Mobile Van still in progress!

Well, here's another update just in case anyone still cares, haha.

The good news: The break lines were leaking only cause they needed to be bled, not replaced. That's the only break I've gotten on this van so far, ha.

The bad news: When I took it to the mechanic to get inspected...he found rot on the front end chassis. Didn't wanna hear that at ALL at this point in the build. Basically, the chassis holding the radiator in place, was detached from the sub frame due to rust rotting out around the plate connecting to the frame and the bushings. That probably makes no sense...but that's how I understood it.

So, the whole entire front end had to be disassembled to even reach the spot for repair. Luckily the plate, and the bushings were still strongly connected to the frame. So we just had to reconnect the chassis to the plate with new steel welds. So that's what we did. How much did it cost me? Zero! That's the good part of the bad news, haha.

My Pepere is a mechanic, and my girlfriends dad is a welder. Problem solved. So, it's back at the mechanic right now waiting to hopefully pass inspection with flying colors tomorrow. Wish me luck. If it doesn't pass...I'm blowing it up. :D
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Well, here's another update just in case anyone still cares, haha.

The good news: The break lines were leaking only cause they needed to be bled, not replaced. That's the only break I've gotten on this van so far, ha.

The bad news: When I took it to the mechanic to get inspected...he found rot on the front end chassis. Didn't wanna hear that at ALL at this point in the build. Basically, the chassis holding the radiator in place, was detached from the sub frame due to rust rotting out around the plate connecting to the frame and the bushings. That probably makes no sense...but that's how I understood it.

So, the whole entire front end had to be disassembled to even reach the spot for repair. Luckily the plate, and the bushings were still strongly connected to the frame. So we just had to reconnect the chassis to the plate with new steel welds. So that's what we did. How much did it cost me? Zero! That's the good part of the bad news, haha.

My Pepere is a mechanic, and my girlfriends dad is a welder. Problem solved. So, it's back at the mechanic right now waiting to hopefully pass inspection with flying colors tomorrow. Wish me luck. If it doesn't pass...I'm blowing it up. :D
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Dont blow it up! Grab some spray cans and spray some crazy designs and take it to the derby crash!!!
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Fantastic idea. It's all wheel drive too...I would kick ass, ha.
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Make sure to apply some 845 before u take it to the derby! Im sure it will come out looking just as it did when it went it. Some say 845 is the only thing that will survive when the world comes to an end! :)
 
93fox said:
Make sure to apply some 845 before u take it to the derby! Im sure it will come out looking just as it did when it went it. Some say 845 is the only thing that will survive when the world comes to an end! :)
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Hopefully I don't have to take it to the derby. I finally think I'm in the clear for a sticker this time. I'm kind of excited to just be able to actually drive it legally, ha. Must be nice to live in a state that doesn't require inspection!

In New Hampshire you don't have to wear a helmet when riding your motorcycle...but you have to get your vehicle inspected, haha.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Hopefully I don't have to take it to the derby. I finally think I'm in the clear for a sticker this time. I'm kind of excited to just be able to actually drive it legally, ha. Must be nice to live in a state that doesn't require inspection!

In New Hampshire you don't have to wear a helmet when riding your motorcycle...but you have to get your vehicle inspected, haha.
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Wow, there are some really dumb laws out there! Anywho, i hope your van passes inspection! If it does, make sure to do a burn out outside the mechanic shop!
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Hopefully I don't have to take it to the derby. I finally think I'm in the clear for a sticker this time. I'm kind of excited to just be able to actually drive it legally, ha. Must be nice to live in a state that doesn't require inspection!

In New Hampshire you don't have to wear a helmet when riding your motorcycle...but you have to get your vehicle inspected, haha.
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At least your not in MA! You have to wear a helmet, pay sales tax, and have your vehicle inspected!

Hope everything goes well with the van today!:props:
 
Good luck on the inspection. If you do blow it up take some good video for us to watch as we've enjoyed the journey to get your mobile going.
 
mdb917 said:
Good luck on the inspection. If you do blow it up take some good video for us to watch as we've enjoyed the journey to get your mobile going.
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Oh, there will be video, ha. Hopefully I'm good to go though. That way this thread can continue in a positive way. Instead of just turning into a Mythbusters episode, ha. :D

I really haven't seen much help on the forum as far as mobile setups go. So, I'm really hoping I can fill in the gap at least a little bit by giving people the experience I went through.

