Now I don't really post here often but I have a questions for the pros. I have a trade show this month and I need to detail my engine compartment. It is not really all that horrible, just dirty. What do you suggest I wash it with so I can have it nice and tidy?

The interior is Very clean and the exterior needs a wash and a wax but that is no big deal. The car will be hauled in an enclosed trailer to the convention center so I want it to be perfect before it leaves the shop.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Blake

 

blake- im no pro, but you can start by getting some SimpleGreen and
dillute it 50:50 with water in a separate spray bottle.

then mist over the areas you want to clean (away from electronics) over
a cold engine. let it soak for about 30sec to 1min and then wipe off with
a paper towel. you'll go though your roll of paper towels very quickly.

for tight areas you might want to get a small paint brush and some
compressed air.

then, over your black plastic bits and seals, try some Prima Nero or
Aerospace 303. spray into a short haired MF towel and wipe on.
nice matte finish.

 

I sort of do the same thing as Ken, but use old rags to wipe the Simple green , and I leave it on about 10 minutes or so. With the 303, I spray it on, then drive the car hard for about 5 minutes to get it good and warm, then let it sit with the bonnet closed, leave it for half an hour or so, then wipe down and do touch ups.

Mark

 

MINI engine bays are a breeze to detail. First make sure you don't spray water into the intake or alternator. =)

Cover them with a rag if you need to. Next use low water pressure. I like using a 0.5 gallon bug sprayer that I pump up.

Next, I use a mild degreaser--Simple Green is ok--I usually use Meguiar's APC (All Purpose Cleaner). Otherwise, left over car wash soap after washing the car works well. I use the same tire brushes and tools to get into all the areas. I have a supply of cheap microfiber towels that I use for wiping the hoses.

Next using an Absorber towel as a "sponge" soak up any standing water--on strut towers, etc.

Finally, once it's all dry---use a dressing with a low flash point to avoid any possibility of a fire. Some people like Nero, but for my tastes, doesn't offer enough "bling". Meguiar's professional Hyperdressing is wonderful here--it's water based and if you let it dry--becomes shiny--or wipe it dry--it becomes matte.

Other people have successfully used my Black Wow here as well. Just make sure to wipe and buff off the excess so it doesn't atttract dust--or better yet, dress it with BW, then hose it off the engine bay once again--then dry it with an Absorber towel.

Be careful about rubbing any painted areas in the bay as they are not clearcoated and the paint is thin--you will see metal if you rub too hard.

Richard (back from vacation)