help re cleaning trucks

[migsy in oz]

Gday evryone form down under! Was wondering if anyone can help me.I am starting a biz cleaning trucks and was wondering what is the best HP sprayer to get for the job with out ruining the paintwork.I am aslo trying to find out how to clean aluminum gas tanks, wheel rims, exhausts,and tippers to a brilliant shine thru buffing.Was wondering if anybody does this for a job and can help me with advice.Any help would be great re cleaning trucks...especially getting the tankks etc to shine!! cheers Migsy

 

[migsy in oz]

hey dont fall all over each other to help........

 

[grasshawg]

Sorry, bro. Sometimes it takes a while for the right person to read your post and provide and answer. But since you're in a hurry, I'll tell ya what I Know. Fleets just aren't my cup of tea, but......
Any HP washer will get the job done, so long as you choose the right nozzle. Probably no smaller than a 25 degree tip. Don't get too close to the finish, and keep the wand moving. The paint job will be fine. But as always, gpms---the more the better. Faster rinsing.
Definitely can't help ya with polishing tanks. But I can tell ya about cleaning them.
AlumaBrite Brand aluminum cleaner/brightener. Otherwise known as hydrofloric acid.
I wouldn't dilute it any weaker than to 10:1 with water, but no stronger than 3:1. Spray it on with a pump up sprayer, let it dwell just a few seconds. I'd say no more than 30 seconds. Depending on the strength. Leave it on too long, it will burn streaks into the finish, and is a PITA to get out. Rinse real good.
Be careful not to get the stuff on paint jobs or glass.
Remember, acid is only for cleaning and brightening, NOT for polishing.
PLEEEEEZZZZZ don't put the stuff on any polished surface, i.e., Chrome stacks, bumpers, etc. You will burn the hell out of the finish, and make a driver mad enough to spit right through you. I know. I used to be one!
Happy washing.
Randy

 

[Larry L.]

hey dont fall all over each other to help........

THAT sounds like a pup wanting to set on the porch with the big dogs.

In fleet washing your sprayer should be atleast 4gpm 2000psi with hotwater for best re cleaning.PSI and GPM will do not ruin paintworks if the user is knowlegded in the distance the lance is from the surface.

Acids are used to brighten aluminum tanks,rims and chrome stacks,it will also brighten paintworks.Acids are also used to brighten polished tanks,rims and polished ect...

Buffing metals to a brilliant shine is another trade that most fleetwashers leave to the buffing professionals.Tools for this trade will cost more than the cost of setting up a powerwasher if done the professional way.Check out metal buffing on the internet to see what all is needed.....

 

[grasshawg]

In the U.S., just about any truck stop will have a homeless guy or drug addict walking the lot offering to polish tanks and wheels. Usually $10/wheel, $20 per tank.
Occassionaly, a reputable guy with a CB radio will advertise over the airwaves for his polishing service.
Whoever does it usually does a pretty good job.
Never been in an Aussie truck stop before. But I could see where a guy could make a decent buck in a day if he has no family to feed.
Randy

 

[FCPWLLC]

In the U.S., just about any truck stop will have a homeless guy or drug addict walking the lot offering to polish tanks and wheels. Usually $10/wheel, $20 per tank.
Occassionaly, a reputable guy with a CB radio will advertise over the airwaves for his polishing service.
Whoever does it usually does a pretty good job.
Never been in an Aussie truck stop before. But I could see where a guy could make a decent buck in a day if he has no family to feed.
Randy

I would never hire a homeless guy or drug addict. It's just like the low-balling, unlicensed guy you compete against.

 

[grasshawg]

Neither would I, but that's the reality of it. Money's tight for everyone, including truck drivers. They generally don't care if they can get their wheels and tanks done cheap.
Randy

 

[migsy in oz]

thanks

Thanks you guys...bloody great advice to get me going.really appreciate yoiur time and advice.....keep it coming!...thanks Migsy

 

[Scott Stone]

Rather than the ratios for acid mentioned above, I would go with what the manufacturer recommends for acids. I can split mine down to 50:1 and they are still effective, and at that ratio I can spray them on polished and have little ill effect, as long as I get to it quick.

As for the rest, there are a variety of different ways, and none are incorrect. Some guys two step, and some guys use a bucket and a brush. It just all depends on what works for you.