2 details that took my whole weekend

R

rockymountaindetail

New member
Yup, all weekend for 2 exterior only details. Kinda hard to get great pics as the weather was very overcast.




rv2.jpg


rv1.jpg


these were both 40 ft Alfa Gold coaches, around $200k give or take. Each one took the better part of a day to wash and wax by hand. My hands were cramping into claws after the first one, but luckily had recovered by Sunday for #2. Also have #3 scheduled for Wed!

The pics don't really show the "shine" but it was cloudy and the gelcoat doesn't really lend itself to super-reflective after shots. Also very hard to get the whole coach in the picture without backing up a 1/4 mile.

Not my favorite thing to do but I am very happy to have the work in this economy!
 
What are you waxing these with? Also, do you remove it by hand? If so I would stick a microfiber on the pole for a swiffer sweeper to make life much easier!
 
Jokeman said:
What are you waxing these with? Also, do you remove it by hand? If so I would stick a microfiber on the pole for a swiffer sweeper to make life much easier!
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On large rv's I use PROTECT-ALL. I do apply w/ a microfiber and remove w/ a microfiber. I had not thought of the swiffer stick idea. There are so many little nooks and crannies around windows, over and under awnings etc. that I think you would still need to use a ladder. On the larger sections it may work though. I'll have to try it out and see if it saves any time on those areas. thanks
 
Wow, nice work.

I actually have to do one just like it in a month.

If you do not mind me asking, how much did you charge for it?
 
CamoZ71 said:
Wow, nice work.

I actually have to do one just like it in a month.

If you do not mind me asking, how much did you charge for it?
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thanks, I charge $8-$9 a foot so a 40ft would be $320-$360. It takes me around 7 hours to do one that large so although it's not as much fun as a paint correction on a nice car, it is still good money per hour.

If you need any other advice on doing these RV's just PM me, I'd be glad to help.
 
Great work Rocky Mountain. It must be intimidating to look at something that big for the first time and think, "here we go."
 
broker99 said:
Nice job, I would hate to wake up the next morning and do it all over again.
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Yup, and I'm doing it again! I did the 3rd one today and the guy in the next spot w/ another 40ft'r loved the job and hired me to do his tomorrow including a compound and polish of the front clip, plus another guy is thinking about it as well. My "claws" are loosening up and I'm kinda getting into a "groove". I found it helps to not pay attention til after I'm at least 1/2 done....then I say "well I'm over half done" and the second part feels like it goes faster ( doesn't really though! )

The only problem is the RV's are so close together after I wash the next one I have to do a rinse and wipe-down on the side of the one from the day before. Twice already and again tomorrow. Costing me some time but I'm not complaining. I'll try to remember to get some pics. It's not in an RV park, it's a RV repair shop and these are all parked on his lot so they really squeeze them in. The folks are actually living in them while they wait on their repairs. The downtime is a perfect time for a detail!
 
Kevin Brown said:
BY HAND?! :eek:

Man! I hope you have BIG HANDS. :biggrin:

Kevin,

My hands are just regular size, but I'll tell ya I think I'd rather do it by hand. I've done a few that had oxidation and had to be buffed. Stand on a ladder and hold that buffer over your head for 8 hours and by the end of the day The Flex feels like it weighs 50 pounds.

Price doubles if I have to use the Flex!!!
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Wow, I am sure that you get steered all over the place with a rotary or forced rotation orbital...!!!

This is one case where a random orbital used at a middle speed setting and a softer/cushiony buffing pad would be desired.
I know that you have to steer clear of all the window edges and seams, etc.

There is no simple way to do those behemoths- it is just a lot of work.
Good for you. Right place, right time, word of mouth, hard work, and a quality job equals new business! :hurray:
 
Kevin Brown said:
Wow, I am sure that you get steered all over the place with a rotary or forced rotation orbital...!!!

This is one case where a random orbital used at a middle speed setting and a softer/cushiony buffing pad would be desired.
Click to expand...

Yup, it's really tough because you are always reaching w/ the buffer. Once it's not right in front of you it can get a mind of it's own. Plus if it drops when I'm on the ladder it's not gonna be pretty:scared:
 
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