Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

[Gary K.]

Hello All, advice wanted on detailing 68 vette under a cloth for 25 years. Been washed 4 or 5 times, just polished, but there is turtle wax buildup from all the way back 40 years or so in the emblems, nooks and crannys. What is the best way to bring back the crossed flags and get the gunk out. Soapy water & toothbrush? Alcohol? What cuts through wax.

Next: Chrome is old, somewhat pitted, fine polish swirls from the past & general old wear has them a little dull. What is the best way to bring it back, haven't done anything yet except wash, I assume I should be hand polishing and no buffers.

Thank You!

[Domenic T.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

Gary,
I would try something like simple green or one of that sort. BUT there was a friend that was drafted and waxed his car to preserve it untill he returned. He survived the war but his paint didn't. I didn't see it but did know he had to re paint the car. They did try to buff it with no luck, the wax etched into the paint.
What I am saying is that depending on the wax, it might be a bear to remove the swirls after that long.

DOM

[Jack C.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

Gary, I used Adam's Restore and my 40 plus year paint came up nice. The paint is rough but presentable. I used white applicators and terry cloth towels to see how much paint was be removed during the process which I did by hand. On the unpainet fiberglass I used a lot od WD-40. I also use a very fine but thick artists brush for detailing in tight spots. Post some pix and show us what your working with.

[Gary K.]

Wax Build-up problem & photos

I wonder how you use the WD=40, does it act like a solvent? My paint is vintage 1975 or so and is not in the best shape. The wax buildup in the emblems occurs all over the vehicle, the intake louvres on hood & deck, tail lights area, door jams - all over. I'm looking for a gentle way to melt the wax away without brushes or anything that can cause swirls. Thanks in advance for any help...

[Ralph E.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

Try some detail spray and a soft brush.
Should work.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Wax Build-up problem & photos

I wonder how you use the WD=40, does it act like a solvent? My paint is vintage 1975 or so and is not in the best shape. The wax buildup in the emblems occurs all over the vehicle, the intake louvres on hood & deck, tail lights area, door jams - all over. I'm looking for a gentle way to melt the wax away without brushes or anything that can cause swirls. Thanks in advance for any help...

Mineral Spirts will cut the wax and not harm your paint. (verify in an inconspicuous area) A soft bristle tooth brush or Q-tips are perfect applicators. Follow up with warm soapy water and fresh water rinsh. I would not use WD-40 as it will leave an oily residue.

tc

[Andre R.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

If it just wax I would try very hot water. This should remove the wax and keep the paint. Most of the solvents from oil may damage the paint. What does not come out with hot water I would remove manually with toothpicks (wooden), magnifying glass and a lot of patience. Using that ultrasonic bath (to clean fuel injectors, dentists use to clean their tools) is very useful for deep cleaning of dust, and other.

[Carl N.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

IMO do not use WD40 or any other agent with oil properties as this could present a problem if you ever decide to repaint.

Might purchase an inexpensive electric toothbrush at wall mart and use with HOT water. Also a pressurized can of air which is used for cleaning computer key boards may help.

Just take your time and if possible remove some of the emblems and trim.

Have fun

Happy Thanksgiving
Carl

[Paul J.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

We always used wooden toothpicks, Q-Tips, amd alcohol. Toothbrushes will work well too, but toothpics are a lot faster and will not harm the paint.

I would not use WD-40 because it has petroleum distillates in it and can remove paint, even though it is mild.

[John D.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

Zippo lighter fluid and Q tips for cleaning the wax from flags, emblems.
No brush as the paint is old and delicate.
Don't use the dollar store q-tips either. Buy the good ones or if you have a connection with an MD go to his/her office and get some of the good ones they use.
Then spray the emblems with Pledge and wipe them off with diapers and more Q-tips.
Now after your get your car back in shape you can use brushes provided them are very expensive ones that ladies use for makeup. You can spend a small fortune on those.
Typical auto store detail brushes are questionable. JD

[Jack C.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

To clarify the use of the WD-40. I stated its use was on unpainted fiberglass areas, not painted surfaces.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Detailing emblems & chrome: toothbrush?

Let me add this to the use of WD-40. We used to spray our tool boxes to clean them most every knight and wipe them to a beautiful shine. We did that rather than use any thing that would cause rust under the handles and in the siems.
The tool boxes still look good 40 years later.
I'm not pushing WD-40 but I have used it for years without any damage on paint. We spray all the painted aircraft hinges on a regular bassis with it and other lubricants, we are not able to wipe them off and they never damaged the paint.

DOM