SUV Roofs - How do you...

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Diesel1

New member
Stupid question. How are you guys with SUV's or those detailing the bigger SUV's polishing & sealing the roofs. I think I used a polisher once when I had my truck but I remeber it being a HUGE PITA trying to stay up there and balance on door sills etc. I have to do my beater/station car (Expedition) in the spring and unfortunately, I have neglected it as my focus has always been on my G coupe.



I have the cyclo so it's not exactly the easiest machine to use at awkward angles. I am just trying to figure out how you guys are doing the roofs since you obviously cant put that much weight on it, setting up a scaffolding type platform would be pointless because you still wouldn't be able to reach half way across the car.



Let me hear some ideas.
 
I've got a lightweight aluminum folding platform. I've got a couple pics on my home computer, so I'll post one when I get home today.
 
Here you go:



WorkBench.JPG
 
Dang Amazonian wants 159.99 for that :nervous2: I think Home Depot one its good enough for me.
 
Costco had one just like that for $20. I jumped all over that deal. Griots sells the same one Costco had for nearly 5 times as much.
 
I got mine at Menards, and I think it was $31 or something. Worth every penny. Even if you just use it as a portable bench to hold your stuff while you work.
 
klnyc said:
Dang Amazonian wants 159.99 for that :nervous2: I think Home Depot one its good enough for me.
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Yeah, the Bauer one isn't cheap, but I put an incredibly high value on things like my safety and convenience. I've worked on other platforms and for me the Bauer units were worth it. Rock solid and perfectly safe when wet, with a nice wide area to stand on. But everybody has to decide what's right for their situation.
 
I totally agree Accumulator. If this platform didn't have a nice texture on top to serve as a non-slip surface, I wouldn't have bought it.

My dad and I both sat on it at the same time, so I know it's plenty strong to hold me during the detailing, and I've used it with wet shoes too. As I said, if the top was smooth, I wouldn't have bought it, because I'd probably slip with wet shoes.
 
I open the rear door and stuff my body in between the open door and the cab. From the rear I can raech pretty much the whole roof of a quad cab. SUVs are a little bit of a stretch.

I'd use a frame ladder like others, but I'm cheap. :D
 
The folding platforms pictured on here are the ONLY way to go. I got one for Christmas and it is one of the best things I have ever received.
 
White95Max said:
No, I really don't think it looks professional at all to stand on a tire or a door jamb.
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Haha fortunately I've only done that on a friend's truck and my own. I had a step ladder but I didn't like it. I need a platform like the one shown. Looks like an important piece of equipment!
 
I wouldn't want to step/stand on the doorjamb of a vehicle, might damage something...and standing on tires/etc. just isn't...well, something I'd do or want to see done. What do you hold on to (better not touch *my* paint!)? What if you slip off (a little old fall can *utterly* change your life)?



Knowing fairly young, active people who're now confined to wheelchairs sorta gives me a serious perspective, safety-wise.



And as White95Max brought up, if something doesn't look professional, there's probably a reason why ;)
 
Thanks for the repsonses guys! That lil platform looks great, but I don't see how you can really reach across far enough to get half the roof of say an EXPY or H2 done. I am not short by any means (6') but that platform only looks to be about 12-15" high or so. I may have to scope one out in person. It would mainly be for expy since it has been neglected and I am going to have to put some serious time into it!



Now for products, it's a 97 black Expy and although I'm an avid fan of Zaino, I may try the Mezerna products for shitz n giggles. I def need something durable as the car stays outside and usually parked in the sun all day at the train station!
 
Diesel1 said:
That lil platform looks great, but I don't see how you can really reach across far enough to get half the roof of say an EXPY or H2 done. I am not short by any means (6') but that platform only looks to be about 12-15" high or so. I may have to scope one out in person...
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FWIW, the one I linked to enabled me to do the roof of a Suburban without any problems. I'm 5' 10" and don't have the longest arms.
 
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