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Detailing Shop Tools

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  • #1

    Detailing Shop Tools

    Which tools would be nice to have on hand. Such as, is using a power washer better then washing by hand, is using some sort of air compressor better then drying by hand? And is using an orbital buffer better then polishing/waxing by hand? And would you also be able to give some brands and model numbers of these items? Thank in advance!! I'm really looking into opening a detail shop, and would like to fully deck it out with what I would ever need. I same some pics of the viper club in the Meguiars building, and loved the setup, but would like to know more details on what tools are used to wash and dry, and what shop infrastructure would be best to have...I plan on running this out of a normal garage, and also ideas on a washing area would be nice also...ie: an all weather one stall garage, or car port??

    Thanks,
    Jason
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Welcome to Meguiar's Online, we are glad to have you as a member!

    Now, to answer your questions...

    Washing - I would say washing by hand would be better than a power washer.

    Drying -The chamois or waffle weave drying towel and use an air compressor or leaf blower to blow the water out of the cracks. I would lean toward a leaf blower because of the lower air pressure.

    Polishing/Waxing - Defiantly the G-100 Dual Action Polisher would be better for polishing/waxing than doing it by hand. Faster too!

    Meguiar's is having a special for our Members on the G-100 DA Polisher until the end of this month. You can find more details on the home page: www.MeguiarsOnline.com

    Lynn Phillips
    Meguiar's Online Admin.
    Lynn Matthews

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    • #3
      Welcome to the board... Great question to start off with.

      Which tools would be nice to have on hand.
      There are quite a bit of tools to get started.
      Towels (terry and hi quality MF like Ultimate Wipe I got the bundle pak great investment
      Pads
      Product
      Buckets
      Wash mits
      Shop vac (I went with a smaller model to aid in transport plus it had the leaf blower option)
      Detail brushes


      Start small then work up unless you have tons of $$. Plus don't go overboard just to say you have detailing supplies. Get what you need to achieve the results you want. Ideally a flawless finish is the desired out come, but don't go out and drop some coin on a rotary unless you know how to use. The PC will give the results you 're lookin for. The more details and studying you do the more products you'll find to help in efficiency. The quicker you can turnover cars the more $$ you can pull down.

      is using a power washer better then washing by hand
      I use a pressure washer for wheel wells (when I feel like hauling it out). I wash the car by hand.

      is using some sort of air compressor better then drying by hand?
      For hand drying try this WW towel. I like using my shop vac/leaf blower to aid in drying the car and getting water out of the crevices that cause drips and runs.

      And is using an orbital buffer better then polishing/waxing by hand? And would you also be able to give some brands and model numbers of these items?
      The reply before is the way to go. PC deal link

      This is just to get you started. There are tons more things out there. Good luck!!

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      • #4
        One more question about the washing and the drying. I have recently purchased a 2004 F150 with a burgundy paint color, and have washed it a couple of times, and waxed it with NXT wax. I recently washed it this weekend and noticed very fine swirl marks...I use a wash mit to wash the truck with and a MF towel to dry with. What would be the reason for the swirl marks? That is the main reason I asked about the power washer vs hand washing, and the blower vs hand drying...I would really like to avoid touching the paint...is my reason behind trying to prevent the swirl marks...but could there a reason behind the swirl marks that I can prevent and still wash and dry by hand? One more factor is that I wash and dry when the sun is out...should I avoid washing and drying in the sun? Thanks again for the help

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        • #5
          More good questions. The only thing you can do to avoid fine scratches is to wash the truck and keep it garaged. Every time you wash you instill fine scratches. Its up to you to minimize this wash marks with good soap, quaility wash tools, good washing technique... Those marks you're talking about were there when you bought the vehicle.

          Did you let the dealership prep your truck before purchase? I'm sure they helped with scratches too.

          Now that you have identified your paints condition/flaws now is the tiem to step up to a plan/process to remove the flaws and maintain the finish your shooting for.

          Of course the less you touch the vehicle the fewer scratches you make. It's nothing you're doing wrong.

          Try to wash in shade if you can. Water drops will dry so fast you can't dry the truck quick enough to prevent water spots. If you notice water spots the use some quick detail spray, making sure the trucks surface is cool to touch, before you wax.

          Good luck

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          • #6
            Thanks alot scrub for your comments and advice...much appreciated.

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            • #7
              No prob... I'm trying to start a small detail business too.

              Thanks again and let me know if I can be of more service.

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