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Washing the Essex
  • stev1955stev1955
    Posts: 120Expert Adviser
    How does everyone wash their old cars? On my '30 Essex I'm not sure I want water to get down inside the doors, body seams, anywhere that won't quickly dry and may invite rust. Any ways without soaking the whole car?
    Steve
    1930 Essex Super Six
  • StillOutThereStillOutThere
    Posts: 440Gold Member
    I use a California Duster if dust is the only problem. For something a bit water spotted I use Meguiar's Detailer in the burgundy spray bottle. By results I think it has recently been reformulated and the stuff is just fantastic. Lots of clean rags is no secret.
  • Geoff C., N.Z.Geoff C., N.Z.
    Posts: 2,273Platinum Member
    I usually just hose it off, but not the windows. The gutters handle any run-off from the top. Then I sponge it over with a wash/wax mix, lightly hose off and wipe dry with old towels.
    If you're stuck in a hole, stop digging.
  • stev1955stev1955
    Posts: 120Expert Adviser
    Good input thanks.
    Steve
    1930 Essex Super Six
  • Huddy42Huddy42
    Posts: 1,012Platinum Member
    I don't own an Essex as such, I'm into the early (1942) Hudsons.My car is always under a cover in the garage, so mostly just a wipe over with a feather duster.

    When I wash any car old or newer, I always drive them around the block, then park on a slope, open the doors and give them a wriggle to get all the water out.Seems to work OK for me.
  • faustmbfaustmb
    Posts: 1,116Platinum Member
    I try to avoid high pressure into windows and other leaky areas. I use the "mist" adjustment on the hose nozzle to give everything a rinse.

    Also, I normally try to wash on nice hot days when I know there is ample time for things to dry.
  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,446Platinum Member
    It would seem that if I were to say "very carefully" someone might think that I am taking light of what is one of the most serious things we do with our cars. All the points above are good but I would add that using a soft cloth or a cloth that is purchased strickly for the purpose that it will not damage the surface of the paint. I also use a good quality spray on wash/wax. It helps to cover and or prevent lite scratches.
    Brownie
  • BJ__TNBJ__TN
    Posts: 1,211Platinum Member
    I agree with Brownie, Use a good wash/wax product like maguires, and a shammy cloth. Do not wash wheels with the same rag that you wash the car. Do them last and be careful. Use a good lintfree shammy or other rag to dry any water or you will wind up with waterspots. When drying I like to put the rags in the middle of the top and drag it outwards then rinse and go at it again.
    It's a lot of work but worth it and after you get used to it, it doesn't take any longer. Do NOT use Laundry soap or Dishwashing liquid!
    Bob Hickson
  • 4Hud4Hud
    Posts: 152Expert Adviser
    After washing and wiping dry,I like to take it out for a good run, it airs out the nooks and crannies.
    50washday.jpg
    800 x 498 - 32K
  • ESSX28-1ESSX28-1
    Posts: 1,005Platinum Member
    Drying off with my 50 year old chamois leathers works best for me!! Just need to make the time to do it more often!!
    Dave Y
    New Zealand
  • stev1955stev1955
    Posts: 120Expert Adviser
    Thanks everyone. This will be the first wash since I got the car a liitle over a year ago so once I get it clean then hopefully a California duster will suffice from then on. A very gentle spray, wash and rinse, then dry off and a drive sounds like the way to go.
    Steve
    1930 Essex Super Six
  • rambos_riderambos_ride
    Posts: 3,124Platinum Member
    OK - I can certainly see not wanting to soak interior panels, electrical, other things that might get damaged that are hard to replace...but,...ummm...it's water?

    Water is not going to start rust, if you have rust problems already - the amount of water from washing your vehicle a couple times a year is not going to have an adverse effect.

    How old is the car? I'd say it did a pretty good job surviving "water" so far :)
  • 7XPacemaker
    Posts: 332Platinum Member
    I haven't washed my cars in about 6 years. I use this. It does a great job with minimal work. Clearly, I would use a hose if it had heavy dirt stuck to it but how many of our cars get that way?

    C.J.

    http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/waterless+spray-on+car+wash+kit+special.do?search=basic&keyword=spray+on+car+wash&sortby=newArrivals&page=1
  • stev1955stev1955
    Posts: 120Expert Adviser
    Thanks for that, sounds good.
    Steve
    1930 Essex Super Six
  • TOM-WA-TOM-WA-
    Posts: 493Platinum Member
    On a nice warm summer I try to gather the following items:

    1 each 6 pack of favorite beverage
    Radio to Listen to the Base Ball Game
    Lawn Chair

    A bull horn to yell instructions to the wife as she washes all 5 of our Vehicles!!!

    THAT OTTA DO IT
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