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DIY Detailing Cart.


emorgn

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Hey all,

   This is my attempt at making a detail cart.

 

I knew what cart I wanted to use so I bought this:

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I picked it up @ the local "big box" store for $60.

 

I quickly realized that I needed some sort of bottle management. After an exhausting amount of time checking out all of the internet options I found some scrap Styrofoam packing materials @ work and decided that I could save them from the landfill.

 

This is what the material starts out like:

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I bought a Styrofoam hot wire cutter @ the local craft store, because a hole saw makes a TERRIBLE MESS and doesn't give a good result. I paid $20 for it but since the girlfriend can use it on her crafts later, I'm not gonna include it in my tally.  I used it to cut out the holes and make room for the bottles.

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I tried a few configurations, and then came up with one I liked and seemed to fit nicely.

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1 bottle of Styrofoam craft glue and 1 can of textured spray paint totaled less than $10 and gave me this.

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Partially loaded.

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I'm waiting on some hooks to hang the brushes and stuff off of the outside, after that I'll finish loading up the remaining stuff in the garage and put it to work!  All together I have less than $85 in it.  I liked the Adams cart but really wanted a metal one. So we shall see how it holds up.

 

Moderators, I hope in posting all of this I didn't violate any picture or posting rules, please advise if I need to change something or take this down.

 

Feedback and criticism is welcome! I call this Phase 1, more of a trial run.  I would like a nicer looking bottle holding system, but I can live with turning something destined for the dump into something useful for the time being.

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Looks awesome. Nice work!

Thanks!

 

Looks awesome man, glad I saw this on your IG...

 

Matt

Thanks dude, and thanks for the follow on Instagram!

 

I love the bottle holders.  If your company throws out tons of that foam you might have a side business. 

Thanks! We have over 100, it wouldn't be bad but cutting the larger hole with that craft wire takes FOREVER! I have almost 4 hours in just doing that.

 

Brilliant!!  I'd get a patent on that quick!   :2thumbs:

Thanks Rich! I wish I could!

 

 

I think Phase 2 will be a custom 3D printed bottle array.  I'm a CAD/CAM programmer by day so I think I could make a fairly good one. The price of the machines keep coming closer to what I'm willing to spend, so it probably won't be too much longer before I pull the trigger on one. Oh well, we'll see, only time will tell where my OCD goes next.   :D

 

Thanks again for all the kind words!

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Nice! I like the setup. Kinda wish I would have done something similar but with a luxor cart instead of buying a toolcart to use for detailing.

 

You may want to add more protection on the edges of the cart to prevent issues with accidentally hitting a car.

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Very impressive!

Thanks!

 

Very cool!  :bravo:

Thanks!

 

Very cool Erik!

Thanks!

 

Nice setup and ingenuity. 

Thanks!

 

Nice! I like the setup. Kinda wish I would have done something similar but with a luxor cart instead of buying a toolcart to use for detailing.

 

You may want to add more protection on the edges of the cart to prevent issues with accidentally hitting a car.

Thanks! yea I need to come up with something to help with that, the bumpers are at a good height but could be better.

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Thanks! yea I need to come up with something to help with that, the bumpers are at a good height but could be better.

 

 

Maybe cut up a pool noodle or use roll bar foam. Actually run to home depot and look in the plumbing section. There is a foam that goes over piping that would work really well for this.

 

In the future you may find things a bit cramped on that cart. You may find it beneficial to leave some space on the top to set a polisher, or have a couple extra towels that you are currently using. Basically a small workspace type area to use during a detail.

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Wow.....nice work

Thanks!

 

Maybe cut up a pool noodle or use roll bar foam. Actually run to home depot and look in the plumbing section. There is a foam that goes over piping that would work really well for this.

 

In the future you may find things a bit cramped on that cart. You may find it beneficial to leave some space on the top to set a polisher, or have a couple extra towels that you are currently using. Basically a small workspace type area to use during a detail.

That's a good idea! i'll try that, thanks!

 

yea i thought about that, i figure this will be helpful in deciding what i really want on the cart and what can be left on the workbench. Or maybe just buy a bigger cart! lol  I'm in a condo now so space is limited, this way i can also pull everything in during the winter and extreme summer temp changes.

 

Looks really good!

Thanks!

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Nice!

 

I second the suggestion for pipe insulation to protect against damage to the vehicle.  I would remove those rubber bumpers, then put rubber pipe insulation on all four posts and on the handle.

 

I put some on the handle of my step stool.

 

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If you run out of space, just make a second cart! One for interior, one for exterior. Just a thought. My two bucket wash cart could use some bottle holders. I wish Adams sold just the holders they have on their carts.

 

Very nice work!

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Nice!

 

I second the suggestion for pipe insulation to protect against damage to the vehicle.  I would remove those rubber bumpers, then put rubber pipe insulation on all four posts and on the handle.

 

I put some on the handle of my step stool.

 

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Nice! I'm doing this!

 

If you run out of space, just make a second cart! One for interior, one for exterior. Just a thought. My two bucket wash cart could use some bottle holders. I wish Adams sold just the holders they have on their carts.

 

Very nice work!

That's a good idea too.  Me too, I really struggled with coming up with something for it.

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