Best way to wash a classic?

[HAMBO]

Hi Mike!

Doing some reading through the forums and have seen mixed answers for this one. I have a 67 Camaro, and was wondering what's the best / safest way to wash it? Worried about swirl marks (it's a 2 stage paint) from not having enough lubrication / waterless washing if it's anything more than a bit dusty, but also don't want to get water everywhere and risk causing rust.

Saw one of your threads detailing a 63 Plymouth Furry that said waterless (not even rinseless) was the way to go, but also saw you washing an Oldsmobile Fiesta (think it was on Instagram) with plenty of soap and water. Wondering whether there's a good rule of thumb to apply?

Thanks for any help!

HAMBO

[JustJesus]

From talking to Mike, and reading through several of his write-ups, I think he prefers waterless washing on classic cars.

[Mike Phillips]

I use waterless normally - use LOTS of product and LOTS of towels.

That station wagon wash was to showcase multiple products.

That’s what I do “showcase” stuff.

:)

[HAMBO]

I use waterless normally - use LOTS of product and LOTS of towels.

That station wagon wash was to showcase multiple products.

That’s what I do “showcase” stuff.

:)

Awesome, thanks Mike!!

[Mike Phillips]

Go back and look at the wagon thread - check and see if I’m showcasing something.

:)

[HAMBO]

Go back and look at the wagon thread - check and see if I’m showcasing something.

:)

Checked back, I saw on IG, but looks like it may have been part of some kind of showcase
https://instagram.com/p/BSjkKLYB1mj/

[Klasse Act]

Nice thing about doing a waterless on a classic car is you don't have an excessive amount of water getting everywhere you DON'T need it, cracks and crevices in particular.

Most people that have these old classics have to be convinced about not using traditional methods but once they see how water doesn't get EVERYWHERE and the advantage to this, I think they'll come around.

Show them on their daily driver to seal the deal[emoji344]

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[BadgerRivFan]

I own restored Rivieras from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, along with original Rivs from the 80’s and 90’s. All I do is rinseless washing on these cars using the Garry Dean method.

Works exceptionally well and does not induce marring.

Just my 2¢... but rinseless works the best for me.

[BillyJack]

I'm a fan of rinseless washing also. My garage queen El Camino has its original Dark Burgundy, single-stage lacquer, a quite sensitive paint. I've been using ONR, DG, D114 and Ultima rinseless for over 7 years with no ill effects noticed. Once a year or so I do a full hose and buckets process, but only in warm/hot weather and only if I'm going to drive it for a few days, hopefully drying up any residual water that might get into any hidden areas. I agree with going waterless on a car that may rarely be driven, but I think it takes good technique and plenty of good towels to be as safe on paint as rinseless.

Bill

[Mike Phillips]

Checked back, I saw on IG, but looks like it may have been part of some kind of showcase

https://instagram.com/p/BSjkKLYB1mj/




One of my co-workers shared that on the Autogeek Instagram page. (not my Instagram page, which is in my Signature Line)


I probably got 5 articles out of just this one car as that's how I roll in the shire...

Here's one of them... in this write-up I'm showcasing an iron remover from SONAX

SONAX Fallout Remover - How to chemically decontaminate paint before restoring a show car finish by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions/108879-sonax-fallout-remover-how-chemically-decontaminate-paint-before-restoring-show-car-finish-mike-phillips.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3380/sonax-fallout-cleaner-1.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3380/SONAX_Fallout_001.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3380/SONAX_Fallout_004.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3380/SONAX_Fallout_005.JPG



Cool car...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3395/Jay_Leno_Metal_025.JPG














:)

[Mike Phillips]

More...

Jay Leno Garage - All Purpose Cleaner and Interior Detailer Review by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/109176-jay-leno-garage-all-purpose-cleaner-interior-detailer-review-mike-phillips.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3393/Jay_Leno_APC_ID_008.JPG


Jay Leno Garage All-Metal Polish - Review by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/109186-jay-leno-garage-all-metal-polish-review-mike-phillips.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3395/Jay_Leno_Metal_019.JPG



In this thread I also shared,

SONAX Fallout Remover - How to chemically decontaminate paint before restoring a show car finish by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions/108879-sonax-fallout-remover-how-chemically-decontaminate-paint-before-restoring-show-car-finish-mike-phillips.html)


Foam Gun

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3380/SONAX_Fallout_023.JPG



Guzzler Drying Towels...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3380/SONAX_Fallout_030.JPG



I think I have one more write-up that I never was able to get to using this car.


:)

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Mike!

Doing some reading through the forums and have seen mixed answers for this one. I have a 67 Camaro, and was wondering what's the best / safest way to wash it?

Worried about swirl marks (it's a 2 stage paint) from not having enough lubrication / waterless washing if it's anything more than a bit dusty, but also don't want to get water everywhere and risk causing rust.




Here's a how-to article on waterless washing - lots of pictures and info.

Waterless Car Wash - How to safely clean you car without a hose & bucket (http://christmas%20detail%20-%201955%20ford%20crown%20victoria%20with%20black%2 0label%20surface%20coating/)


The key besides a quality product is LOTS OF TOWELS

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2207/Pinnacle_Waterless_Wash_014.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2207/Pinnacle_Waterless_Wash_015.jpg



:)

[Mike Phillips]

More...

If you REALLY want to avoid putting scratches into the finish on your Camaro then ANYTHING that TOUCHES the paint become VERY IMPORTANT.



Probably the most important video and article I've ever made...


How, why & when to inspect your microfiber towels when detailing cars (http://tinyurl.com/ya8l4k4s)



:)

[Klasse Act]

Cool car...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3395/Jay_Leno_Metal_025.JPG




That car IS cool, REAL cool!

Love the tire/wheel combo!!

[ScottH]

Guys what I do on classics may be a little unconventional. I use both a waterless and a rinseless. I use the waterlesss as a pre cleaner, lubricant so to speak, spraying it on fairly generously but not overdoing it either. Then I use the rinseless, but not with soaking wet wash media. Instead the wash mitt or MF is placed into the rinseless solution and then rung out fairly well so there is no dripping of water into any cracks or crevasses. This way nothing dry is coming into contact with the paint while it has dirt on it.

ScottH