Cleaning Methods...

[TBone77]

I've been searching through these forums for some advice on how people are cleaning their cars, and I've found some great information. I have a few quick questions though....

I run electric, and my plan is to remove all electronics before beginning the process.

1. Spray car liberally with Simple Green or Denatured Alcohol*
2. Hose down car with water
3. Dry car with compressed air
4. Spray car liberally with WD40
5. Remove excess WD40 with compressed air

The consensus seems to be that denatured alcohol is more effective at cutting through dirt... but is it harmful to plastics or graphite components?

Also, could someone recommend a low-cost air compressor? I don't want to spend more than $100 on one, but I want to make sure it's powerful enough.

Thanks

[4DMNYC]

*Do not use water*, this may sound great but I wouldn't take the chance. Screws could rust ect..ect..I usualy stop at the gas station on the way home and blast the rc's down at the air pump (25cents), and then do a fine tune cleaning when I get home with some denatured alcohol.

[ducati777]

Umm I guess it depends on how clean your trying to get. Lately I've been using window cleaner from the dollar store and the air compressor. It seems to work pretty well.

Far as cheapo air compressors, that big auction site is where its at. I bought an aircompressor for 40 dollars. Used and it ain't pretty. But 130 psi air still comes out in a hurry. Works well for 1:1 tires too.

[TBone77]

Umm I guess it depends on how clean your trying to get. Lately I've been using window cleaner from the dollar store and the air compressor. It seems to work pretty well.

Far as cheapo air compressors, that big auction site is where its at. I bought an aircompressor for 40 dollars. Used and it ain't pretty. But 130 psi air still comes out in a hurry. Works well for 1:1 tires too.

So 130psi is enough to get the job done? I want to be able to clean the cars to the point where, at a glance, you woudldn't think they'd been on a track yet. Under closer inspection, you'd be able to tell, though.

*Do not use water*, this may sound great but I wouldn't take the chance. Screws could rust ect.

Well, water would normally terrify me, too... but as soon as it's been hosed down it will be dried immediately with a compressor and then liberally sprayed with WD40. The water won't be on it for more than a few minutes, and then whatever drop or two is left over will be "displaced" by the WD40 ;) .

[Honch777]

Yeah, I've found that Fantastik cleaner and air works great for everything, from onroad track grime to caked mud on my 1/8th scale buggy. But water, no no. Remember kids, Water + R/Cs = Bad. (heh)

[TBone77]

Do you use the Orange or the All Purpose?

Also, anyone have a recommendation for an air compressor strong enough to do the job but buyer-safe :D (around $100).

[ducati777]

If you're trying to get sparkly new looking, then you need denatured alchy, and lots of it. That stuff does a good job, but I've never seen a touchless cleaner. Whatever you spray on, you'll still have to get in with a toothbrush, or paintbrush or whatever.

I'd skip on the water. It won't... ugh work is calling. More later.

[Duster_360]

I'd be afraiid to use air on any of my rcs at 130psi - I have a regulator and usually clean at 50-60psi. I use an attachment on the end of the hose that has a 4" long tube that about 1/8"id to concentrate the air where I want it. I'd worry 130psi could do damage and force grit into places that you don't want it (bearings, bushings, etc) and destroy seals.

I use large compressor (5hp, 25gallon tank) since I use one in my 1:1 restoration work and general mechanics - sandblasting, impact wrenches, cutoff tools, metal nibbler, sander, air drill and grinder. I do a lot more with mine than just clean rcs and air up tires. They are real handy and help make all kind of chores easier.

Ebay - simple search shows over 2000 entries. Here's just an example

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4545687019&category=43986

[TBone77]

If you're trying to get sparkly new looking, then you need denatured alchy, and lots of it. That stuff does a good job, but I've never seen a touchless cleaner. Whatever you spray on, you'll still have to get in with a toothbrush, or paintbrush or whatever.

I'd skip on the water. It won't... ugh work is calling. More later.

Are there any components that denatured alcohol could harm? My first instinct is that it would make plastic parts real brittle. Can anyone confirm/deny this?

Obviously, I'd remove all electronics when doing ANY cleaning, but I was wondering if there are any other parts susceptible to damage from these cleaning agents.

[Tim'sLosi]

I use Spray Nine cleaner and wash it off with HOT water. Then I blow it off with the compressor. Then spray the metal pivot points with WD40. The Spray 9 melts grease and dirt to the point things look new and I have had no probs with rusting.

[jimbow]

I just let the dirt build up. ;)

[brelandt]

I use the Denatured Alcohol all the time now. So far I haven't had any issues with the plastics/nylon becoming brittle nor have they stained.
I bought a can of the stuff and a spray bottle from the health and beauty section (knew that section was good for something!) of Walmart. The spray bottle gets the job done and a can of compressed air that I use to knock the dust off of my PC has enough power to get the grime off.
This has gotten it clean enough to look brand new sitting 5 feet away but used if you hold it up in your hands.

[twood]

i bought a coleman 2 gallon compressor at a pepboys for $50. it has a 100psi max.

[ducati777]

Yup mine is just a lil 2 gallon air compressor. I think 130 psi is fine, works great on nitro cars. I also leave all the electronics in when I spay er down with alky.

With 130 psi you can blow on the spur and spool the wheels up to dangerous rpms. I balooned the tires on my M18 doing this. I don't really recommend it, but sometimes we all do stupid things.

Did I mention glass cleaner yet? Thats been my new all purpose cleaner, I use it on everything.