Glory in a bottle:
12-24-2007, 04:38 AM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: VA Beach via South Jersey
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by tekstar,Dec 23 2007, 07:21 PM
Nice writeup 
Isn't rubbing alcohol bad for the paint? I would have tried clay bar or polish for those areas
Isn't rubbing alcohol bad for the paint? I would have tried clay bar or polish for those areas
i use clay over anything to get stains out of the paint
12-24-2007, 08:56 AM
#23
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
this has been around forever, its nice to see it pop up every year or so and have new people learn about it.
My center console shifter "ring" had this done years ago and it still looks great for people wondering about long term effects.
My center console shifter "ring" had this done years ago and it still looks great for people wondering about long term effects.
12-24-2007, 10:49 AM
#24
My 2 cents.
The alchol is removing the coating on the metal shifter plate. The coating was scratched and/or discolored. Still a good idea to do this since there is probably no other practicle way to clean this part up. You may have to keep after it though since all protection is gone which is not a big deal.
You could also apply a clear lacquer but over time this would also discolor.
I like the idea of cleaning the headlight lens with flouride toothpaste. but would be hesitant using on any clear glass or the plastic covering gauges. Flouride will etch glass not sure about plastic. Non flouridated toothpaste might be a very good product to use on clear lenses and scratched plastic parts. Procede with caution.
Also not sure about the ability of any alcohol to clear window water spots.
If the spots are caused by mineral deposits, I don't think alcohol will have much or any effect.
If the windows did come clean, it's more likely a result of mechanical pressure that was used versus any ability of the alcohol.
On the other hand all biological material such as oil film, wax or dissolved plant or animal material that happens to be in your water supply would be dissolved and probably cleaned very well with alcohol. Maybe a two pronged approach for the windows. Alcohol first then some type of glass cleaner second.
My dis-claimer, I've never attempted using any of these ideas so it is important to
begin in very inconspicious places to confirm or disclaim.
.
The alchol is removing the coating on the metal shifter plate. The coating was scratched and/or discolored. Still a good idea to do this since there is probably no other practicle way to clean this part up. You may have to keep after it though since all protection is gone which is not a big deal.
You could also apply a clear lacquer but over time this would also discolor.
I like the idea of cleaning the headlight lens with flouride toothpaste. but would be hesitant using on any clear glass or the plastic covering gauges. Flouride will etch glass not sure about plastic. Non flouridated toothpaste might be a very good product to use on clear lenses and scratched plastic parts. Procede with caution.
Also not sure about the ability of any alcohol to clear window water spots.
If the spots are caused by mineral deposits, I don't think alcohol will have much or any effect.
If the windows did come clean, it's more likely a result of mechanical pressure that was used versus any ability of the alcohol.
On the other hand all biological material such as oil film, wax or dissolved plant or animal material that happens to be in your water supply would be dissolved and probably cleaned very well with alcohol. Maybe a two pronged approach for the windows. Alcohol first then some type of glass cleaner second.
My dis-claimer, I've never attempted using any of these ideas so it is important to
begin in very inconspicious places to confirm or disclaim.
.
12-24-2007, 03:43 PM
#27
Rubbing alcohol works wonders on tons of things. Rubbing alcohol should not be damaging your paint, unless you're leaving a panel dipped in the stuff or using it constantly. A little bit of rubbing alcohol will strip any wax/top/crap off your paint, but should evaporate fast enough to not work through your clear coat. You should be waxing/sealant-ing your car anyways
I've used alcohol to prep surfaces for adhesives on my bike and the occasional closet mirror cleaning.
12-27-2007, 12:34 AM
#28
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HOTEL, CALIFORNIA
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by HighTechAP1,Dec 24 2007, 04:15 PM
hey, you can clean my car macy! 
come do this for me macy
looks great !
12-27-2007, 12:54 AM
#30
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HOTEL, CALIFORNIA
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by JHooby,Dec 27 2007, 01:50 AM
i like how you say "ap1 bitch."
.. i made a shirt and it says "i 
my s2k" in the front and in the back it says "ap1 bitch" .. it's quite the head turner.. especially from appalled old ladies lol