Does your back hurt when you work on the bumpers, rocker panels, wheels?

[Nick T.]

Mine sure does! I’d like to hear what tricks you may have to ease the back strain and strain when detailing the lower areas of your car.

 

[imported_kgb]

I bought a little rolling, height adjustable chair so I sit right at bumper and wheel level without bending over.

 

[topnotchtouch]

I have a mechanics rolling chair which puts me at bumper level but, I like to actually work on verticle surfaces with the PC at shoulder level so I needed something even lower. I now use a creeper which puts me almost on the ground but I still have the mobility to move around.



I use a normal Craftsman mechanics creeper but Sears has a couple that are adjustable so you can use it like a wheeled chair and also convert into a typical mechanics creeper so you get the best of both worlds.

Creeper Seat

Hydraulic Combination Creeper/Seat

 

[Taxlady]

I just sit on the bottom step of a step ladder or on one of those single level Rubber Maid step stools. I would love to get something with wheels.

 

[shaf]

I just sit on the bottom step of a step ladder or on one of those single level Rubber Maid step stools. I would love to get something with wheels.

Wait until one of these goes on sale again:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortme...CT<>prd_id=845524442952211&assortment=primary



I got one when it was $30 and I love it. It doesn't go as low as I'd like (16" lowest), but it instantly made all lower panel detailing, especially claying, much easier to live with. :xyxthumbs

 

[Taxlady]

Thanks Brian. Stupid Cdn Tire wouldn't show the right link 'til I logged in! They should have a wish list page - one that has a link for friends and family to look at.

 

[chris0626]

I got one of those too, Brian. Found mine at a WalMart. $25 or $29 US. As others have said, 16" is still not low enough for the lower panels. So I do lots of the work just sitting on the ground.



Nick, I think the only real solution is to NOT TURN 40! After a long detailing day, I walk like a cripple.

 

[thevolvoguy]

I sit on my wash bucket.

 

[Anthony O.]

For the real low areas I prefer to lay on the ground with a foam pad used by campers that goes under their sleeping bags.



I have a client that has several BuddyLifts and man those are so awesome because I can raise and lower the car to the perfect height for cleaning the wheels and lower panels all while standing up!



Do some stretches before work and but plenty of Tiger Balm



Anthony

 

[JimS]

I use either my rolling seat, like the one's shown in posts above or, if I want to get lower and perhaps do some undercarraige work, I use a creeper. My 60 yr old back and knees just won't handle the work any other way and my butts too wide for the bottom step on the step ladder idea

 

[DaGonz]

Before I do any detail, I do some stretching to limber up. I will stretch a few times during the detail. It's amazing what a little stretching can do.



When I do sit, I just use an old milk crate. If I have to lay down, I use an old carpet runner to lie down on.

 

[Nick T.]

Nick, I think the only real solution is to NOT TURN 40! After a long detailing day, I walk like a cripple.

Geez Lynn, why didn’t you tell me that in 1974? That’s when I<font size=1> celebrated my 40th</font> birthday. <IMG SRC=http://home.jps.net/~ntaylor/images/frown.gif>

I sit on my wash bucket.

I tried that, but didn’t like having a wet sudsy butt! <IMG SRC=http://home.jps.net/~ntaylor/images/cheesy-grin.gif>

 

[Bruce]

I use a wooden Adirondack lawn chair with wide armrests to set my beer on. It sits just low enough that I can watch my 16-year-old son's progress on the lower panels without getting a crick in my neck.

 

[boywonder]

Let me see....



Top of storage bin - Destroyed the top and almost destroyed the bin.

Bucket - Too uncomfortable

Mechanic's Creeper - Didn't work the way I envisioned it

Milk crate - Worked but it developed a crack and my bum hur like hades.



Needless to say, I need to invest in a creeper stool of some sort.

 

[MBZ 500E]

Funny how this subject came up, I was in serious pain last night and had to stop working!



Next week Sears has a Craftsman sale for those interested:

- 3 ton floor jack, like my large one

- pair of 3 ton jack stands

- ROLLING CREEPER SEAT

- set of booster cables

- heavy duty lug wrench

- set of wheel chocks

- protective work mat



ALL THAT FOR $89.99



Hopefully the seat and mat will make life a bit easier, sounds like everyone else has already bought one.:wavey

 

[shaf]

I got one of those too, Brian. Found mine at a WalMart. $25 or $29 US. As others have said, 16" is still not low enough for the lower panels. So I do lots of the work just sitting on the ground.



Nick, I think the only real solution is to NOT TURN 40! After a long detailing day, I walk like a cripple.

What I end up doing is basically just remain sitting in the stool but spread my legs and bend down low to reach the lower areas. It might not work for people with lower back problems, but for me my back starts hurting when my legs are doing all the supporting, and not my posterior.



Remember, think young! It's all in your head. Actually I'm kinda serious about this, my father is almost 55 but only has enough grey hairs to count on two hands. I don't know how/why this is the case, but I'm guessing it has to do with his ahem... "younger" frame of mind and low stress attitude.

Milk crate - Worked but it developed a crack and my bum hur like hades.

:rofl :lol Yeah I learned long ago that milk crates are the suck.....

 

[Nick T.]

I’ve tried (and still use) the following:

Some 1/2� thick 2’x2’ interlock foam squares from Home Depot. They’re great for sitting cross-legged and working on the low areas, or lying on for the under edges of the bumpers and rocker panels.



My kid’s skateboard (he’s 14) to sit on and a regular flat creeper to sit on. The creeper is better because I can put my products on it and they follow me around.



A folding beach chair that has it’s seat about 4� above the floor. Works pretty well, but I’m always afraid of knock it into the car and causing marring.



A milk crate for higher work, but I put a pad on it to ease the PITA!

Remember, think young! It's all in your head. Actually I'm kinda serious about this, my father is almost 55 but only has enough grey hairs to count on two hands.

I agree 100%. It worked fine for me 13 years ago when I was only 55, but it’s not working so well now in the 21st century!

 

[chris0626]

Remember, think young! It's all in your head.

No, my dear, it's in my back and my hamstrings. Oh! and upper-arms (life without a PC is soooooo grueling).

Actually I'm kinda serious about this, my father is almost 55

Say it ain't so, Brian. From the wisdom and knowledge of your posts, I always assumed you were one of us middle-aged farts. And of course, I mean that only in the most complimentary way. :up

 

[2wheelsx2]

Say it ain't so, Brian. From the wisdom and knowledge of your posts, I always assumed you were one of us middle-aged farts. And of course, I mean that only in the most complimentary way. :up [/B]

I can attest to that. I met Brian last year at a local mall to give him my 6" counterweight for the PC and was shocked at how young he looked! I was looking for an old fart like me, and saw this young whippersnapper! Just joking, Brian!



I think it is that way with many of the Autopians. I have had many conversations with Autopians which led me to believe that they were much older, until I found out their age!



I guess it's just a wizened community. :xyxthumbs

 

[Nick T.]

Say it ain't so, Brian. From the wisdom and knowledge of your posts, I always assumed you were one of us middle-aged farts. And of course, I mean that only in the most complimentary way.

Well said Lynn!