MotiveLensPhoto Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 What do you use to polish the engine bay? Especially the wheel covers, the radiator cover, the reachable metal parts, etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 (edited) Why would I do that? A little Dawn Detergent and water every few years is enough. Edited November 27, 2022 by Paul Dobbin (see edit history) 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 If there's bright metal parts, a little metal polish takes care of those. Porcelainized parts can possibly benefit from a light coat of cleaner-wax. Other than that, most underhood parts are a matte finish. As Paul said use Dawn or other grease-cutting detergent and a parts brush as needed and then rinse well. If the engine compartment isn't horrendously dirty Simple Green in a spray bottle followed by a good rinse will clean off most of the grime. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotiveLensPhoto Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 2 hours ago, Paul Dobbin said: Why would I do that? A little Dawn Detergent and water every few years is enough. Because judges like them shiny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 One guy got points knocked off for a polished carb on a 1940 Ford Coupe. Over restoration for a pot-metal carb that was almost a shinny as a mag wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
61polara Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 2 hours ago, Golden73 said: What do you use to polish the engine bay? Especially the wheel covers It helps to keep the wheel covers out of the engine bay; sorry, I couldn't resist saying this. 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 1 minute ago, 61polara said: sorry, I couldn't resist saying this. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=quit+calling+me+shirley#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:0e56e031,vid:KM2K7sV-K74 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 (edited) I special ordered this car a 1976 Olds. Original interior, Paint, engine and engine bay also original paint, 116,000 miles. When the car was my daily driver (for ten years) Every time I washed the car, I would wash the engine, every time I waxed the car I waxed engine bay surfaces like part of firewall, fender wells, radiator core support. The engine got wax on valve cover, lifter-pushrod covers, air cleaner, P/S pump. Why? I work on all my cars (collector or daily drivers) and when I finish working on them, I do not wish to look like a beginner lube rack mechanic after his first day on the job. BTW anyone who's been in the automotive trade knows what I mean here. Why? I like to clean all parts of the car, just a topside wash isn't a wash. It's like washing your pants and shirts and never washing your underwear. I'll tell you something else, for you guys that don't do your own work. Usually, a mechanic will do a better job when he knows you've been in there, and usually he'll respect you more for it. Edited November 28, 2022 by Pfeil (see edit history) 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 1 hour ago, Golden73 said: Because judges like them shiny. For the average shopping center show, perhaps. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 (edited) Once every couple of years? Obviously none of you have a road oiling brass era car with open overhead valves that need oiling often. I will have all of you know that the underside of my hood is well oiled. Every time I drive it I have to wipe oil off of the louvers both inside and out. 😜 🙃 Oh the joys of owning an early auto. 🤪 At least it won't rust that way. 😁 Edited November 28, 2022 by Dandy Dave (see edit history) 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 My engine bay is clean, and I thought it looked pretty good until I hit the show in Hershey and saw some of the cars there. My car came with chrome valve covers so I keep them wiped down and occasionally will hit them with some mothers chrome polish. There is not much else on the motor that needs polishing, I just keep things wiped off. I will hit the towel with some simple green before wiping it down. The sheet metal (on my car at least) is a mid level gloss/matte finish. Again I just wipe it down with a rag and some simple green. For the plastic radiator shield I rub it down with vaseline then wipe it off good so dust wont stick. Same with the hoses. Other than that I dont get too crazy as my car is a driven more than it shows. 2022-07-25_08-30-56 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotiveLensPhoto Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 14 hours ago, Terry Bond said: For the average shopping center show, perhaps. Terry That was helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 18 minutes ago, Golden73 said: That was helpful. Answers really can depend on the kind of show and judging you're talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted November 29, 2022 Share Posted November 29, 2022 On 11/27/2022 at 7:19 PM, Golden73 said: Because judges like them shiny. When the Judge is some other guys wife, who doesn't know a generator from a starter, I don't care if she likes it or not. If it's important, she can clean it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now