How do I wash the top of this thing?

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01GTB

New member
As mentioned in another thread here, I just purchased an F350 4X4 CrewCab. Polishing will be another thread all together, I just need to figure out how to wash it :-p Most of it isn't that bad, but the roof is huge and way above my head. I figure I could do the back of the roof standing in the bed, but there is no way I am reaching the front and center. Even the windshield is a bit of a pain. I've heard mixed opinions on brushes, so I am staying away from them for now. I bought a "chenille mitt on a stick" at Advance Auto Parts, but the bonnet they use, isn't very thick and I am not sure it will last too long.

Any suggestions on what to use to make this job easier. The easier it is, the more often I will wash it. :)
 
A Step-Ladder? That's what I have to use to wash the top of my CR-V. I'm vertically challenged @ 5'3" & have short arms to boot! I use a 4' step-ladder that I move around the V as I go. Haven't found a better way, but would love any suggestions . . .
Norah

PS - I would definitely stay away from brushes & I'm not crazy about the "mitt on a stick" idea, either. I think you'd be looking for scratches/swirls with either of those.

PPS - Oh, I just remembered, I've seen steps that you can mount on your tires @ Pep Boys/AutoZone. I don't know if they would help you or not, but they didn't give me enough lift.
 
I've used a ladder on many a vehicle. But many moons ago, when I actually did this for a living, I had one incident that made me a little hesitant to use one now. I was doing a roof on a 1986 or 87 full sized Bronco for a customer when I reached a little too far and the ladder crashed into the truck :boohoo It hit a small piece of sheetmetal right behind the passenger door. Luckily the customer was more understanding than I would have been and simply let me take it somewhere to get it fixed. The Bronco was about a year old at the time and he never kept anything more than a couple of years anyway. I think that helps explain his understanding. That was one of about 3 detailing dissasters I had in the years I did this, but I'll save the others for another time :naughty
 
If you have doubts about ladders, then you'll need to make a scaffold ....two aluminum ladders that bend in multi-directions and get a sturdy , thick piece of plywood for between them...
 
Would one of the elevated platforms be tall enough?
I think a member uses one of them. Possibly AWD330.
I'll do a search and see if I can find a link.

Charles
 
I use a 4' fiberglass ladder. It is sturdier than the aluminum ones.
You do have to be careful. I slipped a couple years ago and banged my knee into the door of an suv. Fortunately the PDR guy came to my rescue and removed the dent.
 
I use the same platform mentioned in that thread. Costco has them (by a different brand) for about $21. I couldn't do the roofs of SUV's without one.
 
Top of the Line carries a truck washing boar's hair brush. It has a large boar's hair brush mounted on a wooden pole. It is long enough to get the tops of trucks with ease.
 
That platform looks like it would be a big help. I might have to buy one of those :)

The Boar's hair brush I have seen, I just haven't heard much about them.
 
Will the boar's hair brush scratch or mar like other brushes? Are these safe for weekly washings? I have never used one and am quite curious.
 
01GTB,

You might want to consider one of these:

http://store.yahoo.com/tolae/telwasglov.html

I purchased a couple last winter. They come in handy washing my F150 SuperCrew 4X4. With the extension handle, I can stand on a two foot high footstool, and reach across the whole roof of my truck or tonneau cover. The mitt is a pretty decent sheepskin cover. I bought two, so that I can always have one clean one ready to go. I also used it for brushing off light snow during the winter.

I won't be without one now, and will probably be getting a couple more soon.
 
That's kinda similar to the thing I bought at Advance. It came with both a chenille and sheepskin-type bonnet. I couldn't seem to find replacement bonnet though. I figured I could use it for a while until the mitts wear out. The shenille bonnet seems a little lacking, maybe I'll try the sheepskin...I had almost forgot that it came in the box.


Keith
 
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