Cleaning my car cover?

[George H]

Finally unwrapped the DB9 after a few weeks in hibernation under its cover. Before I put the cover back on on Sunday it desperately needs a clean. How can I clean it? Will a power washer do or do I need something a little more delicate?



Also, the handle of my umbrella has some corrosion on it (odd to say it's never been used), what can I use to get rid of that?

[mikey k]

Your car is getting condensation on it under that cover, that is the cause of the black spots and the umbrella handle.
I'd be inclined to brush the cover with a weak disinfectant solution both sides to kill off the mould then hose it down to rinse it.
Don't pressure wash it, you will open up the weave and remove any protectant on it.
The brolly handle just needs a bit of metal polish (I presume it is an aluminium alloy?)

Oh and you roof has algae all over it (I know its green as well )
Again weak disinfectant, a proper shampoo wash/rinse and then some 303 fabric protectant

[AdamV8V]

George H said:

As soon as you stop talking about wine! I don't drink it (unless there's nothing else available or it's free). It's for girls

You seem to have a fair few bottles in the garage, for someone who doesn't drink wine George

[George H]

Cheers Mikey, I'll get some of that stuff

AdamV8V said:

You seem to have a fair few bottles in the garage, for someone who doesn't drink wine George

It would be rude not to bring a load with me when I drive back from Spain

There isn't that much either, maybe 70 bottles. Has been accumulated over a few years too!

[peterr96]

George H said:

There isn't that much either, maybe 70 bottles.

For a non-drinker you're very blase about that.... but right. We start hyperventilating if we get below 200 bottles in the house

[George H]

mikey k said:

The brolly handle just needs a bit of metal polish (I presume it is an aluminium alloy?)

I presume it's ally too, but it's a sort of matt finish, as if it's been cast. I don't think polish will be suitable for it, will it?

[George H]

peterr96 said:

For a non-drinker you're very blase about that.... but right. We start hyperventilating if we get below 200 bottles in the house

I do drink it, it's just not my first choice. I tend to have 4 or 5 crates of Strongbow or Stella Cidra in the beer fridge for that

200 bottles of wine is just excessive! I've only got 70 cause they're really cheap in Spain

[Jockman]

Georgeous you really need to let air circulate around the car.

If you have it in your garage on trickle charge....do you need the cover on ??

I've just spent an hour in Quinny's garage and his wonderful gillies green beast remains uncovered.

Just a thought.

I have no comment to make on either your wine collection or your cooking skills

[George H]

It's not in the garage it won't fit through the doors! That's just got my wine collection and a few lawnmowers in

[Jockman]

George H said:

It's not in the garage it won't fit through the doors! That's just got my wine collection and a few lawnmowers in

You trickle charging in the rain ?

Just get used to removing the cover from time to time and let some fresh air in.

Otherwise, follow Mr K's instructions for cleaning without undermining the integrity of the cover - 4 layers of finely balanced material.

Mr K is a clever chap.

Yesterday he sold a tight Scotsman a new Compressor at a hugely 'inflated' rate

[mikey k]

George H said:

I presume it's ally too, but it's a sort of matt finish, as if it's been cast. I don't think polish will be suitable for it, will it?

It's just oxidised through the anodising.
Could try a very fine grade wet & dry?

[mikey k]

Jockman said:

Mr K is a clever chap.

Yesterday he sold a tight Scotsman a new Compressor at a hugely 'inflated' rate

And today I did a deal with Astra Zeneca worth 10 times that

Edited by mikey k on Wednesday 28th March 20:34

[Jockman]

mikey k said:

And today I did a deal with Astra Zeneca worth 10 times that

I feel that I am a more loyal customer than a come-day-go-day, fly-by-night, tuppenny-ha'penny drug company

[lady topaz]

Err an idea, but no, daft. Why not drive your car regularly. Sheesh it's a bloody car, meant to be driven, not stuck under a bloody tarpaulin cos the weather is a bit inclement.

Sorry George but I have little sympathy for a garage or in your case a tarpaulin queen.

I've had Astons for a few years now, used every day, sat outside on the drive uncovered through all weathers, never detailed, just washed regularly, and my cars are immaculate. Feck me even my umbrella is as new.

Reading your posts you seem to attract a lot of problems which I think could be resolved by driving the car.

Di

[George H]

Jockman said:

You trickle charging in the rain ?

Just get used to removing the cover from time to time and let some fresh air in.

Otherwise, follow Mr K's instructions for cleaning without undermining the integrity of the cover - 4 layers of finely balanced material.

Mr K is a clever chap.

