ok im biting the bullet for the vx5000 steamer

jamores23

jamores23

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Any tips on how to use it and what can be done with it? tips on removing stains? I really want it to remove polish residue in cracks after polishing sounds like a very good idea to me :)
 
I didn't know you could remove polish in the cracks with a steamer. That appeals to me.
 
I used it to remove built up dirt and wax in a very hard to get at/into channel on my ride. This was an area where you can't remove the rubber strip only lift it to its attachment point. Boars head brush wouldn't get into it and the spot just nagged at me until I heated up the VX. Got that spot cleaned out in no time. Also used it on the webbing of some 15 plus year old Honda "Enkei" rims that I had really cleaned up. What a difference, the remaining residue that I couldn't clean just steamed right off. On my cycles, it makes fin cleaning a breeze. Yea I like it.
 
Has anyone used the steamer that griots has.
 
klink, it should work to remove polish residue and wax build up in crevices right?
 
I have used the VX-5000 almost every day since I bought mine about 3 or 4 weeks ago! It has definitely already paid for itself. I use it on carpets, upholstery, to blow out the crud in the cracks that the vacuum wont get, engine detail, and have done about 5 deodorization jobs with it. It is by far my favorite tool.......... well tied with the makita :dblthumb2:
 
I have a steamer currently that has a constant 100psi with an overpressure that tops around 235 give or take. I can honestly say that the pressure at 65psi is probably not going to make you happy. This is purely my opinion from experience with a steamer unit. I currently use the NV2300 that is made by Kleen Car out of Northern NJ. The unit is definitely more expensive than the VX5000 but compared to the other units that put out the same constant pressure it is approximately half of the other units price. They say you get what you pay for and this is true to soe degree, if you are using this unit for hours a day as i do the more expensive unit is worth the investment. The weekend warrior and enthusiast that will purchase the VX5000 for home use will be more than sufficient and a true asset to your garage. I would recommend you check on the units power output along with the recommended
amperage as my unit requires a 20 amp circuit. Steam is a tremendous asset in cleaning your car and is definitely capable of taking out the wax between crevices" i have used my unit with a stiff bristled brush to eliminate OLD wax buildup on the bed rails of pickup trucks" Im sure you know what i am talking about, the ugly white residue that you find on plastic pieces under your windshield wipers or again on plastic bed rails. Steam is the way to go and you will find use after use for the unit. I have been detailing for 14 years now and have added my steamer to my arsenal within the past 6 months, im not sure how i lived without it. OH almost forgot, the white and yellow road paint that you typically get on the bottom of your car and in the wheel well the steamer will soften and take off. I use a hard bristled brush that came with my unit but within a few passes the HARD road paint is removed. Steam unless held on the paint for a minute plus in one pinpointed area will not effect the paint. Wax along with carnauba have a much lower melting point that what the steamer will put out so i would recommend a follow up on whatever area you will be using it on with a coat of wax plus whatever else you typically apply to your car.
 
victorydetails said:
The weekend warrior and enthusiast that will purchase the VX5000 for home use will be more than sufficient and a true asset to your garage.
Click to expand...

Great info - but I disagree with this part of your statement. I am by no means a weekend warrior ..... have a very good business going here and I use the VX-5000 everyday.
 
jamores23 said:
thanks guys, any more buses B&B? :p
Click to expand...


Did this one today - but it was not a school bus :(

BEFORE :


DSC04872.jpg



DSC04873.jpg










After :






DSC04877.jpg







DSC04878.jpg
 
jesus lol looks like you attract TANKS! when you going to start doing military tanks lol? how do you land all these big boys? What do you use to polish these things?
 
jamores23 said:
jesus lol looks like you attract TANKS! when you going to start doing military tanks lol? how do you land all these big boys? What do you use to polish these things?
Click to expand...


