Hydroblasting My New SPF

WardL · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 06:49 PM

Not really! My newly purchased SPF 2608 is on the way home from Florida. When inspected, I noticed some VERY slight what I assume to be "salt water corrosion". The first thing I'm going to do is personally detail the car. I've cleaned a lot of cars, but never a Cobra. I'm tempted to remover the wheels and wash down the wheel wells and as much of the undercarriage I can get to. Is that the right thing to do? I can see the issues with hosing down the interior, but what about the other engine and drive train parts? I'm assuming (until corrected by you) that is similar to cleaning any car.

What wax or protective body polish is preferred? Someone could write a book on how to clean your Cobra! And hey, isn't that 2nd edition (printed 4 years before my car was built) owner's manual helpful? I'll have to check out the new edition!

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 07:02 PM

If you run your hand over the fiberglass and feel some small bumps or a roughness, a good clay bar and a wax job will clean that right up. Some people swear by Zaino products (I used the Mother's clay bar last time and it worked great).

In terms of the under carriage, you could probably use a wet towel with some soapy water and just give everything a thorough wipe down. Visually check everything, tighten bolts, etc.

Congrats on the new SPF!!

BTW - I definitely wouldn't use a hose or any type of pressure washer.

Randy Rosenberg · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 08:19 PM

I agree with Doug, AND I swear by Zaino products. I use Simple Green to clean the wheel wells and underside - I put it in spray bottle, squirt it on and let is sit for a bit, then wipe it off.

4pipes · #4 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 09:58 PM

Second the Zaino. Lasts for ever, especially if you use the Z5 now and then.

Slither · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 10:20 PM

Another nod for Zaino Bros. products!

cobrajeff · #6 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 06:09 AM

I'll second the Simple Green - great stuff - I use it for all kinds of underhood or undercarriage detailing.

No water hose EVER gets near my car. A small bucket and sponge (change water frequently, a soft sponge for the body, a separate one with a "scrubby" surface on one side for engine compartment/undercarriage).

A little bit of "Goop" hand cleaner rubbed on dirty/greasy hoses and undercarriage bits does wonders, too (also great for cleaning up wire harnesses and exposed wiring).

Jeff

SP01715 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 09:17 AM

Dilute the simple green. I have had some discoloration (sp) on some rubber hoses when used straight. I had some work done on my car and the motor came back with crap all over it from sitting in the shop for weeks. I sealed the air cleaner with a plastic bag and pressure washed the motor with deionized water. I then Flitz polish on everything, and it looked liked a new motor.

Randall Thomas · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 10:17 AM

A water hose never get's near my car either... I just press the magic "ulitimate wash" button and wait. Sparkling clean inside and out.

http://www.superformance.org/ownersg...carwash_1.html

Randall

Silverback51 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall Thomas

A water hose never get's near my car either... I just press the magic "ulitimate wash" button and wait. Sparkling clean inside and out.

http://www.superformance.org/ownersg...carwash_1.html

Randall

I'm starting to wonder about you Randall.

RodKnock · #10 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 10:56 AM

I usually press a button too, but it's the "ON" button for the TV remote.

Bill Wells · #11 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 05:12 AM

Randall also forgot to tell you about his body cleaning procedure - paper towels and windex or some such product . However , nothing can beat those car wash pictures ..........

I follow Jeff's lead - NO hose, just a bucket of water , small sections at a time . Simple Green when necessary . California Clay Bar system for cleaning / waxing etc.

I dont know why I prescribe to no hose as my car has been driven hundreds of miles thru downpours to the point I thought I was in a submarine - oh well .

Bill

PS - every time I need a laugh, I check out Randal'ls EXTREME pics - no wussies in that group, no waxers only either - just SPF owners driving their cars to the fullest .

Silverback51 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Wells

Bill

PS - every time I need a laugh, I check out Randal'ls EXTREME pics - no wussies in that group, no waxers only either - just SPF owners driving their cars to the fullest .

Got to agree, there are some great pictures there.

dcdoug · #13 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 08:08 AM

Not that big a deal to use a hose if you are careful. Just spray away from the cockpit. Hell of a lot more water gets into the cockpit when you get caught in a rain storm if you get caught at a light. Take care of it, but drive it and enjoy it and don't sweat it when you get caught in the rain, which you will, especially in your area.

Clois Harlan · #14 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Not that big a deal to use a hose if you are careful. Just spray away from the cockpit. Hell of a lot more water gets into the cockpit when you get caught in a rain storm if you get caught at a light. Take care of it, but drive it and enjoy it and don't sweat it when you get caught in the rain, which you will, especially in your area.

I drilled a couple of 1/4" holes in my floor just because of a stoplight and being the second car back. Wife learned a valuable lesson on that trip too! Do not wear gauze type dresses when riding in a cobra no matter how hot it is when you leave the house!!

Clois

JTD · #15 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WardL

Not really! My newly purchased SPF 2608 is on the way home from Florida. When inspected, I noticed some VERY slight what I assume to be "salt water corrosion". The first thing I'm going to do is personally detail the car. I've cleaned a lot of cars, but never a Cobra. I'm tempted to remover the wheels and wash down the wheel wells and as much of the undercarriage I can get to. Is that the right thing to do? I can see the issues with hosing down the interior, but what about the other engine and drive train parts? I'm assuming (until corrected by you) that is similar to cleaning any car.

What wax or protective body polish is preferred? Someone could write a book on how to clean your Cobra! And hey, isn't that 2nd edition (printed 4 years before my car was built) owner's manual helpful? I'll have to check out the new edition!

Have the dealer take care of it.

Got the Bug · #16 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTD

Have the dealer take care of it.

Based on the chassis number, I think the car is new to Ward, not brand new from the dealer. SPF has a 12 month warranty.

dcdoug · #17 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 03:57 PM

One idea I have heard that I thought was good for cleaning the underside of the car, especially in areas with road salt like the east coast. Take a garden hose hooked up to one of those spinning sprayer type sprinklers and leave it under the front, middle and back of the car for awhile.

WardL · #18 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 06:48 PM

Thanks for the ideas. Yes, the Cobra has been in Florida since 2007. I went down there and bought it from the previous owner. I was thinking of using the hose underneath to flush any remaining corrosive residues away from the suspension and undercarriage parts. I've heard it is important to dry everything underneath after the wash. A leaf blower was suggested to blow water out of hard to get to spots in the process of drying everything. It arrived on the transport truck just today! Let the fun begin!