engine and interior detail

[Duckman]

Hi all. I am still waiting to get my PC, so in the mean time, I'm going to tackle some things that don't require the PC. I'm gonna do my interior this weekend, as well as my engine bay.

My interior is a light and dark tan mix. I have leather seats (not a high quality leather though) and a leather steering wheel. It's starting to get a little grimy (not too bad though) so I'm thinking of using #40 for the dash and doors etc. For the leather seats, I'm thinking some medallion leather cleaner. Is this a good idea for the steering wheel as well? Also, my shift knob is vinyl, and is textured, so there's a lot of dead skin in the cracks.. if I use #40 on it, will it have a oily residual feeling to it?

As for the engine, I'm not sure what to use here.. the car's only a year old, so the engine bay isn't too bad.. just a lot of road dirt etc. what should I use to clean it up and dress the hoses etc?

Thanks guys,
Nick

[RDVT4ME]

I just used Meguiars Extra all surface cleaner on the engine compartment. Worked very well. Cleans up hoses and everything else quickly.

-Bob

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Nick,

The #40 has a small portion of mild cleaners in the formula to clean the surface so you don't just seal and trap dirt and grime into the surface. Use a piece of terry cloth to apply and work the product in for more cleaning strength.

After you have worked the product in, wipe off any excess with another clean dry towel, or a microfiber and this will insure the surface isn't slippery.

As far as leather goes, Medallion is a great leather conditioner, but if you want more cleaning strength, Meguiar's would recommend their Gold Class Rich Leather Aloe Cleaner followed by Gold Class Rich Leather Aloe Conditioner

To use these products without getting excess product into seams, stitching or perforated holes, first apply them to a clean foam wax applicator and work them into the foam, and then apply to the surface.

Check out this link, it shows how we applied the above two products to the leather seats in a Corvette.


Cleaning, Conditioning leather seats with Aloe Cleaner and Aloe Conditioner

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

For the engine, you have a couple of options,

If you can find EXTRA All Surface Cleaner you can use it, just be careful to keep it off polished or anodized aluminum as it can stain these surfaces.

Some other options would be some products in Meguiar's Detailers line, such as the old Citri-Gel Cleaner, even though Meguiar's has discontinued this product, it can still be found through some online detailing supplies stores and also PBE stores.

Another option is Meguiar's new All Purpose Cleaner, this should be readily available through any PBE store as well as online detailing supply stores.

Here's some resources to check out,


How to locate Meguiar’s Professional & Detailer products in your hometown

Meguiar's Detailer Products Online

Mike

[Duckman]

Thanks a lot Mike. I've had such a ***** of a time finding all the products I want from the professional line of Meguiar's. The best place I've found so far locally is a company called Lordco. They have a few pro line stuff, but not everything... no DACP on the shelves So I've e-mailed them asking if I can order it, but no reply yet. I'm still on my search.. I haven't seen the Gold Class Leather stuff anywhere.. us canadians have it so rough

[Galcobar]

Try Lordco's biggest store, in Burnaby near Metrotown (5400-block of Lougheed Hwy, I believe). They carry a larger selection of products than most other outlets, though it seems like each store carries a different selection

[garufita]

Duckman: I think I saw that product in Canadian Tire. I bought some stuff in Lordco, but this guys are insane with the prices, 40 dollars for the quick clay... just a rip off , I hate Lordco's.
Check also North Shore Autoparts
Good Luck

[Lt1Corvette]

I have a question regarding the extra tough all surface cleaner and engine bays. One of the videos on the main Meguiars site, they say you can spray it on let it sit, and then simply wipe it up with a cotton terry towel. Can you do this without introducing water to the engine bay? Also what would you recommend as a protection spray following the cleaning?

[Galcobar]

Also, on the Extra All Surface Cleaner -- if it's a degreaser, how gentle is it on the vinyl, plastic and rubber under the hood

I know it's supposed to clean them, but how is it at protecting them?

BTW, for preservation/dust repelling, a suggestion I've come across is Pledge...any thoughts?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Lt1Corvette
I have a question regarding the extra tough all surface cleaner and engine bays. One of the videos on the main Meguiar's site, they say you can spray it on let it sit, and then simply wipe it up with a cotton terry towel. Can you do this without introducing water to the engine bay? Also what would you recommend as a protection spray following the cleaning?

Hi Joe,

You mean this?




If you're careful and use a little common sense, then yes you can spray an all purpose cleaner like the Extra product onto most surfaces and then agitate the surface and remove the loosened dirt and grime with a terry cloth towel like shown in this video....

Click here to watch Barry's Detailing Video - (You'll probably have to resize your window)

With Extra, you need to keep it off polished aluminum and anodized aluminum as it may stain or discolor these surfaces. On just about everything else though it works great.

Mike

[Lt1Corvette]

Yes that’s the video. I am unable to power wash my engine bay because of all the exposed electronics. In the past I have had to use a damp cloth and a couple of days to clean it out so so. I have stayed away from all purpose cleaners because many have to be rinsed with water afterward. When I saw that video I say new hope. I'm going to give it a try once I can find it.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I am very hesitant about washing the engine. Although modern cars are supposed to have a form of a waterproof connectors, water still seems to go where it was not intended. As a result, I tend to cover up all of the vital areas on the engine, and avoid a prolong exposure of water. Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner works very well for cleaning under the hood!!!

Another choice I really like using is Meguiar's Safe D-Greaser (D-10501) that when used at 4:1 does an excellent job on the engine!!!
Please see here:

Safe D-Greaser

Cheers!
Tim

[Boss_429]

I agree with Tim. Taking an extra minute or two to cover sensitive parts can save one a great deal of trouble. It only has to happen once to appreciate the consequences!

Ideally, if you want to maintain your personal vehicles engine compartments, try getting into the habit of wiping things down in the engine compartment after every car wash or so.............. it really pays off. Then, every once in a while, you may need to spray a little degreaser on some trouble spots and wipe them down.

Of course, if you're detailing vehicles other than your own, you don't have the above option.

Just a thought.

[Lt1Corvette]

Thanks guys,
I don't do other peoples engine bays because of the financial risk so that is not a problem. I was really just looking for something I could controllably spray and wipe away in a specific section. The problem with my engine is there is so much I would have to cover up that by the time I finished there would be nothing to spray down. So I am going to see how the extra works on a few of the tougher spots.