The Ford Barn

Bob Bidonde · 06-12-2017, 09:58 AM

It is not a good idea to use a garden hose on an original / restored Model "A" Ford because the doors and windows are not sealed well enough to prevent water damage to the interior upholstery. Even windlaces on & around the doors have a cloth upholstery covering that is prone to water staining.

To prevent water intrusion into the car, I use a spray bottle of water and a spray bottle of Turtle Wax Wax & Dry to wet the exterior paint surfaces one panel / fender at a time. I wipe this mixture off with microfiber towels. The resulting shine is excellent. I prefer the Turtle Wax because it does not leave a white film behind on the roofing material and running boards.

When it comes to cleaning the wheels, this is where I do use a garden hose, a soap such as Dawn or Simple Green, a terry cloth wash rag and a brush. To do a good job, it is convenient to jack each off of the ground.

I haven't found a durable product for use on the running boards. What do you use?

Both of my Model "A" Fords are closed cars, so I have no idea how to clean the top of an open car.

What is your technique for washing the exterior of your Model "A"?

1931 flamingo · 06-12-2017, 01:54 PM

It depends, mine stays outside, tyree sap, bird droppings, maple tree whirly gigs. If bad I hook up the hose, low pressure and then soap, sponge in a bucket of water. Six whitewalls (

), water wand Wesley's with a brush. Wash the rest from top down. Dry with an old towel. If "clean", a dampened fiber cloth and dry towel. Then spray Turtle wax (ICE type, no white residue).
Paul in CT

BILL WILLIAMSON · 06-12-2017, 02:19 PM

On runningboards, black tires, etc, use Lysol Biodegradable Kitchen Cleaner, you'll be AMAZED! It has some cleaning ingredient I NEVER heard of???
Bill BLACK

Reconnoiter · 06-12-2017, 02:20 PM

I have been a lurker here for quite a while....figured it was about time I posted something. Recently completed my '31 Slant this past April, have 1700 miles on it since then...Ford Barn was invaluable during my restoration...thanks!

FWIW, I use Eagle One "Wipe and Shine" for the body/fenders, etc, and their "Marine Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Protectant" for the running boards....works great!

By the way...nice colors on your car!

Here is a link to some pics of my resto.... https://flic.kr/s/aHsktuTmVN

msmaron · 06-12-2017, 02:32 PM

Simple technique...WASH IT!!!! take it to the do it your self and just wash it.. It leaks so what I clean and dry it....done and done!!!

30ccpickup · 06-12-2017, 03:20 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by msmaron

Simple technique...WASH IT!!!! take it to the do it your self and just wash it.. It leaks so what I clean and dry it....done and done!!!

Ditto... They use to make tractors out of these cars we treat with such care

Fred K-OR · 06-12-2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reconnoiter

I have been a lurker here for quite a while....figured it was about time I posted something. Recently completed my '31 Slant this past April, have 1700 miles on it since then...Ford Barn was invaluable during my restoration...thanks!

FWIW, I use Eagle One "Wipe and Shine" for the body/fenders, etc, and their "Marine Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Protectant" for the running boards....works great!

By the way...nice colors on your car!

Here is a link to some pics of my resto.... https://flic.kr/s/aHsktuTmVN

Nice job on your car. Welcome to the Barn!

Bruce Adams · 06-12-2017, 03:57 PM

It would have been nice to have seen your car at the MAFC of Long Island's Picnic & club's Model A Day Sunday. It looks great.

Synchro909 · 06-12-2017, 05:50 PM

I wash mine with a garden hose and no water gets inside. I run it at a trickle, not a jet. No need for more water than that.

GPierce · 06-12-2017, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I wash mine with a garden hose and no water gets inside. I run it at a trickle, not a jet. No need for more water than that.

X2. No leaks. Interior stays dry

California Travieso · 06-12-2017, 06:20 PM

The previous owner of our '29 Roadster bought it in 1994 after it was restored and always kept the car in the garage with a car cover. He said he never washed it and only used a car duster to wipe the dust off. We bought it in 2014 and have done the same. I think I'll use the wipes mentioned above. I may also try the waterless car wash they advertize now.

David Serrano

KGBnut · 06-12-2017, 06:22 PM

I've driven in hard rains that lasted longer and pounded harder than any car wash. I get a little water in the trunk, but it stays nice and dry inside.

When I wash, I'm just careful about which direction to point the hose.

Ken

Dollar Bill · 06-12-2017, 06:34 PM

Best product to keep running boards spiffy is 303 Protectant.

henry's 31 · 06-12-2017, 07:28 PM

RECCONNOITER: Only one word: AWESOME!

c125bob · 06-12-2017, 07:37 PM

I wash mine like I do my F250, no problems. Wax it once a year and drive it a lot !

P.S. · 06-12-2017, 10:27 PM

I use DriWash N Guard (waterless car wash) products on the A's. One of my Model A's is an unrestored original, and the DriWash Classic does an excellent job of making the 88 year old paint look almost new.

Have never, ever taken a garden hose to either Model A.

Also, the DriWash Ultra Ion is useless. If you try it, get the Classic.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 06-12-2017, 11:09 PM

In my Old Country (Oklahoma), we'd just park it in the CREEK, bang on the fenders & running boards to get chunks of MUD off, Mamma would scrub the underside with an old broom, then with buckets & rags, we'd scrub & wipe down the rest.
At the same time, we'd collect a whole bag of CRAWDADS & MUSSELS & go home & FEAST! It was almost like a family PARTY, even the Dog had a FUN time!---LOL
On the way home, we'd drive REAL slow, so it didn't get DUSTY!
Bill Clean

Mike V. Florida · 06-13-2017, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I wash mine with a garden hose and no water gets inside. I run it at a trickle, not a jet. No need for more water than that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPierce

X2. No leaks. Interior stays dry

Same here, 14 years and I give it a good soak to get off anything loose before I put any soap to it.

