Hey everyone, so I have decided to start up a detailing business. I posted about that a little while back. I have been doing all kinds of research and all of that good stuff. And now I'm in the "buy equipment" phase. I got a new polisher, as well as a bunch of MF towels, clay bars, soap, brushes, and a few other smaller things. Now I'm getting into something a little more on the big side....a truck/van. Here is where I'm stuck, I absolutely love my Monte carlo. It by no means is my favorite car in the world. But since I have had it, it has been my pride and joy. I keep trying to convince myself that I can afford my Monte as well as another car. But as I think about it, I don't think I can. Right now I pay almost $300 a month for a car payment which right now is fine. I can pay that ok. I also have $120 in insurance. So right there I pretty much have just about half my monthly income going to my monte. That's if I do nothing but work at best buy. Now I also have my dad who I work with pretty much any day I don't work at best buy. When I do that and get a lot of hours in with my dad I could probably pay for my Monte as well as an old beater van or truck. however I can't rely on that because my hours at best buy have picked up a ton recently which most would think is good. However I make less money working 30-35 hours at best buy then I do working 15-20 hours at best buy and the rest of the time with my dad. Anyway, before I go into my whole life story haha, if you guys were in my situation where sometimes you have plenty of money to pay for 2 cars and sometimes you don't, would you get rid of your car now, so you can start doing your dream job and then possibly get your favorite car down the road (again this is from my point of view, I know a lot of people on here absolutely love there Monte's). And also my Monte is not in perfect shape. I myself have taken care of it very very well. But it was a northern car and does have a lot of rust issues because of the salt. I just don't have a clue on what to do. I would definitely love some input from you guys. Also I have thought of just getting a trailer and hauling that around with my Monte, but I don't have the room for a trailer since the one I would need to carry a water tank, generator, etc would need to be pretty big. Anyway, any input would me much appreciated guys.

 

I would stick with the Monte for now personally, I would think you could fit everything you need in the trunk with the seats down, other than a water tank. If you are going mobile would think a few hundred feet of quality hose & extension cord would be the way to go. I would avoid hauling around the water as it will be a lot of weight to lug around. Maybe total mobile detailing is the plan, just thinking water should be accessible at most locations.

Good luck with the business, I am sure you will make it work.

 

I have never tried to fold my seats down. I knew the impalas did that, but I never knew the Monte did as well. Just goes to show I'm still learning things about my car haha. Anyway, you think I could get by without things like a water tank and a generator?

 

I do perfectly fine without either. You just need to ask the customer first if you can use their water supply and electricity for the job. If they don't understand just let them know your just starting out. If you keep the prices/deals reasonable they won't mind. Just be kind to their items.

PS, there is a fabric tab on each side of the rear seats. Yank them and the seat comes forward. the bottom seat also comes out.

 

You should skip the van, iMuf. Jen does just fine in her 6th generation, and we've all seen the wonderful results that she posts on the Forum and on Facebook. I think mobile detailing would be much more suited to kids our age. Poor gen doesn't even use a buffer; she does everything by hand! And if you're worried about the Monte's interior getting dirty, then just put some blankets/cloth down on the carpeting of the trunk and back seats. You can do fine!

 

I've grown some serious woman muscles thanks to detailing

I actually am thinking of getting one of those Transit Connect trucks, they are the perfect size, and look great.
But for now the monte does well. It makes a good impression when you pull up in a hot & shiny ride such as a monte carlo

 

Thanks guys I appreciate it. I feel much better about sticking with what I got and maybe getting something that can carry all that stuff down the road. And to Jen, I just got the Griot's Garage 6" random orbital and it is amazing. I think it was $169 and you get 3 pads pad cleaner and conditioner along with 2 cutting compounds and a sealant. You might check that out.

 

find some crates or totes...
totes are really nice. if anything spills it stays confined in the tote.