Washing a car...

[Bobby G]

by David W. Bynon

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Maintaining clear plastics and window tinting is tricky. These materials will easily scratch and lose their original clarity. I highly recommend the use of Plexus. Use Plexus on window tinting, convertible rear windows, headlight lenses, instrument panel lenses, helmet face shields, sun glasses and hundreds of other clear plastic surfaces.



Plexus® was developed for cleaning and protecting aircraft windshields and painted surfaces. As it became more popular, people quickly discovered its use on boats, cars and motorcycles, to name a few. Plexus is now recognized as the most effective plastic cleaner, protectant and polisher on the market.



As abundant as plastic is, few people really know how to care for it properly. Most plastic-cleaning products have proven less than satisfactory. Existing cleaners are often messy to use, or require several steps to apply. Dissatisfied with these cleaners, many people resort to products that are alcohol, ammonia, or petroleum-based, which will dry out your plastic, leading to cracking and discoloration over time.



Fortunately, there`s Plexus, the most effective product available for cleaning, protecting, and polishing all kinds of plastic. Easier to use than ordinary cleaners, Plexus is convenient. To use Plexus, simply spray and wipe. That`s it! There`s no buffing, no mess, and no waste.



Plexus is more than just a plastic cleaner. Plexus seals the pores in plastic surfaces with a micro-thin layer of shiny, protective wax. With Plexus, plastic becomes resistant to debris, oil, scratches, and eventual yellowing. And, its anti-static properties repel dust and lint.



<font size="1">Many of the products mentioned in this article are available from Classic Motoring Accessories and are used at the buyer`s own risk.` Autopia Car Care is not affiliated with and does not represent Classic Motoring Accessories or the manufacturers of the products mentioned.</font>

[beabout]

I have a problem which you may have the solution too.



I have smoked ford (mustang) headlights that appear to be stained or have some sort of fume deposit on the inside. Is there any process or chemistry I can use to clean them. I do not want to disassemble them if possible.



Any help greatly appriciated.





G. Beabout

beabout@aol.com

[Anthony O.]

beabout,



Sounds as if you may have some condensation forming on the inside of the lens. You may need to disassemble the lens inorder to 1) Clean the streaks and 2) Reseal the lamp assembly so that the problem is not a recurring one.



My 2 sense



Anthony

[Nitrous115]

Does plexus only work on clear plastic?

[Bobby G]

It works on any plastic or vinyl with a gloss surface, clear or colored. Works pretty good on textured plastic, too, as you find on trucks and SUVs.

[Nick T.]

DavidB is right on with his comments about Plexus. Additional excellent plastic care products are produced by Novus.



Novus #1 is a non-abrasive cleaner - excellent for the instrument cluster cover.



Plexus is a slightly abrasive cleaner - excellent for routine head lamp cover and plastic window care.



Novus #2 is a little more abrasive than Plexus - excellent for dealing with minor scratches.



Novus #3 is yet more abrasive - excellent for damaged lamp covers.



Much better results than using the Meguiar’s #17, #10, #18 routine!





<CENTER>:usa</CENTER>

[fightingdevil]

Hi....

I have a Mercury Mountaineer with the Ford OEM grey plastic bug guard/hood shield. It`s started to turn fogged/faded and was wondering if any of the products you guys discussed above would help me.



I also have a Ford Escort with the same problem, except on the headlights (they`re clear). They`re definately faded/sun blanched. There`s really no moisture on the inside that I can see, so I think it`s the same problem as my Mounty. Could I use the same product on both? Thanks!!!



-Devil

[milani]

Absolutely! Plexus will work great for you. It is an aerosol spray polish that shines up nicely.. Just spray, buff and wipe:xyxthumbs

[fightingdevil]

Thanks! I`ll give it a try and let you know how it works out for me! Appreciate the quick reponses! I`m definately coming back to these boards!!



-Devil



:wavey

[Nick Chapman]

One of the most asked questions I get is?..?Why does it take you so long to wash a car?? So I thought I?d take a minute, and show you me step by step for washing and drying this Audi R8.

Beautiful vehicle! Although, the brakes dust WAAAAAY too much!


Here you can see just how bad the pads dust?.



Step 1, is to soak the wheel in Diablo Wheel Gel?


After letting it set for about 5 minutes, I start by washing the lugs?


Then I take care of the insides of the wheel barrels?.


Then the face of the wheel?


Next step is to clean the brakes up?.


Then on to the wheel wells. Lots of scrubbing here, and not a lot of room on this car!


And here?s the clean wheel!




Onto the motor next? not really dirty, Just dusty, but I?ll go thru my entire process


Meg?s Degreaser(10:1)


Rinsed thoroughly, then apply the soap thru the foam gun?


Onto the car itself?..
Rinse it off?


Soak it with the foam gun?.



Then a nice gentle hand wash?.




Rinse thoroughly!!!!!!



Then dry With Cobra Waffle Weave towels.


Now the fun stuff!

Master Blaster Heated Air Drier!


All the cracks and crevices have to be blown out to avoid those pesky little drips that form after a good wash?



Wheels dried also!


And dry the engine!



The end result???







And some playing with HDR?

[imported_Bunky]

Nice writeup, Nice car, nice surroundings, nice photography. Very nice indeed.

Nick, is the Master Blaster mounted in the van? I noticed you tie-wrapped the cable. Is it mounted in the van with a shortened part of the cord?

I also see you added a custom much longer hose? How long is it and where did you get the hose?

What did you use for foaming the Audi?

[Nick Chapman]

Nice writeup, Nice car, nice surroundings, nice photography. Very nice indeed.

Nick, is the Master Blaster mounted in the van? I noticed you tie-wrapped the cable. Is it mounted in the van with a shortened part of the cord?

I also see you added a custom much longer hose? How long is it and where did you get the hose?

What did you use for foaming the Audi?

I wrapped the cord because I use an extention cord anyways, and don`t need both. Master cord is just in the way, so I tied it to itself.

The hose is 25`. Got it from a local supply store. They sell truck mound units, and janitor supplies

Foaming soap on this one was Chemical Guys Citrus Wash.

[CEE DOG]

Awesome Nick! Thanks for sharing :thumbup:

Cool hose switch - How long have you been using that hose and can you point to any change in performance. How is the hose holding up?

[Nick Chapman]

Awesome Nick! Thanks for sharing :thumbup:

Cool hose switch - How long have you been using that hose and can you point to any change in performance. How is the hose holding up?

Not sure what you mean about the hose?

[gmblack3]

Great writeup Nick and the Audi looks stunning!