Mobile Detailing setup in a car? Show me pics!

[jarred767]

I would not suggest using a car to do mobile detailing. It is certainly possible but you will find yourself in a situation where you will be very restricted on what equipment you can carry.

I use a 7 passenger Dodge Caravan that was converted into a cargo mini-van by removing all the seats except the front 2 ones.

So even with that much space, I have to make compromises on what I can bring with me. And I don't even have a hot water extractor yet (next purchase this spring).

If I had to do it out of a car, I would be pulling my hair out trying to fit everything.

It can definitely be done. I have been working out of my HHR for over a year now and brought in over 80k in sales (it's a full time job, not just something I do out of my car in the weekends or something). I don't have a generator, as I've never felt like I really needed it, but could add a small one for emergencies if I needed it. You might have to get creative, but it can definitely be done.

 

[OTSDetail]

It can definitely be done. I have been working out of my HHR for over a year now and brought in over 80k in sales (it's a full time job, not just something I do out of my car in the weekends or something). I don't have a generator, as I've never felt like I really needed it, but could add a small one for emergencies if I needed it. You might have to get creative, but it can definitely be done.

I don't see why it'd be an issue. Seen a bunch of people detailing out of Transit Connects... which is comparable to the HHR. The end goal is a transit connect... can't wait to get one.

 

[Eldorado2k]

I can carry everything I need in the trunk of my Cadillac, except for my 14 gallon Ridgid vacuum, which fits in my backseat
But of course I don't have a water tank, generator or air compressor. At least for now.

... But other than that, it fits. Lol.

Stepping stones..

 

[OTSDetail]

Yeah it seems feasible if you dont carry all the somewhat unnecessary things. I know I can definitely fit most of my setup in my car. pressure washer and all in the back seat!

 

[vanev]

Here's my HHR

Here's Josue's HHR

And his whole thread on his build too http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rs/76233-hhr-panel-mobile-detailing-unit.html

You guys win!

I've been looking for a transit connect for a long time. Gotta meet strict requirements though cuz i don't have a lot of extra money to spend on one. which is essentially why i want to do it out of my car.

Yeah I've read your thread a few months ago. I love this setup. You are my inspiration for when the time comes to get a transit connect!

I have driven a Transit Connect, among other trucks and vans, at my job for the last three years.
I really like it and have thought about purchasing one.

They are not good on gas, I will tell you that.
Not sure what the listed MPG is, but it is not fuel efficient in real world driving.
If you are going through mountainous regions, much worse.
Seems to really lack power going up mountains.

 

[jcaustin87]

I have driven a Transit Connect, among other trucks and vans, at my job for the last three years.
I really like it and have thought about purchasing one.

They are not good on gas, I will tell you that.
Not sure what the listed MPG is, but it is not fuel efficient in real world driving.
If you are going through mountainous regions, much worse.
Seems to really lack power going up mountains.

The ADT guy showed up in one. I asked him how he liked his and he said he loves the space hates the drivetrain. He definitely feels they are underpowered. I asked him if he thought it was all the extra gear they tacked on and he agreed that he thought that was it as well until he went to a Ford Dealership and test drove one bare stock.

 

[Calendyr]

It can definitely be done. I have been working out of my HHR for over a year now and brought in over 80k in sales (it's a full time job, not just something I do out of my car in the weekends or something). I don't have a generator, as I've never felt like I really needed it, but could add a small one for emergencies if I needed it. You might have to get creative, but it can definitely be done.

Ok... but that's not really a car... I would consider that a small van. Then I think car I am thinking Sedan or Hatchback.

I have done a few jobs with my Accent hatchback when I started. It was a very tight fit and I had about a third of the gear and products I now have.

It is possible, but it's a pain.

A HHR or a Connect is not huge but has plenty of space so they can work very well.

 

[215Detailing]

Hope this may help
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...36-project-camry-my-mobile-detail-set-up.html

 

[GSKR]

I know at least a few of you detail out of a normal sedan or car. I am looking to possibly get in to mobile detailing in the spring to expand my business and am looking for ideas for making it work in a sedan! I currently have a 2014 Mustang (not gonna detail out of) and my 2005 Focus ZX4 sedan. I am looking for ideas for an in car detailing setup. I don't need to go full out since I'm still not a high volume shop, so hypothetically a 25 gallon water tank would do me just fine. If you do it out of a car, show me your setup! I am not opposed to putting a hitch on the car and towing a light trailer setup either, but for practicality a price purposes, a full in car setup would be ideal!

