Just got a new F430 Spider and was going to give its first wash this weekend. Any suggestions on how best to deal with the top? I assume you need to put it up first for the initial wash, but have been told not to put it down if it's wet. When the top is up, it covers up part of the rear canopy. Do I wash it with top up / towel off the top / put top down and then finish the back? Or is there another / better way to do it? Also -- does anyone have a recommendations for the cleaning the top? Not sure if it's a sensitive / delicate material.
I wash mine with the top up and as you said don't put it down unit it is dry. It dries fairly quickly. You don't have to use a towel but if you do so use microfiber as the top attracts lint. Occassionaly I use a masking tape type clothes roller to remove light lint particles. I use compressed air to gently coax water out from underneath the rear canopy areas you mentioned. Other than that I don't worry about those areas until I put the top down for waxing. When I first got it I used Raggtop brand top cleaner that I got from autogeek and it worked well. Haven't needed to use it again.
I cover mine eng vent holes w towels to minimize water getting into the eng so less clean up later (just me). Also it is best to wash when eng + wheels are cold (IMO).
All correct, but I emphasise what Testarossa said, "don't open the hood and leave the car open when the hood is wet"! It's also in the manual, I guess too many electrical components near there can absorb moisture.
After a good wash and wax I always go for the rewarding long drive. The heat from the drive will evaporate any water getting in. Not trying to be sarcastic but this is a car we're talking about. I have driven in the rain (I don't have a spyder but the vents are open to the atmosphere) other than the PIA intermittent wipers there are no problems. Relax and enjoy the car.
I used very little water over the rear vents and sprayed there carefully. Then, the first part I dried was the rear deck. Next I would raise the rear deck, dry off any drops hanging on, and then let any little dribbles fall into the engine compartment, most of it on the frame. I would dry off the rest of the car. Then, the last step was to dry off the frame and the muffler. If you follow this process, the engine stays clean and free of dried water marks, and at the same time is easy to do. I will say that the F430 is the most difficult car to dry I have ever owned. It's just full of nooks and crannies!
When I wash the car I never put anything on the roof material other than water. My synthetic chamois dries the roof nicely. Once done I operate the roof until the rear canvas/window section is vertical (Many people will tell you NOT to do this) and wet chamois and dry the bodywork under the rear area which in my car is usually dusty. I then return the roof to its closed position. This way it is clean underneath, not stored wet and properly stretched while drying. My experience operating the top half way has not been problematic but I know there are some horror stories out there.
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Indeed the 430 took some time this morning. One thing that would be helpful is some pressurized air for all the nooks and crannies. Have heard of guys using a leafblower, but I might investigate some other options first. The roof actually dried fairly fast, and yes the canopy behind the roof does gather some dust, so had to take care of that after putting the roof down. Followed everyone's advice about plugging the vents, so don't think too much water went down there. But I did see some vapor on the glass when I put it back in the garage -- guess that was from the heat. Had a little scare when the brakes turned rust color 3 hours later, but have been told this will disappear after a little drive. The good news is I met three new neighbors during the washing process!!! Have only had the car a couple weeks, but virtually 100% of the time we've taken it out we get a wave, thumbs up or a "nice car" from someone. Today I didn't even have to leave my driveway. . .
A leaf blower is one of the best things I've purchased for car cleaning!!...no idea why I didnt do this sooner....much quicker than towels and if you have a good wax on the car there are virtually no water spots....I also use it on wheels and tires (no more wiping them down either)....great for the engine bay on the 430.
Leaf blower is fantastic.. Have used it for years. If the car has a good coat of wax you will never have to use a microfiber. The water will just blow off. It's also great for the engine bay. Just pop the hood and blow the water out of it. Makes things very easy.
Great idea. I've never thought of using my backpack echo blower for that (normally I just use it to clean out the garage and driveway). Thanks for the info. My only concern is getting driveway debris dust onto freshly washed/wet car... guess if ur careful about where u aim the blower and only have full power when its aimed on car its not a prob.
Dont worry about driveway debris...just be careful.....and I would not use a back pack blower...could be bad if you turned the pack into the car accidentally....also may be more difficult to get the tube higher up on roof, etc....I have a small Toro Ultra hand held....very light, blows 235mph and only $75 at Home Depot.
