Tips For Cleaning Antique Car Interiors
Owning an antique car and lovingly restoring it to its former glory is a dream of many. Keeping that car clean on the inside, however, is task that takes a very gentle touch. The materials used to construct the interior of an older car and the very passing of time combine to make for rather delicate surfaces.
If you want to keep your antique vehicle looking and smelling great, there are a number of tricks of the trade. The first rule is to always use the gentlest approach first. Gentle cleansers without abrasives, for example, are best to start with.
So, what do you need to keep a classic in tiptop condition? Here are the basic supplies that can help you get the job done right:
Vacuum – An automotive vacuum is your best friend when working on cleaning the interior of an antique car. Use it to clean mats, carpeting and dirt and crumbs stuck in the seats. Do this before proceeding to clean the vehicle.
Soft clothes and nonabrasive sponges – Use these to rub the dash, assist with cleaning the seats and removing built up gunk from the steering column and instrument panel.
Water – This is the original cleaning agent. Use it first to try and remove stains, spills and built up gunk. If water and cloth along will not do the trick, move on to other cleaning agents.
Leather cleaner – If the seats are made from leather and you are positive of this, use a high quality leather cleaner and softener to clean and protect the material. Be sure not to rub too hard. Do not give in and use abrasives to clean dirt out of cracks either.
Vinyl cleaner – A mild vinyl cleaner can be used in place of leather cleaner if the seats are made from this synthetic material.
Softener or polish – Keep in mind that vinyl and leather can dry out and crack. To prevent damage or stop it from getting worse, be sure to treat leather or vinyl seats and dashboards with a softening agent. Select one made for the specific interior in the classic you own.
Carpet/upholstery cleaner – Find the gentlest cleaner designed for automotive use and apply it sparingly to upholstery and carpeting. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot, too. This will help you determine if any bleeding will occur.
Newspaper – When this combines with water or window cleaner getting the windshield cleaned will be a snap. Just spray the windshield and use the newsprint like you would paper towel. Newspaper removes worry about streaking and is gentle enough not to scratch glass surfaces.
Baking soda – If the interior of the car smells musty, open a few boxes of cheap baking soda and allow them to sit inside the vehicle for a few hours. Baking soda will pull out a lot of odors from the air and leave the vehicle smelling fresher in little time at all.
While harsh chemical cleaners are fine to use in the cars of today, antiques deserve a gentler touch. If it is time to clean your classic, remember less is often more on the interior.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
antique car
,classic car
,vintage car
,antique car interiors
,vinyl cleaner
,car clean
,leather cleaner
For those who own classic vintage cars, or for those who are considering buying a vintage car and restoring it to driving condition, knowing where to buy vintage car parts is something which has to be considered.
Have you ever just thought ‘I should scrap my car'? Well you're not the only one; thinking about having to scrap my car is something that goes through the minds of motorists young and old for several reasons.
Are you looking to have your exotic or classic car shipped to a location but are unable to do it yourself ? Several companies specialize in safe and reliable classic car transport services to almost any location necessary. Whether you need to have your exotic or classic car shipped within your state or across the country Car Transporters can make it happen. We know how precious your classic car is to you.
Compressed Natural Gas is a fossil fuel substitute for petrol, diesel and propane. Although its combustion produces greenhouse gases, it is environmentally cleaner and safer than other alternative fuels.
Owning a classic car is often called a labor of love. Anyone that has one knows that the project is never finished. Once the older vehicle is running, other parts often need to be restored. For serious classic car enthusiasts, garages, car lifts and tools are all important elements to restoring older vehicles. Casual mechanics focus on keeping them competitive at car shows or at least the road worthy and fun to drive.
Ok, you have a teenager that just got his or her driver's license and instead of offering the use of the family car, you decided to share the expense of purchasing the first time vehicle and yet still, you would like to give a cool car accessory would really bring a bigger smile to the face of your teen.
If you like hopping in a car, hitting the open road and traveling to nearby destinations, there are few starting points better than Phoenix. This city is a gateway to adventure. Whether you are crazy about the outdoors, want to take in some culture or are more into unusual attractions, you can find plenty to do within a few hours of this Arizona metropolis.
If there is one thing most cats hate almost as much as water, it is traveling in a car. If you find it necessary to take your feline companion on the road, there are some tips and tricks that can make the trek easier on both of you. With a little planning, you can have an enjoyable experience and both arrive no worse for the wear.
If you are a cellular phone user and most importantly, frequently on the go, a hands free phone accessory for your car is a valuable investment. There are many styles to choose from.
If you plan on tooling around a foreign country in a rental car, chances are you might find yourself needing an International Drivers Permit. This is a special document that works in conjunction with your standard license to give you rights to operate a vehicle in a country other than America.
Discuss this Article
