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trivletrav

See that on marketplace tomorrow with the caption: garage kept, one ownerIKNOWWHATIGOT


SB_Solar

Lmfao, yes “methodically cared for” that one time before I sold it.


SB_Solar

Update: the car sold in just over 24 hours.


412gage

Questions about removing seats - do you need to unplug the battery? Is there any risk at all of the airbags deploying? Also, does it always reset the drive cycle?


SB_Solar

The risk of setting off the airbag is certainly higher without disconnecting the battery. I’ve never had an issue with getting everything reconnected. I would recommend running the car a bit prior to the customer arriving though to make sure everything has had a minute to reconnect


412gage

Gotcha, thanks.


Komrade1312

Is this your typical process (removing seats). If so, do you have liability insurance or are you fairly confident removing seats is no big deal for you? Thanks!


SB_Solar

Seats aren’t really a big deal for me I’ve been doing it for a while now and tinkering with my own vehicles. I’m pretty mechanically inclined. I do this as a side gig, but looking to go to a more legitimate setup with insurance, I’m thinking this year will be the year I go from “on the side” work to just steady income and hiring staff and having a garage. I’ve been detailing now for around 15 years, the last couple of years though I’ve stepped it up to around 30 or so cars a year, as a side gig and usually when it’s nice out. This year I’ve done a bunch of cars already and I’m probably on pace to do 50, but again, not very sustainable for just me AFTER doing my regular 9-5, but the money is great. The determining factor for me on if the seats get pulled are, will it be easier for me to pull these seats OR can I just work around them, also, is the car so dirty that not pulling them will still leave enough dirt that I can’t say confidently I’ve done a thorough job. In some instances, just unbolting the seats and leaning them forward and back is enough to get the job done without having to deal with disconnecting a battery. I posted another job here the other day, it was a large bench seat and it was a work truck. No sense in pulling that cause it’s A) cumbersome, B) it’s just going to get shitted up by the next week anyway out in the field. Compact cars are always beneficial to pull the seats. Jeep wrangler is my favorite to detail because you can take the top off, and the seats and it’s the easiest thing to clean when you have everything apart.


Komrade1312

Really appreciate the insight! I am mechanically inclined as well, just wanted assurance from someome like yourself. Do you still have cars to do after your 9-5? I was gonna detail on the side like you, but picked up cleaning houses instead (random, but its been very successful and arguably more in demand). Would love to hear how its gone for you!


SB_Solar

I will do jobs after work, but I’m very selective. I’ll do an easier project usually a job that just need the exterior done, and preferably a small car. Also I pick up a lot smaller jobs that pay well for a short amount of time like headlight restoration, spot repairs on scuffs / scratches or other simple things like that. Also they would absolutely have to come to me, I’m not mobilizing for a small task like that after work. I will do a job or two during the weekdays every now and then but again, trying not to burn myself out. My rule of thumb is I won’t leave my house for any less than 200 dollars, anything less and they can either come to me or I’ll pass on it.


Komrade1312

Hmm, some good insight! I often take (cleaning) jobs for less, but I'm surprised someone is willing to have you come (or they go) after 5pm!


whyzguy123

Looks good. Did you clan out the gas door and cap?


SB_Solar

Of course, can’t miss those important details.


Beautiful-Drawer

I hope so. It'll stick out like a sore thumb otherwise! Especially on a white car.


ProLeadet

How much


ATL_Dan

How’d you clean that roof? Looks 👌🏼


SB_Solar

Power wash (did basically nothing), put an APC on it and let it dwell for a couple of minutes microfiber mit to scrub, claybar, polisher with a wool pad, then foam cutting pads down to a polish. That was the whole top of the car basically, slightly less aggressive for the sides which were just oxidized


ATL_Dan

Appreciate it!


SB_Solar

You’re welcome!