When I first got my Corvette in 2003, the engine was very dirty.
I did my best to clean it with degreaser and brushes first. I was very unhappy with the result – the black plastic parts looked faded and seemed to have a transparent skin that was peeling off in places – it looked bad.
I heard about this way of regaining the black on faded parts on the Corvette Forum, this involves spraying a warm engine with Armourall Tyre Spray.
A few people said it worked so I did a small test area. It made the plastic go black and shiny and it look so much better. I sprayed everywhere in the engine bay including inside the hood. It made a huge difference and lasts and lasts – I’ve never seen anything revert to the grey white powdery look – I was amazed at how good and easily it fixed everything.
After Using Armor All -
Note: As part of the original cleaning up of the engine and maintenance, I also replaced the Rocker covers and shockabsorbers, painted the exhaust manifolds etc. Note the vaccum booster, the AIR diverter box, the inlet manifold hose, top of radiator - after the spray they came up like new!
I was concerned that everywhere would turn into a gooey sticky mess but that’s not the case – I now spray the wheel wells, under the bonnet – everywhere – remember not to spray on Serpentine belt as it’s slippery.
UPDATE – I’ve been sprucing up the engine compartment with Armorall for a few years now. I can definitely say it does not harm anything, there’s no noticeable build up, it’s not sticky or attracts dust. It’s just a fantastically easy way to keep the engine looking good.
Instructions -
Wash engine for the first time application and get everything as clean as you can, spray onto a warm engine close the hood and wait 20 minutes – TOO EASY – they’re bound to make it illegal !!
July 5th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
I tried the Armorall tip on my 93 Convertible. I bought it just this past winter and it had been neglected for quite a while. I had to clean a mouse nest out of the radiator. I thought I’d never be able to lift the hood in public (Without spending a fortune and a lot of time). I bought the Armorall and applied it the way Rob described. The wheel wells and inner fenders were especially grey and nasty looking, even after washing. I used a rag to spread the foam and things started looking better. Hoses showed an immediate improvement. The fenderwells took a second application before they showed any real improvement. The payoff was the third time for the fenderwells, and that was a week later. Now a quick touchup is all it takes to make things look really nice. The aluminum still needs work, but that’s wire brush territory. Thanks, Rob for sharing your tip. Now the underhood area looks as nice as the rest of the car.