Suggestions for the height-impaired

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Titania

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This is a bit of a stupid question, but what do you guys do when you're detailing a vehicle you can't reach the roof on? Have you found acceptable long-handled tools to work with or are you using step-stools, ladders, cranes? Do I need to invest in scaffolding? ;)



I want to avoid having a dirty streak down the middle of my roof because I can't reach it. I also want to avoid having sneaker marks on the side of my car from me standing on a step stool.
 
Im also wondering what methods people use... Im 5'7" and its not easy doing big SUVs. I normally just use a 3 step ladder.
 
35TH LE said:
Im also wondering what methods people use... Im 5'7" and its not easy doing big SUVs. I normally just use a 3 step ladder.
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I had the same trouble doing my Honda Pilot, I'm 5' 8", I always used a step stool, but it became a pain going up and down. Then I found this
 

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jsfofec said:
I had the same trouble doing my Honda Pilot, I'm 5' 8", I always used a step stool, but it became a pain going up and down. Then I found this
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Is that the Griot's one or did you get it someplace else?
 
Mikeyc said:
Is that the Griot's one or did you get it someplace else?
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Yes, I got it from Griot's, but you can get the same one from Target online for $20 cheaper. It's made by a company named Cosco. Once I received the one from Griot's, I searched the brand name and found the one at Target for less.



What I really like is the tray. It's nice to be able to put your stuff on the tray while you are working on the roof.
 
SuppliesUsed.JPG




Got it from Menards on sale for $32 or so.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys! Oddly enough I already have one of those long steps. Bought one when we were doing a lot of house painting...never even thought of using it!



Home Depot carries them. Pretty reasonably priced, too. :2thumbs:
 
Saw this subject and thought of Joan Rivers..."Oh, just grow up!"



LOL



I'm 6' and the roof of the SUV requires a megs wide angle brush (works well, but a bit heavy when full of soapy water) and a two step, step stool for polishing and stuff.



Just as important is a dolly/stool for sitting to work on side panels otherwise the back suffers.
 
Titania said:
Thanks for the replies, guys! Oddly enough I already have one of those long steps. Bought one when we were doing a lot of house painting...never even thought of using it!



Home Depot carries them. Pretty reasonably priced, too. :2thumbs:
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I was just at home depot today and saw the one for about $35. You can get one with a tray for $55. The tray really comes in handy.
 
People always say "too expensive!" but I use a pair of THESE . I've used less expensive ones and they just weren't right for me (too narrow, not as stable, too slick when wet..) but I know plenty of people like 'em just fine.
 
I'm 5'8 3/4 " and darn proud of it. I've tried step stools, open door sills, and ladders, but the best method I've found so far is to stand on my neighbour. Unfortunately, she's not too thrilled with my solution.

-John C.
 
JohnZ3MC said:
I'm 5'8 3/4 " and darn proud of it. I've tried step stools, open door sills, and ladders, but the best method I've found so far is to stand on my neighbour. Unfortunately, she's not too thrilled with my solution.

-John C.
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:har:



Comedy!
 
Hahahha...I'm just barely 5'8", but I still find that I can reach across my roof, but then again, my car's aren't exceptionally large or tall, and it does ache trying to make the PC reach while not trying to rub up against the car. I've been wanting to try laying a few planks across my multi-position folding ladder to make a ghetto scaffolding, but I keep forgetting about it, and I figure it'd be a bit of a hassle.



Here are a few working platforms you might want to look into if Accumulator's is a bit too expensive for your blood.



Werner Work Platform @ Lowes

Er, I had more...but Home Depot's links are really screwy. They've got a Gorilla Work Platform and another by Torin Jacks that you might want to look into as well.



Hope that helps!
 
CDTGaticaW201- I found that "werner's at lowe's" link interesting, my one platform was made by Werner. By the time I decided to get a second one they'd quit making that kind so I got the (apparently identical) one from Bauer. Looks like Werner is at least offering *something* these days, if not the overkill one that I like.



You guys who buy aluminum ones oughta give a little thought to putting a high-friction material on them so they don't get slippery when they're wet. One nasty fall can change your life...
 
Accumulator said:
You guys who buy aluminum ones oughta give a little thought to putting a high-friction material on them so they don't get slippery when they're wet. One nasty fall can change your life...
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Mine has a grooved surface on top, which offers a decent amount of grip. I've still thought about adding some kind of material to it though. A little more grip wouldn't hurt anything.
 
SpoiledMan said:
I picked up the Cosco bench from Costco for $20. The bench with the shelf was also there for $20.
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hmmm... i may have to take a trip over there (i think my membership expired :( ). anyone know if sams club has something similiar?
 
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