Yesterday he sold a tight Scotsman a new Compressor at a hugely 'inflated' rate

Trickle charger is in the boot and the extension has a bin bag wrapped round it.

What use do you have for a compressor? Surely as long as the dealer has one

[George H]

lady topaz said:

Err an idea, but no, daft. Why not drive your car regularly. Sheesh it's a bloody car, meant to be driven, not stuck under a bloody tarpaulin cos the weather is a bit inclement.

Sorry George but I have little sympathy for a garage or in your case a tarpaulin queen.

I've had Astons for a few years now, used every day, sat outside on the drive uncovered through all weathers, never detailed, just washed regularly, and my cars are immaculate. Feck me even my umbrella is as new.

Reading your posts you seem to attract a lot of problems which I think could be resolved by driving the car.

Di

Makes sense, but I'm on a limited mileage insurance policy, and of I'm honest part of me hates putting miles on the car. It's on 5800 now I don't want to pass 10k! I refuse to use it in poor conditions and definetly not in the rain too. I still enjoy it when it's sat on the drive - I love cleaning it, sad I know. I just like it looking it's best all the time

[Neil1300R]

lady topaz said:

Err an idea, but no, daft. Why not drive your car regularly. Sheesh it's a bloody car, meant to be driven, not stuck under a bloody tarpaulin cos the weather is a bit inclement.

Sorry George but I have little sympathy for a garage or in your case a tarpaulin queen.

I've had Astons for a few years now, used every day, sat outside on the drive uncovered through all weathers, never detailed, just washed regularly, and my cars are immaculate. Feck me even my umbrella is as new.

Reading your posts you seem to attract a lot of problems which I think could be resolved by driving the car.

Di

Never mind using the car, just drink the bloody wine! Its made to be drunk not left standing on its end in a garage.

Kids of today know nothing..

[lady topaz]

George H said:

Makes sense, but I'm on a limited mileage insurance policy, and of I'm honest part of me hates putting miles on the car. It's on 5800 now I don't want to pass 10k! I refuse to use it in poor conditions and definetly not in the rain too. I still enjoy it when it's sat on the drive - I love cleaning it, sad I know. I just like it looking it's best all the time

Not having a go George. I wish I was fortunate enough to have mine as a luxury but circumstances dictate that mine is a daily drive. And none the worse for it, plus I get to enjoy the experience every day.

I suppose I am suggesting that if you can store it then why not go the extra mile and do it properly rather than shoving it under a tarpaulin. Seems a bit counter productive bearing in mind the problems you have had. Mouldy hood I seem to recall on top of current woes.

I am in the camp that thinks mileage on an Aston isn't necessarily a bad thing if looked after and not excessive. Plus the enjoyment factor.

But hey what do I know.

Di

[lady topaz]

Neil1300R said:

Never mind using the car, just drink the bloody wine! Its made to be drunk not left standing on its end in a garage.

Kids of today know nothing..

Wise words. Sacrilege on so many levels being demonstrated.

Di

Edited to say just realised its Spanish wine so maybe On its end is acceptable , wel for cooking

Di

Edited by lady topaz on Wednesday 28th March 21:16

[George H]

lady topaz said:

Not having a go George. I wish I was fortunate enough to have mine as a luxury but circumstances dictate that mine is a daily drive. And none the worse for it, plus I get to enjoy the experience every day.

I suppose I am suggesting that if you can store it then why not go the extra mile and do it properly rather than shoving it under a tarpaulin. Seems a bit counter productive bearing in mind the problems you have had. Mouldy hood I seem to recall on top of current woes.

I am in the camp that thinks mileage on an Aston isn't necessarily a bad thing if looked after and not excessive. Plus the enjoyment factor.

But hey what do I know.

Di

You do make a valid point, but do you not also feel that the specialness of it disappears with using it every day? I use it as a car for special occasions and nice days, it's my baby

I bought the Polo to keep the miles off the Aston and also to use it in places I don't feel comfortable using the DB9 - i.e. supermarket car parks etc. I couldn't imagine using it every day. Maybe a £30k V8V coupe as a daily drive to go along side the DB9 would be tempting!

lady topaz said:

Wise words. Sacrilege on so many levels being demonstrated.

Di

Edited to say just realised its Spanish wine so maybe On its end is acceptable , wel for cooking

Di

Edited by lady topaz on Wednesday 28th March 21:16

A lot of that wine was bought when I was with my ex-girlfriend, I don't drink rosé

What's wrong with Spanish wine, still gets you drunk

Got another load of bottles on the range in the kitchen, but they're just cause I thought it looks better, not for drinking