Cleaning & removing wax between body panels

[IneedAZ]

What are you guys doing for removing dirt & wax between body panels such as front facia and fenders? I have same issue on my 67.

thanks

[SinisterEcho]

I use either Qtips or toothpicks. Just be gentle with the toothpicks....

[Todd@Autopia]

Take an old hotel key or credit card and wrap it in a soft microfiber.



If you are washing the car, use this with soap water first (before washing the rest of the car) to detail seams, body, cracks, crevices, and areas such as in the around the mirrors. If the car is already clean then use a high quality quick detail spray. (when using the detailing spray first wipe clean, then come back a second time to dry and remove anything you missed).

[Indy Bumble Bee]

Great responses... I always seemed to have a little residue left over even after I tried hard to remove them from the tight places. Great ideas.

[gotroost]

I use a soft toothbrush.

[IneedAZ]

Thanks, i like both the credit card/microfiber and Qtip...will try both. I used to do the toothbrush thing but found fine scratches still.

[WiSSDiver]

Todd, Great suggestion with the MF towel and Credit Card. I have a similar problem with my 68 Coupe. However this stuff has been around for a long while. (like years)

Between the window and the hood of the car is a vented grill that the wipers are sitting upon. The grill has always had what appears to be the remnant's from wet sanding between the rails of the grill and it feels like it's cement. I've tried actually scraping it off and while it comes off, it comes off very slowly.

Is there a product that I can use to soften this caked on mess? I'll try posting some pic's but the car is still put away for the winter so it'll be a couple weeks yet before I get it out for the season.

Just didn't know if you were aware of something that could soften this stuff up so it can be cleaned off. The credit card with the MF towell might scrape it off once it soft enough

Thanks

[MMC]

Groits Garage sells a dried on wax remover. I never have used it but it may be worth a try.

[gotroost]

Originally Posted by IneedAZ

Thanks, i like both the credit card/microfiber and Qtip...will try both. I used to do the toothbrush thing but found fine scratches still.

On the car, I can usually get everything off with a folded microfiber or one wrapped around a cheap plastic scraper. My wife's Jeep is a completely different story. All of the exposed hinges and bolts make the toothbrush invaluable. Of course, I'm not too worried about scratches. It already has plenty of "desert pin stripes" and we have only had it since December.

[Angelo@Autopia]

I'm not carry around alot of credit cards to use on cars but I do have a plastic safety razor and use a MF towel for those area's that need it.

[Todd@Autopia]

Originally Posted by MMC

Groits Garage sells a dried on wax remover. I never have used it but it may be worth a try.

And we sell the complete line of Griot's Garage @ Autopia-CarCare.com (just sayin!)

[Todd@Autopia]

Originally Posted by rpomeroy

Todd, Great suggestion with the MF towel and Credit Card. I have a similar problem with my 68 Coupe. However this stuff has been around for a long while. (like years)

Between the window and the hood of the car is a vented grill that the wipers are sitting upon. The grill has always had what appears to be the remnant's from wet sanding between the rails of the grill and it feels like it's cement. I've tried actually scraping it off and while it comes off, it comes off very slowly.

Is there a product that I can use to soften this caked on mess? I'll try posting some pic's but the car is still put away for the winter so it'll be a couple weeks yet before I get it out for the season.

Just didn't know if you were aware of something that could soften this stuff up so it can be cleaned off. The credit card with the MF towell might scrape it off once it soft enough

Thanks

No problem!

You can go with Griot's Garage Wax Remover, although this may not remove really caked on stuff (sounds like an older solvent based compound got in there and baked on, it can be like cement, particularly if it was a diatomaceous earth based abrasive (most old compounds used this).

I would recommend going with a strong (yet paint safe) All Purpose Cleaner such as BLACKFIRE ALL N ONE APC or Optimum Power Clean. Dilute to with three parts water, wet a microfiber and use the microfiber to wet the residue (vs. spraying it on).

After several mintues, spray more microfiber and go back and try to work it out. It will likely take several applications, keeping it wet and constantly agitating it until it becomes rehydrated and loosens up. You will get it though.

After your done wash the area thoroughly to flush away and residual product.

[WiSSDiver]

Thanks Todd. I'll give a try. I use Adams APC ( no offense) so I always have that at the ready. If the weather holds this weekend hopefully I'll have it out. I'll be sure to grab some before and after pic's