Detail Rig Build - Ford Transit Connect 2011

[Shine Empire]

Hi guys,

I'm a long time lurker, but have been detailing ever since I got my GG6 kit 6 years ago. Now that I have graduated college and have good work life balance I decided to go into detailing to fulfill a hobby and make some toy money. I used money from my real job to go head first into professional detailing.

I bought the van with 100k miles for $7300. Everything else was probably about $4k excluding the few things I already had. I used to question how someone could spend $15k on a detail rig, but man, it adds up fast.

Anyways here are the pics.

I have the pressure washer, air compressor with an extra tank for 21 gallons of air, Costco 3500 watt generator, mytee extractor, and the infamous Mcculloch steamer, and 30 gallons of water.


I still haven't treated the trim with Solution Finish. The van only got a quick correction with HD Polish.

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0132_zpsqp9dbwix.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0132_zpsqp9dbwix.jpg.html)

Results of the quick correction

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0114_zpsnq6ynwcq.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0114_zpsnq6ynwcq.jpg.html)

Showing the lettering texture

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0130_zpsezrpl6rl.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0130_zpsezrpl6rl.jpg.html)

DIY always
http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0123_zpsurtjtz7g.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0123_zpsurtjtz7g.jpg.html)

Detail cart will go everywhere. It's a must have for me

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0117_zpsbtce1k7b.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0117_zpsbtce1k7b.jpg.html)

30 gallon tank. I don't plan on doing volume washes. I would like to focus on full details with an emphasis on correction or heavy interior detailing

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0056_zpsjc4obsfr.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0056_zpsjc4obsfr.jpg.html)

The correcting goods. Still waiting on more pads

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0054_zpsa9v8g5rh.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0054_zpsa9v8g5rh.jpg.html)

File drawer to make use of head room

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0053_zpsomqguwb4.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0053_zpsomqguwb4.jpg.html)

Retractable compressed air hose, PW hose real and retractable power reel.

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/martin_esparza2/IMG_0050_zps6b56ip5j.jpg (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/martin_esparza2/media/IMG_0050_zps6b56ip5j.jpg.html)

Many of my decisions have been based on what i've learned here from the community. Thanks guys:xyxthumbs:

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Looking good!

Make sure to get that trim protected!

[GSKR]

Congrats on that van.Hate to be negative on the idea of loading that little van with so much weight.I have a 2010 xlt out fitted with kinda the same set up but not nearly as much weight.ive put about 3k into it the last 6 months and have only 92k.That van technically is suppose to carry very little weight,it's on a Ford Focus platform.The water tank is not balanced weight wise,so if you have to stop on a dime hope for the best.you will,see on the highway 60 miles per hour is pushing it and horns will blow.I see your point on affordability and the transit is eye level and easy to work out of.I would get the transmission serviced should run you 350.00.Ive gone thru 5 new fords since 2003 and 2 of them were new diesels.All of them stood no chance after 2 years and decidided to downsize my clientele and get rid of doing 70 car washes a month and dealer work.At the the time I had a 225 gallon tank.I think I'm gonna hussle another 3 years at this and buy a Nissan nv 1500 used for 17k and keep the weight in my transit and convert it to the Nissan gd luck.

[Shine Empire]

Looking good!

Make sure to get that trim protected!

Sure will:xyxthumbs:




Congrats on that van.Hate to be negative on the idea of loading that little van with so much weight.I have a 2010 xlt out fitted with kinda the same set up but not nearly as much weight.ive put about 3k into it the last 6 months and have only 92k.That van technically is suppose to carry very little weight,it's on a Ford Focus platform.The water tank is not balanced weight wise,so if you have to stop on a dime hope for the best.you will,see on the highway 60 miles per hour is pushing it and horns will blow.I see your point on affordability and the transit is eye level and easy to work out of.I would get the transmission serviced should run you 350.00.Ive gone thru 5 new fords since 2003 and 2 of them were new diesels.All of them stood no chance after 2 years and decidided to downsize my clientele and get rid of doing 70 car washes a month and dealer work.At the the time I had a 225 gallon tank.I think I'm gonna hussle another 3 years at this and buy a Nissan nv 1500 used for 17k and keep the weight in my transit and convert it to the Nissan gd luck.

Thanks! That is good to know. I will make the transmission service a priority.

225 gallon tank:eek:

[GSKR]

The trim is grey use cquartz dlux.I would of taken out that bulkhead and replaced it with marine plywood.It will give you more room and less weight.Use synthetic oil and service that transmission not by a oil change place where they charge you 59.00 too flush,take it to a mechanic and drop the pan change the internal filters and merc motorcraft trans oil.

[GSKR]

Pm me your phone number and I will send you pics on how I did it.

[Sharply Dressed]

van looks nice.





Thanks! That is good to know. I will make the transmission service a priority.

225 gallon tank:eek:[/QUOTE]

[215Detailing]

Like the set up (subscribed)

[215Detailing]

how is the feed (water) gravity flow from 55 gallon barrel to (electric) pressure washer? any video of set up in operation?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBwX_MKssfs

[sweatthedetails]

Wow that's a lot of stuff.

[GSKR]

Just be aware of overheating promblems.Apparently there is a issue with these trucks overheating.mine over heated 3 weeks ago needed new cooling fan.Then 1 month later overheated again needed water pump and thermostat.1 week ago over heated again turned it off and called mechanic.He said don't drive it,I took my chances and drove and it's been 2 weeks so far no issues.parts for transit are not cheap.

[KS_Detailing]

Awesome, ive been looking at a few lately. Only issue is i need to lower it a bit to clear my garage open for storage. I cant seem to find much information on lowering kits or how to do it for that matter.

[Sicoupe]

Nice setup! Good luck with your business my friend.

[Woob]

Very cool build. How do you like the Flexzilla hose reel? Any issues with air compressor? How well does the extended tank help?

[Crispy]

Get the vehicle weighed.

You can do this at a truck weigh station or a dump site.

You are probably exceeding the gross vehicle weight and therefore looking for a disaster.

Vehicles are designed for GVW so beware.

At a minimum a transmission cooler and possible brake caliper upgrade.

Nice looking van by the way.