Has anyone detailed a semi truck before??

E

ernman

Member
My sister in law’s fiancé owns an oil company; I just detailed his Ram pickup truck. When I delivered it, he asked if I would be interested in detailing his 10 company trucks that deliver the gas to the gas stations. He said that he would have someone wash them I would just have to polish and wax them. He said that he would pay me $300 for each of them. I have two questions, has anyone done one of these before? What is a good product to clean/polish all of the chrome?
 
We have an ongoing account with TransCorr (over 750 Units). Altho we primarily clean (not detail) interiors of sleeper cabs, we occasionally buff and seal the exteriors of the oxidized red trucks. We charge only $75 to clean interiors and $450 for the exterior. While we make the paint very nice, they are not so picky about the chrome. You need a metal polish and wool pads for the chrome. Google Nuvite and airstream.



Be sure that you and the owner have similar expectations. Have him 'sign off' on the first before you start the second.



Although the $3000 seems attractive, you're looking at a lot of work Think it through. Altho the trucks bring us over $25K per year, there ain't nothin pretty about the work.



Good Luck.
 
Hi, Jim, long time no talky.

Retired you know.

Anyway, he should also know the difference between chrome and polished aluminum. (many new to this business often get confused about the two and how much differently they must be handled.)

Grumpy
 
I was going to use Poorboys Pro Polish 2 on it. I am meeting the owner this week to go over the trucks, so I find out for sure.
 
Haven't done an exterior but I have done an interior-make sure you look at it before you quote a price because the one I did was absolutely disgusting inside.
 
Just finished one today. Exterior only. No wash, as he did it. One step the single stage yellow paint, polish chrome, one step the aluminum (needed more, but that is a total different animal) about 10 hours. Lots of hand work, as a machine can only do so much.
 
Some big rigs can get pretty nasty inside and out. Aluminum polishing is dirty, nasty but when done right it looks damn good. I made the mistake of taking on a couple of big rig jobs (aluminum) and now the calls keep coming in for that mirror look. It seems that if the driver cares about appearance he will keep the cab up himself and call you in for the dirty work. Anyway, the 3D deep blue aluminum polish works great for once overs, (it will not get you the mirror look.) The 2 step rouge bars with zephers cutting pads will give you a mirror finish. Charge accordingly..
 
I charge $60 a wheel for aluminum wheels, $1 per gallon on fuel tanks, and from $250 to $400 for washing, and waxing exterior, and interior detail. It's not uncommon to make $750-$900 in 8 hours on a big truck...and I used to drive one, so I really enjoy doing them!!!
 
I do alot of work for Peter Bilt most time I am charging about $225 for wash. acid wash metal and clean the interior about three to fours of work.
 
Slaayer88, Is it ok to use 3D deep blue aluminum polish in the sun? I will be doing them outside in the parking lot.
 
I learned the business of over the road truck detailing. aluminum polishing, etc., from my cousin while living in SoCal and working for Finish Kare.

At the time, South Coast Peterbilt in Pico Rivera used my cousin, Duke who had Duke's Truck Wash and Polishing on their property in Pico Rivera off Slauson.

He had another location out in the Inland Empire and for a while up by Oxnard and Barstow.

It is more work than most here have any idea of what it takes, right?

Grumpy
 
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