De-salting my 6???

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sansouci
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De-salting my 6???

Post by sansouci »

I had to take an emergency trip yesterday on freshly salted roads in the first 1+ inch snowfall. Wifey was apologetic when I explained the significance of the 1 hour ride.
Since my garage is small and not heated and I don't have a heated workspace, (on my back in the driveway most times) what is the best strategy? Hot water hosing the entire car and underbody, pressure wash? Take it to one of those DIY wash racks? Any special additives to the wash water?
The car hasn't seen a winter road in 10 years and now I've got to clean it up.

--Ken
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
71 240Z 4-speed White/Blue (rusty & sold)
65 396 Chevelle 4-speed, Marina Blue/Black (stolen)
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dwcains
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Re: De-salting my 6???

Post by dwcains »

I'd probably go to one of those self-service car washes with several rolls of quarters, my floor jack, and spend the day doing the best I could to clean the fender wells and underside of the chassis.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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Pod
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Re: De-salting my 6???

Post by Pod »

Have it steam cleaned?
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olympia57
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Re: De-salting my 6???

Post by olympia57 »

I'd allocate enough time to it and carefully pressure wash the underside with a wide angle lance .
If possible get the front of the car up on axle stands and remove the front wheels.
The crucial areas are the small 1/2 inch return lip that runs along the inner wing top from strut to rear gusset , front wing to inner wing mounting bracket, recessed plateau above the trumpets and around and behind the front splash plate at the indicators .Give the strut towers a good going over too.The rear splash guards , assuming you still have them fitted, can be easily unscrewed and the areas around and behind hosed clean. Don't forget the drain tubes from the areas beside the bonnet latches down to behind the rear splash guards too.
Underside where the floor joins the sills ,chassis legs via the bottom holes and clear any build up on the fuel lines , all easily reached.
Rear ,get up under the very rear corners of the car where the bumpers adjoin the lower quarter, rear valance ,inner wheel arch lips and down all around the subframe mounts.
If you were driving in the wet with a salacious spray I'd roll back the sunroof and hose out the drain holes with fresh water bearing in mind that the front drain tubes deposit that salty water into the sills , the rears should empty behind the rear wheel tubs .
Sounds a big job but it'll take an hour or so , small price for peace of mind.Once done you'll see if there are any areas needing prep'd and resealed again.
I use one of these as it allows me to get right into the most awkward of corners when PW'ing .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KARCHER-K-Ser ... SwGotWswsi
Good luck
Don
1981 635 series 1
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Kaylix
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Re: De-salting my 6???

Post by Kaylix »

Oh noooo!! [-X What about all the other cars on your signature. Couldn't you take one of those?? I think you would have been better off with Uber.
'87 635CSi Delphin
'88 MB 560SL Cosmic Blue
'97 MB S500
'99 MB SL500
'01 Ford F150

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'83 633, '84 730, '85 735, '89 635, '95 525iT, '97 Z3, '00 740i Sport, '01 '330ci, '00 540iT
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sansouci
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Re: De-salting my 6???

Post by sansouci »

Well, I wished I'd had the foresight to use UBER but not many cruise around the east end of Long Island this time of year. Also, the only other car I have is my E32 that is up on blocks awaiting restoration.
But thanks for the point by point guidance on where to clean....
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
71 240Z 4-speed White/Blue (rusty & sold)
65 396 Chevelle 4-speed, Marina Blue/Black (stolen)
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dwcains
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Re: De-salting my 6???

Post by dwcains »

I wouldn't get to crazy over this. Just so the best you can and keep an eye on it. Live and learn, but most of all, enjoy your cars and drive them when you can.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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