Reintroduction and advice needed

[freightshaker]

Howdy!

I got into WR a few years ago and it didn't work out at the time. I'm currently in the process of reviving it as a more comprehensive automotive business. In addition to WR and headlight restoration, I want to offer full automotive detailing, paint touch-up, carpet dyeing, leather/vinyl/dash repair, aluminum wheel polishing, etc. Basically, a full "automotive reconditioning" biz.

I already have the equipment for WR and HR (although I'd wager that the resin I have left is no good).

I was wondering what you guys would recommend for the other types of supplies/equipment, such as detailing supplies, paint chip repair, leather repair, carpet dyeing, etc. I'm researching it, but I've been out of the game for a while and I know it's good to ask people who have actually had experience with products to get the best feel for quality and low initial acquisition costs.

[Frank EU]

Welcome back.
Just a quick question...
How is/was your resin packed and stored?
Conditions such as light, heat and cold?
Dry conditions or a damp place? etc.

When in doubt, just get new, resin is inexpensive, just bin it in an environmentally safe manner.

[freightshaker]

It was in my WR box, under the counter, inside the building where I work. Gets cold in here in the winter and hot in the summer, but fairly dry. Been about 3.5 or 4 years.

Like you said, it would probably be best to just get more and not take a chance.

[vintage]

That's quite a full roster, will you be mobile or fixed location? For detailing it's not a simple as some would have you believe, it takes time to master some of the skills, and if you want to be profitable, the initial equipment investment is not cheap(Our investment level for opening a shop is situated from 180-250G depending on leasehold improvements). It can be done with a lot less, but in the end you are not working at a profitable venture, you are just working to pass the time. Interior repair I would suggest you see the good folks at Matri-X , Paintouch up, Applied colors have a good affordable system, or also check out Premier paint 2000, more expensive, but perfect color match every time. Wheel repair, best left to a shop with all the tools, the mobile systems do a fair job at best and the ROI is slow.

I have 9 full service shops doing WS repair, Detailing, WS replacement, hand Car wash, PDR, bumper repairs, paint touch-ups, interior repair, Tinting, clear bra, spray in bed liner, headlight restoration, convertible top maintenance, odor abatement(check out Biolife, great ROI, and easy system, mobile or fixed base), and just about every other service that is not mechanical in nature. Wheel repair we sub out, as well as any body work larger than 2 square feet(the larger surface slow down the flow of our staff).