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I recently took on the task of transforming a neglected 66' Cobra into a clean cruising machine. The owner purchased this vehicle on vacation, on a whim, and didnt have time to have the vehicle cleaned up before he bourght it home. This is Phase I of a 5 step process I will be doing to the vehicle.
The first phase was to clean up the undercarriage, which was filthy. This was due to the fact that the car smashed and cracked the oil pan on a bump going down the freeway. The oil was thrown under the body and inside the rims.
I got the car into a shop where I would have access to a lift to perform the undercarriage cleaning. After getting the car up on the lift, I first started by laying down plastic sheeting to protect the shop floor from any debries, grease, tar, solvent, water that would be falling from the underside.
Next in line, was to get all the chemicals, brushes, rags, and towels that would be used to do the cleaning. Listed below, are items used.
The entire underbody was sprayed with a 1:1 dilution of citra-gel, and left to settle for 5 minutes while other tasks were performed.
Citra-Gel is a great cleaner to use on underbodies because it wont discolor painted pieces like a harsh degreaser will. Its also much more easy for the surrounding environment, as it has a pleasant smell. Apc was used on all the lines, wires, and hoses. Super Degreaser had to be used in a few places that had caked on oil and grime.
Here is a shot of the oil pan after being polished with Mirror Glaze Metal Polish.
After all the cleaning was performed, the entire undercarriage was rensed with a gentle stream of water. It is important to consider when working on very old cars, or custom vehicles, that the way they were put together isnt like a new car that just rolled off the assembly line. Much greater care must be taken to insure you dont damage anything. This car has been repaired and resotred a number of times, and has tons of custom work done to it. A pressure washer was NOT an option for this job.
Silicoln Free Dressing was used on varios black pieces, and on all rubber. This is important to do, as the chemicals that were used to clean the rubber, also dry it out. I always use silicoln free dressing, as it dries to a non greasy surface, and wont attarct dust and dirt like other dressings will. Its also safe to use in engines and around exhaust, where a fire hazard could be present.
Here are some shots of the finished product.
Before, the car was put back onto the ground, the headers and exhaust had to be re-wraped. I had the shop remove the wraping before the cleaning process. This is important, because if some of the chemicals got soaked into the wraping, or got underneath it, the heat from the exhaust could create a fire. This is unlikely, but possible. Being a professional means taking precautions at every level.
For anyone interested in what they should charge for such a service, or how much they should expect to pay. This vehicles charge was $325 plus tax. The process took 5.5 hours to complete and pricing was based on my hourly rate.
Next up... Phase II - Paint Polishing and Wheel Refinishing!
Stay tuned!
The first phase was to clean up the undercarriage, which was filthy. This was due to the fact that the car smashed and cracked the oil pan on a bump going down the freeway. The oil was thrown under the body and inside the rims.
I got the car into a shop where I would have access to a lift to perform the undercarriage cleaning. After getting the car up on the lift, I first started by laying down plastic sheeting to protect the shop floor from any debries, grease, tar, solvent, water that would be falling from the underside.
Next in line, was to get all the chemicals, brushes, rags, and towels that would be used to do the cleaning. Listed below, are items used.
- Megs Citra-Gel
- Megs APC
- Megs Super Desgreaser
- Mirror Glaze Metal Polish
- Various brushes
- Eye and skin protection
- Silicoln Free Dressing
The entire underbody was sprayed with a 1:1 dilution of citra-gel, and left to settle for 5 minutes while other tasks were performed.
Citra-Gel is a great cleaner to use on underbodies because it wont discolor painted pieces like a harsh degreaser will. Its also much more easy for the surrounding environment, as it has a pleasant smell. Apc was used on all the lines, wires, and hoses. Super Degreaser had to be used in a few places that had caked on oil and grime.
Here is a shot of the oil pan after being polished with Mirror Glaze Metal Polish.
After all the cleaning was performed, the entire undercarriage was rensed with a gentle stream of water. It is important to consider when working on very old cars, or custom vehicles, that the way they were put together isnt like a new car that just rolled off the assembly line. Much greater care must be taken to insure you dont damage anything. This car has been repaired and resotred a number of times, and has tons of custom work done to it. A pressure washer was NOT an option for this job.
Silicoln Free Dressing was used on varios black pieces, and on all rubber. This is important to do, as the chemicals that were used to clean the rubber, also dry it out. I always use silicoln free dressing, as it dries to a non greasy surface, and wont attarct dust and dirt like other dressings will. Its also safe to use in engines and around exhaust, where a fire hazard could be present.
Here are some shots of the finished product.
Before, the car was put back onto the ground, the headers and exhaust had to be re-wraped. I had the shop remove the wraping before the cleaning process. This is important, because if some of the chemicals got soaked into the wraping, or got underneath it, the heat from the exhaust could create a fire. This is unlikely, but possible. Being a professional means taking precautions at every level.
For anyone interested in what they should charge for such a service, or how much they should expect to pay. This vehicles charge was $325 plus tax. The process took 5.5 hours to complete and pricing was based on my hourly rate.
Next up... Phase II - Paint Polishing and Wheel Refinishing!
Stay tuned!
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