What do you think your biggest 2012 single item detailing purchase be?

Mine will almost certainly be a paint thickness guage. I'm considering either the DeFelsko Positest for around $500 or the HighLine Meter II for around $300. I may have to wait until the end of the year and put one on the xmas list.

-J
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
By far, a commercial grade steamer will be my largest purchase. I'm seriously considering bypassing the VX5000 and just ponying up for a Dupray Hill Injection. The way those are built, it'll probably outlast me.
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If you want to take a little drive to the Downriver area you're welcome to try out my VX5000 to see if you like it. Just let me know!

-J
 
I may spring for another rotary. I have several PCs but only one rotary. I may get a smaller lighter one.
 
RootsRadical said:
If you want to take a little drive to the Downriver area you're welcome to try out my VX5000 to see if you like it. Just let me know!

-J
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I actually got the chance to test one out recently and it really is a nice unit; the main reasons I am looking at the Dupray instead are that it's continuous fill, and has the hot water injection feature. Just not sure how often those things would come in handy.

Thanks for the offer though! :yourrock
 
Re: What do you think your biggest 2012 single item detailing purchase will be?

Dear Al

So far I really like my Cleanforce 1800-psi washer I got for Christmas. It's plastic but about as solid as consumer plastic can get. It features a two-year warranty on the Sumec pump and motor, brass quick connects, large onboard detergent tank, steel wand, hose reel, and electric cord reel. It costs US$159 at Home Depot (product link).

You can operate it in "canister vacuum" position if you wish.

It works well with the MTM Hydro foam lance, which costs US$52.40, including shipping, from PressureWashersDirect.com. You'd use the M22 adapter that comes with the lance. (This foam lance might look familiar to you.)
 
Dear Al & Friends

I don't have any high-priced single items on my wish list for the near future. I probably need a few more polishing pads, but what's on my list are more microfiber towels.

I'd like to upgrade the van's audio system, but it's difficult to justify the US$1800 expense when I seldom listen to rock music loud while in it. I'm either talking with my three-year-old son or talking on the phone using the van's nifty speakerphone.

I don't detail for a living--just to preserve what I consider an enormous investments in transportation.

I have the Griot's dual-action polisher, Master Blaster, pressure washer, and a Shop-Vac, so, as far as I know, I think I've covered the big-ticket items. I have just two pads as I write this and about four more coming on Monday. I probably need a few more tangerine polishing pads, but I'm not sure.

I'd like to have a two-bucket wash system, but I'd like a miniature version of the ones offered by Palm Beach Motoring Accessories. (Really, I'd like the Griot's bucket but divided into two compartments.) And I'd guess I'd like to have a pad washer, but US$120 is difficult to justify for me.
 
Pats300zx said:
Just went to a garage supply dealer yesterday. My purchase will be a scissor lift for the garage. Just have to upgrade my circuit in the garage to 20 amps.
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This is what really need. Do you mind sharing what the approx price tag is on the set up you are getting.

Thx
 
Master Blaster would have to be pretty high up there on my list. Convincing the wife I need the Master Blaster is probably just a little higher on my list.
 
Since I am getting married this year I am on a bit of a budget for detailing expenses. My planned purchases, though, are: A paint thickness gauge, a digital microscope, and a flex DA. I just need to find a way to purchase without my fiancee knowing. Not sure how I didn't end up in an argument about my purchase with the 25% BlackFire sale.
 
Re: What do you think your biggest 2012 single item detailing purchase will be?

mikenap said:
Look into the AR610. Kody (Kakeuter) has a nice set-up (foam gun, quick connects, etc.) for one and is happy with it. I have a cheaper AR, but when it finally gives out I'm going to copy his set-up.

As far as a single, big item I'm torn between the Flex PE and the new DeWalt 849x. Lightweight vs. overbuilt ruggedness....
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I had looked at them briefly but liked the hose roller. Now, they say the kranzle/camspray/karcher will work in bypass most forever and not worry about pump damage when running dry. It does seem to fit the budget.
 
mjlinane said:
I have a spigot off the softener itself in the garage. If you hook it to the exterior, you have to change to potassium salts ($$) or you kill your grass.
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I have a water softener and our salt usage is fairly low (maybe 2 bags per year) because we only had moderately hard water (7 grains). Your salt usage also depends on your water softener brand.

NaCl costs about $6 per bag and yes Potassium salt (KCl) costs about $25 per bag (40#). I do plan to try potassium this year.

If you use softened water on grass it is not an issue (you are drinking the stuff). I water my grass with it in the fall when reseeding. There is a very slight increase in sodium content (say no more than say a cola drink) in the softened water itself.

The problem with sodium salt (NaCl) is the regenerate from the tanks since it is very high in salinity and can kill grass or cause issues in septic tanks.
 
My biggest purchase will probably be a paint meter. I plan to detail during the summer instead of working at Walmart again! :dancebanana: :rofl:lol2:
 
I have watched this thread and have been thinks long and hard about this.

Right now I have only a few major things I want at this time. In no real order.

Paint thickness Gauge
Steamer
Pressure washer
Extractor
 
Dear SS 07C70

SS 07C70 said:
Master Blaster would have to be pretty high up there on my list. Convincing the wife I need the Master Blaster is probably just a little higher on my list.
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I have the Blaster and don't see anything miraculous about it. It reduces labor and if its user knows what he's doing, it could save some time. I have less than an hour on mine, and I don't know how to use it very well yet.

As far as convincing your wife, tell her it doubles as a blower. I just blew out our garage with it and can't believe the debris it found along the edges and in the corners. I'm not sure but I think it may have come with an adapter to inflate balls, air mattresses, and things like that.

Tell her that it'll save you lots of time, which you could use for her benefit, and that it'll save lots of wear and tear on your joints, which you could also use for her benefit.
 
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