Ford Advice

vtec92civic · #1 07-28-2010

So as i was out today heading to a doctors appointment i stopped along the way to drop some business cards on a few select cars since i had a little time to kill. As i approached the center in which my appointment was at i thought i would tag a few last minute cars. I happened to stop and look upwards real quick and noticed this big behemoth super gargantuan truck. I have seen it a couple times before but rarely. Last time i spotted it was over a year ago on easter sunday. It actually had a little crowd around it after i started drooling over it.

I thought to myself do i dare leave a card on this thing or what? Weighing out my options i figured it was worth a shot, what's the worst that could happen?

15 minutes later the owner called and we spoke. He wants it detailed and i told him i was the guy who could take care of that for him. Offered to head up tomorrow and give him a free estimate.

He wants everything polished which included rims, gas tanks, and all the other chrome as well as a real good cleaning since it sat for 1 year he said and hadn't been cleaned.

My question is what can i use to bring back a little more shine to his gas tanks? I'm trying to computer how much work this project will take so i can give a accurate estimate when i talk to him tomorrow.

BTW this is a Ford F650 . . . . . not to mention this one is lifted which is even worse LoL. The side view mirrors are easily a foot or two above my head just so you get the idea of how big it is.

Here is a photo of the truck:

I didn't fully inspect it at the time i left the card as i didn't want anyone to get weird but the rims need a little work and my biggest question will be how to polish those gas tanks to a mirror like shine.

Not sure if i will be doing any correcting but all that will be discussed tomorrow. I want to make sure i have what it takes to tend to that those aluminum tanks and wheels.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any suggestions on a price for something that large that would be great as well. I'm thinking:

Full Interior & Exterior Detail
Clay Bar
Leather Treatment
Polish Rims
Polish Gas Tanks
Polish Exhaust

and at least a 1 step polish or glaze . . . . maybe more. I'm all ears guys.

Rsurfer · #2 07-28-2010

Ouch, it's big black and beautiful. I'm already tired just looking at this monster. I would think a good aluminum polish and a 4" pad would do the trick and top it with Blackfire Metal Sealant. Just did my rims. Did one with Chemical Guys wheel wax, one with Optimum Metal polish, one with Collinite Metal Polish and one with Blackfire. The Blackfire was the easiest to use and it looked great. Better allow 2-3 days for that pig. Plus you have all that undercarraige that is exposed.

Jrod · #3 07-28-2010

oh man oh man oh man! I think u are gonna have to bring in at least 2 ppl to help you out with this project!! haha

I wish I could reccomend a good aluminum polish, but havent tried any out lately

vtec92civic · #4 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rsurfer

Ouch, it's big black and beautiful. I'm already tired just looking at this monster. I would think a good aluminum polish and a 4" pad would do the trick and top it with Blackfire Metal Sealant. Just did my rims. Did one with Chemical Guys wheel wax, one with Optimum Metal polish, one with Collinite Metal Polish and one with Blackfire. The Blackfire was the easiest to use and it looked great. Better allow 2-3 days for that pig. Plus you have all that undercarraige that is exposed.

I hear that Ron. Might have to place a quick order with Ranney in hopes that i can get the stuff in fairly quick. I was thinking of calling him today to see if he wanted me to bring all my gear in case he decides to go through with it i would have the stuff to get started. He lives a pretty decent distance from me. I think i could pull a 12 hour shift and knock that truck out but that would be with minimal polishing in terms of paint. That would be like a 1 step polish or a glaze at most in that time frame unless i take someone with me.

Never thought of using some aluminum polish and a pad on a buffer. What do you recommend as far as that one goes Ron? I got no experience in that area.

Rotary?
DA?

You work in the polish like polishing a vehicle or?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrod

oh man oh man oh man! I think u are gonna have to bring in at least 2 ppl to help you out with this project!! haha

I wish I could recommend a good aluminum polish, but havent tried any out lately

Yeah it's been a while since i used a good aluminum polish. Only things i got right now that i can think of are:

Mx7 Metal Polish & P21 Polishing Soap

That truck makes me drool but also makes me sick at the same time LoL.

muzzy996 · #5 07-28-2010

Does that 12 hours include moving a ladder around during polishing? LOL . . beautiful truck but what a beast!

I'd cr@p my pants just trying to get into that thing.

