I may take my 35th to a small local car show in a few weeks... never done this before. Don't really know how to clean under the hood. Just routine dirt there... do I wash it like I do the exterior? Any ideas would help... thanks!
Posted by SSteve_35th (Member # 1300) on :
I don't know about the rest of the group, but I have always just washed the engine compartment with regular car wash starting with the underside of the hood and working my way down. I use a different sponge or mitt than the exterior, of course. Then, after rinsing it off (no high pressure nozzle), I use my air compressor to help dry off the areas that would be hard to get to with a towel. Been doing it this way since I started taking my '95 Impala SS to car shows several years ago. I got a few trophies when I had that car so I guess it worked. Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by SSteve_35th: I don't know about the rest of the group, but I have always just washed the engine compartment with regular car wash starting with the underside of the hood and working my way down. I use a different sponge or mitt than the exterior, of course. Then, after rinsing it off (no high pressure nozzle), I use my air compressor to help dry off the areas that would be hard to get to with a towel. Been doing it this way since I started taking my '95 Impala SS to car shows several years ago. I got a few trophies when I had that car so I guess it worked.
Ditto here!
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
Yea, pretty much the same here also except two things. I use simple green to get the heavier grime. I spry on the Simple Green and then use a tooth brush to get the hard to get at places. Then I use an easy spray to rinse it all off. I avoid the PCM as much as possible and I use a leaf blower to dry it off.
Posted by Dante (Member # 1429) on :
Wow, that's cleaner than brand new!! By the way Dan, any input on my post today under tech. discussion??? Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
As a rule, every time we wash our SS we dry the inside edges of the trunk & hood with a small towel. It ends up damp enough to do a once over under the engine compartment and give everything a wipe down. That keeps the build-up from happening, so when it's time to detail it for a show, it's not such a daunting task.
(Yes, Steve...I know our SS is sitting in the garage, unwashed since our last weekend excursions. Don't worry.....I'll wash it when the rain stops.)
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Ditto DanA. Simple Green works great. Wet down the area to be cleaned, spray it on, wait, then rinse off. Posted by Joey Red (Member # 550) on :
I don't soaked the engine down at all. I simply just don't let it get dirty. I'll usually just dust it off and hit some small grimy spots with simple green. I also put on a pair of rubber gloves so I wedge my hand into those tight areas of the engine bay without cutting them.
[ 19 June 2002: Message edited by: Joey Red ]
Posted by OLGZRSS (Member # 662) on :
Jeffy says to use Simple Green, and that's good enough for me.
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
quote:Originally posted by Joey Red: I don't soaked the engine down at all. I simply just don't let it get dirty. I'll usually just dust it off and hit some small grimy spots with simple green. I also put on a pair of rubber gloves so I wedge my hand into those tight areas of the engine bay without cutting them.
[ 19 June 2002: Message edited by: Joey Red ]
What else do you do with the rubber gloves?
Posted by Jim Mac (Member # 113) on :
Alright, I've never cleaned the engine bay of my SS, so it's about time. I'm concerned with the recent bulletin that came out about the wiring that could be damaged if it gets wet. Can you avoid that when spraying the engine compartment with a hose? It doesn't seem likely. What other alternatives do I have?
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
Just don't spray it. Take the end off the house and put in on very low pressure and only wet where you have to. I only use the Simple Green and water a few times a year. Maybe when I am going to be in a show. Otherwise I keep it clean like others. When I wash the car, I dry around the edges and then use the damp towels to wipe everything off. Since I stopped driving in the rain and snow, the engine bay stays pretty clean anyway.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
I had an idea last weekend. A person could use a pair of cotton gloves, like the ones fruit packers wear, to get into the nooks and crannies of the car, for washing, drying, detailing, & applying product (vinyl dressing, etc...). They could be worn over a pair of latex gloves to protect the skin, and be useful for getting into tight spaces. Whaddaya think?
Posted by Joey Red (Member # 550) on :
quote:Originally posted by DanA_F99_1977:
What else do you do with the rubber gloves?
Come on over and I'll show ya SILLYBUNS!!!
Posted by Bello SS (Member # 1304) on :
quote:Originally posted by Joey Red:
Come on over and I'll show ya SILLYBUNS!!!
Oh nooooooooo Sensei!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You mean when you told me to bend down and check ur subframe connectors there was much more to it
