It is really satisfying to see dirty heavy plant cleaned up as it should be. Looks more professional too for customers. Keeping machines painted in the right colors makes them look like a valued asset.

Matt, a little hint when installing decals... particularly large ones...Spray down the area you are fixing to apply it to with a mixture of dish soap and water and lay your decal on. This will allow you to move it around and squeegee out the wrinkles and bubbles.... A few hours sitting in the sun or a warm shop the moisture will evaporate and the decals will stick well.

Watched this older video twice now. I find I really like just about anything that you pressure wash first! Cleaning up a older thing (especially before but also after fixing it) gives me and I'm sure other viewers a good feeling about "restoration" as well as repair.

My first job in earthmoving was as a yardsman with Komatsu; 8-65ton excavators, loaders, dozers, moxies and graders. To be honest we had many machines which did only a few months hire which were way filthier than this, just not any lichen or moss. Just a few tips when cleaning an excavator - Run the tracks free of debris first then clean the track frame with a shovel, coat any excessive grease with aggressive degreaser, cut large lumps off with a handle tool, maybe a sturdy paint scraper. Depending on the size of the machine - Remove bucket/attachment, stretch out dipper all the way, sit the hitch where you can clean the quick & bucket links - Clean out the top of the house first working down, clean any surfaces which will deflect grease first, clean the back of the boom from the house and the outside of cab. Set up a ladder and start washing from the top of the boom working down, clean the track frame last, don't worry too much about track frame unless the machine works in fairly dry/sealed conditions. Remove the rubber mats if fitted, beat dust off seat and clean the cab, use a foaming window cleaner, everything else is trash and will leave marks. Obviously the operator spends most of his time here so pay attention to detail. Clean the insides of the service compartments - DO NOT wash the radiator from right up close, its easy to damage and fold over the fins. A dirty machine that gets no love will often lead to operators who abuse it and show it no love, poor aesthetics leads to mechanical damage.

Had good luck with a simple soapy water solution sprayed initially on the surface you're applying the decal to. It allows you to move it around until its positioned where you want it. Once in place take a soft plastic scraper or squeegee and start in center of decal and work your way outward to remove the excess water and air pockets. Give it a few hours to dry. Warm weather/direct sunlight speeds up the drying process. Hope this helps for future decal installs!

The cleaning alone is a vast improvement. A car painter I used to know called doing a paint job like that "Putting lipstick on a pig" It does make it look a 100% better. It now looks like a excavator that's cared for. Awesome job Matt. Have a whine at the paint supplier (Nicely) and see if he'll give you more paint or a sizable discount as it wasn't a close match.

You sure did make that machine worth a LOT more! It's amazing how a good cleaning and some simple repairs / upgrades really make a machine more enjoyable to run!

Here’s a tip for the paint cans! Most of the time you can clean tips by putting them in a bottle with acetone and shaking them for about 1-3minutes after that they should be cleaned out. Another tip, if you have a air compressor you can put a blower attachment up to the straw that sticks out of the can and re-pressurize the can! This will get you that last bit out of a can.

Great work! Tip: Having installed many decals on boats spray the area with soapy water, take the backing off and apply the decal and you'll be able to slide the decal around for perfect alignment. Then with a credit card smooth it out from the center out and no air bubbles! Best Regards, Jay

For decals, spray the area with soapy water first. It allows you to move the decal every which way to get it positioned. When you're satisfied, use a plastic or rubber squeegee and the water AND air bubbles will come out. I put decals on police cars for years.

Matt, I’m very impressed that your taking great pride in not only the mechanical aspects of your awesome equipment you’ve managed to assemble but also the cosmetics as well, when anyone shows up at a job site with a beat poorly taken care of piece of equipment it’s a reflection on how they “may “ actually be able to perform the actual work to be done.

Turn the spay paint can over and spray a little out till it stops spraying, and it will have clean passage in the nozzle and work when you need it the next time.

To prevent nozzle clogs on spray paint, clear the nozzle out when you’re done. Hold the can upside down and spray until the propellant comes out clear.

I've operated excavators 38 years and I must say you've done a cracking job cleaning the old girl up, these are my favourite video's it's so satisfying watching the transformation, cheers Matt 🍻

This Kobelco machine is quite good looking even though it isn't the yellow you want . The cleanup went apparently very well, as it looks way, way better than it previously did!!! Awesome job, Matt!! Time well spent, none of it wasted at all!!

Also FYI for when applying decals, they have special solutions you can buy or you can just do what window tinters do and mix up some warm water and dish soap, wet the surface and the back of the decal, position decal, squeegee out from the middle to remove air bubbles and allow to dry, i've used this technique for installing large decals on windshields and other glass surfaces, but the principal is the same.