Shea's Luxury Detail · #6 07-28-2010

I would quote him for a two day job with all the fixings. Meaning everything included (single stage or more, metal polishing, undercarriage, engine clean, in/out detail package) than suggest a monthly maintenance program. So base it for 16 hours (2 days) and whatever you charge per hour.

For metal polishing my go to products are either MX7 or the Heavy Metal Polishes at the moment. When I did our rig detail which had heavily oxidized tanks we used the Makita and a wool pad with MX7. Wipe down with a 50/50 alcohol solution than did a final polish with either the blue or green Heavy Metal polish. I think Kerwin did the same process with his airplane detail.

vtec92civic · #7 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shea's Luxury Detail

I would quote him for a two day job with all the fixings. Meaning everything included (single stage or more, metal polishing, undercarriage, engine clean, in/out detail package) than suggest a monthly maintenance program. So base it for 16 hours (2 days) and whatever you charge per hour.

For metal polishing my go to products are either MX7 or the Heavy Metal Polishes at the moment. When I did our rig detail which had heavily oxidized tanks we used the Makita and a wool pad with MX7. Wipe down with a 50/50 alcohol solution than did a final polish with either the blue or green Heavy Metal polish. I think Kerwin did the same process with his airplane detail.

damn. i was hoping you would chime in. Always good advice which is what makes you so successful.

Would that truck even fit in your bay?

If you don't mind me asking, what would you charge for something like that? I only ask because i know i'll be under what you charge only because you have tons more experience then i do.

I need to find me some heavy metal polish. Can anyone get me some?

Shea's Luxury Detail · #8 07-28-2010

For the rig job we charged $550 and it was done at their house. 50% of my business is mobile still. Heavy Metal is out of business and whoever has some left overs are running low on supply. But it has been taken over and renamed making way for a new version on the way soon which leads me to asking everybody who would like to do a GB on the new polish soon. I have some 8oz bottles of each grade of the Heavy Metal Polish now. LMK if your interested in picking them up.

vtec92civic · #9 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shea's Luxury Detail

For the rig job we charged $550 and it was done at their house. 50% of my business is mobile still. Heavy Metal is out of business and whoever has some left overs are running low on supply. But it has been taken over and renamed making way for a new version on the way soon which leads me to asking everybody who would like to do a GB on the new polish soon. I have some 8oz bottles of each grade of the Heavy Metal Polish now. LMK if your interested in picking them up.

oh nice . . . .you guys did a rig like that before then? How many guys did it take and what all was done? Not sure if you posted it up on the forums or not but i'll double check. $550 seems like a pretty fair deal. I was actually thinking a little more then that but we shall see tomorrow. If i have to make two trips up to his house which is about 40 minutes each way that's time and gas for sure.

I heard Heavy Metal was good. My old buddy had some and at the time i wasn't impressed but i didn't know much back then as this was like 4+ years ago.

You got some extra bottles you want to unload is that what you are saying?

I wouldn't mind checking out the GB for the new stuff coming out. Mx7 is good but sometimes something a little more aggressive is required.

clueless · #10 07-28-2010

Do you know anyone with a rolling scaffold or work platform like these?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...1&marketID=145

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

It allows you to more linear coverage before needing to reposition it again.

vtec92civic · #11 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless

Do you know anyone with a rolling scaffold or work platform like these?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...1&marketID=145

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

It allows you to more linear coverage before needing to reposition it again.

tell me about it LoL. Funny thing is i was just looking at those the other day at costco. Maybe it was a sign! Don't think i know of anyone who has one of those.

clueless · #12 07-28-2010

They work well. Just remember to lock the casters. lol

Can you reach far enough to cover the entire roof?

vtec92civic · #13 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless

They work well. Just remember to lock the casters. lol

Can you reach far enough to cover the entire roof?

i'll know more tomorrow. when i can get up close and personal with the truck.

I hope to god i don't have to polish this black tank.

Niyo · #14 07-28-2010

My first thought....... where on the truck did you leave your business card? Considering the mirrors are over head high.

vtec92civic · #15 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niyo

My first thought....... where on the truck did you leave your business card? Considering the mirrors are over head high.

hahahaha i just noticed this . . . . it's like where's waldo.

If you look closely in the photo you can see my business card in the window sil just above the door handle.