Battery Clamp Renewal Question

M

MBZ 500E

New member
I started with a search but nothing really came up covering this direct subject.



I've been cleaning the battery area (in the trunk) and have replaced the battery tray, clamps and bolts. I have cleaned up the battery and it looks new again. The only problem I have now is the clamps that go over the positive and negative battery terminals. The clamps have a slightly whitish color (Could be from the baking soda I used) and almost looks like oxidized aluminum.



Does anyone have any tips and tricks to get the clamps looking new again. They're in great condition otherwise but they just don't look "New" I have the steel and brass detailing brushes but am afraid they will scratch it. :nixweiss



I hope I don't have to replace them, that would be a major headache with all the wires connected to the positive post.:(
 
No, don't use the metal brushes. Use something soft as a toothbrush. I've had good results with a fairly strong solution of APC+. Clean and rinse a couple of times. Then ... I would try Back to Black or Black again. In fact, I've been known to try B2B first, and if it didn't give the results I wanted, I'd wash it a couple more times (to get back to a clean surface), then go with Black Again.



BTW, I just uploaded this photo, showing the dramatic results I got last night using Black Again. Sorry the photo is so dark, but it was at the end of another midnight detailing session.

3936blackagain1_lowres.jpg




I'm assuming you can tell the icky white/gray part is the UNtreated portion.
 
That is a dramatic "before & after", I've also had similar results with BTB but on this car there really aren't any areas I could use it so I don't have any.



So your saying it is ok to apply a vinyl/rubber type protectant on the metal and it hasn't caused any corrosion issues? I have Pigspit which has worked miracles on metals with corrosion I assume it would do the same here. I just was concerned that applying a chemical (in this case petroleum base) to the battery area.



I'll apply it to a cloth first and dab it on to prevent overspray. I'll let you know how it worked and maybe a before and after.:xyxthumbs
 
YIKES! STOP THE PRESSES!!! I totally misread your query, Afshin. My battery has rubber covers over the metal clamp, and I thought you were talking about that rubber cover. :wall



SO NO!! Don't -- repeat DO NOT -- follow my stupid advice.
 
Lynn,



You did confuse me when you mentioned the BTB but you inspired me to think a little differently. I gave the PigSpit a try and it worked perfectly, the clamps look normal now. I wouldn't go so far as to say they shine or look new but the white coating is gone. I forgot to take before pics but can take after if anyone is interested.
 
Hooray for you! Sounds like you're doing about like me before my 1st serious Concours -- every waking hour away from the office spent researching or doing adjustments for Concours prep.



We're all rootin' for ya!
 
Funny you mention that, I took today off so that I could get the car ready for the show.



I finished 80% of the interior today, I'll have to wait until next week to finish the leather. I also completed the trunk and gas cap area.



I'm going to work on the undercarriage tomorrow and the paint on Sunday.



I'm waiting on a few items from Griots which is preventing me from getting the engine bay done, but I'm close. A friend helped me source a few new stickers to replace the worn ones which will be the finishing touches.



Just thought of another question........do you know how to cover or stain some scuff marks on a seat bolster? My leather is black. I don't have time to do the leatherique treatment not to mention it's a very small area so other options would be great.
 
Do you have any of the Zaino leather cleaner spray onhand? I was astonished at how well and how quickly it removed stains and scuffs for me.



Sounds like your first show is drawing near? Do you have a good exterior QD on hand? And an easy one for the interior? Plenty of MF towels to take with you?



And wow! do I understand about you taking the day off. I maxxed-out my vacation time last season so I could get the car ready for concours. I feel your pain.
 
Actually Lynn I used Lexol Leather cleaner a month ago and when I did I noticed that it cleaned up all the leather and in the process made visible a few scratches in the leather. The scratches are on the drivers side seat bolster only and I need a way to actually re-blacken them. Sorry I wasn't really too clear on my earlier post.



I'm waiting for the Griots leather conditioner to arrive since I didn't like the smell of the Lexol Conditioner.



As far as being ready for the show, I just bought the Autopia Concours buffing towel (Absolutely Amazing My wife wished our bath towels were that soft and was very jealous!:D ), I also picked up the mini detail brush based on your recommendations.



On the day of the show I will have one medium size cotton buffing towel for the door jambs, one towel for the wheels, a bunch of shop towels for the wheel wells, a cotton cloth for the glass, a cloth for the wood and plastics on the interior, a few MF's for the engine, an appicator for the tires and of course the concours towel for the paint and trim. I also have two nylon dusters, one for the engine bay and the softer one for the interior.



Also on the day of the show I will have 1/2 Gallon of the Meguiars Final Detail which has proved invaluable, piano polish for wood and plastic on the interior, Megs vinyl & rubber for the tires and Stoner Invisible Glass.......thats it.



Did I miss anything?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top