that was one of the best investments so far.

You sound like you've been through a few of those rigid ones...you just have a few at your shop or have you burned a few out.
 
What kind of Generator you got kris? Whats a good output power for a generator to have for a mobile business?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top