tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

[whitethundar]

Hello everyone,

I just finished my small car and it looks brand new now. Now, I am having trouble on how to work on the roof of a van. I'm a short dude 5'4. even with a step ladder I can't seem to reach the middle part of the roof. This is an 03 honda odyssey. Any tips or suggestions? can I stand on the roof ? lol

Also, its a silver van. would it be necessary to use ultimate polish on the roof?

[davey g-force]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

Most people use a small step ladder, or one of those foldable single steps.

You could open the doors and stand on the door sills / scuff plates, but take your shoes off - you don't want to "scuff" them

Also, if there's enough clearance between the tires and the guards, some people stand on the tires.

[oneway]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

use an appropriate sized step ladder or learn to levitate. also, yes, you do want to wax or seal the roof of your van. the top of your vehicle and the hood of your vehicle will get the most exposure of the sun. so yes, do the roof as well...

[whitethundar]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

use an appropriate sized step ladder or learn to levitate. also, yes, you do want to wax or seal the roof of your van. the top of your vehicle and the hood of your vehicle will get the most exposure of the sun. so yes, do the roof as well...

I plan to wax. Just wondering if polish was necessary.

[The Guz]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

What about white wax topped with ultimate wax or nxt 2.0 of course after claying.

[davey g-force]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

I plan to wax. Just wondering if polish was necessary.

It's only necessary if the UC (I assume that's what you used) has left behind some marring, or if you just want to further refine the depth / clarity of the shine.

[whitethundar]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

It's only necessary if the UC (I assume that's what you used) has left behind some marring, or if you just want to further refine the depth / clarity of the shine.

ok thanks!

[phaseonedetailing]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

I know the feeling of large Vans and Trucks being in Maui Hawaii. People seem to love raising there Trucks to overwhelming sizes. I been told of these two Step ladders that suppose to be really good. Not sure if it is a perfect fit for you but they are some what inexpensive to try out.

Take a look at this

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-39-1-2-in-x-12-in-x-20-9-16-in-Aluminum-Work-Platform-AP-20/100662616

Take a look at this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubbermaid-3-Step-Aluminum-Step-Stool-RM-AUL3/203124317#specifications



Aloha

Michael & Lorelei Torino
Phase One Detailing
www.phaseonedetailing.com
info@phaseonedetailing.com
908-249-2805

[oneway]

Polishing leaves no wax. It is not necessary to polish the roof but definitely clay it than wax or seal. Polishing leaves no wax so if you polish you do want to wax.

[wifpd4]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

Vans and tall trucks....ugh !!

I have a step ladder, one with the grab rail taller than the ladder rungs. The side supports are round tubes that I have covered with round pipe insulation, often called armaflex. Using this ladder I can hold onto the grab rail and use one hand to run the buffer. Be careful not to push the ladder away from the van as you lean over the roof, you will come tumbling down.

Also a step ladder with a shelf is nice to set the buffer on or your towels or bottle of compound, polish or wax.

No matter what wax I use on the majority of the van, I use a synthetic on the roof in the hopes it will last longer and I can skip the roof every other time I wax the van. To save a step I will use an all-in-one cleaner wax and then top with synthetic. While not perhaps as fine a finish as using a polish, but convenient for me and looks okay.

A also have purchased a long handled micro fiber mop and will spray wax the roof between hand waxes. The handle I have on one of these mops is sectional and screws together. This is convenient when traveling. Avoid getting a mop that the microfiber is zippered on the head of the handle, as the zipper will damage the paint finish. There are many kinds of microfiber covers that have an elastic band. I buy extras to allow changing them and washing them and still have one on the mop. I save the plastic bag the mop was sold in to keep the mop head inside of to keep it dust free.

Places like WalMart, Target or even lumber stores like Menards or Home Depot have a wide selection of microfiber mops.

[oneway]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

Yes sir, a one step is perfect. I love M66 on a yellow soft buff 8006 pad. Great one step. Your synthetic product of choice will break down after a while so your maintenance washes are important. Have a fantastic day and keep it shiny my friend...

[Detailing by M]

Re: tips or suggestion on working on the roof of a van?

get a bigger ladder