I think when it's all said and done...I'm going to make a new thread and really breakdown in detail everything that has been done from square one, to the present. I'll give what I paid in the end. List my equipment, and what that costs, etc. Hopefully that helps some people out. It's honestly been a LOT harder than I thought it would be. I definitely have full respect for those out there with a home built mobile setup...cause I see now how much learning is actually involved.

That being said, if I had to choose again between building my own, and just buying an already pre-made setup...I would still go this route no question. I think you save a TON of money, and in the end you have what YOU want and need. But, I think maybe I would get a new van, haha. :props:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
That being said, if I had to choose again between building my own, and just buying an already pre-made setup...I would still go this route no question. I think you save a TON of money, and in the end you have what YOU want and need. But, I think maybe I would get a new van, haha. :props:
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:iagree: Well said. I'll try to post some pics of my setup as well.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Oh, there will be video, ha. Hopefully I'm good to go though. That way this thread can continue in a positive way. Instead of just turning into a Mythbusters episode, ha. :D

I really haven't seen much help on the forum as far as mobile setups go. So, I'm really hoping I can fill in the gap at least a little bit by giving people the experience I went through.

I think when it's all said and done...I'm going to make a new thread and really breakdown in detail everything that has been done from square one, to the present. I'll give what I paid in the end. List my equipment, and what that costs, etc. Hopefully that helps some people out. It's honestly been a LOT harder than I thought it would be. I definitely have full respect for those out there with a home built mobile setup...cause I see now how much learning is actually involved.

That being said, if I had to choose again between building my own, and just buying an already pre-made setup...I would still go this route no question. I think you save a TON of money, and in the end you have what YOU want and need. But, I think maybe I would get a new van, haha. :props:
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Definitely looking forward to that thread! Seems like you've put a lot of time and money into your set up!
 
CleanGene said:
:iagree: Well said. I'll try to post some pics of my setup as well.
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That would be cool! Setting up the inside of my van is the next step. So being able to see how others do it, is definitely helpful! This is new for me, ha.

SeaJay's said:
Definitely looking forward to that thread! Seems like you've put a lot of time and money into your set up!
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Unfortunately, yes...a LOT of time and money. Granted, if I didn't have to fix up my van...this process would have been much easier. But in my opinion, whether I bought a new van, or fixed up an older one...it's about the same money wise. In my case, it was much less to fix one up...cause now I pretty much have a new van to start with. Plus, in the process of fixing it up, I was able to make it look how I want it to. If I bought a new van, chances are I wouldn't have had it painted and all that. This one needed paint really bad, ha. :dblthumb2:
 
wow, i just went through and read this whole damn thread lol. Congrats on the sticker thats awesome. I would be VERY interested in seeing more pictures and a in depth write up of everything you did/paid etc.

Right now ive got a little ford taurus lol...shes a tough little thing tough but man its rough gettin all that stuff in there. I was thinking about going the trailer route but...now after reading this im thinking about what a van would cost and how well it would work.

I'm one of those guys who uses customers water/electricity and have never had an issue....but i wouldnt mind having the option of a small tank in certain situations. Here is my little bag set up that helps me keep organized http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/29730-cheap-detailing-bag-new-goodies-ag.html

So how long have you been doing this Kirs and what made you want to do a mobile set up if you have a shop already?
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
wow, i just went through and read this whole damn thread lol. Congrats on the sticker thats awesome. I would be VERY interested in seeing more pictures and a in depth write up of everything you did/paid etc.

Right now ive got a little ford taurus lol...shes a tough little thing tough but man its rough gettin all that stuff in there. I was thinking about going the trailer route but...now after reading this im thinking about what a van would cost and how well it would work.

I'm one of those guys who uses customers water/electricity and have never had an issue....but i wouldnt mind having the option of a small tank in certain situations. Here is my little bag set up that helps me keep organized http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/29730-cheap-detailing-bag-new-goodies-ag.html

So how long have you been doing this Kirs and what made you want to do a mobile set up if you have a shop already?
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Hey Will, Nice job on that interior you posted up recently by the way. Looked good!!!

I've been detailing for about 10 years. I'm not switching to just mobile, I'm just adding the option for my customers. For me, the main reason is to reach customers who either don't like to drop off, or have problems dropping off.

Also, there are a LOT of businesses, and people with money who would rather have their vehicle done at their business location, or home. Another reason, is that I know there are owners of some really high end vehicles that would much rather prefer we do the work in their garage, or home so that they don't have to leave an expensive vehicle in a shops hands. Those are mainly my reasons for adding mobile.

