Underside cleaning advice needed

G

Gonzo

New member
I am new to the detailing scene. I have a 2001 Lightning with about 39K miles. When I bought it, I had it undercoated, because at that thime there was a possibility of having to travel into winter-like conditions. Now that has disappeared.



The top blinger in the local L club swears by Castrol Super Clean to clean his undercarriage. Just this last wekend, he used CSC to remove slick rubber from a fellow member's truck, so in passing I asked him what he thought it might do to the undercoating, to which he said "Remove it". All well and good, but at this time I just want to remove the grey/brown road grime that has (permanently) attached itself to the undercoated (and not) surfaces on the underside and wheel wells. I've tried Simple Green @ 100% but that doesn't appear to do much. Any suggestions?



Thanks in advance
 
:welcome to Autopia



Over the course of 25 years of detailing I have never figured out how to "clean" the dirt off of semi-sticky undercoating. I can cover it with a dressing and make it look nice, but get all the dirt off of the coating? That one is beyond me. Hopefully someone else has a brilliant solution beyond covering it up with dressing or reapplying the coating (same as covering it).



As for the uncoated areas, those are easily cleaned with CSC or similar and a couple of brushes. Probably best to remove the wheel and tire for better access. Truck wheelwells are easy to clean.



With a little elbow grease and some cleaner you can get your wheelwells looking good. This ain't the world's greatest cleaning job but you get the idea:



various 094.jpg
 
I find the castrol cleaner to work very well for undercarriages using a long tire brush and even a toilet brush in some areas. Strong hose pressure to rinse.



Castrol is easily availible and well priced. However, I only use it for undercarriages because I'm afraid it is too strong even when diluted say for wheels or under the hood. I need to get some APC+ for that. Nevertheless, Castrol is still a keeper on my shelf.



Good luck with cleaning your undercarriage!
 
Hey! Another Gonzo in the Autopia Garage! :welcome !
 

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Hey just a little information about using Simple Green around metals: According to the Air Force it weakens some kind of molecular bond in metals (can't remember if it was aluminum or steel) Probably not that critical in a car though, but something to keep in mind.
 
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Hey just a little information about using Simple Green around metals: According to the Air Force it weakens some kind of molecular bond in metals (can't remember if it was aluminum or steel) Probably not that critical in a car though, but something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...

Well,



Since I prefer my molecules well bonded, I will stay away from Simple Green.

Better to be safe than unbonded
 
I agree........with Bill D and Bretfraz.....



A long handled tire brush and a bucket of soapy water will do the trick...but it will take some scrubbing.



And don't forget to dress with a cheap tire dressing!



It works great in wheel wells. It also makes them easier to clean next time. ( I use TIRE FOAM).



(Only drawback is that it may overspray on your paint....so keep your QD handy!)
 
bretfraz said:
This ain't the world's greatest cleaning job but you get the idea:
Click to expand...



HOW FRUSTRATING! The only thing I DON'T like about posting here is that I have neither the time nor the garage to keep up with you guys. My wheel wells are decidedly dirtier than that...



:bow
 
I use Eagle 1 A to Z cleaner in the wheel wheels after presssure washing and letting them dry.



Pressure Wash

Let Dry

Eagle 1 A to Z

Rinse

Enjoy





If you don't have a pressure washer, I would go to the local self serve car wash and pressure wash with the water setting (DON'T USE THEIR SOAPS :D )
 
I found a new area for the gallon of Megs EK. Works pretty well and doen't attract dust/dirt as other dressings do.



Cleaning with APC+ or other strong cleaners work with a bit of scrubbing. I rinse the areas really well. If possible, have car raised with proper safety restraints then with water under high pressure, I blast out as much as possible. Once that's loose, wait for water area to dry a bit, then apply cleaners. Let them sit, go under and scrub then rinse really well. I use compressed air to dry, then apply the EK on just about everything. Looks nice and clean, not too glossy.



Lexus dealer keeps wondering how the mileage gets on the car without all the dirt! Tech was so impressed had to ask what I use, and told him. Looks like I converted another one:D



Regards,

Deanski
 
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