I would put a small trailer behind it kinda makes you more legit and professional,but it's what you can afford right now so either way it will work.I find a trailer would be simplicity for you either way merry Christmas.

 

[jarred767]

Ok... but that's not really a car... I would consider that a small van. Then I think car I am thinking Sedan or Hatchback.

I have done a few jobs with my Accent hatchback when I started. It was a very tight fit and I had about a third of the gear and products I now have.

It is possible, but it's a pain.

A HHR or a Connect is not huge but has plenty of space so they can work very well.

Maybe it's not really fair, but it's one of a kind. A connect van drives line a van, my HHR most definitely drives like a car, and that's huge for me. I am not a fan of SUVs, trucks, or vans (driving them that is) and the HHR doesn't drive like them at all. It drives like a car, gets gas mileage like a car, but has the space of small cargo van! In my eyes, it's the perfect combo.:dblthumb2:

 

[Eldorado2k]

@Jarred767. Sweet looking rig

 

[Calendyr]

Maybe it's not really fair, but it's one of a kind. A connect van drives line a van, my HHR most definitely drives like a car, and that's huge for me. I am not a fan of SUVs, trucks, or vans (driving them that is) and the HHR doesn't drive like them at all. It drives like a car, gets gas mileage like a car, but has the space of small cargo van! In my eyes, it's the perfect combo.:dblthumb2:

I have never seen one here in Montreal, maybe they are not available in Canada or simply not popular.

In any case, it's a nice vehicle. The lack of side windows at the back and the lines of the vehicles make it really easy to have a nice wrap or decals. It looks very professional.

Had I seen this vehicle before purchasing my Caravan, I might have gone for it.

As for driving, I know what you mean. I like sporty manual cars... big difference driving the Caravan LOL

 

[vanev]

This is not all of it, but most of it, for now.

 

[OTSDetail]

looks nice

 

[GSKR]

I don't see why it'd be an issue. Seen a bunch of people detailing out of Transit Connects... which is comparable to the HHR. The end goal is a transit connect... can't wait to get one.

got one fully loaded,gen water tank compressor racks bins the whole deal good little truck.coming up on 90k no promblems at all.

 

[Eldorado2k]

@Vanev. What kind of spray bottles/sprayers are those? [the blue ones]

 

[vanev]

@Vanev. What kind of spray bottles/sprayers are those? [the blue ones]

Haha.
They are from the dollar store, Dollar Tree.
I have 20 of them, lol.

I must say.
I had little expectation of them.
I really could not be happier with both the bottle and the sprayer.

At first, they feel all wrong in your hand regarding ergonomics.
The trigger sprayer is on a constant swivel, never locking into place.
I only purchased them to get started.

I gotta say, these cheapo bottles are really great.
It did not take but one day for me to get used to them.
I intend to buy 10-20 more, lol.

Over time, I will overhaul the spray bottle inventory.
For now, going cheap is paying off in a big way.

 

[Eldorado2k]

I have some spray bottles from the dollar store. I actually have a whole backup set of them. But they're clear, not cool looking blue like yours. The also spin freely at the top like you describe.

 

[OTSDetail]

I have some spray bottles from the dollar store. I actually have a whole backup set of them. But they're clear, not cool looking blue like yours. The also spin freely at the top like you describe.

I'd rock em for the price. I don't really like the fact they spin freely, though.

I need to convert to all Kwazar bottles, but DAMN that's a huge expense just for bottles.

I currently use some bottles from home depot. like $3/pc but they work decent until you drop them. (ask me how I know)

 

[Eldorado2k]

I'd rock em for the price. I don't really like the fact they spin freely, though.

I have a complete set and then some of the Meguiars bottles w/Tolco chemical resistant sprayers. 12 bottles in all. The ones from the dollar store are there just in case, but I almost never have to use them except for when I need to measure a dilution.