Undercarriage detailing
Moderator: Joe Johnston
Undercarriage detailing
I have a 56 that I drive when the weather and roads in NY permit. It’s a very clean well maintained driver. The undercarriage obviously has its share of dirt and grime however. Does it make any sense mechanically or body-wise to have it thoroughly cleaned occassionally?
Thanks
Thanks
Re: Undercarriage detailing
I guess it depends on what you are going for. In my opinion the bottom should be as clean as the top. At least that is what I like.
Mechanically things just work better when they are looked after, detailed and lubed as they are supposed to be.
Mechanically things just work better when they are looked after, detailed and lubed as they are supposed to be.
1956 T-Bird Sage Green
1970 Mustang Mach 1
2004 T-Bird Platinum Silver
1928 Model A Tudor
2018 Mustang GT Orange Furry
1970 Mustang Mach 1
2004 T-Bird Platinum Silver
1928 Model A Tudor
2018 Mustang GT Orange Furry
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Dirt holds moisture and can advance rust and corrosion, I would clean the undercarriage and touch up any bare metal at least once a year. I usually do mine every winter.
57 D code Colonial White
Wise man once told me, "you don't know what you don't know"
West Newton, PA
Wise man once told me, "you don't know what you don't know"
West Newton, PA
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Thanks for the recommendations.
Jere
Jere
Re: Undercarriage detailing
I agree with the others, I inspect the frame clean my undercarriage once a year, I remove any road grime, tar, and also do a 15 zerkes point lube. It's also a good time to check for any loose muffler claps. also to clean the inside of the tire rims to remove brake dust . Remove the skirts to clean inside please note I would zip tie the skirts after the cleaning so that those don't come loose like one of mine did. When you have a classic car that's 64 years old you need to give it some TLC......
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: Undercarriage detailing
You guys must have a lift in your garage.
Re: Undercarriage detailing
I have an outside lift for power washing off the undercarriage.
I usually do it to my winter beaters to get the brin/salt out from under but have done my collector cars on it also.
It makes a hell of a mess !
Oldmics
I usually do it to my winter beaters to get the brin/salt out from under but have done my collector cars on it also.
It makes a hell of a mess !
Oldmics
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Oh yeah ! I forgot to say that my neighbor across the street does have a hydraulic lift, It does make things a lot easier.
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1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Great advice. Thanks.
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Get or rent power washer that has a soap attachment, put the car in the air and clean. I've done that and it comes out good.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Better yet Paul, One can go to a self service power car wash and do the job, the bay area has a dip for drainage one can get the power wash under the carriage to clean out excess dirt . How ever one's way of cleaning.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: Undercarriage detailing
I routinely clean the undercarriage of my '56. I agree that the underside of the car should look as good as the top. Rust is the enemy of classic cars. Cleaning the undercarriage helps prevent rust.
Re: Undercarriage detailing
Great info and pics. I am officially inspired now to get this done. Thanks.
Jere
Jere
Re: Undercarriage detailing
I have been considering this. Are there any specific dos & don'ts? I know enough to try to keep any spray from the top of the engine. It's been YEARS of just a garden hose when washing. Did get some sand out of the fender wells.
VTCI # 13223
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Re: Undercarriage detailing
When I was in the army back in the mid 60s, we used a steam-cleaning device to clean military vehicles after a field exercise. Sure did a good job (grease especially just disappeared), and seemed quite easy. I often wonder why that isn’t more common nowadays (though likely not so good for old paint?).