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Old 07-19-2011, 11:44 PM   #1
hwanger24
 
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Drives: 11 Camaro Convert 2SS/RS
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Power wash bad for convertibles?

Hi all, this is my first soft top, so curious how you wash your Camaro Verts.

Reason I ask is because I went through a Laser Wash and I noticed a small amount of water drip in from the A Pillar (???). Is this normal because of the pressure the water is shot out?

Also, does the air dryer cause any damage to the soft top?

Thanks!
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:10 AM   #2
Generation5MaroVert
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I hope the power wash does not damage the vert, because I have been goin through for about 3 months, pretty much every weekend. I have not noticed anything to be afraid of yet.
I go through with a basic wash, so that I don't get all of the added chemicals on the paint or top.
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:48 AM   #3
GnyaTek

 
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Personally, I'd stay away from the automatic car wash places, but if you plan to use them, make sure to go touchless (otherwise they miss alot of the nooks and crannies and tend to beat the crap outta the paint - small chips become much bigger ones, etc).

Due to the pressure, you can probably expect to have a bit of water in the car each time as it will push up through the seals, especially at the windows.

Watch out for waxes, especially if you have vinyl stripes, gill inserts, etc.

Air dryer shouldn't harm the top, but will end up with visible water streaks on the body panels.

Personal preference for best looks would be to hand wash it, but I understand the folks that aren't interested in doing that regularly due to the time/effort.
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Old 07-20-2011, 07:05 AM   #4
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I am on vacation this week and I brought my vert which saw it's first car wash yesterday. It was one of those manual washes not an automatic wash. I only used the foam, soap, and rinse at the wash. I brought along some of my Adams stuff which I used afterwards.
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Old 07-20-2011, 10:20 AM   #5
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I have never run mine through an automatic wash. I did spray the top with 303 protestant and it now repels water like it has been waxed. Great product I found out about it on here from Drago

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Old 07-20-2011, 11:32 AM   #6
Steeler NY

 
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This is my 2nd Camaro Vert my first one said right in the owners amnual DO DOT use pressure washer or high pressure water on top. I never went to any automatic car wash. hand wash only!

I havent looked in this manual to see if that is the same but I would stay away from them.

Good Luck.
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Old 07-20-2011, 01:11 PM   #7
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I have to agree, I've heard for years from other convertible owners (not just Camaro) say that automatic/power washes are a no-no. I don't know for 100% if that rule applies to our cars due to advancement in technology, but I would error on the side of caution and avoid it.

Over the years, I've seen things occur using power washes, such as factory decals and stripes peeled up/off and paint chips/nics made bigger, etc. Using one with brushes and flaps goes without saying, these things have to potential to scratch the paint up real nice, because you dont know whats been through there ahead of you.

I can say my Camaro will not see the inside of one as long as I own it.
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Old 07-20-2011, 01:44 PM   #8
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Ive used the power washers and brush scrubbers only on the body, not on the top or the wheels. I also check the brush to make sure they are soft, and check the pressure(no I don't stick my hand in front of it) I try to gauge the pressure and stand far enough back so that the car doesn't get full pressure strength.
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Old 07-20-2011, 02:13 PM   #9
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Power washers are probably harder on the paint than on the top...
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Old 07-20-2011, 02:44 PM   #10
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I only go thru them when im out of town,only the ones that go around the car
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