Washing a 914, Pat's dry method? Options

[swm914]

This seems like a dumb question but how do you wash a 914?

Pat mentioned in the topic on waxing that he hasn't washed his car in 6 years. It raised the question in my mind. Is that best and normal for 914's?

Since I bought my 914 in December it hasn't been washed. Since I've learned more about them since then (stuff like "there is nothing like a rust free 914" etc.) I've been afraid to wash the thing. It'll be a "fun" car, (maybe a few "fun" shows along the way)and garaged all the time but even now, after a few nice spins, it needs washed.

So, I'll ask Pat to elaborate on his dry method. Also, any other practical tips from other long time 914 owners would be appreciated. Thanks

Steve

[Pat Garvey]

This seems like a dumb question but how do you wash a 914?

Pat mentioned in the topic on waxing that he hasn't washed his car in 6 years. It raised the question in my mind. Is that best and normal for 914's?

Since I bought my 914 in December it hasn't been washed. Since I've learned more about them since then (stuff like "there is nothing like a rust free 914" etc.) I've been afraid to wash the thing. It'll be a "fun" car, (maybe a few "fun" shows along the way)and garaged all the time but even now, after a few nice spins, it needs washed.

So, I'll ask Pat to elaborate on his dry method. Also, any other practical tips from other long time 914 owners would be appreciated. Thanks

Steve

Steve,

I wondered if anyone would ever question me on my method.

A few caviats:
1. I am a whacko about any form of condensation getting on my 914 - & I mean a WHACKO!
2. First 2 years I owned my 914, I drove it daily, regardless of weather. Put 48K miles on it. In the last 33 years, it's had less than 20K, and that included trips to New Orleans & several PCA Parades (only once towed).
3. In 1979, I saw the ravages of the first 2 years of driving it in salt, snow & rain. They could have been far worse, but I had it re-done & swore water would never touch again in quantity. I've kept my promise to it (Fritz is his name).

With that said - my 914 never gets dirty. It only gets dusty, andthat's when it's not under cover. That's the difference, and only a whacko like me would subscribe to my system. And, given the aforementioned caveats, this is my system. Simple.

Four/three buckets of distilled or softened water (yeah, I know, it already sounds like too much work). One bucket with nothing but clear water & a very few drops of your favorite car wash (I use Ivory Liquid). Second bucket of clear water - rinsing bucket Third bucket of the same rinsing water. Fourth bucket used only if dust is heavy, otherwise not needed.

CLEAN, no softened cotton terrycloth for all buckets - no chamois (chamois for glass only).

First bucket (w/cleanser) - wring out as much as possible (assuming a merly dusty car). Swipe it lightly accross the surface to be cleaned, turn it & swipe again - throw that cloth in the corner & get a new one. Dip, swipe, turn, toss - doing a quarter at a time. Stop!

Go to bucket 2. This is the first rinse. Use same method a first bucket, just no soaps,etc. Dip. swipe, turn, toss. Go to bucket 3 - repeat all steps. Use Bucket 4 if realy dusty, but repeat all steps. Remember - distilled or softened water. And, wring out all cloths tightly.

Also, remeber to use these steps a section at a time, because you'll need to dry it before moving on.

Dry? Never, ever use a chamois on your paint - sucks the oils out. Yes, it does - don't do it. Use another set of clean terry cloths, though the old style diapers are even better. Hospitals use something called 'blood rags" - get 'em if you can - they are the best.

There, simple as that - your 914 is clean, never got wet (no drops on the garage floor, or the cloths were too wet), & you're ready to go.

Look guys, I know this is.....whacko, but it's worked for me or many years. I also know it's extra work - can you replace the beauty you have? Keep floods of water away.

BTW- IMHO-YMMV (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)