GoPro Car Wash: Vintage Hanna Tunnel

Located in in Tampa, FL Thanks to the warm and friendly hospitality by Jack at Tropical Car Wash, we had the privilege of touring and filming this very historically significant wash. Starting as Big W Car wash in 1968, this site started as a Gulf gas tie-in car wash, as were many of them from the era. This Hanna equipment was installed in the late 1970's. After a few changes in ownership over the many years of operation, Jack took over from his parents in August. I have personally witnessed the changes he has made to this site, and with the high volume location and upcoming updates, he is on the path to success! When we arrived near close, I was amazed at how many cars this oldie but goodie was churning out still, after so many years. In fact, it was much busier than my visit during prime hours in 2014. Knowing the incoming comments, I'd like to express that the longer prep time was mainly because I drove two hours through lovebug infested I-75-and once they're baked onto the paint-they're very difficult to remove just by sending it through. The owner really wanted to make a good impression and boy, does he work hard. I have never seen such a hands on wash owner. We were also surprised to see the addition of express services, largely due to the outbreak of COVID-19, however it's good to have that option as the industry is heavily trending towards strictly express sites. During observation, I noticed there were many express ticket sales going through the wash. This setup uses blendco chemicals which work great without Reverse Osmosis (Jack is planning on adding this), even with the mid-upgrade drying setup. The in-depth video from the tunnel perspective will be coming very shortly!