Thanks everyone for the great detailing info exterior & interior :smile:

My next question is how to take care of the engine area, wheel wells, underbody?

I have to admit these are the areas I have neglected in my current auto and it's just ugly. With various dried fluid drops, dirt, brake dust, water spots, probably dried salt, and just your garden variety road grime, how do you maintain the beauty of these areas? On show cars it's easier to maintain than on a daily driver. Do you daily drivers just forget about it like I have?

Of course with the MINI I would like to keep it looking as pristine as possible.
Any Suggestions?

_________________


IB/W/W/W MCS, All packages, Space Cloth, Aero Kit, Driving Lights, Prod date 9/14/02. Motoring since 11/7/2002

 

letsmotor,
Hi....
Can't say that I have all of the answers on this one.....
but.... I think I can point you in the right direction.
Autopia Guide to Detailing, V2.00

Download this detailers guide and enjoy.
Hope this helps...
Happy Motoring.
SW

PS.... I'm a little lazy myself when it comes to the engine. I try to detail it once every 3-4 months. Nothing major just a good once or twice over.

 

SFiveten, The link does not seem to be working. have an updated location? I''m coming up on month three, and the enging compartment is starting to look a bit dull. What to cover, what not to cover? Engine cleaners OK or not? Tips, etc?

Thanks!

 

Simple Green is your friend.

Make a spray bottle up of 3:1 water to SG. For wheel wells, get in there with an old wash mit when you are washing your wheels. This helps cut down on the general grime. Then you can spray it down with the Simple Green mix about 4 times a year. Let stand for a minute, then use a soft scrub brush and go to it. Rinse when done and follow up with a liberal spray/wipe of 303 to recondition the plastic and some tire shine to make it pretty. You can even use Mothers Back to Black on the inner wheel wells, but it doesn't last as long as a coat of 303 and some tire dressing.

For the engine, first start by wiping down any/all you can with a moist rag, rinsing frequently and wringing out fully. Next tape off the spark plugs, distributer/direct fire device and any exposed electrical components or fuse panels. Then spray the Simple Green mix on any area still dirty/greasey from after the initial rub down. Let sit for a minute or two and then wipe off with moist rag. Next give a light mist of water over it all. You guessed it, and wipe that down. Repeat for any stubborn spots. The important thing here is to not just HOSE the engine down. That will often lead to problems. Keep it a light flow/mist followed by a thorough wipe down and you'll be fine. Finally, remove the tape and detail the paint with Final Inspection/Quick Detailer, buff the aluminum with Mothers Aluminm Polish and wipe down the hoses with a mix of 1:1 water/tire dressing.

The King of Clean has spoken.

R

 

Or you can be a freak like me and wipe down the engine copartment three times a week.I use Armoral on all rubber and the hard plastic fender covers top and wells. Pull up on a set of Rhino Ramps and wipe down the under carriage once a month. This MINI is the cleanest in the USA. It is cleaner now than it was when I got it. the joy of owning a MINI is more than just MOTORING, its cleaning it too. If you've seen mine you'll know what I am talking about.

 

Excellent, guys! THanks for the tips, that's what I was looking for. I'll go at it as soon as I can find somewhere that I can get things wet without them FREEZING!

 

Bringing back an old topic, but I'm embarassed about how ugly things look under the hood right now!! It really needs a good wash. The problem is, I don't know what I'm doing... I have no idea what's what on my engine. Can someone take a pic of their S engine and circle some important things to avoid? Could I put a shower cap or something over these "sensitive" areas, or is it imperative that not a single drop of water touches them?