Getting that "Concours" look
Discussion
The latest issue of Sprint really had had me thinking about giving the old Chimaera an engine bay I'd be proud of. But when I lifted the bonnet I was met by a depressing view of surface rust, 11 years of grime and oxidised aluminium. Somehow a 100ml tube of Solvol Autosol is not going to cut it!
Can anyone advise on products or techniques that will get me to point where the Autosol will provide the finish. Flap wheels, wet-and-dry, even fine wire wool all seem a bit brutal but what do I know? - I've never done this before. Any ideas?
Can anyone advise on products or techniques that will get me to point where the Autosol will provide the finish. Flap wheels, wet-and-dry, even fine wire wool all seem a bit brutal but what do I know? - I've never done this before. Any ideas?
zippee said:
Mr Sheen said:
Yes it was a good article 
I presume it was your engine bay shown then Andy? If so then my advice to all is don't bother to copy - if you knew the amount of time he spends on that engine bay.....
you can pretty nuch see your own reflection in that engine bay!You do not have to aspire to seeing your reflection on the exhaust manifolds. After all, all Andy sees is a sad, sad man. However, you can polish your rocker covers, clean the oil off and get it back to where it was originally. Many people - many, many people - would rather spend their time driving but if it's what turns you on then give it a go. Start small and go on until you feel it is time to stop.
And, once you get it clean and presentable (to your own personal standards), it makes it a lot easier to stay on top of it than waiting another 11 years to do it again!
Over here, we have places like Griot's Garage with a wide array of products to help you clean and detail your engine compartment, or complete car. No doubt similar products are available in the UK as well.
Over here, we have places like Griot's Garage with a wide array of products to help you clean and detail your engine compartment, or complete car. No doubt similar products are available in the UK as well.
taimar78 said:
...it makes it a lot easier to stay on top of it than waiting another 11 years to do it again!
The problem is it took that first 11 years to buy mine...Last year i stripped out the cooling system and gave it the "Mr Sheen" treatment, 3 month later it looked 11 years old again. I gave and just enjoy driving it now
Unless it's your passion (and the fact that you have to ask indicates it's not) don't try to get concourse... they are a sad lot anyway 
But do try to keep the engine bay clean. Start by spending a Saturday morning on it, cleaning and polishing the bits you can reach. Do the rocker covers, swirl tank and other obvious bits and clean the paintwork that's body colour, then black up the rubber pipework. After that all I do treat cleaning and wiping the engine bay as part of the routine of washing the car. but don't get anal about it!
But do try to keep the engine bay clean. Start by spending a Saturday morning on it, cleaning and polishing the bits you can reach. Do the rocker covers, swirl tank and other obvious bits and clean the paintwork that's body colour, then black up the rubber pipework. After that all I do treat cleaning and wiping the engine bay as part of the routine of washing the car. but don't get anal about it! richb said:
Unless it's your passion (and the fact that you have to ask indicates it's not) don't try to get concourse... they are a sad lot anyway But do try to keep the engine bay clean. Start by spending a Saturday morning on it, cleaning and polishing the bits you can reach. Do the rocker covers, swirl tank and other obvious bits and clean the paintwork that's body colour, then black up the rubber pipework. After that all I do treat cleaning and wiping the engine bay as part of the routine of washing the car. but don't get anal about it!
But do try to keep the engine bay clean. Start by spending a Saturday morning on it, cleaning and polishing the bits you can reach. Do the rocker covers, swirl tank and other obvious bits and clean the paintwork that's body colour, then black up the rubber pipework. After that all I do treat cleaning and wiping the engine bay as part of the routine of washing the car. but don't get anal about it! This is about the right level of effort in my book; I too think the car is there to be driven - no winter lay-up here! But any advice on the practical techniques, particularly on the ally bits.
Edited by martin-p on Friday 2nd March 21:59
Thanks for the comments guys 
it's what I would expect to be honest.
Anyway, depending how dirty your engine is start with Gunk. This will remove all the oil and grime. Then it’s down to you how far you want to go.
To give it a clean up I would use car polish, cheap and would give you reasonable results and you wouldn't feel so bad when you get caught out in the rain!
Have you thought about stainless braided hoses - easy to maintain, makes the engine bay look better but costly (have a look or talk to V8Smith).
it's what I would expect to be honest. Anyway, depending how dirty your engine is start with Gunk. This will remove all the oil and grime. Then it’s down to you how far you want to go.
To give it a clean up I would use car polish, cheap and would give you reasonable results and you wouldn't feel so bad when you get caught out in the rain!
Have you thought about stainless braided hoses - easy to maintain, makes the engine bay look better but costly (have a look or talk to V8Smith).
Like most of you, I have seen Mr Sheens engine bay, and it really is a thing of beauty and you have to admire him for that, but there is now chance I would have the patience to get mine to that stage, let alone the time ( Andy, how the hell did you find time to make a baby?)
One question regarding Gunk or the like, they are all designed to be hosed off at the end, now I am a bit suspicious of the formula TVR + Water / dubious electrics! Any suggestions as to the best way to jet wash the engine compartment, which areas to avoid and what to cover up etc
Cheers
ian
One question regarding Gunk or the like, they are all designed to be hosed off at the end, now I am a bit suspicious of the formula TVR + Water / dubious electrics! Any suggestions as to the best way to jet wash the engine compartment, which areas to avoid and what to cover up etc
Cheers
ian
Griff Boy said:
Like most of you, I have seen Mr Sheens engine bay, and it really is a thing of beauty and you have to admire him for that, but there is now chance I would have the patience to get mine to that stage, let alone the time ( Andy, how the hell did you find time to make a baby?)
One question regarding Gunk or the like, they are all designed to be hosed off at the end, now I am a bit suspicious of the formula TVR + Water / dubious electrics! Any suggestions as to the best way to jet wash the engine compartment, which areas to avoid and what to cover up etc
Cheers
ian
One question regarding Gunk or the like, they are all designed to be hosed off at the end, now I am a bit suspicious of the formula TVR + Water / dubious electrics! Any suggestions as to the best way to jet wash the engine compartment, which areas to avoid and what to cover up etc
Cheers
ian
Thanks Ian. Yes time......you see I have a time machine, it's the only way I can fit everything in
When I "Gunked" my previous engines years a go, I used a pump action pressure sprayer something like you get at B&Q. It was more controlable and water didn't get everywhere, especially on the electrics.
Hope this helps.
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