Dressing Up Wheel Wells

[MM-C5]

This has probably been discusssed b4, but does anyone have any suggestions for paint or other mixtures or compounds to dress up the inside of the wheel wells...and while your at it...maybe the engine compartment side.

I need something better than WD40.

Also, what do you suggest to bring back the finish on door, window, windshield etc trim?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Ken]

Some of the spray-on tire foams work wonders with the wheel wells. No muss, no fuss.

 

[MM-C5]

Actually, I meant to ask about tires too. The stuff that comes in a squirt bottle is just a big mess. Haven't tried a foam. Will do. Have a particular brand in mind?

T

 

[Vettefan87]

I use Tire Wet Gel. It comes in a bottle and you put it on with a little sponge. It takes longer but you dont have to worry about anything getting on your paint.

 

[Rain]

If you can find it, try to get some L&C Enterprises TRIM & SHINE.
Its an exterior dressing for vinyl rubber and plastics.
no CFCs. I get mine thru L&C Enterprises, PO Box 568, Poplarville, MS 39470
1-800-795-5970

I detail my engine with it(since I cant use water-1996 LT1 engine).
I will first hit every thing with dry shop rags, then the compressed air, rags again, and air again.
Then I spray everything thats black with this stuff and it really shines it up!

For the underside of the hood and wheel wells, I use STP foaming tire cleaner.
Cleans all of that road grease and grime out of there.
More shop rags to wipe that out since I cant spray it out with the hose.

 

[MM-C5]

(since I cant use water-1996 LT1 engine).

Thanks guys.

This may be a real DUH, but why can't you use water? Is that true for the C-5 too and would there be a problem pulling the fuel rails and using a pressure cleaner to spary off existing grime?

Tom

 

[Rain]

NO, C5s should be fine.
Just those of us with the late model C4s have an optispark that will die if soaked.
(and not very cheap to replace)

As to pulling the fuel rails and pressurewashing it, I wouldnt, no matter what vette I have.
Just forcing water at high PSI could spell trouble.
I do not see a problem with standard garden hose pressure.

Thanks guys.

This may be a real DUH, but why can't you use water? Is that true for the C-5 too and would there be a problem pulling the fuel rails and using a pressure cleaner to spary off existing grime?

Tom

 

[lbitp37]

I,ve been using Armorall,spray it on a cloth & go crazy. Works well!
If the wells are really dirty use a pressure washer 1st.

 

[MM-C5]

Thanks Again.


I appreciate it.

 

[Grizzly]

I use some old left over tire dressingsthat I really didn't like on my wheel wells. I use McGuires Endurance on the tires. Once in the spring usually does it.

 

[97RedCorvette]

Make sure that whatever you use doesn’t leave anything behind. The sticky film that some cleaners can leave behind will attract a lot more dirt and grime. I use Simple Green and a soft long handle brush to clean my wheel wells. Then I rinse the area with the garden hose and towel dry. SG removes all of the grime leaves nothing behind for dirt to stick to. When I do use a tire dressing on rubber and plastic components under the hood, I always wipe any surface residue off with a clean towel after letting the product sit for 5 minutes or so. Things look new without looking oily.

Then again, some people like the shiny look, so it’s whatever end result you're going for...

 

[biggrizzly]

Make sure that whatever you use doesn’t leave anything behind. The sticky film that some cleaners can leave behind will attract a lot more dirt and grime. I use Simple Green and a soft long handle brush to clean my wheel wells. Then I rinse the area with the garden hose and towel dry. SG removes all of the grime leaves nothing behind for dirt to stick to. When I do use a tire dressing on rubber and plastic components under the hood, I always wipe any surface residue off with a clean towel after letting the product sit for 5 minutes or so. Things look new without looking oily.

Then again, some people like the shiny look, so it’s whatever end result you're going for...

I know it is a lot of work, but usually before a show I will remove the two wheel houses and clean them up real good with a soft brush and Simple Green as quoted above. Removing the wheel house lets you get into all of the spots that are difficult to reach when they are mounted on the body. This also lets you get all the grime and mess out of the body cavities that you haven't looked at in months. With the front wheel house I remove the fenders and splash guards to clean them up and provide easier access to the front suspension and engine bay. Simple Green or the newer Orange Blast works great too.

After everything is clean and dry I use inexpensive tire dressing on the wheel houses and save my good stuff for the tires.

dh