Undercarriage detailing

[jereklein]

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

[jatkinson]

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.

[CSPIDY]

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.

[jereklein]

Thanks for the recommendations.
Jere

[ICON 1956]

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......

[ranchbird]

You guys must have a lift in your garage.

[Oldmics]

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

[ICON 1956]

You guys must have a lift in your garage.

Oh yeah ! I forgot to say that my neighbor across the street does have a hydraulic lift, It does make things a lot easier.

[jereklein]

Great advice. Thanks.

[paul2748]

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.

[ICON 1956]

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.

[eboose7]

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.

[jereklein]

Great info and pics. I am officially inspired now to get this done. Thanks.
Jere

[ward 57]

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.

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.

[DynoDan’55]

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?).