TerryO · 06-13-2017, 08:23 AM

I use a hose with a nozzle with multiple settings and use the "shower" setting, a gentle spray and no problem with leaks.

russcochiolo · 06-13-2017, 09:36 AM

I use a spray bottle with water and a bit of baby shampoo for the tough spots (mastiff slobber) and terry towels on the body. On the radiator I pick the carcasses with a bamboo skewer followed with a stiff brush, lightly. I use the hose only on wheels, tires and undercarriage. I use a dry soft brush on the fabric top. Seems to work for me. Russ

06-12-2017, 01:54 PM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Washing A Model "A" It depends, mine stays outside, tyree sap, bird droppings, maple tree whirly gigs. If bad I hook up the hose, low pressure and then soap, sponge in a bucket of water. Six whitewalls (), water wand Wesley's with a brush. Wash the rest from top down. Dry with an old towel. If "clean", a dampened fiber cloth and dry towel. Then spray Turtle wax (ICE type, no white residue). Paul in CT

06-12-2017, 02:19 PM	#3
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Washing A Model "A" On runningboards, black tires, etc, use Lysol Biodegradable Kitchen Cleaner, you'll be AMAZED! It has some cleaning ingredient I NEVER heard of??? Bill BLACK __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

06-12-2017, 02:32 PM	#5
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,600	Re: Washing A Model "A" Simple technique...WASH IT!!!! take it to the do it your self and just wash it.. It leaks so what I clean and dry it....done and done!!! __________________ Mark Maron Ill., Region MARC & MAFCA MARC JSC Member MAFFI Trustee National Facebook Admin. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARC.group/ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

06-12-2017, 03:57 PM	#8
Bruce Adams Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northport, NY Posts: 1,597	Re: Washing A Model "A" It would have been nice to have seen your car at the MAFC of Long Island's Picnic & club's Model A Day Sunday. It looks great.

06-12-2017, 05:50 PM	#9
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Washing A Model "A" I wash mine with a garden hose and no water gets inside. I run it at a trickle, not a jet. No need for more water than that. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

06-12-2017, 06:20 PM	#11
California Travieso Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 946	Re: Washing A Model "A" The previous owner of our '29 Roadster bought it in 1994 after it was restored and always kept the car in the garage with a car cover. He said he never washed it and only used a car duster to wipe the dust off. We bought it in 2014 and have done the same. I think I'll use the wipes mentioned above. I may also try the waterless car wash they advertize now. David Serrano

06-12-2017, 06:22 PM	#12
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Washing A Model "A" I've driven in hard rains that lasted longer and pounded harder than any car wash. I get a little water in the trunk, but it stays nice and dry inside. When I wash, I'm just careful about which direction to point the hose. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

06-12-2017, 06:34 PM	#13
Dollar Bill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Keystone Heights, FL Posts: 647	Re: Washing A Model "A" Best product to keep running boards spiffy is 303 Protectant. __________________ I Love Anything That Turns Money Into Noise

06-12-2017, 07:28 PM	#14
henry's 31 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Columbus(Cataula) Georgia Posts: 849	Re: Washing A Model "A" RECCONNOITER: Only one word: AWESOME! __________________ Henry' s 31

06-12-2017, 07:37 PM	#15
c125bob Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Chattahoochee Hills, Ga Posts: 143	Re: Washing A Model "A" I wash mine like I do my F250, no problems. Wax it once a year and drive it a lot ! __________________ Bob 1930 Tudor Chattahoochee Hills, Ga

06-12-2017, 10:27 PM	#16
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,695	Re: Washing A Model "A" I use DriWash N Guard (waterless car wash) products on the A's. One of my Model A's is an unrestored original, and the DriWash Classic does an excellent job of making the 88 year old paint look almost new. Have never, ever taken a garden hose to either Model A. Also, the DriWash Ultra Ion is useless. If you try it, get the Classic.

06-12-2017, 11:09 PM	#17
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Washing A Model "A" In my Old Country (Oklahoma), we'd just park it in the CREEK, bang on the fenders & running boards to get chunks of MUD off, Mamma would scrub the underside with an old broom, then with buckets & rags, we'd scrub & wipe down the rest. At the same time, we'd collect a whole bag of CRAWDADS & MUSSELS & go home & FEAST! It was almost like a family PARTY, even the Dog had a FUN time!---LOL On the way home, we'd drive REAL slow, so it didn't get DUSTY! Bill Clean __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" Last edited by BILL WILLIAMSON; 06-12-2017 at 11:14 PM.

06-13-2017, 08:23 AM	#19
TerryO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N. GA Posts: 531	Re: Washing A Model "A" I use a hose with a nozzle with multiple settings and use the "shower" setting, a gentle spray and no problem with leaks.

06-13-2017, 09:36 AM	#20
russcochiolo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 218	Re: Washing A Model "A" I use a spray bottle with water and a bit of baby shampoo for the tough spots (mastiff slobber) and terry towels on the body. On the radiator I pick the carcasses with a bamboo skewer followed with a stiff brush, lightly. I use the hose only on wheels, tires and undercarriage. I use a dry soft brush on the fabric top. Seems to work for me. Russ