Clean exterior with steam?

**J Blazin** · 08-09-2010, 08:35 PM

What do you think about this machine?

Daimer SUPER MAX 6230SCW - Mobile Car Wash for Car Detailing

I know that there has been previous discussion about this topic. One area of concern is the temperature on the paint. This unit claims to have temps up to 300 which leads me to believe that the temp can be regulated. Although it is expensive, do you think there is a future in this with detailing? Just like any new system there is resistance to change (i.e. the use of claybar on paint) many of these techniques were first used overseas and later became popular in the U.S. Just a thought

**mrclean81** · 08-09-2010, 09:42 PM

i used to have a vapor chief steamer that was capable of 100 psi. yes, it would clean the exterior but i was never crazy about it. i prefer the old fashion power washer over anything. I now use a steam washer, which combines the best of both worlds. high water pressure and scalding hot water.

**Stephan** · 08-10-2010, 05:33 AM

I have seen it doen and with fantastic results but that machine also costs over $5k. With mine I have only used it on my rims and the interior and sometimes the exhaust tips.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 08-10-2010, 08:20 AM

There`s no way that technique will catch on in the mainstream unless or until the price drops significantly. $5k is a lot of coin to drop on a machine even in the pro arena without proof that ROI will be significant as well.

**shuddleston** · 08-10-2010, 10:14 AM

5K not interested even if it performed some kind of miracle.

**Beemerboy** · 08-10-2010, 10:17 AM

I would think that steam would remove any or all protection that is on the car.

**black bart** · 08-10-2010, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Beemerboy

I would think that steam would remove any or all protection that is on the car.

300 degree`s is the limit for a good sealant and waaaaaaaay past the limit for wax.

5K is high I think you can buy a pressure washer with a burner on it for less.
Also the 0.5 gpm is not enough water for good cleaning

**J Blazin** · 08-10-2010, 03:51 PM

I agree the price is too high. I think if the temp is able to be adjustd to a lower setting then it would not remove and wax or sealant. I started research on these machines after I read an article on this detail company out of Michigan that offers franchises with this method.

**black bart** · 08-10-2010, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by J Blazin

I agree the price is too high. I think if the temp is able to be adjustd to a lower setting then it would not remove and wax or sealant. I started research on these machines after I read an article on this detail company out of Michigan that offers franchises with this method.

Turning the heat down don`t change the low output.
0.5 gpm is not enough water it has a cheap pump.
The quarter car wash is 5 gpm 10 times the amount of water.

**awns729s** · 08-17-2010, 12:35 AM

what temp does paint reach on a hot day in the sun?

**Ronkh** · 08-18-2010, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by awns729s

what temp does paint reach on a hot day in the sun?

**New Skool** · 08-19-2010, 07:44 PM

J Blazin-do you have that info on the Michigan company.

**posteggy** · 08-20-2010, 12:43 AM

the one i used at a shop i worked at. it was my fave. the more you can use that pressure on places like wheels door jams and seats it will save you 1 or 2 hours, but our cars came from hell, they were bad i bet i took out 6to 8 pounds of coffee out seats sometimes. some in. are not all that bad most of the times. i have seen paint come up a few times. most of the time it was clear . i think the paint was from the preap at the paint shop though. my boss still paid for it to get redone.

but yea i say that alot too i think the said ours was like 5or 6 k idk the psi but it cut my finger one time

**J Blazin** · 08-22-2010, 09:09 AM

Well I spoke with a sales rep for the company and he said that both the temp and the psi are constant and can not be regulated. His suggestion if the temp was too high was to operate the washer with a greater stand off from the vehicle. Regardless the price is still too high and I think a heated conventional pressure washer would be a better option. I am just looking for any possible way to keep detailing during the cold months up here in Chicago.

**New Skool** · 08-24-2010, 09:36 AM

Kevin Farrel at Kleen Car sells two awesome steamers. The low end one will hold at 100 psi for a long time. I want this steamer so bad I can taste it. Give him a call.