Some amusing detail tips I stumbled across

Guitarman · 03-21-02, 10:19

I stumbled upon this web page today, and all I can say is that some of this is known good advice, some of dubious safety to certain car parts, and some downright wacky and warranting the attention of the EPA. But I guess keeping an open mind is always a good thing. Use at your own risk.

Don't shoot the messenger please.

http://www.web-cars.com/detail/others.html

Alan B · 03-21-02, 10:24

"On mildly oxidized factory paint mix 1 cup kerosene + 1 gallon water.
1. Wash car
2. Dry
3. Rub on mixture
4. Let dry do not dry with towel
Will take off worst of the oxidation. Shine will last.
Wax if you want."

Guitarman · 03-21-02, 10:27

Y'know, it's even funnier the second time.

Jngrbrdman · 03-21-02, 10:35

OMG!!

It's like detailing tips for the mentaly challanged!! I'm sort of thinking about deleting this thread twice just to make sure nobody stumbles on it and actually follows some of that advice.

NSXNEXT · 03-21-02, 11:05

Quote:

Originally posted by Alan B
"On mildly oxidized factory paint mix 1 cup kerosene + 1 gallon water.
1. Wash car
2. Dry
3. Rub on mixture
4. Let dry do not dry with towel
Will take off worst of the oxidation. Shine will last.
Wax if you want."

Don't laugh. I believe kerosene was widely used to detail black cars back in the day.

Jngrbrdman · 03-21-02, 11:08

Quote:

Originally posted by NSXNEXT

Don't laugh. I believe kerosene was widely used to detail black cars back in the day.

They used to open veins to bleed out fevers too. "Back in the day" leaves a lot to be desired if you ask me.

At least the cars were tougher and the music was better.

laynlow · 03-21-02, 11:08

"To remove bugs, tar, tree sap, gum and road grime, I found Turtles Waxe's "Bug and Tar" remover to be excellent."

Anyone ever used a product by Turtles Waxe's?

geekysteve · 03-21-02, 11:10

Quote:

Don't laugh. I believe kerosene was widely used to detail black cars back in the day.

I've got news for everyone: it still is used in some products today...eeek!

[edit:]
That's part of where a lot of detailing problems come from, too. Back in the day, that's all that the "old-timers" had available so they accept it as "fact". Their paint probably never fell off and their cars probably looked better than most, so what was the problem?

Problem is, we now know better. I hate "bumping into" the old guy at Wal-Mart or AutoZone who's telling other potential customers to "git yerself sumdat rubbin compeowwnd, a gallin of kairosain and yer car, well, eet'l look like brandyew." (This is why I shop online now)

[/edit/rant]

puterbum · 03-21-02, 11:10

Isn't kerosene in some bug removers?

How about that paint rubbing compound someone made that was comprised of Simple Green and Comet?

DaGonz · 03-21-02, 11:14

Originally posted by Alan B
"On mildly oxidized factory paint mix 1 cup kerosene + 1 gallon water.
1. Wash car
2. Dry
3. Rub on mixture
4. Let dry do not dry with towel
Will take off worst of the oxidation. Shine will last.
Wax if you want."

This disclaimer should be added...

NO SMOKING WITHIN 50 FEET OF THE VEHICLE!!!

And you wonder why so many cars look bad......

MikeLS · 03-21-02, 11:18

The use of solvents is nothing new and is still widely used in many common car care products.

Here's a MSDS on a clear coat cleaner: Notice the info on ingredients!
http://www.automagic.com/MSDS/77-msds.htm

Here's one for a water spot remover: Again, notice the ingredients!
http://www.automagic.com/MSDS/600-msds.htm

Lastly, here's your common car polish:
http://www.automagic.com/MSDS/88-msds.htm

You'd be misled to think that today's products don't contain many of these types of solvents.

geekysteve · 03-21-02, 11:21

here's another gem from that board:

"One trick I learned from my local Harley-Davison MC shop,was to use WD-40 to spray on the bike. All over. Let it sit for a few minutes and then use a high pressure washer with a soap soluction to remove the WD40 and all the oil and raod grime. Kept my bike shiny for years. Now, I don't advocate doing this to the painted and waxed surfaces of a car, but it works GREAT for cleaning the engine!"

Ok, I'm confused. He used it on his bike, but not the painted and waxed surfaces of a car, but maybe only the engine of your car?

*searching for valium*

Absolutely correct, Mike. That's the problem with labeling. A petroleum distiliate could be: kerosene, oil, octane, naptha, pentane, etc. Kerosene is very oily, and cleans well (any motorcycle owners will know what i'm talking about - cleans your chain real well), plus it's cheap! Sounds like the perfect product for a polish/cleaner/wax.

scariest thing from that board: It looks like a lot of those guys are "pro" detailers...eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!
It's sort of funny to look a their board, then run over here and say, "guys, check this out!" hehe