Cleaning the frame?

[marc4sgr]

So I have some time to myself. And since the car is all polished and looking great on the top I thought I would switch over to the bottom.

So Not sure how to ask this but has anyone used anything to clean the Galvanized frame on the Esprit.

Anybody done this and if so which product do you recommend just to clean dirt and debris off.

[tesprit]

I used to do this on my old Esprit every year before I put it into winter storage. To cut the dirt and grime, get an empty trigger spray bottle, buy a gallon of mineral spirits (oil base paint thinner), fill the bottle and use it to spray down the grungy parts. Let it sit for awhile and use paper shop rags and/or a brush to clean it off. Once all the heavy stuff is removed, get another spray bottle, fill it with bulk WD-40 and spray down the whole underside of the chassis. Wipe off the WD-40 and dirt mix with another rag and then spray another coating of WD-40 onto the chassis. You can then wipe that off or just leave it there as a protective film. Just remember when you are done to dispose of the shop rags in a fire proof waste can or leave them outside to allow the mineral spirits and WD-40 to dissipate before you throw them away (oily rags in a closed container can spontaneously combust). I learned this method for cleaning the undersides of vehicles from an airplane mechanic who used it to clean the bellys of painted and unpainted airplanes and I am still using it on my present Elise. It does a great job of cleaning the chassis as well as dispersing any water on it to prevent corrosion.

[marc4sgr]

Much appreciated!
Thanks for the very detailed instruction.

[irox]

I too would like to do this; but where and how do you park? And all the drippings?

I was thinking a cheapee plastic painters tarp on driveway, car on jack stands, and wear a poncho, safety glasses and painters mask...

[mieczkow]

Much easier and probably more effective if you access a lift......

[89.5 Esprit SE]

DAWN dish liquid, the blue version is excellent at removing grease and grime and is a lot more pleasant to work with. Use it full strength on wetted surface and work it in with a brush or sponge, let it soak a while and then take the brush with water to get it off.

[mieczkow]

Dawn dish soap is an excellent degrease. A few years ago I had my radiator recored at a local shop. The owner gave me a tour of the place including an area where he had some incredibly huge radiators from large ocean-going cargo ships. He said that they cleaned and repaired them, that it was one of the big things his business did. He also said that by the time he got them they were. filthy beyond belief. I said "do you some super solvents to clean the fins?". He said they used Dawn! Bought it in 55 gallon drums. Scrubbed the fins with Dawn and then pressure washed out the crud.... Dawn and a scrub brush go a long way as far as degreasing is concerned.

[speedmerchant]

I like P21s. Its a great degreaser and it doesn't attack bare aluminum or paint. Since you are most likely going to get overspray, its safe. You can find it at most motorcycle shops.
Best,

Jeff

[englishcarguy]

Tyvek suits at Homies, about $8. If you have one you're wife will appreciate it. It not you'll take a lot less time in the shower.