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View Full Version : Big Detailing Project this weekend...


misplacedyankee
07-01-2003, 12:50 PM
New to the boards (not to detailing). My buddy recommended this site - looks great!



Just got a 99 Saab with 38K miles. Body is in great shape, but every new used car I get needs a major bath and touch-up for me to be proud to drive it.



Here are some questions I could use help with:



1) Engine Cleaning - Car was from a state with salt/snow - engine is dirt despite only 4 years old/38K miles. Whats the best cleaner for the job? Mostly dirty and looks like some salt residue.



2) Underbody - Same as #1 - Thoughts here??



I live in Texas so don`t have much experience with #1 & #2.



3) Small Plastic scratches on interior - yes this is anal clean time - maybe the guy was hauling something and made some light (not very deep) scratches on black plastic - How can I make these less noticable -- if anything!



Thanks tons. Glad to find a board like this and confirm I am not the only car detailing nut;)
chris0626
07-01-2003, 01:38 PM
Originally posted by misplacedyankee

1) Engine Cleaning - Car was from a state with salt/snow - engine is dirt despite only 4 years old/38K miles. Whats the best cleaner for the job? Mostly dirty and looks like some salt residue.



DavidB`s article on Engine Detailing (http://www.autopia.ws/articles.php?articleId=25) would be a great place to start. This engine-detailing thread (http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13432) is one I`ve bookmarked, and it has amazing pix. In general, it requires a good cleaner/degreaser (SimpleGreen, Meguiar`s APC+, and Einmann-Febrik Hi-Intensity are often cited), lots of brushes, and even more patience. Once you get it clean, you can use a QD on the painted parts and vinyl/rubber dressing on hoses, cables, etc.




3) Small Plastic scratches on interior - yes this is anal clean time - maybe the guy was hauling something and made some light (not very deep) scratches on black plastic - How can I make these less noticable -- if anything!



Novus makes a group of plastic cleaners and scratch removers. Novus #1 is really mostly a cleaner/shiner. #2 is more abrasive, and #3 still more. You might want to look at this thread (http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16945&highlight=plastic+scratch) for a couple of caveats.



And :welcome to Autopia.