Easy Washing/Drying Technique

[Ferdman]

About 4 1/2 years ago my neighbor introduced me to the boar's hair brush for washing and a backpack blower for blow-drying cars. My first impression was that my neighbor was a fanatic, but I have been using the same technique since. The results are fantastic!


For the record I am not associated with Griot's Garage (www.griotsgarage.com or 800-345-5789) in any way. It's just that I have been extremely pleased with their products and highly recommend them to all car enthusiasts.


For washing I mix 1 oz. of the "car wash" with approx. 2 1/2 gallons of warm water in the "yellow bucket" and use the "boar's hair brush" to wash the body and glass. For the wheels (Mercedes 8 hole) and tires I use the "long handle boar's hair wheel brush". This brush does a fantastic job on the 8 hole wheels, however it may not be as effective on the 15 hole variety. Of course, the key is to keep a good coat of wax on the car and wheels. Next I use the backpack blower to blow-dry the car, tires and wheels. A clean, dry cotton towel quickly removes any remaining water droplets and dries the door jambs/sills and underneath the trunk lid. For the finishing touch I apply "vinyl & rubber dressing" to the tires with a "blue detail sponge".

[mark cummins]

The Air Blower Works! I Use Compressed air when I Dry off my cars...Helps remove the hidden water that can start Rust...
My Neighbors Think Im Nuts...I Detail my cars Every weekend!
Wash and Wax!..When It Rains ..They get washed before they are put inside...

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Ferdman;
I thought I was the only nut on the block.
I use a Black and Decker leaf blower.
Never considered using the air from my compresser; the hose would be easer to handle than that old heavy blower, thanks Mr. Moderator.
Yes, I would say your a spokeperson for Griot's Garage or you just like what they sell!
As for keeping your wheels dust free; I am one of the original nuts.
I swear by Clean Wheel Disks on all wheels and have for many years.
Now if you want to start something; Clean Wheels is the subject so let's keep it a secret.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p

[Ferdman]

Don, I also use Kleen Wheels ... fronts only. They keep 80 - 90% of the brake dust off the front wheels with no detrimental effects to the rotors in our case. My wife and I are conservative drivers and avoid routine hard braking.

[Lyonstexas]

I use my air compressor also and my neighbors also think I am nuts! I have found that the water collects under trim pieces, door handles, under emblems, behind side view mirror glass and in lug nut recesses. All these accumulations are potential rust creation areas and the process can be slowed or eliminated by using the air hose in one hand and a chamois in the other.

Tim

[dolebludger]

Yes, the use of Kleen Wheels is very controversial. I've been told that they will burn up pads and rotors! And I've been told the do a good job too. I wonder why all the disagreement?

Thanks,
Richard:confused:

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Richard;
The controvercy stared about 4 years ago on our forum.
There were more reasons not than to.
There were reports of tires getting so hot they burned.
You can't imagine how many replies there were on the subject.
I'm still using mine and my wheels tight against the hub are the best heat sink for my brakes.
Let's see what this starts with our new members.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast,Don:p

[dolebludger]

D.L.:

I think I'll do something really stupid here. I'll ask my dealer's service manager about Kleen Wheels! Let's see what he says (though I don't know if it will be the right answer).

Thanks,
Richard:) :) :)

[Ferdman]

Richard, the dealer's Service Department will recommend against using Kleen Wheels. MB's stance is that they prevent proper air flow causing the brake pads and rotors to overheat which may warp your rotors and shorten the life of the brake pads. Many folks argue that the wheels dissipate heat generated by the brake pads/rotors with the air flow providing minimal cooling. If you're a conservative driver the Kleen Wheels should not affect the performance or life of your brake pads/rotors. On the other hand, if you're speed racer always braking hard I'd avoid using Kleen Wheels.

[tiggerfink]

I was at the Cadillac dealer today with my friend and I saw them using an air hose to remove the water. The car that they were working on was a red Cadillac XLR Convertiblefor for Jerry Lee Louis. Some famous star in the days of Elvis.

He is getting an Cadillac XLR Convertible. He is upset that my SL500 and SLK320 has more trunk space than the Cadillac XLR Convertible

[Grey Ghost]

I am a VERY conservative user of the brakes (causing most peope who ride with me to accuse me of being a tailgater)

Don - your word is good enough for me. The Grey Ghost seems to accumulate brake dust at a rapid clip, and if I could reduce it by 80-90%, I would be washing the car a lot less

what size is the best for the 123 chassis cars?