Some custom diesel creek equipment decals would be a pretty cool addition when you clean up old machines

Man that was a great result. The machine looks a hundred times better. Love the pride you take in your equipment.

Tip for installing decals: Peel the backer off, mist the decal with windex, place and position decal, squeegee decal. The windex allows you to move the decal after placement and remove all of the bubbles.

The transformation after just the pressure cleaning is incredible. You've inspired me to pressure wash my backhoe this weekend!

A great difference . While you are cleaning pull the covers of the back of the track drive motors and clean out around the hoses and up though the track frames where the drive hoses run. The dirt and mud builds up and eats through the hoses and fittings. My job for the last 30 years has been replacing hydraulic hoses and and I have replaced a lot of hoses in those spots due to dirt build up.

This is a guy that cares about his equipment and his professional appearance. Refreshing! Love your videos Matt. Please keep them coming.

Very nice, Matt. Just love the way you salvage and restore some of these diamonds in the rough. And to top it all, these machines are restored to their useful state again to see another day at the workplace. I also like the history behind these machines that you include in your videos. Keep up the good work.

I dont know why but watching something being pressure washed is always so satisfying Matt 😂 7:10 @Diesel Creek

For removing the decals, take a trip to Harbor Freight and pick up an eraser wheel (or 2). They work well for decals, pinstripes and adhesive residue. The trick I used to install large decals was the same as doing window tint. Spray the area with soapy water and then squeegee it out with a rubber or plastic bondo spreader as you peel the backing off .

Matt, for future reference, soapy water will allow you to move the decals around when you install, and a rubber squeegee will push out the wrinkles.

I didn't think that the excavator looked that bad but the pressure made it look like it was freshly painted. Good job.

This channel is addicting. I've been an equipment junkie (Thanks, Dad!) since I was track-high to a Bobcat. Your troubleshooting skills coupled with your great work ethic make this channel number one in my book! Keep up the good work, Matt! Oh, BTW, if you get a chance, I'd really like to see you get a family photo of all your toys together. I'm diggin' it! 👍🏼

Always like how Matt makes use of his truck; workbench, staging, etc. Nice work.

When applying large decals you really need to use a squeegee and soapy water. Awesome transformation, looks a million times better!

Half the battle on electronic add ons is routing the Wire and making it look professional Matt Looks good every time I run wire for lights or cameras always makes me feel better it was professionally Ran and Routing behind panels and looks clean 33:00 @Diesel Creek

I think the best thing about this channel is that it motivates me to go work on the things that I should be working on. Because, Matt shows you what you can do when you put your mind to it. Thanks for that.

I love these transformations. often surprising how good it is under grease, oil and dirt. great job

Great job Matt! the only thing i would do different is the rear view camera! I think you should install it on top/rear of the cab for a wider view . It looks like you can not see the corners of the machine.

You did a super job on this machine, Matt !! Keep 'em coming, Buddy !!

Good to see you clean up this machine. Cleanliness is next to Godliness...and a clean and well maintained machine always runs better...

Great job Matt. It really looks much better than when you started. If you want 2 cent worth on the counter weight, don't sweat it so much. Remember the paint on the rest of the machine is oxidized on the top layer of the factory paint. In all actuality it's nearly impossible to get repair areas to match exactly when first painted. It will match more closely in six months after it has oxidized a bit as well. Save some dough. Leave it alone. It looks very good on the video. If it's not broke don't fix it. Once again Matt, great job on restoring the appearance of this excavator.

For no clog spray paint, when you're done spraying from a virgin can, turn the can upside down and spray out the paint remaining for about 2 - 3 seconds. This clears out residual paint so you can easily reuse a partially empty spray bomb.

Amazing work! I didn’t think you had it in you. And 1.8 million views! A lot of other viewers are also amazed. It’s a long time since you cleared out the abandoned church and it’s been a pleasure to watch your odyssey.

It always amazes me just how well these pieces of equipment benefit from a good, thorough cleaning.

Hey Matt, I share your frustration with the rattle cans. I found soaking the tip in acetone and then blowing compressed air thru the tip helps. The machine looks great!

Great job, Matt !!! The BLACK looked great to me on the counterweight. Easily cover up scratch's also with BLACK.

It's amazing the difference just pressurewashing makes! Great job Matt!

Lmfao Body Hammer Pulls out a 10 pound Dead Blow lol 😂 35:12 @Diesel Creek

To clean the valve...when you are through with spraying, hold the can upside down, press the sprayer button and clear the paint from the valve--usually 10-15 seconds. It's ready to use the next time. My grandfather taught me this one!

