Steam cleaning

Rbcm2005

Rbcm2005

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So we have purchased a '72 E9 out of Wyoming that is currently at the BMW dealer in Idaho Falls being prepped to road worthy status so that we can fly out to drive it back to California. We have contacted an auto detailer who was recommended by the dealer to completely go over the car so that she is as pretty as can be for us on our arrival and part of the service that he has planned is to steam clean the engine and underbody of the car.

Is this a good idea? Shooting high pressure steam into the nooks and crannies of the car just makes me think rust. Any input is appreciated.
 
Question...

Why spend money to clean/detail a car that is about to drive 1000 miles? Why not detail it when it gets home?

-S
 
sreams said:
Question...

Why spend money to clean/detail a car that is about to drive 1000 miles? Why not detail it when it gets home?

-S
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If I went by that logic then why would I ever clean it since its just going to get dirty again?

This is the maiden voyage and we want to enjoy it for all it's worth.
 
so you bought it, thus is yours, there is no need to check for leaks as when deciding the deal
ok, ask for a waterless clean of the body and aply some wax, and
clean the interior
that will provide you with a nice view of your old new car, a shinny paint and clean trim
but do not pour steam pressurized water over the engine and electric elements on that area
that is at least what i would do...
 
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My .02 would be to go ahead with the cleaning, at least this once, to get a baseline clear view of the car. Any and all issues are already yours and a clean car will assist your discovery. Once you get home you can decide to do whatever your time, patience and checkbook allow (and the car may require).

I would be much more concerned that the car check out mechanically in advance of a long trip through the wilderness. As noted, it will not be so clean after the trip.

Stan posts here frequently, bought his Great White 2800CS in CA and too it back east with only minor mechanical mishap on the way. He did have the car gone over by "The Pros" prior to the trip.

Coupes are pretty reliable if you start with a good runner, and mechanical bits are relatively uncomplicated and usually still available. A new-to-you car should be expected to throw some irritation at you just to test your mettle.
 
Stan posts here frequently, bought his Great White 2800CS in CA and too it back east with only minor mechanical mishap on the way. He did have the car gone over by "The Pros" prior to the trip.

3.0 CS actually...
 
ooops my bad, sorry Stan, to have taken a few cc's and some compression from your motor. Could probably use a little of that compression myself -got any spare coupla points of compression ratio laying about?

Aloha,

Charlie
 
Whatever you decide, I don't think there is one member who is not "constructively envious" of you for taking that ride at such a nice time of the year. Good luck, take some pics and please be sure to post a few.
 
Peter Coomaraswamy said:
Whatever you decide, I don't think there is one member who is not "constructively envious" of you for taking that ride at such a nice time of the year. Good luck, take some pics and please be sure to post a few.
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Thank you. I appreciate that, as well as all the input. This is to be a project car that we will prep over the next two years for a trip to be taken with my 18 year old twins across the country from Northern California to Key West Florida. We are certain to have many questions along the way and I again appreciate the help.

Scott
 
Heya,
Let me get this right, you are going to take an E9 across country with two teens. I would suggest you do a test trip to, let’s say Red Bluff in your restored 2+0. Our cars are wonderful highway drivers but the can be a bit cramped.
One of the most fun trips I had was bringing my newly purchased coupe up from Orlando to Buffalo. On the way, the ignition system went, the tires delaminated and the car refused to start when I hit Pennsylvania and below 40 degree weather (who can blame it). On the way I met a great shade tree mechanic in Apalachicola (ignition), caught up with my old mechanic in Atlanta (tires). I don’t remember how I got the car started at that frozen Wendy’s in PA.
I would suggest you go on your rally with a chase car or Winnebago or 757.
-Kingman
 
Somewhere on this board there is a discussion about which ESSENTIAL spare parts to have stashed in the trunk. A new water pump and gaskets tops my list! Others can add more.

Don't leave home without them.
 
This sounds awesome, 2 years of sorting will provide you a road worthy car, the only issue I see is who draws back seat duty. Plot out your trip with coupe members along the way in case you need safe harbor, repairs, or a drink. Myself included.
 
The cramped space and threat of a breakdown or whatever may come is all part of the adventure that we are after. Anyone could do it in a new car. Where is the fun in that?

I did a cross country trip in our '66 porsche 912 with my oldest son two years ago. We made memories that will last forever across the Salt Flats, through Yellowstone, down through Mt. Rushmore across the plains to Chicago and then ending in NYC. So now I am now preparing for this Key West trip with my twins.

Getting the car ready is the other part of the adventure that we want and we have just over two years to do so. I'm hoping that a group of e9 enthusiasts is not trying to tell me that a '72 E9 coupe is incapable of the trip. If a 912 which is not a GT car can make it, I'm sure an e9 can be made to do so.

We are certainly going to try. :wink:
 
Rbcm2005 said:
The cramped space and threat of a breakdown or whatever may come is all part of the adventure that we are after. Anyone could do it in a new car. Where is the fun in that?

I did a cross country trip in our '66 porsche 912 with my oldest son two years ago. We made memories that will last forever across the Salt Flats, through Yellowstone, down through Mt. Rushmore across the plains to Chicago and then ending in NYC. So now I am now preparing for this Key West trip with my twins.

Getting the car ready is the other part of the adventure that we want and we have just over two years to do so. I'm hoping that a group of e9 enthusiasts is not trying to tell me that a '72 E9 coupe is incapable of the trip. If a 912 which is not a GT car can make it, I'm sure an e9 can be made to do so.

We are certainly going to try. :wink:
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I got my coupe at Coupe King just south of Los Angeles and drove it to the New Hampshire seacoast. It was a great ride and saw a lot of the United States.
 
I'm always amused at the fretting over what to carry on a long trip. I prepare my daily driver 72 Bav for a 2000 mile road trip by removing my umpire gear from the trunk and tossing in my luggage. No spares, a few tools, top off the fluids and hit the road. What did you do in 72?
 
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