Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

[Nick M.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

Ridge
How risky is it to have a gas fired forced hot air furnace in the garage? I've always been concerned about that "gas smell" that lingers in the garage after I drive the car in there after being out on the road. How dangerous do you think the fumes are that are prevalent after a vintage car gets hot, driven out on the open road and then is brought back home to settle in the garage and once in the garage, the heat or A/C kicks on?

[Ridge K.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

Ridge
How risky is it to have a gas fired forced hot air furnace in the garage? I've always been concerned about that "gas smell" that lingers in the garage after I drive the car in there after being out on the road. How dangerous do you think the fumes are that are prevalent after a vintage car gets hot, driven out on the open road and then is brought back home to settle in the garage and once in the garage, the heat or A/C kicks on?

Nick, I would say that the risk from the very minor fuel leakage issues, and the common smells of fuel or rich exhaust fumes is very low. If one thinks about it, there are millions and millions of homes in America that have either a gas fired hot water heater, or furnace in the garage, and overall, there are relatively few incidents from this fact. I wouldn't be overly concerned about this.
Using a can or container, or even just rags or brushes soaked with paint thinner, or gasoline is another matter. We are talking about possible, major fume accumulation in that case. One must be very, very careful, and not have the "it won't happen to me" attitude.
Stay safe and let's all stay around to enjoy our hobby!
Ridge.

[Mark P.]

Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

Thanks everyone. I will tackle it this weekend.

Yesterday I bought a used hot water pressure washer and will feed a degreaser like Mr. Clean into the wand. It should work well. The GUNK will loosen things up first.

Stewy - thanks for the encouragement. Have you done the same yet for your 59 ?

[Clark K.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

I have an off-beat recommendation for you: Try Johnson's "Scrubbing Bubbles". It comes in a 22 oz. aerosol can and is at any grocery store. I have used this on greasy engine compartments and undercarriages preparing cars for shows since the 1980's. You can spray it into recesses that are hard to get into. Just let it sit for a few minutes and then hose it off. It foams and lets you know where you have sprayed it. It's antibacterial, in case you cut yourself....and, it comes in lemon scent!
-Clark

[Stewart A.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

Mark my car was bought on the one basis and that was to drive it. So I have purchased a huge amount of parts over the last year but not one has been on jewelry for the car. It's all been for road worthyness. I have looked under there and saw all the gunk and thought well that is not going to stop me driving it. I bought new uni joints, clutch and gears checked over but nothing in the cleaning dept. Nobody sees under there. When all my parts are here then the body comes off and it will be spotless under the car. When back on the road it will be kept as a special day driver. If your not planning to take the body off for 10 years then give it a real good clean under there. Stewy

[Bob M.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

I'm in somewhat the same situation as Mark, and after reading this thread I was amazed that no one mentioned what I know as "parts cleaning solvent." I have used this product on and off for years, and though I don't know its chemical make-up, I have always considered it to be a less flammable and therefore a safer alternative to gasoline, paint thinner, toluene, et al. I believe parts cleaning solvent is the product used by garages in parts washers that pump, filter and reuse the solvent.

Years ago I could buy parts cleaning solvent at a Standard station for about $1.00 a gallon (okay, many

[Joe C.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

I'm in somewhat the same situation as Mark, and after reading this thread I was amazed that no one mentioned what I know as "parts cleaning solvent." I have used this product on and off for years, and though I don't know its chemical make-up, I have always considered it to be a less flammable and therefore a safer alternative to gasoline, paint thinner, toluene, et al. I believe parts cleaning solvent is the product used by garages in parts washers that pump, filter and reuse the solvent.

Years ago I could buy parts cleaning solvent at a Standard station for about $1.00 a gallon (okay, many

Google the term: "Stoddard Solvent".

[Bill S.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

i use "pink stuff" at auto stores and rv centers. brake cleaner and carb cleaner are great to remove heavy grime and drys almost on contact. gunk is keroseen. it is hard to make the smell leave your shop clothes and car. i would avoid it and agree on a pressure washer with very hot water or a steam cleaner. works great on my kabota.

[Joe R.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

I've been tempted to try the steam cleaner. Will it remove any markings that I'll regret later? Or just filth, grease and grime?

Joe

[Paul J.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

I've been tempted to try the steam cleaner. Will it remove any markings that I'll regret later? Or just filth, grease and grime?

Joe

Yes. It can remove paint and can easily cause paint to bubble, including on the outside of the car if it comes in contact with it and one is not careful.

I have'nt used one in over 30 years, so I'm sure that they've changed and are more adjustable, but I won't take the chance if I want to protect the paint.

I watched bubba the moron steam clean the engine on my dad's 66 Skylark GS. He blistered the paint on the top of the fenders.

[Mark P.]

Re: Chassis Cleaning Advice Needed

The unit I have is not a steam cleaner but a hot water pressure washer. I will be careful with the paint though even though it is a 30 year lacquer repaint and is driver quality. I am not worried about markings since I have yet to find any and after I repaint I will reapply them.