Aside from the brick walls and wooden rafters, not much of the old remains in place at Iola Auto Wash. THE FORMER Iola Auto Spa was built by the late Charlie Masoner in the mid 1980s. He, in turn, sold it in 2000 to John and Sandy Ellis, who sold it to the Owenses — who own two other car washes in eastern Kansas.
“Everything else is pretty much A-to-Z brand new,” said Kyle Owens, who acquired the former Iola Auto Spa at 815 N. State St. with his wife, Maggie, and parents, Scott and Jody Owens.
The Owenses purchased the facility in early June, and since then have overseen the massive renovation project.
The work is nearing a conclusion. Owens hopes to have the facility open by the end of the week.
Among the upgrades:
The automatic car wash in the southernmost bay has been removed and replaced with the same pressurized hose system for motorists to do the washing themselves. Because the bay is 2 feet narrower than the other five, Owens has outfitted it with equipment geared for small cars or motorcycles.
“You can get a large car or a truck in there, but it would be a tight squeeze,” Owens said. “We’d figure we’d try something different. There are a lot of motorcyclists around here.”
The most unique feature is a second hose to pump out warm air for motorcyclists to dry off their rides without having to wipe them down.
An outdoor truck bay has been built at the building’s north end, replacing an automated dryer system.
The bay includes a 14-foot, 6-inch clearance below the spray equipment. The bay is described as a “super bay,” and releases even more highly pressurized soap and water capable of cleaning the biggest trucks and semis.
All new vacuums outside the bays have been installed as well. The Owenses also replaced the car wash’s roof.
Owens plans to install a new vending machine to provide such things as protectant wipes, air fresheners and chamois cloths.
“About the only piece of equipment we’re keeping is the dollar bill changer,” Owens said. “That was working properly, so there’s no sense in replacing it.”
Remodel nearly complete for local car wash
