Cleaning the Wheel Area

[dajonx]

Hi,



What do you guys recommend when cleaning the wheel well area? There's some junk that seems to be caked on there. I can post a pic of it later if you need to see what it looks like.



Thanks!

 

[mc2hill]

It depends on what the 'junk' is. Usually an APC can clean up most stuff in the wheel well, but if it is tar-like or paint, you will need a tar remover or an adhesive remover.

 

[dajonx]

Thank you. I can take a pic later. I really have no idea what it is. I don't think it's tar-like or paint. I have Goo-Off... Is that something that can be used or am I better off with Lysol or whatever?

 

[Accumulator]

dajonx- Be a little careful about using non-automotive products.



I just finished the initial cleanup of my Crown Vic's wheelwells (eleven years of previous-owner neglect). It's usually not all *that* hard to get things OK. My suggestion (I'm assuming you're not using a steamer and/or pressure washer):



-jack car up and pull off the wheel

-get some good lighting on the subject so you can see what you're doing

-rinse thoroughly to get all the loose stuff off

-spray on APC and let it dwell. Agitate with a brush

-rinse and inspect

-use solvent to remove tar

-if there's paint in there, try the solvent and gentle agitation with something like a plastic razor blade or a piece of plastic or wood ("chipping it off" approach). Be careful with solvents like lacquer thinner, often/usually OK but you never know

-rewash with APC

-use polishes/paint cleaners as needed to clean up what's left

 

[dajonx]

Thank you very much! This might be a "I'll do it later" sort of task. hwell: