Dual Setups (Mobile and In Shop) - How to organize?

[davisautodetail]

I'm getting everything fixed up and organized in my shop. I'm doing mobile one day a week, and the other days, in my shop (at least that's the plan.)

I'm trying to figure out a decent way to organize stuff so it's convenient in both "job sites."

Anyone have any creative setups that you use for doing the same thing?

I'm thinking about just using rubber-maid containers (clear) that I can carry back and forth and work out of in both locations. I'm also considering buying another set of supplies (just the liquid products and then using the refills to keep them stocked.

Thoughts?

[T3 AutoDetails]

Their are many ways that are creative in using one set of materials for both. Find a system that is capable of doing both and in the price range. Imagine it than try it out.

Clear containers work fine if you have stackables that can go in and out of the rig and save room rather than being just put in a vehicle. Few detailing bags maybe? AG and all major brands carry them here at this site, or maybe a combo of both? The important things are knowing what you need on your mobile jobs and not taking things you dont need so you can free up space.

I agree completly with breaking the chemicals down into smaller size squeezables or labeled sprayers that way you dont need the huge jugs.. Save that for the shop where you can have the readily at your disposal.

Ive always wanted to get a small double door cabinent. Throw roller wheels on each corner than mount a 4 brackets. 2 on the top (1 each side), and 2 on the bottom and throw a fitted 2x4 across the doors to make sure the stuff doesnt fall out. Use some kind of bottle holders on the inside of the doors to fit say maybe 4-5 per side. Than have a flat top screwed in place (plywood or the like) with a hook to hang my polisher, and 2 more hooks for my hose and the other for my extension cord. A small hook or nail on the edge and using a laundry bag and hanging it so when im done with a towel i can just throw it in the bag instead of on the floor. the setup would be under $100 to make for sure but you would need a van or truck to tote it around.

[davisautodetail]

I hadn't really thought much about the detailing bag, but that probably actually makes the most sense. Even in the shop, I find myself walking back and forth to the shelf/cabinet all of the time, which is a pain. With a bag, it seems you could keep pretty much everything you need in there.

[VP Mark]

I am mostly mobile but do a little pick up and delivery service, and can say that having removable totes with your most used chemicals makes life much easier.

A detail bag is a must have. I keep my polisher, some pads, most of my paint correction and LSP chemicals, and a few microfibers in mine. I use that bag more than any other organizing resource I have by far. Plus is just looks way more professional when your are on site.

This is the one I use:

Autogeek Detailer's Bag, detailing bag, detailing supplies bag, storage bag, tool box, buffer bag, car care organizer, buffing pads organizer (http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-detailer-s-tool-bag.html)

I am looking to upgrade some of my totes to a couple of these in the spring, to make pick up and delivery, and times when I go to do mobile work without my trailer:

Autogeek Trunk Organizer (http://www.autogeek.net/car-care-trunk-organizer.html)

Getting organized makes ALL the difference, and investing some money into making yourself more efficient is definitely worth it.

Another note, you would be surprised (if you are anything like me) how few chemicals that you really use on most details. Having everything under the sun is great, but if you really calculate out what you need for most work, it is very little. Just something to think about when you are organizing yourself for mobile. You don't always have to take everything you own with you to do basic washes and mild interior work.

[davisautodetail]

Is there an advantage to the bigger PRO version of the detailing bag over the smaller one? I like the idea of the 2 different bags, but if one big bag would work, that would be great.

I got all organized yesterday. A bag would definitely make it easier, just wondering if I ought to do one big one or 2 smaller ones. The 21" bag would fit my brushes too but that doesn't help much after the first job when they are wet.

[rmagnus]

Consider a 3 shelf rolling cart $50 Harbor Freight item 6650. Works great in the garage, even mobile if you can transport it. These carts hold a lot of gear and will keep you from going back to the garage for more items. I do not like working off the ground. Using a cart and a rolling stool I seem to stay better organized. The Werner platforms make for a nice work bench to stay off the ground or ladder to detail the car roofs.

The detail bags are nice but another option might be a generic bag sold at hardware store or Sears. You sould be able to get 3-4 for the same price. For buffers you'll want something in the 18-24" range.

Clear stackable boxes are great for MF towels and buffing pads. I get mine at Costco. Definately transfer product into smaller squeeze bottles that way they are all the same size. I pefer the celf cleaning squeeze bottles from Meguiars available here at AGO. Much easier to work with and you don't misplace the tops. Label each bottle clearly.

