Nevermind that. I just realized, no sectionals?!? @buddyo, I thought you were my hero…
Have never been a fan of them
Hey Alex,
To be completely honest, your Taco build thread is what inspired me to take the time to post mine. I really liked that flat bed look you have going. Reading about your struggles and cost in fabricating custom components struck a cord with me. It can be a painfully slow process but I knew others like yourself would pick up on the details.
If I remember correctly, you had mentioned once in here about how difficult it is for potential customers to get on your calendar?
I’m such a looser! I spent a grand on a new set of stacks and f#@kin hated them. Was not comfy enough with how narrow they are and having my feet touching each other while using them. So I sold them If it’s a job I would need a set of stacks for, it’s a job for someone else, there is just way to much work out there.
what a CLEAN build Art! love the stainless braided hose! this is the glory of compounded engineering thoughts and improvements over the years, a true harvest and application of knowledge to overcome every last irritating frustration, I look forward to seeing the wrap and sign finished
Awe, shucks (ahyuck!)
I feel like Truck Norris is amateurish compared to your build, though. You do have the advantage of having built two previous works trucks. Your build needs a name, btw.
Not sure I understand the angry emoji, but yeah, I’ve had a pretty booked schedule in the past. I also have a few minor barriers to entry: I don’t answer my phone almost ever, and prefer customers text or email so I can respond after hours. I’m also not taking on any new jobs with storm windows. I’m honestly not very good about getting back to every lead; I sometimes gauge people’s seriousness and reasonableness by how they sound when they call a second time. The ones who sound impatient in their second voicemail, usually won’t get a call back
This year has been a lighter schedule so far, though. I’m also finding that as I focus more on power washing, I’m able to get more jobs done in less time. Getting home earlier, with more opportunities to fit people in with short notice. It’s been nice.
Hey Man,
The angry emoji was depicting how pissed potential clients get when unable to get on your schedule. When we talk, I feel less weird. , you as well have earned your place in this niche market. For me, having work scheduled six & seven days week (6 months out) by April 1st has been the norm for as long as I can remember. Get this, during the last few years, I have clients now scheduling 3 years in advance,
and many of them. It is so difficult to f@%k up when you like what you do.
I’m with you on the not taking on jobs that include triple tracks, energy panels, and the old exterior hanging storm panels. I don’t advertise and the only reason I have a wrap on the truck is for a write off and I think they look cool as hell. Don’t change what your doing brother unless your unhappy.
Speaking of unhappy, been so busy that I completely forgot about Cinco de Mayo. Tonight’s pour from the tequila bar will be in salute to all the completed builds out there.
My vice
Hey guys, I wanted to post my work-in-progress van setup (video is less than 2 mins):
2014 Transit Connect
Removable reel
200’ hose
Two DI tanks
All hose connections outside of van
Diggin’ the external connections/routing. We made a port through the bottom of the trailer for cold days, or windy days, so that we can operate with the doors closed.
Yeah, great for working with people around too, keeps everything secure.
Those through fittings are pretty slick. Mind telling us what you used?
They do work pretty well. I got both from Grainger:
I mounted the green roller guide with springs so it will flex if I hit a curb or anything.
Curious of work truck with topper set ups. I recently purchased a GMC Canyon with 6 ft bed and topper. Thinking of ways to set up the bed area for tools and gear. Any suggestions? (This will double as my work truck and personal truck on days off.)
That would drive me nuts. I’ve done it in the past, and I do not miss it one bit (no truck payment was nice, though).
How much stuff are you anticipating removing each time you use it for personal errands, etc? Or are you looking to keep mostly everything on board fulltime?
I actually did it for 5 years with my previous truck and 6 years with my van until I picked up a RAV4 for personal use and used the van exclusively for work. I had a pretty simple set up put together that I could remove and store my gear in like 10 minutes or so, then restock in about the same amount of time. I will be setting up a similar set up for the configuration of the truck but just looking for ideas I may not have thought of. 1 vehicle; 1 insurance coverage; 1 maintenance schedule; etc.
What’s the truck look like, and the topper? What equipment you dealing with? Honestly, as much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my truck and canopy setup I purchased for it. And it’s been a huge life saver over the last 6 years… I’m buying an enclosed trailer…
I do gutter cleaning, drain clean out, gutter vac, buckets, leave debris cans, dryer vent cleaning, pressure washing, hoses etc etc… I’m out of room lol. I’ll take pictures today, just about to leave. Sorta messy, been a busy year, about to enjoy 4 days vacation at home lol.
I don’t offer pressure washer right now. Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, window screen repair. I have a couple of WFP with Unger Hydropower resin filter, Screen washer and assorted trad stuff. I added a roof rack to the Canyon but it is back at the dealer getting a vibration in the steering repaired. Today was the last job with the Astro van as a new owner takes it tomorrow.
![Astro4](https://community.windowcleaner.com/uploads/default/original/3X/9/2/929c08f78a11111b943c9feb7dd4c42b183f6e5b.jpeg)
![GMC1](https://community.windowcleaner.com/uploads/default/original/3X/2/5/25a3c8896018b4585b48644ee30c53313aeae268.jpeg)
![GMC2](https://community.windowcleaner.com/uploads/default/original/3X/a/b/ab48267b1c89909052c96baf8580884b0ea22a26.jpeg)
There expensive , but Look into bed slides
^^ Exactly what I was about to suggest
In addition, you may want to consider swapping your topper for one with the flip-up side windows, for additional access points. You can even get toolboxes that mount behind them (or build your own).
I would like the lift wind-doors on the side and may get them after first of the year. This set up will work for now. I attached cordage to the stuff I can’t reach so I simply pull it to the tailgate as needed, then slide it back in it’s place.