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The 5 key steps to cleaning your classic car

Getting collector car people to agree on anything is next to impossible. Except this—the details matter. When you pay attention to the little things and make the extra effort, people notice. Especially during car show and parade season. 

Proper maintenance and regular cleaning are simply not optional. These details preserve your vehicle’s value. They protect performance. Most of all, they’re really the difference between being show ready and being a show stopper. 

Step 1: Paint 

• Get the most of your paint by applying a ceramic coating for extra protection that can last years 

Step 2: Jambs 

• Pay attention to the door jambs and the jambs inside the hood and trunk 

• Clean thoroughly and apply wax 

• Avoid letting dirt and leaves build up in those areas 

Step 3: Weatherstripping 

• Treat the rubber seals doors and trunk to keep them from getting hard and brittle 

Step 4: Engine compartment 

• Check the engine for oil build-up; use an engine degreaser to remove residue before cleaning the engine compartment 

• Spray the engine compartment down with a multipurpose cleaner and wipe everything dry using old towels 

• If using water to spray off the engine, avoid getting the distributor or coil wet 

Step 5: Interior 

• Vacuum and shampoo the carpet 

• Clean the seats with the appropriate cleaning solution for vinyl, leather, or cloth 

• Take the time to use a soft paint brush or toothbrush to clean the dash and get all the dust and dirt out of small crevices 

• Chemically clean hard surfaces like the dash, door panels, and center console 

• Apply a protective coating to hard surfaces 

• Clean the glass thoroughly 

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.