I owned/operated my city's premier Auto Salon for over 23 years. We only did retail customers. The dealers could only get one their cars scheduled if it was SOLD to an individual.
Even after I sold the business ( still having my very first customer on schedule,Jaguar XJ12).....the tools that I missed having on hand imediatly were the Scissor platform lift, Natural gas burning Hot pressure washer ...2 of them,assorted rolling and stocked wetbay buckets and tools,floor mat clamped wall with air hose for agitation before and after steam cleaning, commecial German oversize dryer to tumble them to perfection.
The engine bays and fender wells,exhaust,trunk jamb,door jambs and gas door etc. were all handled in the "wet-bay" along with the afore mentioned.Engine bays were hand cleaned with a variety of chemicals and tools followed by a very strict number of steps.
Interiors were cleaned with compressed air and special designed tips prior to vacuming up the bulk, then presoaked areas were addressed and shampooing comensed.Followed with more air hosing and high suction.
We always started in the highest point of the car ( headliner) and worked down.
The exterior concerns were then addressed. Car chamois'd again to inspect closely in a bay with amazing light .Chips were handled then along with wetsanding of heavy marks. Paint was then compounded properly then polished with wet wipe downs between steps.Hand rubbed areas were then finished and the car was once again sent to the wet bay for cold rinse and then the water was compressed air chased and chamois'd right before we did the required wax steps.
Windows, tire sealants,brite metal inspections and a VERY detailed "trim-out" inspection was carried out and any "catch" items were addresed and personal items that were previously collected and put into nice logo'd poly bags ,were then put back in their respective positions.
Our cars were always noted having a pleasant slight Orange scent which was caused from the natural solvents and Ozone machine which was ran for about 15 minutes when all service was completed.
Our total man hours applied professionally averaged 8-12 Mhrs and priced from 185-450.00$ for a "full detail" and our bi-weekly Salon service( 2-4 mhrs) was 130.00$ monthly.
Very efficient steps in this order.I'm almost done building my ultimate rollingstainless steel detail pressure washer cart that facsillitates a work station and tools, buffer,cords,ground fault recepticles,stereo,water faucet and tiny sink...etc.
The floor lift is next along with a great lighting room all at my home garage !
Otherwise......I'm too spoiled to even touch my car without the right tools.
Vincent
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Originally Posted by califblue
