Can I take my 97 XK8 through a car wash? It is not a touchless. I know the radio needs to be off. It does have some high pressure water and one hell of a blow dryer at the end. While it may leak a little through the windows, will it hurt the top?

 

I'd avoid it only because I've had vehicles damaged / scratched by the machines.

 

. . . and the high center brake light may blow off.

Some washes will not even allow our cars through due to the potential damage liability.

 

Not advised.

 

Washing my cars myself is one of my favorite pastimes! It gives you to opportunity of caressing all of those wonderful curves and becoming one with the car (maybe I should seek some help--at least my wife thinks so)

Doug

 

Someone once posted, years ago, that washing your XK8/R was like bathing a beautiful woman, so many interesting places to explore.

 

Mine also but not in 30 degree weather with a FROZEN hose. ha ha ha. I will spare her the automatic car wash. I will spray it down at the self wash and hit the bottom best I can. I will NOT use the brush though. Never know when is in those.

 

Its really simple guys. When its cold out, one bucket, 5 gal, with car wash solution of your choice in warm water. Right next to that is another 5 gal. of warm rinse water with a cup in it.

Just like doing dishes, (this will get a lot of response), wash and rinse start at the top and work your way around.

Rubber gloves advised, but optional.

What makes it even more fun is doing the tires and rims. I had an old office chair I took the back off of and use that to wheel around the car. Cushioned seat, hydraulic adjustable, 5 wheel drive.

This is livin.

 

daddyo has the right idea! We've had one helluva cold snap down here in Georgia, but I refuse to give into mother nature!

The mention of rubber gloves reminds me. If you can find yourself some insulated rubber gloves like professional barbecuers use, they are even better for washing your car in the cold. I bought mine from http://www.texasbbqrub.com/tools.htm for $10 or so shipped.

 

I dunno guys...would love to have the time (kids, work, other interests) and the weather (Northeast US) to hand wash her. Alas, I do not, so she has regularly gone to the car wash (touch and touch-less) since day one. When I do give her a good washing the paint looks fine...no scratches etc. Perhaps because she is a coupe I do not have the same worries you rag-top folks do.

Sacrilegious? Perhaps, but she is a daily driver and I would rather have her clean and slightly imperfect (and again...I see no discernible damage from the car wash...at all) , than slobbing about all full of road salt etc.

She is serving me well.

 

Good lord man, that would take all day. Ha ha ha I do use hot water and car soap to wash. It's the drying off that is not fun.

 

When I finished the basement I placed a hose bib with hot water next to the cold one. A little Y mixing and washing the car in the winter is a breeze... I have to plan a little, so at least there is enough sun out to dry the driveway before it frezes. Else, getting in and out of the garage becomes entertaining for the neighbors in a different way compared to watching me wash the car in the 30-40 degF...

 

Its nice to know I'm not the only one who entertains the neighbors.

The time it takes me with the bucket brigade is about 45-60 minutes.

 

I caught a 45 degree day this weekend and took it to a hand wash, sprayed it down, filled buckect with soap water from wash and hit it reat fst by hand. Luckly no one came in behind me and get made caus I was going by hand. Ha ha ha

 

You are ABSOLUTELY correct!

 

My wife just want me to caress her the same way as the car.

 

Too much information!

 

I would not recommend. I prefer hand wash.

 

Well, take her outside and wash her down in 45 degree weather!! .....

 

I may just have to give that a try! Anamation you have says it all, nicely done!