Tips on first cleaning of a semi-abandoned car?

**SwissTendy37** · 04-19-2012, 10:30 AM

OK - so `semi-abandoned` is a bit much, but the car has been off the road for almost two years and has been collecting gunk. It has been in an old garage for most of the time, so most of the dirt on the car is a fine dust but there is still quite a coat of road grime on it as well.

I have gleaned a ton of information by reading the forums, but haven`t found out enough to point me in the right direction.

With the amount of junk and dirt on there, I`m assuming I should go the foam route, likely several times? Then lots of thorough rinsing prior to starting the basic clay bar and washing methods I`ve read about here.

The car is only a `98, and aside from some swirls and the copious amounts of dirt, the paint looks shiny and really nice underneath, so I want to ensure I start out on the right path.

Thank you for any info you can provide, and I love all the tips, tricks and instructions found on here.

Cheers!

**TroyScherer** · 04-19-2012, 10:41 AM

I would start out by going to a local self serve car wash. I would use the wand only!!! Pressure wash the majority of the dirt off and use the soap. Rinse it and then take it home.
I would then do a full bucket wash to make sure you got all dirt and grime off. A microfiber mitt will work great for this.
Then clay and polish (if your doing this). Then finally seal it up.

**Beemerboy** · 04-19-2012, 10:42 AM

I`d wash the car with a good soap and water, then you can access what to so next. It may require another wash with something stronger like a decontamination process, or just a good clay job.

What I`m saying is you need to get the dirt off to inspect.

**mjlinane** · 04-19-2012, 11:37 AM

First, welcome to AutopiaForums!!

Agree with Troy and Dave.

**Concours.John** · 04-19-2012, 11:43 AM

Anything you can blow off with compressed air will help before you get it wet. All the gunk will go into every crack once wet.
Not sure how much dirt layering you are talking about. I`ve seen what 32 years in a barn look like and blowing first helped from having a sludge mess.

**TroyScherer** · 04-19-2012, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by Concours.John

Anything you can blow off with compressed air will help before you get it wet. All the gunk will go into every crack once wet.
Not sure how much dirt layering you are talking about. I`ve seen what 32 years in a barn look like and blowing first helped from having a sludge mess.

That a great tip John! I hadn`t even thought of the mess it would make once it go wet...

**Old Pirate** · 04-19-2012, 05:03 PM

Welcome to Autopiaforums SwissTendy37.............

Blowing is the idea way to start before washing like John mention.

**SwissTendy37** · 04-20-2012, 09:05 AM

man...

All great tips guys. Thanks!

I was planning on using the compressor to begin the engine bay clean-up anyway so it`ll be put to good use on the exterior as well. Great point in bringing up the compressed air - I`m sure once water hits the dirt, the mud will run and hide everywhere.

As for the amount of dirt on the car, it isn`t layered with TONS of crud, but I feared I`d do some real damage if I even tried gentle washing before trying SOMETHING else first.

I`ll tack on two photos to show my little project. The car has never really been cared for, and in these you can get at least an idea of what I`m up against.

Thanks again for all of your help!

**Beemerboy** · 04-20-2012, 10:03 AM

I`ve worked on car much worse than that, I would wash that with car soap and APC mixed together. That will take care of a lot of what I am seeing. Two things come to mind for the next process, clay or a paint cleaner. I tend to think both might be needed to real prep the paint for polishing.

**Concours.John** · 04-20-2012, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by SwissTendy37

man...

All great tips guys. Thanks!

I was planning on using the compressor to begin the engine bay clean-up anyway so it`ll be put to good use on the exterior as well. Great point in bringing up the compressed air - I`m sure once water hits the dirt, the mud will run and hide everywhere.

As for the amount of dirt on the car, it isn`t layered with TONS of crud, but I feared I`d do some real damage if I even tried gentle washing before trying SOMETHING else first.

I`ll tack on two photos to show my little project. The car has never really been cared for, and in these you can get at least an idea of what I`m up against.

Thanks again for all of your help!

I love those type of jobs. Feel free to ask any questions and post pics of the process.

**Todd@RUPES** · 04-23-2012, 01:10 PM

Great answers so far! Great thread. Make sure to keep us up to date with the progress and post some pictures!

**NorCalDetailer** · 02-16-2013, 04:38 PM

I detailed an "abandoned" 1980 VW Vanagon once. It was a pain. The interior walls were flaking and there were carpet squares everywhere. There were plants growing inbetween the window panes.

Just terrible...

**RTexasF** · 02-17-2013, 09:10 AM

I would pressure wash it then break out the Dawn and hand wash. It`s not like you`re going to ruin the wax job.

**ca.detailchick** · 02-17-2013, 12:54 PM

This is a very old thread!

This is where this safe scrub would come in handy .(after you get the surface dirt off)
Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar PadI use this on cars that are really filthy and havent been washed for a long time.Works great .Just make sure you use a lot of soap and dont go crazy with pressure.