Car Wash Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Building size is 70". Is it too short?
- Thread starter suntexas
- Start date
robert roman
Bob Roman
Since front-yard building set-backs are usually 50' and you need about 40 linear feet for the entrance turning radius, I don't believe that you will be able to fit more than a 41' long building on the property.
jfmoran
Active member
70" is way too short, you gotta go at least 84". (Sorry couldn't resist) Gotta agree with Robert about fitting even a 70' building on that lot. Having said that, 70' can work but it depends on a lot of factors. Will you have conveyor outside the building, are you gonna be front wheel pull or rear wheel push? You gotta pack a lot of equipment into a short area to put out a clean, dry car. What are your projections? A 70' tunnel is gonna limit your volume, which is not a good thing for an express model, depending on the size of your investment.
Creekviewautowash
New member
70 feet too short.
Okay, I manage a carwash in Allen Texas and my tunnel is only 50 feet. I already know that that is too short but that is what I am stuck with, so knowing that what is the best combinations of chemicals to do the best job in that distance?
Juan
Okay, I manage a carwash in Allen Texas and my tunnel is only 50 feet. I already know that that is too short but that is what I am stuck with, so knowing that what is the best combinations of chemicals to do the best job in that distance?
Juan
I've got a 70' building with a 80' conveyor. Is it ideal, no not by any means. But sometimes you gotta go with what you've got. You can fit a fair amount of equipment in this space if you think real hard and pack it in. The downside is you don't have much dwell time and you don't get much help in the way of drip time before the blowers. With the right chemicals and drying agent and not skimping on either one it can be done. But, as I said before it's not ideal but definately doable.
You have little choice given you lot dimensions. Even at just 70', one should have a 40' turning radius at the entrance and the same after the conveyor to ensure proper turning. Skinnying these ditances down to 35' at each end instead of 40' will mean that for some long wheel base vehicles, they will have to pull up, back up and pull up again to gt in line with your conveyor guide rails. However, the vast majority of your customers will be able to make it with 35' (provided it is a left hand turn and not a right hand).
Remember too that if you decide to do ANY vehicle prepping at all, for whatever the reason, it will have to take place on the entrance pad before guiding the vehicle onto the conveyor.
If you make the conveyor any shorter, it will substantially and negatively impact on your washing, rinsing and vehicle drying as well. 70' is absolute minimum 90'-100' is the industry average.
Remember too that if you decide to do ANY vehicle prepping at all, for whatever the reason, it will have to take place on the entrance pad before guiding the vehicle onto the conveyor.
If you make the conveyor any shorter, it will substantially and negatively impact on your washing, rinsing and vehicle drying as well. 70' is absolute minimum 90'-100' is the industry average.
Creekviewautowash
New member
My basic question is are there chemicals at will work better in that short of distance?
Juan
Juan
Creekviewautowash
New member
Scotch plaid
Creekviewautowash
New member
Define set up properly
rph9168
Carwashguy
If you are talking about an Express Exterior wash this site is too small. Even a 60' conveyor won't be enough unless you do a lot of prepping. That would defeat the express concept and really slow you down. You need at least an 85' footer and preferably 110' for an express wash. There is no stacking space or room for vacs. As Robert and Bill pointed out, you need at least 40' or more for a turning radius at the entrance and exit unless there is a curb cut at the front of the site. They would still have to turn to get to the vacs. What you really have room for is a more traditional short exterior tunnel without vacs. Even then I think your site maybe too small depending on where it is situated and what access customers would have to the site.
It seems to me that you are trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Do yourself a favor and either find a bigger lot or change your plans to something that will fit on the site.
It seems to me that you are trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Do yourself a favor and either find a bigger lot or change your plans to something that will fit on the site.
Creekviewautowash
New member
I am using Scotch Plaid product, and please define set up right.