Matt, next time you have to install decals spray the surface where you're going to mount them with Windex and have a new plastic bondo speader handy. Install the decal and use the spreade to push out air bubbles. Make sure to use the spreader gently as flat as possible. It'll give you about 3 to 5 minutes to get it perfectly aligned before it drys. I've instructed hundreds of decales on mostly on Arcade and pinball games but also on cars, trucks and other items that way and never had a problem.

I have alot of respect for you,the 1st impression is a lasting impression,if you'll take a weak solution of soap and water and spray it where your going to put the decal you can adjust the decal and get all the air bubbles out of the decal.i used to decal my vans for my courier service and it works great

Great improvement. Don't worry about the paint color, it's not that noticeable. When the decal is on, it'll look even better.

Pretty amazing cleanup! I have never seen growth like that on a machine that was in running condition. Good job.

I think you just increased the value of that excavator by thousands, just by washing it. Diggers do get dented during use, so people expect it to have some marks. Paint over the divets just reads 'This machine has been used hard, but well cared for afterwards'. You can get some 'decal eraser discs' which are basically some sort of yellowish rubber. They just eat the decals and leave the paint underneath undamaged. You may want to look into those.

This is the first one where I've seen you do a deep clean. Love it!

Matt, While putting decals on truck doors I was shown that using water and dish wash soap use enough to give lots of suds. Start at the top and work down with a plastic squeegee to push the air bubbles out as you go. That allows you to lift the decal to get the air bubbles out.

Who knew watching an excavator get a cosmetic refresh could be so entertaining! That Kobelco looks good as new; great video as always, Matt!

Pressure washing is such a satisfying work! I turn my spray cans top to bottom and press the ventil, until no more colour comes. Works also after long storage.

It has been a journey I have enjoyed watching you acquire equipment fix it, then use it…to get such an amazing repertoire at that!

The machine absolutely looks amazing after you cleaned it it looks beautiful

Been a truck driver most of my career ! But when I seen you cleaning the tracks it reminded me of when I was just a little tyke, back in the early 60s ! My grand father was ""teaching"" me to clean the tracks at the end of the day ! He taught me a lot when he was sitting on his ass ! 🤔 🙄 🤣

A little tip on the rear camera placement is to place it on a metal plate that extends just enough that you can tilt the camera downwards and see a little bit of the bottom of the counterweight on the screen. Makes a world of difference in terms of perspective of how close you are to things behind you in tight spaces.

Wow that’s truly amazing what a little TLC can do. Looks like brand new. Glad you cleaned it and not the seller they would have tried to double the price. Thanks for the video

Wow what a difference the excavator looks fantastic and you'll feel better using it the decals were the icing on the cake and well worth the time best advertising you can do tells your customers that you care

Matt quick tip, anytime you are welding near glass cover it so spatter doesn’t leave rust spots. Love your videos!keep ‘em coming!

This was more entertaining than the car detailing videos I watch! The machine looks amazing! I honestly think the counter weight is fine. Painting it any darker is going to highlight the fact the rest of the yellow is faded.

after you done painting turn the can upside down and spray for 3 seconds that keeps the nozzle clean and use a broad plastic scrapper when putting on the decals

That was satisfying to watch the transformation from DIRTY to clean ...good job

You should have one of those turbo nozzles for your pressure washer it makes them much more effective!

Hello Matt, love your channel. 47:47 What about painting the counter weight black with a yellow strip in the recessed area where the decal goes? The yellow gloss paint highlights the damaged areas whereas a flat or matte black paint would lessen the appearance of the damage. 20:15 Maybe repaint the engine top cover with a same black paint so it matches.

Good stuff Matt! For improved results with hammering bodywork, restrain the piece with a hold down clamp or magnet like a Harbor Freight 36905.

So satisfying to watch your excavator come back from major neglect and become a reliable and robust machine ready for the next big job. Thanks for the great videos.

For the plugged up spray paint cans Matt, what I found works great is flipping them upside down, and running them in the ultrasonic cleaner, I use simple green, but you could get more aggressive with some paint thinner in a glass jar in your water bath. You could just run the tips, but I find the tube inside also gets plugged so it clears the whole thing out. It also works really well for recombining old paint that has separated out, it will combine for a short time to allow you to use it, probably not as good as it was, but it beats trying to run out for more paint!

for those paint cans that stop spraying. Take nozzle off, take a tire stem without the schraeder core installed press it on top of the spray can, apply air hose about 30lbs pressure should blow any chunks back into can. you should also have more air to spray with. when you get chunks most of the time you didn't shake it enough.

Great video. That excavator looked like it was a leftover piece of equipment from the digging of the Panama Canal. Now it looks like it could do very well at auction.

Looking really good. A cleaning makes a huge difference!!