That was the drywash I use (has clay and wax in it, so shines up paint very well) - took my guys and me about 2 hours...... may be getting a contract out of this one :dblthumb2: They have 8 buses...... hopefully will be doing them twice monthly.
 
pm me the info about this drywash if you dont mind :)
 
victorydetails said:
I have a steamer currently that has a constant 100psi with an overpressure that tops around 235 give or take. I can honestly say that the pressure at 65psi is probably not going to make you happy. This is purely my opinion from experience with a steamer unit. I currently use the NV2300 that is made by Kleen Car out of Northern NJ. The unit is definitely more expensive than the VX5000 but compared to the other units that put out the same constant pressure it is approximately half of the other units price. They say you get what you pay for and this is true to soe degree, if you are using this unit for hours a day as i do the more expensive unit is worth the investment. The weekend warrior and enthusiast that will purchase the VX5000 for home use will be more than sufficient and a true asset to your garage. I would recommend you check on the units power output along with the recommended
amperage as my unit requires a 20 amp circuit. Steam is a tremendous asset in cleaning your car and is definitely capable of taking out the wax between crevices" i have used my unit with a stiff bristled brush to eliminate OLD wax buildup on the bed rails of pickup trucks" Im sure you know what i am talking about, the ugly white residue that you find on plastic pieces under your windshield wipers or again on plastic bed rails. Steam is the way to go and you will find use after use for the unit. I have been detailing for 14 years now and have added my steamer to my arsenal within the past 6 months, im not sure how i lived without it. OH almost forgot, the white and yellow road paint that you typically get on the bottom of your car and in the wheel well the steamer will soften and take off. I use a hard bristled brush that came with my unit but within a few passes the HARD road paint is removed. Steam unless held on the paint for a minute plus in one pinpointed area will not effect the paint. Wax along with carnauba have a much lower melting point that what the steamer will put out so i would recommend a follow up on whatever area you will be using it on with a coat of wax plus whatever else you typically apply to your car.
Click to expand...

Is the nb2300 the machine you're using that maintains 100psi? Have you ever steamed the exterior with it?
 
I have the Vapor Clean Gaia (extractor/steamer in one). It's a great machine and you can do both steam and extract. Just throwing my 2 cents in here. If your looking for something for mainly steaming and an occasional extraction, this machine is for you. See my review..
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/34677-vapor-clean-gaia-finally.html

Also, I just want to say that you guys can talk about other products here that AG doesn't sell. You just can't link to them on other sites or stores. So, the "dry wash" that B&B uses is Ecosmart. I've used it myself (granted only twice) and the first time it didn't work so great due to temps being low, but the 2nd time around it worked just as advertised and from what I could tell no swirls or scratches.
 
Jamores....yes it should be able to tackle that. If you can assist the effort with a brush of sorts all the better (AG sells some excellent brushes that I use). Remember the areas I'm talking about are small.
 
Really didnt mean any offense in my statement. I just found 65 psi to be a bit on the light side since i use the steamer for exterior work also. Its always good to hear of others having constant business in the detail industry with the state of our economy. I wasn't sure if anyone else knew but there are particular car companies currently using steamers to wash/scrub their paint instead of claying the car. I personally still use clay but can see the reason behind using the steamer as the heat and a agitator could release contaminants. The steamer i use currently tops out around 350 in temp which has helped me in releasing stains from carpets, leather, and any exterior work needed. Please feel free to ask any questions or if anyone has recommendations i would be very happy to hear them. I am hear to try my best at giving any ideas to help those that take pride in their work whether it is the professional or dedicated car owner. Hope everyone enjoys their day, God Bless.
 
yes i use the steamer for exterior work also. It has been an essential tool
as it has taken off road paint, heavy tar, spray paint from vandals and numerous other paint contaminants. i looked at the DMF steamer which looks nice but is bulky, EXPENSIVE, and needs two power sources to work" electric and diesel". I wanted a electric unit which could be used indoors and out.
 
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