Grey Ghost

Longtime (too long) FedEx employee. There are too many factors that could result in what looks like 'crazy' or inefficient routing of a particular shipment. Like BluedogGMC stated, the handing off to USPS can further complicate things. If you want to PM me your tracking information, I'll be glad to take a closer look.

Liquid Paint Sealant because I'm not fortunate enough to have my dream weekend cruiser.....yet. I did take advantage of the Cinco de Mayo flash sale and scored some Americana. I plan on doing a full detail on my car this weekend and topping with that over LPS. I'm expecting to be blinded when I pull it back out of the garage and into this ridiculously hot Florida sun.

Please change name to Grey Ghost. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for your service, Rich. I was in the Army from 1997-2005 in Fuel Supply. Best thing that ever happened to me outside of my wife.

I bought the No.2 wallet in "Whiskey" and a black No.2 belt. The quality of craftsmanship on both is impeccable. I'm going to buy another belt in brown soon. Squeeze away on that trigger....you won't be disappointed.

I know you're not supposed to link other company's products but what I want to share has nothing to do with car care so maybe I'm good? I saw a short write up in Cigar Aficionado about a company called Bison Made that sells leather goods made right here in the USA. Since I needed a new belt, I decided to check out their site. http://www.bisonmade.com/#about As I read about them, I couldn't help think that some of you might enjoy their stuff as well. Like I said, I needed a belt so I ordered one, along with a wallet (can never order one thing). Shipping was fast and the packaging was impeccable. Really impressive presentation and the belt is awesome. Here's the best part. While I loved the design of the wallet I received, the grain was pretty bland. I know leather is something that is unique from piece to piece and that it will change over time but the more I looked at it, the less satisfied I was. So I reached out to Bison Made and boy was I impressed. The rep said she looked at their stock of the finished leather I ordered and she agreed it was not the best looking. She said that they had another shipment of leather coming in and that she would make sure I received a new one with a return label for the one I had. Within a week, that was at my doorstep and the new wallet is awesome. So a company manufacturing products in the USA, from USA suppliers, with a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship with awesome customer service. Can't get better than that.

I found a Milwaukee 2601-21 at TJ Maxx of all places about 4 years ago. Thing has been amazing. Very balanced and easy to manipulate in tighter areas. It came with 2 batteries and they last forever and charge quickly. To say I'm happy with it is an understatement along the lines of saying Adam's has some stuff to wash your car.

Found 2 of these in the cabinet unused. Believe the Doc is right on as these are the perfect size for what I'm looking for. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Tried searching the forums first so forgive me if this has already been discussed. Has there ever been a smaller wash pad offered, targeted specifically for the face of a wheel? I'm talking about maybe something in 3"-4" range that can fit nicely in one's hand. I currently use on old, auto parts store microfiber sponge contraption but even that is too large. I plan on pulling my wheels and polishing/sealing the barrels and I am looking for something else to take care of them afterwards. I know there are wheel woolies and turbosticks out there but once I polish/seal these things, they shouldn't need anything other than some soap and a gentle pad to keep them clean. I suppose that I can probably use the rectangular, blue applicator pads but I really like the feel of the wash pads. Am I off base?

Care to share how busy? I am in year 1 of seriously enjoying the hobby, mostly my own cars, friends and family. I've done a handful of paid jobs in the last few weeks and am considering trying to solicit paid work more regularly. What were your biggest obstacles? How often are you doing paid work? Of course, all if you don't mind sharing.

I just try to clearly understand what the person paying wants the end result to be like and price from there. Hardest part for me is having someone who just wants it too look "improved" but then my issues pushing it towards perfection. Again, just my issues and another reason I'm not a pro. In the end, if you're happy with $200-$250 then go for it.

^^^ +1 I am more like you, Tracy. I do a few paying jobs every once in awhile and while I strive for perfection on my jobs (and my customers have all been impressed with results), I would not put myself near that "professional" level. I try to be around the $35/hour mark but I sometimes fall short. That's when I remind myself that I'm also doing something I get great joy out of. A day spent bringing new life to a car while making $25-$35 per hour is alright with me.

+ 1 on both of these last 2 posts. Rigs are a different ballgame with all the spilled diesel and grease from the 5th wheel. Granted, most Peterbilt owners do take more pride in their rigs but it's still a rig. At $1K, you will be making less than the kid at the local Taco Bell when it's all said and done. One more thing, assuming this guy owns that beast outright, he's running a small business. Something like this expense can be itemized as a business expense for him come tax time. Just a thought.

My dad is an OTR owner-operator and I remember doing his Freightliner years ago. The overall length was probably 2/3 of that Peterbilt and not as much exposed metal to polish (fiberglass fairings covering the tanks). I don't recall exactly how many hours it took but it was a full weekend. I base my work on how many hours I think I will need to meet my customer's expectations plus a bit more to meet mine. I would only feel comfortable giving this customer a ballpark quote with the scope of work you're talking about and the fact that you're trying to quote sight unseen. If you're talking about polishing all that metal (bumpers, wheels, tanks, smokestacks, etc), you're probably looking at 3 days. Heck, I'd spend 2 days on my BMW if I had the time. That's a major job you got there, buddy. One that I would love to have lined up, though. Should be worth the work. My 2 cents worth..................