[DML] Re: undercarriage cleaning

[Ann & Ed Thompson <RappaRivaRat@xxxx>]

> DMC Joe wrote:
> 
> Any multi-purpose cleaner (409, Bleach White, etc.) will do the job with to
> harm to the metal, epoxy frame, and fiberglass underbody. The safest and
> easiest way to accomplish this is to place the car on four jack stands and
> remove the wheels. Use your garden hose to spray off all the loose dirt. A
> scrub brush with soap and water will aid in removing caked on dirt in areas
> like the wheel wells.
> After a good rinsing get yourself a bunch of rags and the musti purpose
> cleaner mentioned above, slide under to car and clean, clean, clean. To
> remove oil and dirt from the bottom of the engine and trans, use carburetor
> spray cleaner and a paint brush. Be sure to use the carb cleaner with a
> spray nozzle to avoid over spray onto the epoxy frame and adjoining rubber
> components.

While I'm sure your method will work just fine Joe, it sounds extremely labor
intensive. What about simple high pressure steam cleaning? There are numerous 
detailing shops in this area that will do a complete undercarriage steam 
cleaning for about 50 bucks, engine & tranny only for about $25. The results
I have seen using this method are great! Most will even include touching up any
chassis paint (usually flat black) that has been knocked off by the high pressure
steam cleaning. I have had this done to several cars and the result usually is
"like new". This method is commonly used by used car dealers to clean up the
"top" of the engine so when you pop the hood you see "like new". Most detailing
shops do not include undercarriage cleaning (except for wheel wells) in their 
price of "whole car" detailing, but will usually do it for an additional charge,
or will do it without doing the rest of the car. 

If you prefer to detail your own undercarriage after cleaning I highly recommend
high pressure steam cleaning. There is NO resulting residue from various
cleaning products and you can begin touch up painting without further preparation.

Regards,
Ed Thompson (#6419 since 1982)
Midlothian, VA
USA