Team-BHP - A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

- - A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/technical-stuff/102011-superb-car-cleaning-polishing-detailing-guide-641.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinhead (Post 3893446)

Have you used [Autosol] on the engine block and other metal parts too?

Autosol is for mirror-finish surfaces like chrome. It would be no good at all for metal surfaces that do not have a high-polish finish. It is also quite gentle, and doesn't seem to harm the skin.

My dad used to use Autosol way back in the 50s/60s: it's been around a long time. I was delighted to renew my acquaintance with it, a year or two back, after a long time.

A tube is a long-term investment: use it sparingly, it lasts a long time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinhead (Post 3893446)

Have you used this on the engine block and other metal parts too?

happened to read a fellow TBPHian cleaning his engine bay a couple of days back. It was a Mitsubishi lancer (if I recall correctly). A search must show you the pictures he posted after the DIY.
Going around the neighborhood of engine blocks and surrounding areas are slightly complicated to me :)
I normally use the age old tradition of covering wires & plastics, water rinsing, blow drying and diesel coating. Off late have deferred this part of cleaning to the ASS as I find it very tiresome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi (Post 3892859)

Thanks! I used Autosol Metal Polish which I picked up from Singapore few years back.

May you tribe grow SunnyBoi. Best wishes.

What an eye candy ? Any idea if Autosol is available in India ?

Could you guys suggest a good car vacuum cleaner? I am looking for one which draws power from car 12V socket and also from the house supply(220V). Having tough time removing dust/sand from nook and corners of the car.

Please suggest/advise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMaruru (Post 3894859)

Could you guys suggest a good car vacuum cleaner which draws power from car 12V socket and also from the house supply.

I seriously doubt that. I haven't come across such dual-purpose vacuum cleaners. For such electrical equipment to work with both the power sources, it needs to be packed with a built-in power inverter.

Quote:

Having tough time removing dust/sand from nook and corners of the car.

Usually, the portable vacuum cleaners which run on 12V source won't have enough juice to do a perfect job. I would suggest you to go for a regular vacuum cleaner for the car too.

Just my two cents!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMaruru (Post 3894859)

I second other folks about not going for 12v.

Tested about 5 such brands and not one was satisfactory. The problem is lifting dirt from the rugs and fibre which need more than 12v power.

A 220v machine (for the matter the home vacuum) is more than enough for dry vacuum. Industrial grade vacuum (used in autoshops) are the best. I make sure they empty the container before working in my car to make sure suction power is enhanced.

12v is just not a good investment.

The inputs for vacuum cleaner were good. Can someone guide me to some good 220v vacuum cleaners, along with price if possible?

I am currently using an old Bajaj small vacuum cleaner (220v) which isn't any good in picking up dust from carpet/mats area. What should be compared while picking up vacuum cleaners BTW? Wattage?

Quote:

Originally Posted by swift_guy (Post 3895797)

I am currently using an old Bajaj small vacuum cleaner (220v) which isn't any good in picking up dust from carpet/mats area. What should be compared while picking up vacuum cleaners BTW? Wattage?

Thanks to the advice from members to go for regular models, have shortlisted the 'Black & Decker VH-801'. It is handy and also has better rating on amazon.

AFAIK, higher the wattage, better would be the suction power.

http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00H...kitchen&sr=1-3

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMaruru (Post 3895809)

This link says 800w. The Bajaj one which I have looks similar and is rated at 600w, but sucks big time. lol:

Actually suction is quite good when we use it directly but for areas like carpets, etc. one has to use extensions and brushes, which makes suction power very weak. How much are big home vacuum cleaners rated at, any idea?

Hi Guys,

I am looking for a leather cleaner for the seats of my Civic. Would want to know from you all which product should I buy? The seats feel little hard and are dirty & apart from that the passenger side seat has developed small cracks also. Need your help in restoring my car's interior. Also mine is a black colour and lately the dogs in my society have starting sleeping on my car and are leaving new scratches everyday. some are quite deep and some are not so deep any suggestion how to tackle it. A car cover would not help much in case because these dogs have a habit of tearing the car covers and also I am too lazy to put the car cover every day and than remove it. Will a paint sealant help hiding those scratches ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nik0502 (Post 3895907)

Would want to know from you all which product should I buy?

Armorall Leather Care Gel. One solution to all problems listed by you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by swift_guy (Post 3895868)

How much are big home vacuum cleaners rated at, any idea?

I have seen up until 1300 watts, from eureka forbes. Much higher, you might be looking at industrial cleaners.

Quote:

Originally Posted by prithm (Post 3895984)

Armorall Leather Care Gel. One solution to all problems listed by you.

Unlikely to have a car with leather seats in teh future, but I think I'll follow your recommendation and try it on some of my wife's bags that suffered Chennai-flood damage.

Guys,

Has anyone used turtle wax jet black tire shine? Where is it available in India?

I am tired of using the regular tyre shine spray, this jet black product seems to work for several months.

https://www.turtlewax.com/shop/produ...-tire-coat-kit