I also know that a lot of people will have water and electricity for us. But, I want the option to run independently if I must. That way we can work anywhere. Also, for businesses and such...they most likely don't want an extension cord running through their lobby, and out the front door, haha.

In summary, it will just open MANY doors for me as far as business options go. If I can have work at the shop, and mobile going on all week...that's double the income for me!

I will be keeping this thread up to date. When the van is done, I will take more pictures, and start a new thread with deeper info. I'll include the total costs, what was done, how long it took, how everything was setup, etc. A lot of info I feel is lacking on the forum. :dblthumb2:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Hey Will, Nice job on that interior you posted up recently by the way. Looked good!!!

I've been detailing for about 10 years. I'm not switching to just mobile, I'm just adding the option for my customers. For me, the main reason is to reach customers who either don't like to drop off, or have problems dropping off.

Also, there are a LOT of businesses, and people with money who would rather have their vehicle done at their business location, or home. Another reason, is that I know there are owners of some really high end vehicles that would much rather prefer we do the work in their garage, or home so that they don't have to leave an expensive vehicle in a shops hands. Those are mainly my reasons for adding mobile.

I also know that a lot of people will have water and electricity for us. But, I want the option to run independently if I must. That way we can work anywhere. Also, for businesses and such...they most likely don't want an extension cord running through their lobby, and out the front door, haha.

In summary, it will just open MANY doors for me as far as business options go. If I can have work at the shop, and mobile going on all week...that's double the income for me!

I will be keeping this thread up to date. When the van is done, I will take more pictures, and start a new thread with deeper info. I'll include the total costs, what was done, how long it took, how everything was setup, etc. A lot of info I feel is lacking on the forum. :dblthumb2:
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Thanks :)..that benz was a mess but fun.

i checked out your website and saw the outside of the van...looks pretty sharp :dblthumb2:. I also read your services etc...so between bronze,silver,gold and platinum how would you say your jobs divide up...like what percent is bronze what percent is gold etc.

How many people do you have working for you and about how many cars can you get through in a day? I was also wondering how much extra you are going to charge for mobile jobs. Just trying to get a little more insight is all :)

I think i read earlier here too that you have a 12x12 pop up tent...what did it cost you and where did you get it from? Did you go with side curtains or no (forgive me if im wrong and it was someone else who said they are using the pop up tent).

thanks for the info man
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
Thanks :)..that benz was a mess but fun.

i checked out your website and saw the outside of the van...looks pretty sharp :dblthumb2:. I also read your services etc...so between bronze,silver,gold and platinum how would you say your jobs divide up...like what percent is bronze what percent is gold etc.

How many people do you have working for you and about how many cars can you get through in a day? I was also wondering how much extra you are going to charge for mobile jobs. Just trying to get a little more insight is all :)

I think i read earlier here too that you have a 12x12 pop up tent...what did it cost you and where did you get it from? Did you go with side curtains or no (forgive me if im wrong and it was someone else who said they are using the pop up tent).

thanks for the info man
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Thanks, took quite a bit to get that van up to par, ha. It's still not even done. Gotta do the lettering on the passenger side.

All my packages and prices are new as of this year. But, I'd say most people get silver. I haven't done a Bronze yet, and probably won't. A lot of people get Gold. Nobody has done Platinum yet. I don't expect to sell a Platinum till the weather gets better at least.

We can do 4-5 Bronze and Silver packages a day. If someone gets Gold or Platinum...that takes much more time. Platinum is a 2 day service alone. Gold is anywhere between 5-7 hours with one person. I typically have 2 people working for me at the most. This year I'll probably have 3 or 4. Two workers at the shop, and one (maybe two guys) for mobile. It really depends how mobile takes off.

For mobile, I haven't really decided what I'm going to charge extra yet. I was going to just setup completely separate mobile prices. Or, I was just going to add anywhere from $50-$75 per location. So if someone wanted us to do two vehicles at their house in one day...it would be an extra $50 for that day. I think that was fair. I know a lot of people don't charge extra for their mobile service...but that's cause they're strictly mobile. If I dont add a decent surcharge...then who's gonna want to come to the shop anymore?

And yes, I bought two 12x12 EZ UP tents. They were on sale, think I paid $70 for each one with free shipping. Got them over the winter. I think I answered everything, haha. :xyxthumbs:
 
You answered everything except where you got the tent from and if you have curtains for it or not...ive gotta get one pretty soon...lotta people out here have garages but ive got a couple jobs coming up that i could use some shade :)
 
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