Am I the only idiot

[Jeb]

who actually found himself polishing the aluminum fittings and parts in the engine compartment? A/C hose fittings, evaporator, the ring on the cruise control servo, suspension parts, etc. are all aluminum and polish up quite nicely. Even the radiator cap shines up well.

But....SWMBO thinks I've flipped my lid.

Have I?

 

[Edmond]

I don't think you've lost it. I think that's actually pretty normal. Shining those parts up makes the car look nicer so why not?

 

[cfour93]

That's my project this year is to clean and shine under hood.... Your OK..

 

[Ripp 73]

I really need to clean the engine compartment... with all the oil spills, old hoses breaking (power steering, radiator) and 30 years of dirt and grime. I personally think you had a great day. Time well spent with the Corvette.

 

[Ken]

I just got back from the garage where I spent the afternoon tinkering around in the engine compartment; I pulled the hood latches and painted 'em today. There's always gonna be something to clean and paint or polish.

 

[hAZcAT]

nothing wrong with having it clean under the hood, or to clean up the underside of the car. I am currently cleaning the under the dash of my 85, no one will ever see it but I will know it is clean.

 

[lagasvd]

What else are you going to use your wife's old toothbrushes for? Don't forget the Q-Tips and armour all for all the hoses. I can spend hours under the hood cleaning up and polishing and it does make a difference.

 

[vette-dude]

My friend and I built a 55 chevy showcar and put an aluminum small block in it. Before we installed the motor my crazy buddy polished the entire engine including the heads. I thought this was a little overkill but had to admit it looked pretty cool once it was installed. (He also polished the transmission case.) Both the engine and trans were pretty easy to keep clean as they were clear coated.

Randy

 

[tomtom72]

I thought it runs better when it's cleaned up in the engine room? I guess I'm :crazy then! Oh well can't beat a clean car & it sure looks good. Might even be good for the soul? I use QD & 303 in my engine room. Tom

 

[MARLTON LT-4]

who actually found himself polishing the aluminum fittings and parts in the engine compartment? A/C hose fittings, evaporator, the ring on the cruise control servo, suspension parts, etc. are all aluminum and polish up quite nicely. Even the radiator cap shines up well.

But....SWMBO thinks I've flipped my lid.

Have I?

No, you have not gone nuts yet. You are just well on your way from it being a hobby and it becoming an obsession. I spent several nights last week until midnight and a day off from work to pull the wheels, polish the suspension and engine compartment. Not to mention spending $300.00+ to replace parts that were scuffed or might hurt me in a judged show. The upsetting part is when the judge looks at you car on Sat. he does not even open the driver side's door! You get a second place and wonder if he is related to the guy who got first because his car does not even compare to yours! I have passed well over to the obsession level. Be careful or you will be here too!

CP

 

[Drjohn]

My thermostat housing is polished. It was off to change the thermostat, and somehow was shinier when it was back on. I have no idea......

 

[milehigreg]

Idiot?

I thought it runs better when it's cleaned up in the engine room? I guess I'm :crazy then! Oh well can't beat a clean car & it sure looks good. Might even be good for the soul? I use QD & 303 in my engine room. Tom

I don't think you are an idiot but I do think you are crazy! But don't worry you are not alone as you can see from the replies. I keep my engine compartment clean and am convinced my cars appreciate it!

 

[PLRX]

Don't feel bad few winters ago I polished the rear suspension (knuckes, tie rods etc) next day, it rained

Two weeks ago I armored all the spare tire "cage"

 

[oldace84]

No your not.

Been doing the same for years.

 

[lbitp37]

You haven't flipped.
I used #0000 steel wool, with Brasso, and the areas look like they were chromed.
Also did the rocker arms , etc.
Just go crazy, takes time , but it looks great. !

 

[wannavette]

My wife yesterday told me I was not normal for taking out the bolts inside the wheel wells cleaning real good then shooting them with some black spray paint. I also have started doing the same inside the engine compartment with bolts and other items.I also painted my y-pipe black to match the muffler elim's I put on.
Still alot more to go when it comes to cleaning etc.....
But I enjoy it!

 

[Toms007]

Nah, sounds normal to me. I did the same thing twice already and might go over it once more before leaving next Weds for the CruiseFest.

 

[nyernga]

I use more mothers wheel polish in the engine compartment then I ever did on the wheels. And if you want to see a clean undercarriage and engine, look for Rob's red zr-1 at cruisefest. You'd swear he drives upside down.


Len

 

[Ken]

Rob's red zr-1 ... You'd swear he drives upside down.

Why? Is the top all scratched up? :L

... polished the entire engine including the heads.

I've got a friend who has an aluminum Hemi in his '64 Plymouth that's completely polished. I'd never seen a fully-polished Hemi before. :cool

... on your way from it being a hobby and it becoming
an obsession.

My Corvette - "Obsession".

 

[3dale1]

A clean motor is a happy motor!