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Is is that time of the year again, time to get those cars looking spick and span, time to show off you skills at cleaning
Don't forgot your sunscreen don't want sunburnt members 
Here is some tips for how to prepare your car, this was written by one of our members Lisa Wilkie Baker who has been involved in many concours events in the past.
Getting ready for Concours……. by Lisa Wilkie Baker
Come early February, it will be time again to give your undivided attention, focus your every waking moment, eat, sleep and breath with your car. That's right, it's our club's annual concours, our once a year opportunity to display the best our club has to offer.
Dating back to the late 1800's, the Concours D'Elegance is an event in which owners of restored and, highly maintained vehicles compete to see which entry is the cleanest and most original.
This year, to ensure these coveted trophies are within everyone's reach I've done some research, gathered advice from Zed owners, and even got some hot tips from a professional valet. So no more excuses - let's get to work!
On our club day you will have the choice of entering one (or more) of the following categories:
1) FULL CONCOURS:
This is the big one, for those of you who really treasure your car. The cars will examined in great detail in search of the perfect Zed. They will be judged on everything., Panel and paint, interior, engine bay, underbody and of course authenticity (originality). The age of your car will also gain you additional points.
2) SHOW AND SHINE:
Similar to the full concours, this is a great test of 'elbow grease'. Your car may not look original but it should dazzle the judges with its cleanliness. The bonnets and toolboxes are closed for this category so the attention is focused on panel, paint, glass, exterior trim, wheels and interior.
3) RACE CAR CATEGORY:
This is a very popular category for many members who race on a regular basis and who like to keep their cars looking sharp. To be eligible you need to have competed in your car twice in the last 12 months. Things to have in ship-shape condition are: interior, engine bay, underbody, glass, panel and paint. Only in this category, are graphics and/or logos (sponsorship etc) taken into account for the overall impression of a racing zed.
There is a trophy available for Members Choice, which encompasses all three categories together - you will have the opportunity to vote on the day for the car you like the look of the best.
Of special note is the prize “Waldren Trophy for Best New Member”, which will be given to the winner of the best car entered by a first-time concours competitor.
Where do I start? What do I clean first?
OK, so you've chosen a category and now it's time to get to work on your Zed. I've managed to gather some useful information to save you time and effort in getting your car ready for our annual day out.
A practical place to start is the engine bay and underbody. Having access to a waterblaster can be very useful at this stage. An easier option can be taking a tri to your p local "Washworld". Go prepared - take a jack, stands and a wheel brace as the best results are obtained by taking the wheels off to really clean wheel arches and suspension thoroughly. Don't forget to give some attention to the transmission, drive train and tunnel - great dirt collection areas.
What cleaners and chemicals are effective and safe to use?
The foaming engine degreaser available at 'Washworld' does a good job in the engine bay if things aren't too dirty. Many people have suggested various alternatives: Kerosene, Mobilsol, Simple Green and other non-abrasive detergents. All these products if "worked in" with a paint brush, (trim the bristles an inch to give you a firmer brush) will successfully remove most built-up or ingrained dirt from those difficult areas in your engine bay and underbody. More than one application can often give better results. Remember to rinse thoroughly. Don't forget to protect the paint on your guards while cleaning the engine bay with old bath towels.
How do I get my wheels looking really sharp?
Let's face it, there are many mag wheel cleaning products on the market, most containing acids and bleaches, which, if used incorrectly, could permanently damage the finish of your wheels. One of the most recontmended and effective all-purpose products that you can use safely is "Simple Green".
Past experience has shown that a bucket of suds, a selection of brushes (including a toothbrush) and a hose is the only way to get wheels really clean. Tedious, but true! Don't forget to clean the inside of your mags and give the tyre rubber a good scrub. Some people use a nylon pot-scrub on their aluminium mags to assist in the removal of dirt. All wheels are different so test a small area before getting too carried away.
"Autosol" is a good product for polishing the wheels once they are cleaned. A carefully applied coating of wax on wheels can give added protection from brake-dust deposits. Use a "dressing" on the tyre-rubber such as Armor All and work into the grooves with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid spraying on - it can make a big mess!
TIP:
Scrubbing your mags with a used dish-brush will prevent you from knocking all the skin off your knuckles (ouch).
Any pointers on cleaning the Interior?
Start off with a really thorough vacuum. Pay attention to those hard to reach (but not hard to see) places like down the sides of your seats.
Most of the vinyl (and plastic) in your interior should we cleaned with a solution of mild detergent and water. If it's really grubby try using "Multi" (general purpose foam cleanser) - Note: keep this stuff off your paintwork. After cleaning, apply a vinyl conditioner. There are many products available, most people use Armor All. There is some controversy surrounding the use of this product on interior surfaces as it has a white spirit base which is absorbed into the vinyl and can make it brittle.
An upholsterer I talked to suggested the use of Silicon (XL brand, NZ product) applied with a cloth for dash, upholstery and plastic surfaces. Excessive shine can be a problem and can be minimised with buffing.
Velour upholstery, if it's looking a bit grubby, can be cleaned successfully by spraying with Multi and massaging the product in with a fine nail brush if necessary. Use a damp chamois to wipe off/sponge out the dirt and residue detergent.
What Wax or Polish should I use on the bodywork?
There are two ways of dealing with paintwork, you can either "seal" it by using a glaze or "nourish it" and let it breath with a wax. If you use wax you will need to reapply every three months depending on conditions. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for - good quality waxes can be expensive, but are worth it for the protection it can provide. Cannuba wax (smells like coconut oil) is supposed to be the best there is, so if you use any product containing this, you're on the right track.
"3M Hand Glaze" is a useful product for reducing swirl marks and scratches in your paint. Remember to apply these products in the shade, or when the body panels are cold, or you may stain the paint work. It may be of interest that in your regular cleaning schedule, wash your car in the shade or again, when the panels are cool (spray water on them for a few minutes if you must wash in the sun). Use a natural sponge, available from the Body Shop, not a carwash brush as they all scratch your paint. Turtle Wax "Wash and Wax" is a good product for regular use. Chamois the car dry, using a back-and-forth motion (i.e. not circular!).
TIP:
A small soft paint brush is a handy tool to assist in removing dust from crevices while you vacuum.
So what's left?
Glass: The secret to clean, streak-free glass is to use two (lint free) cloths. The first one cleans and the second is used to polish the glass.
Chrome: “Autosol” metal polish or “Silvo” works well (this can be followed by a coating of wax to protect if you wish). Make sure badges don't have a build up of wax on them - clean with a soft toothbrush
Brightwork: Aluminium kick strips on 240/260Z can be cleaned successfully using “Jif” and a stiff scrubbing brush. The result will be semi matt, but very bright.
There is a lot to be gained by giving your car this once-a-year going over. Besides making your car look awesome it's an ideal time to check for any fluid leaks and (dare I say it) underbody rust. Happy cleaning!