[davisautodetail]

Consider a 3 shelf rolling cart $50 Harbor Freight item 6650. Works great in the garage, even mobile if you can transport it. These carts hold a lot of gear and will keep you from going back to the garage for more items. I do not like working off the ground. Using a cart and a rolling stool I seem to stay better organized. The Werner platforms make for a nice work bench to stay off the ground or ladder to detail the car roofs.

The detail bags are nice but another option might be a generic bag sold at hardware store or Sears. You sould be able to get 3-4 for the same price. For buffers you'll want something in the 18-24" range.

Clear stackable boxes are great for MF towels and buffing pads. I get mine at Costco. Definately transfer product into smaller squeeze bottles that way they are all the same size. I pefer the celf cleaning squeeze bottles from Meguiars available here at AGO. Much easier to work with and you don't misplace the tops. Label each bottle clearly.

That's funny, I actually have the 2 shelf version of that same cart in my shop right now, and I use it all of the time.

I need to check around for different bag options. I like the idea of the bags, but you're right, $60 is a little steep for a duffle bag, I think.

I ended up getting my boxes at WM for $4 each, need to see if they have any more. the top locks, they stack nicely, and you can see through them pretty easily.

[Andr3wilson]

I sell tools and tool cabinets. Very industrial and stylish. If you are interested in getting setup with something that can be mobile and shop send me a PM
15685

[davisautodetail]

I sell tools and tool cabinets. Very industrial and stylish. If you are interested in getting setup with something that can be mobile and shop send me a PM
15685

Thanks man, I'm just getting started, and custom cabinetry is going to be a bit out of my price range at the moment.

[Andr3wilson]

Thanks man, I'm just getting started, and custom cabinetry is going to be a bit out of my price range at the moment.

I can completely understand, we also do manufacture tool chests and service chests that are quite roomy and portable. Range from $121 to $2400

For example
http://www.seattletool.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/sites/default/files/STC20301.jpg

http://www.seattletool.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/sites/default/files/26chest.jpg

http://www.seattletool.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/sites/default/files/26chestfeat1.jpg

Again if you are interested in the future or want more information, don't hesitate to get into contact with me!

-Andrew

[AutowerxDetailing]

I rely heavily on plastic totes for my mobile gear. I have everything broken down into different categories so I can just grab whatever I need for a specific job. It seems to work well for me. I'm primarily mobile.

Small totes that I got for about $1 each. They hold things like CCS Pads, Interior tools/brushes, Exterior tools/brushes, Clay, Samples, Various Pads, etc...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/2013-02-17_15_59_13.jpg

Got a few totes with microfibers, wash mitts, and interior towels. I usually grab another tote of the same size and load it up with smaller totes of whatever I need for the specific job.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/2013-02-17_15_59_30.jpg

Bag from HD for ~$20. Keep all my compounds/polish and brinkmann inside.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/2013-02-17_15_59_50.jpg

Milk crate full of chemicals... grab and go convenience.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/2013-02-17_16_00_02.jpg

Craftsman tool chest/step that I got from a thrift shop for ~$7... I keep my PCXP and 849X, backing plates, PTG and other related items protected inside.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/2013-02-17_16_00_21.jpg

All of this fits in the back of my pickup with no problems. It would probably fit in the back hatch of a full size wagon easily as well.

[Sharply Dressed]

For mobile organization I am going to buy the Rigid cart system.
After looking at my last detail, my products and tools were all over. I didn't think it looked professional. Here's a link to the system.

RIDGID 22 in. Pro Gear Cart, Black-222573 - The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Gear-Cart-Black-222573/205441921)

[Mike@ShineStruck]

For mobile organization I am going to buy the Rigid cart system.
After looking at my last detail, my products and tools were all over. I didn't think it looked professional. Here's a link to the system.

RIDGID 22 in. Pro Gear Cart, Black-222573 - The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Gear-Cart-Black-222573/205441921)

I like that it's stackable with the pro tool box and the lil organizer box

[geekdout]

@ Andr3wilson I really like that work bench in your picture. Is that a picture of your workspace?

[AutowerxDetailing]

Oh man, this brings back memories! I'll have to snap some pics of our mobile kit how it is now. Hint: EVERYTHING has wheels.