First Semi Detail. Questions.

W

willyray18

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2013
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I was contacted by an owner-operator asking to have my winter protection package performed to his Peterbilt 379. It will be wash, clayed, sealant applied, wheels and tires washed, tires dressed, exterior trim dressed, interior vacuum, steam dash, dress dash, seats steamed and sealed, door jambs cleaned.

He also wants his exhaust stacks polished. I was considering Flitz with a powerball. Would this be a good idea?

Also, what should I be on the lookout for when detailing a semi as this will be a first for me?

Thanks,
Will

View attachment 39168
 
Good luck Will. Just the chrome/stainless on that puppy will take some time.
 
willyray18 said:
How long do you think it will take? I'm just doing the exhaust pipes.
Click to expand...

DI was contacted by an owner-operator asking to have my winter protection package performed to his Peterbilt 379. It will be wash, clayed, sealant applied, wheels and tires washed, tires dressed, exterior trim dressed, interior vacuum, steam dash, dress dash, seats steamed and sealed, door jambs cleaned.


Did you not say you were doing the above?:confused:
 
^ I think he's saying the only thing he is polishing is the stacks.

I just googled "Autogeek semi truck" and came up with a bunch.

This one had some good info

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/54219-first-semi-truck-detail-help.html

And another that I have asked questions in.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/88981-semi-transport-truck-pointers.html

Not sure on price but I would say close to double you would charge for a car. Just saw a site online that starts around $400 for interior/exterior packages.
 
Figure 1hr 30 min each.If you have any kind of polisher besides a power ball you may shave the 30 minutes.If I would do that I would clean them first with stoner and fine steel wool,has to be fine 0000 on the packaging and no it won't scratch.Wipe them down with stoners,then use steelwool to remove anything stuck to them then polish with flitz.
 
Sorry. I do that sometimes too, edit after I post.

A lot of work on those big trucks. I would say charge extra for the polishing too.
 
It was in the original post lol. By Stoners, do you mean Tarminator? And I have a Harbor Freight Polisher. What type of pad should I use to polish the stacks.

Also, what would you guys charge for this job? I already priced him but I want to hear what everyone says before I reveal my price. It will be me and an employee doing the job.
 
Mantilgh said:
^ I think he's saying the only thing he is polishing is the stacks.



I just googled "Autogeek semi truck" and came up with a bunch.



This one had some good info



http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/54219-first-semi-truck-detail-help.html



And another that I have asked questions in.



http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/88981-semi-transport-truck-pointers.html



Not sure on price but I would say close to double you would charge for a car. Just saw a site online that starts around $400 for interior/exterior packages.
Click to expand...


Just saw where you posted what you found online. I told him $385 with stacks.
 
I would charge $50 per man hour. But that's based on my location and what we charge at my job. Definitely would steel wool the stacks first. Power ball would probably be good for the wheels. And if I'm not mistaken, hood on that is fiberglass. I would try some fiberglass products on that if what you are using on the rest doesn't cut it. I have done a few of these trucks. They are a PITA but they look awesome when they are done. I will try to find a picture of one.
 
willyray18 said:
It was in the original post lol. By Stoners, do you mean Tarminator? And I have a Harbor Freight Polisher. What type of pad should I use to polish the stacks.

Also, what would you guys charge for this job? I already priced him but I want to hear what everyone says before I reveal my price. It will be me and an employee doing the job.
Click to expand...

Stoners glass cleaner but you can use tarminator.frankly I would just do it by hand and skip the machine,it's not like your polishing billet.
 
At 385.00 it will be profitable for 2 guys to knock it out in 8 hrs.anything over 8hrs your reducing your hourly pay.I would try to do it by yourself more money in your pocket.
 
Would p21s metal polishing soap possibly be a good idea here? The paint and interior just look at the size and condition and break it down into regular car equivalent sizes and price based on how you would estimate that much car.

As for the metal polishing I've never really worked on much metal that wasn't in decent shape like a decently maintained bike or just exhaust tips so I'm not sure the best way to price it. If it were me I'd have to guess an amount of hours and then add an extra one hour labor into the quote to pad it a little in case I go over time.
 
GSKR said:
At 385.00 it will be profitable for 2 guys to knock it out in 8 hrs.anything over 8hrs your reducing your hourly pay.I would try to do it by yourself more money in your pocket.
Click to expand...

My mind frame was that it would take about 10 man hours since it is my first. The employee is a good buddy of mine I detail with some. He has washed a few rigs before at his previous job. My biggest fear was running out of daylight. If I can get it done comfortably in 8-10 hours I will start doing them solo.

David Hayward said:
Would p21s metal polishing soap possibly be a good idea here? The paint and interior just look at the size and condition and break it down into regular car equivalent sizes and price based on how you would estimate that much car.

As for the metal polishing I've never really worked on much metal that wasn't in decent shape like a decently maintained bike or just exhaust tips so I'm not sure the best way to price it. If it were me I'd have to guess an amount of hours and then add an extra one hour labor into the quote to pad it a little in case I go over time.
Click to expand...


Have you used p21s soap before? If so, care to chime in on it? I have no experience with that product.
 
8 to 10 hrs can be done.but your biggest enemy will be those wheels,it's gonna eat you alive.for 385 what are his expectations of tanks and wheels is he gonna have X-ray vision for 385.
 
GSKR said:
8 to 10 hrs can be done.but your biggest enemy will be those wheels,it's gonna eat you alive.for 385 what are his expectations of tanks and wheels is he gonna have X-ray vision for 385.
Click to expand...


I only told him I would do the exhaust pipes, not the wheels or tanks. I would just wash and dry them.
 
Oh then your golden, 8 hr should be no promblem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top