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

[tod914]

When I dry mine, I always pull off the front and rear trunk seals and make sure the trunk gutters are throughly dried with a towel. I'll also take a paper towel and run the edges inside the window trim to absorb any water. water also gets trapped in the black plastic vent plugs in the door jams, be sure to try that area out as well.. the compressed air method sounds like a good way to go (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I also but a blanket in the engine bay so no water gets in there through the grills when i rinse it.

Steve how's your GT comming along? Have you had a chance to post any pictures of the restoration yet?

[orthobiz]

When I dry mine, I always pull off the front and rear trunk seals and make sure the trunk gutters are throughly dried with a towel.

I've heard of this but my front trunk rubber is glued in place (factory style, I'm sure). Should I pull it up and un-glue it?

Paul

[Pat Garvey]

When I dry mine, I always pull off the front and rear trunk seals and make sure the trunk gutters are throughly dried with a towel.

I've heard of this but my front trunk rubber is glued in place (factory style, I'm sure). Should I pull it up and un-glue it?

Paul

NO! Don't pull it loose from the glue. You'll only make matters worse.

If you MUST flood your 914 with water:
Front trunk - water drains from the top to the bottom corners. Carefully lift the rubber near the headlight areas (just enough to NOT break the glue bond). Cram in the "corner of a shop towel" (not regular paper towels, as they aren't as absorbent). Let the towel absorb the excess water for a couple of hours, until nothing else seems to be being absorbed. Pull it out & put another in - you'll be surprised at what else comes out. These channels are an expensive bitch to replace - protect them.
Rear trunk - pull the seal off, it's not held on with glue. But, there is a channel inside the seal & it has metal binding embedded in it. Run towels inside the seal edges to get any water out, else it will eventually get to the metal inside the seal & ruin it. Blowing it out with air pressure is a good idea too, though you can't get all of it out.

Sorry if I seem to be harping here, but (except in extreme circumstances) you do not need to flood your 914 with water to clean it. It takes about 20 minutes to "dry wash" a 914, and walk away.
Pat