1. TIPS AND TRICKS TO CLEANING CLASSIC CARS You wouldn’t dream of driving your classic automobile through an automatic car wash, so why would you polish your prized possession with average cleaning products? Car collectors invest a lot of time — and money — in restoring vintage rides to their original glory, right down to the glimmering paint jobs and crushed velvet interiors. It’s the one universal truth that every car collector agrees on: The only way to wash your vehicle is by hand. That advice seems simple enough, but you can’t just use any old microfiber cloth. Towels and sponges made with terrycloth and other fabrics are not recommended, as they can scratch your car’s coat, and leave behind tiny lint fibers. Products crafted with a blend of polyester, wool and nylon can safely glide over any type of finish, lifting the tiniest specks of dirt and debris. They are effective against dirt, but gentle enough to keep your car’s exterior free of unsightly scratches. STEP 1: WASH YOUR CAR BY HAND STEP 2: AVOID EXCESS MOISTURE Rust is one of the biggest factors that compromise the appearance, and ultimately the value, of a classic vehicle. Certain climates make a car’s exterior and paint job more susceptible to oxidation, which is why many classic car aficionados make their homes in the Western United States. Drying tools are your first line of defense against excess moisture that can eventually damage a paint job and lead to corrosive rust damage that guarantees a car will never be the same. When you need to go over the surface again, simply wring out the cloth, and glide it over your classic car’s exterior to sop up every last drop of moisture, without leaving annoying streaks or water spots. STEP 3: DUST YOUR DASH When you’re cruising down the street, the first thing people see is your car’s showroom finish, but the interior of your vehicle is just as important as its exterior. After all, it’s what you see as you’re driving. Experts agree that a microfiber towel is an essential tool in your arsenal against dust. Its tiny fibers magnetically attract dust from vintage gauges, radios and mirrors, even inside hard-to-reach corners. Nothing sets off a showroom-caliber car quite like glistening chrome accents. Certain buffing tools affix to any drill, and can rev up to speeds of 2500 RPM to restore pipes and rims to a sparkling shine, and to clear signs of oxidation from headlights, as well. Choose from varying sizes, depending on the amount of detail you’re hoping to achieve. STEP 4: POLISH THE CHROME Your classic car is your pride and joy, so give it the occasional spa day by cleaning it with our line of interior and exterior automotive products. It will look as if you’ve stepped back in time and bought your car brand new. This infographic was produced by CleanTools.
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