Looks heaps cleaner now Matt. I’m guessing that your “dream shop” is getting closer to being done with more bits of it scattered around the pad

You have to be proud of everything u do Matt .it looks a HELL of alot better. Great job.

Nice work Matt, I hope she appreciates the love you’ve given her. She looks good for an old work horse. Looking forward to seeing her in videos to come

This should be your basic training video for an assistant to clean each piece of equipment you bring in. Certainly prior to painting and reselling. This is not for the boss to do except to demonstrate how he wants this done. Boss is basically a tidy boy and his output should reflect that. Then teach your assistant how to paint or touch up equipment.

Great job Matt, creates a good impression with customers when you turn up to a job site with tidy equipment. Not seen Meatball on your videos for a while, hope he is Ok as he always made me laugh with his antics. All the best from Yorkshire UK.

Awesome job - that has to be SO satisfying! Only one thing missing - your Diesel Creek logo!

Hi Matt, you have learnt why I bought a good quality DeVilbis spray gun. Pressure paint cans are the most expensive way to buy paint, especially when they don't work. You should use some breathing protection as well when spray painting.

Clean out spray paint valves on cans with brake cleaner, just switch over valves & spray!! Job done

Matt love your videos! Regarding the paints… I highly recommend you use “rust oleum professional“ Primer and Paint. When you’re done using it hold the can upside down and spray until no more paint comes out. That will be the end of your clogged tip issues. Took me a while to get into the habit of doing it myself! Great video have a great weekend

Pressure washing just added $5,000 to the resale value of that excavator... Also for the grease issue, use a detergent like dawn soap to keep it somewhat controlled. A trick for cleaning up the sticker residue is using a rubber wheel. It takes the residue off and leaves the paint.

Great job cleaning up the excavator and adding the camera! Decals too!

2 tips. Cleaning the nozzle of paint cans. After using the spray can turn it upside down and give it a little squirt. This will clean the nozzle whilst not letting paint out. Applying new panel decals stickers. Before applying squirt the panel with a week water to washing up liquid. This allows you to apply the decal and move it around to get out any wrinkles. Once this drys it should be fully adhered to the panel. Hopefully this helps. I enjoy watching your content. Keep it up. 😁👍 John Dolman from the UK

What can be better on a saturday afternoon than watching a bit of Diesel Creek. My favourite Channel. Thanks for the content Matt , never tire of watching !!

What a transformation! Great job! Can't believe how satisfying I found you cleaning this machine up.😊

I would absolutely LOVE to clean that thing. As a long time amateur detailer I would thoroughly enjoy the whole process. I live for a good before and after reveal

Dude this guy is my spirit animal. Everything you do is cool and interesting and fun while remaining purposeful and productive

Wet surface with soapy water first then squeegee the decals over the soaped up surface. Works great and gives you a lot of wiggle room. Sticks perfectly. Love the channel.

listen I had to wipe the mold off your machine before I could put my sticker on the door. Feel Honored I started cleaning it first!

The machine made a great transformation under your care. I love watching the content man it's quite inspirational. It just reassures me that if you put your mind to something you can accomplish great things. Keep up the good work man you should be proud.

Your verbal description of some of the big internet sales people was dead on and your ideology of the way you do things is cool and makes a lot of sense i think and make it simple 👍😎🇺🇸 boy what a difference 👏

Never thought watching someone pressure wash a piece of equipment that I will never own could be so mesmerizing!

Good going, Matt! Your efforts really paid off & it's looking great. Also really enjoyed seeing Roscoe hanging with you; it had me missing my old dog from years ago, but I'll still be glad to see him in future videos!

Absolutely enjoy your vids, man: learn something every episode. What sets them apart is your fabulous humanity: you demonstrate better than just about anybody, on any topic, that it is perfectly ok to make mistakes and learn. You have a wonderful curiosity and willingness to take safe and sane risks. But, can I make a request? We need to see more of your delightful wife. She’s the funniest, gamest, driest wit on the internet! Utterly adorable. The interactions I’ve seen between you two are priceless. Thanks!

For applying large decals, spray the area with soapy water before hand to help get it aligned. Then get a large vinyl squeegee and roller. Even if you only use them once, super worth it for applying large decals perfectly and quickly.

Also when removing old decals.. whenever possible, put your heat on the back side of the panel. This heats the surface and glue first and helps a little with burnt fingers and decal breakage.

Dang dude! Looks sharp! I always appreciate folks who take care of their equipment👍🏻🤟🏻🇺🇸💥

Wow that really turned out nice, you did a great job on it Matt!

I know that you have probably finished the restoration by now, but your diesel creek logo on each side of the boom would look great!