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MG MGA - Cleaning it up?

I looked over some archived threads but wanted to ask for some more ideas. I'm not looking for show car clean...I just know a clean car doesn't rust.

engine Bay-Simply Green?

Painted surfaces? I generally use dishsoap, other ideas

Chrome? I have NO IDEA what to do here, I have some mild oxidation. What do you use?

the underneath. How do you clean this...particularly in light of the wooden parts.

Thanks,

Tysen

T McCarthy

Tysen:

Engine Bay: I've heard Simply Green is good. In fact I bought some recently, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm sure others will have other recommendations. Check the MGB board as there was a recent thread about engine cleaning.

Chrome: The long time favorite of many is Simichrome polish. It comes in small tubes and it is expensive. I think Moss sells it.

Paint: Dishsoap is not recommended, because it may be too harsh. I generally try to get the dirt off with just a spray of water. But if you are going to use soap, you are probably better-off buying some mild automotive soap. Some may recommend using a specialty polish between washing and waxing. I have never done this, so I can't comment. I usually just rinse/wash the car well, dry it with a large chamois and wax it. Check the MGB board, as there was a recent thread about waxing/washing.

Underside: I have no idea. Maybe take it to a do-it- yourself car wash and use the pressure wand to remove the accummulated gunk. Just be careful of the engine bay (distributor) and other electrical connections.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 coupe
M. D.

Tyson

IF you use wax on your paint you don't want to use dishwashing detergent. It is designed to remove grease, wax, and other such stuff. Use a soap designed for automotive use.

For the engine compartment I use full strength Simple Green in a spray bottle. Then a gentle wash from a hose. Heavy grease buildup may require use of a brush. Even the aluminum on the SUs looks better.

HTH

Larry
58A
Larry Hallanger

Gee. Simple green removes oils but not wax? Thought I'd check this out so I did a search. Seems that many people use Simple Green to remove all kinds of wax including kitchen floor wax.

I'd suggest car wash detergents.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

Simple Green is great for the engine bay. I buy the "Automotive" version which seems a bit more concentrated, therefore less is needed and that means less water to wash it off. End result is less water finding it's way into the electricals.

I also use it on wheels that are really grimey. If they are not that bad, I use Autoglym Wheel Cleaner. You can buy it from Moss and a few other places.

On the paint I don't use anything but a hose and a wash mitt. If you wash often, the car won't get dirty enough to need soap. Just make sure the car is allowed to dry well. I don't usually wash on really humid days such as right after a rain. I want that water out of the cracks asap!

Underneath is a nasty job. You can use Simple green at the local DIY car wash to get most of it off. Braka Cleaner works magic for melting away the grime but can also attack paint, dulling it or actually causing peeling on old paint. It can also get into places it shouldn't, so be careful. Used sparingly with a toothbrush it can really clean up the dirty corners and crevases of your suspension. Be sure to grease the chassis after you clean the underbody, but wait a while for it to dry out first.
Steve Simmons

What do you fellows think about the Kozac cloth. I've used it for years with good success. If you use it frequently you never have to actually wash the car.
Barry Sandman
Baz

Kozak?
Baz

I've found good results with paint thinner and copper wool, (kitchen scrubber) for removing rust and cleaning up chromed pieces. Following up with rubbing compound, polish & wax to seal aginst future rust. I recently cleaned up a sad looking 35 yearold Honda motorcycle this way. The results were almost startling! On painted surfaces, a commercial carwash soap and water as needed and polish/wax twice a year. Cloth car cover when not driving daily. M
Marc Judson (2- 1978's)

Baz,
Kozak Dry Wash Car Cloths have been in use since 1926. They are available on line. I still have some I purchased around 1960. The fabric is of such quality that they are still good for dusting 40 some years later.
Look the up on the net.

Jim Haskins
1953 MG TD
J. M. Haskins

I was just reading in an aviation magazine that Simple Green now has a product called Extreme Simple Green which is supposed to have the additional benefit of stopping metal corrosion. Hmmmm.
Frank Nocera

If you use brakeclean for degreasing, use the CRC brand in the red can. The green can is made of paint thinners, not only does it not clean as well, it is highly flamable.
John H

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2005 and 05/08/2005

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.