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Our annual British Motoring Club of New Orleans car show is coming up March 19. Good show, lots of LBC's and nice people. Question: As anyone that loves British sports cars can tell you, showing a pristine car that is also a driver can be a challenge. What would ya'll recommend for showing (and for daily use) the engine compartment and any other rust-prone area to make it look good and keep the rust monster at bay? I have always struggled with keeping things like bolt heads, etc., clean and weather proof. I won't go out and powder coat everything, but frequent washings and dryings make these areas apt to rust. WD40 perhaps? Gotta be some kinda spray that will not affect paint that can make an engine bay look good. Any suggestions out there? Gotta be easy and effective.

Bill
 
Well my car is definatly not pristine, but I like to keep it presentable. I do commonly use WD40 or a straight silicone spray (usually used for doors and latches, it dosen't leave a mess like white lithium), then wipe off the extra. I have also heard of people using non-stick cooking spray like Pam, but I have never used it myself. If you try it make sure its the plain kind, not butter flavored or something, or you'll really have the judges drooling over your LBC
 
Check out this stuff https://www.corrosionx.com/

I buy the Red can of "Corrosion X". However they have some other interesting stuff. I use it on the machinery I use in my Business. It does protect metal.
 
Hi Bill,

Before or after installation, I clear coat a lot of small parts to keep them nice and shiney. If it's a larger part, I'll use a clear spray (usually engine paint) before installing, then touch up any area needing it with a brush. Smaller stuff gets brushed-on clear from a small bottle of clear coat I got at the local auto supply store.

This isn't a perfect solution, but helps keep things nice for a little longer, after which they need to be removed, refinished or replaced. It also somewhat seals against moisture intruding in between nuts and washers, etc. And, seals the ends of bolts that have been cut to correct fit.

If you don't want glossy, there are low gloss clear paints available from Eastwood and others.

Cheers!

Alan
 
Thanks, Peter. My order went out today. Looks like exactly what I need.

Bill
 
Now you know one of my secrets. Another "secret" product that I use for cleaning everything but especially for cleaning vinyl, rubber to like new before applying protectant is Westle's Bleech White whitewall cleaner. Who knew? Perfect for cleaning aluminum but don't leave it on too long and rinse well, then use a protectant. For vinyl and rubber I use Lexol Vinylex (my 3rd "secret" for a show finish without a greasy feel. Let me know how you like these products! Peter
 
Moot point since you already ordered it but for future reference Boshield T-9 is very popular as a bicycle lube. It's available at many bike shops.


PC. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 
Super tips, guys! Went into the scuttle today and found RUST! It never ends. Cleaned it out, treated it and touched up the paint. When the weather clears, will put it up in the driveway really high on tall jack stands, pull the wheels and pressure clean the underside. Ultra dry everything and do the Waxoyl things. Might even go into the rockers. Plan on alternating between Simple Green and Castrol Super Clean to cut the grime before I pressure wash. Any other magic potion out there? I have a pressure gun from Eastwood to apply the Waxoyl (plan on cutting it with mineral spirits). A mess but works. Another pearl, McGuire's vinyl protectant works really well on rubber and vinyl. I sound like Heloise.

Bill
 
Interesting question and good ideas from many. I view these things a little differently though, maybe from having always driven them, and knew them as new. For me, a car remains about as it would when it was a few years old; that is, pretty darn nice, will never win any show awards, but can be driven just about anywhere anytime.
So TR6Bill, I'll be driving down from Dallas for this year's gathering, since I quit working and no longer will be out of town on that weekend like has been in the past. Look for the yellow 6, pretty nice, but will never win an award. Wish there was a non-judging class just for those of us who want to come for the 'gab' factor.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Wish there was a non-judging class just for those of us who want to come for the 'gab' factor.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the main reason I go. I'm not interested so much in bringing home a plaque or a trophy. It's the camaraderie and the exchange of information and experiences that appeal to me.

Of course, if I do happen to bring an award home, that's always nice. But just lagniappe (little something extra, for you non-Cajuns) for me.

Mickey
 
Guys, the British Motoring Club of New Orleans' annual show is just that, a gathering of friends, gearheads and LBC nuts that share ideas and camaraderie. The judging of the cars is by popular vote so that the end results are often subjective and usually bruise some egos, usually mine. Very casual. The Jaguar contingent is judged separately by professional judges in addition to the popular vote. We usually don't talk to those guys. (Kidding) It's a lot of fun and draws lots of cars from all over the South, about 150 and up, I hope. The weather is usually great and then there is New Orleans! I often have been beaten by the chick with the metalflake TR6 (yuck!) but then again she has lots of panache (large breasts) and I just lick my wounds. Had 16 TR6's last year showing and a few that lurked in the parking lot. One guy showed up with Edsel Ford's full race, alloy, 427 Cobra that he had bought of him. Worth more than my whole net worth. When he cranked it for the crowd, every male at the site got an erection.
Lots of fun.
Hope ya'll can make it. Check out the site www.bmcno.org.
Bill
 
Hey Bill -

I've planned to make it for the last several years, and always have had a conflict. N.O. is home for my wife, and part-time home for me. We were going to try again this year, but it's scheduled for Palm Sunday weekend /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Maybe next time....

Mickey
 
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