Care of Bodywork
Washing
Avoid using a dry cloth to wipe dirt and dust
from the paintwork and plated surfaces. Dust is an abrasive and if removed
in this way, will scratch the polished surface. Wash the vehicle frequently
with plenty of running water and a lean soft sponge. Soften and, if it
is possible, remove the mud with water before using the sponge . When all
the dirt is removed, sponge off and dry with a clean damp chamois leather.
Never
wash or polish the vehicle under a hot sun.
Removing Grease and
Tar
Remove grease and tar by sparing use of white
spirit, but do not apply this rubber, especially screen rubbers
or wiper blades.
Glass Surfaces
Glass is easily scratched. This may be avoided
by always using a damop chamois leather which is specially reserved for
use on glass only. If silicone polishes have been used on the body, take
care that the polish does not come in contact with the glass. It is extremely
difficult to renove and will cause the windscreen wipers to smear. Popular
for motor sport is to treat the glass (particularly the windscreen) with
a propriety treatment such as "Rain-X" which will bead rain and allowing
driving in the rain without the need for the wipers to be switched on!
The glass must be scrupiously cleaned before its application and re-application
is required.
Chromium Plating
Frequent washing and thorough drying is recommended,
especially during the winter months when there is greater likelihood of
corrosion caused by contamination by road salt. Wax polishing will hold
back some corrosion here.
Aluminium Bumpers
and Window Frames
Treat as for chromium plating. It must be
remembered that, although these are of an anodised finish, any scratching
of the finish will undoubtedly lead to corrosion of the surface (due to
the action of salts in the atmosphere alone). Refinishing may be achieved
by use of nickel polish in the case of minor scratching or dulling of the
finish. If the damage is severe then fine wet and dry rubbing paper (600
grit) or wire wool may be used, with paraffin (kerosene) as a lubricant,
to remove the worst pf the marks; afterwards using nickel polish.
Polishing
After a period of use, the formation of traffic
film will cause the paintwork to lose its lustre, even though the vehicle
has been carefully and regularly washed. The original brilliance may be
restored after washing by using a reputable non-abrasive cleaner and polish.
Being the most durable, wax preparations are perferable, but where these
are used regularly the old wax must be removed with a cleaner before further
application of the new wax. The fequency at which polishing is necessary
will depend upon local conditions of air pollution.
Care of Interior
Brush and clean the interior of your TVR regularly.
Use a vacuum cleaner whenever possible. The upholstery may be cleaned with
proprietry upholstery cleaners in accordance with the manfacturers instructions
(but always test it on an unobtrusive area before general application to
ensure compatability). Leather upholstery and the steering wheel responds
well to the use of saddle soap. Interior glass surfaces only
may be cleaned with a non-abrasive household glass and mirror cleaner (do
not use on the exterior
as this will impede vision by smearing).
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