iFox

I have heard differing opinions on putting air-cooled 911's into a car wash. I had late models and I always put them through, but they were leased and definitely not as delicate. Now I have the 78 SC in fantastic shape. How bad is putting it through an automated car wash? There is a super modern one at a Porsche dealership (MotorWerks) that I have used. I found that even though I have no sunroof, I get a little leakage just a head of rear window (center) that drips through headliner. I am assuming its that vent. Anyway what do you all do?

Sher-

r911

Wash your own car to avoid brush and grit marks

Mark Salvetti

I always felt that a car wash could force water in places where it could never get out. Plus I didn't want to run the Targa top through. So instead I always washed by hand, and made sure I used only a gentle stream of water.

Now I'm planning to skip water completely, and keep the car clean with a California Car Duster and Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash and Wax. I think this is doable, since I almost never drive in the rain.

Mark

fastdiablo

Hand wash always.

Rick-A-Shay

Hand wash always! It does not take a lot of time if using the right equipment. Using P21 car wash in a foam dispensing gun will "suds" the car in seconds (see Adams/Girot webpages). Massage with sheepskin type glove, rinsing off in bucket full of clean water. Rinse with spray nozzle. Blow dry with leaf blower or similar device. Use (microfiber) towel to clean up any wet spots. Go for long drive, pick up more bug juice. Repeat...... I prefer this over "Honey-do" projects.........

AP997S

The family 'beater' is the only car that goes to car washes. Our 'P-Cars' are always hand washed and only by me.

I aways turn down Porsche dealer washes as well when ever some warranty repair is needed.

Do you think I'm **** or overly protective . . . I don't! (lol)

Derek911

No car wash! Even when I take my car to the Porsche dealer for inspection I tell them not to wash it. YouTube is full of great car wash and detailing videos. Ammo is a Rennlister and detailer and has great instructional videos. If you don't want to do it yourself, find someplace or someone that does hand washing. Most car washes will also do hand washing. These cars are so small it takes no time to hand wash. Part of owning these cars is the enjoyment we get out of maintaining them. You should enjoy washing and detailing it just as much as driving it. I know I do.

Sonoma707

My leased Jeep goes thru the car wash. The Porsches get hand washed by me. Part of the fun of ownership is the care you give them.

jpettit

Just got an '80 SC Targa. Any special recs or advice on washing/caring for the targa top?

r911

yes, keep it in a garage

ElectricChair

I second this.. every word.

Philip J. Fry

Google "automatic car wash scratches" and you'll never consider taking any car you care about through one again.

Vifa

I only use Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash for my Dodge Wayfarer '49. Everything done by hand. I will recommend this.
For my Porsche 911 '92 I use water from a hose from time to time - but only because I know the car is watertight.

Some might find this article interesting:
https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ge-paints.html

Bottomline, never use any aggressive methods while not necessary. I have used #7 from Meguiar a lot, it is non abrasive and make wonderful results.

rusnak

Use plenty of clean water, a clean bucket, and enough soap to make the water feel "slick" when you put your hand in the water and rub your fingers together. This is the method to float the dirt off of the paint with the least damage. Only claybar when you need to wax. Don't use a duster or abrasives or you can wear down the paint over time.

r911

also do NOT use a high water pressure - just use a gentle flow

and remember what the guy at the body shop always says as you hand him your $10,000 bill:
"Paint is Temporary"