Page 40 - Vauxhall 20-60 H.P. (R Type) Chassis Shop Manual

VAUXHALL 20-60 SHOP MANUAL

GROUP III

BODY

CARE OF COACH FINISH

SECTION ‘Belco’ finish used on Vauxhall cars is unlike paint or varnish finish. It is
150 cellulose and improves with age and continued polishing. For all ordinary
purposes a rub down with a clean, soft, dry rag is sufficient to keep the finish
bright and attractive, but at times more attention than this is required, and
on these occasions ‘Belco’ polish No. 7 should be used.

Before applying the polish, caked mud should be washed off with water, and
any road tar removed with the aid of a little petrol. Battery acid does not harm
the ‘Belco’, but care should be taken when filling the radiator with alcohol anti-
freezing mixtures in very cold temperatures, to see that the mixture is not
splashed on the ‘Belco’ finish. If the car is allowed to stand for a long period
without being polished or given other attention, a coloured scum will form, but
this coating is not detrimental to the finish and it may be removed quickly with
‘Belco’ polish No. 7. The fact that a small amount of colour will be removed with
each application of polish need not give rise to apprehension, as the finish is not
detrimentally affected in any way.

CARE OF FABRIC FINISH

SECTION The secret of quick cleaning for exterior fabric is a good, constant, steady
151 flow of water.

If a hose is used in washing, do not have pressure greater than will carry the
water six inches beyond the end of the hose. Do not use a nozzle. Water
under high pressure will drive grit into the fabric. It will be found that the
sponge, when used with plenty of water, will penetrate into the grain. Hard
pressure is not only unnecessary but is detrimental to the fabric, whether it
is with sponge or cloth. The washing down operation should be commenced
from the top of the roof and gradually worked down to the stepboards. A
soft chamois cloth should then be wiped lightly over. The plain washing down
will be found quite adequate for the weekly clean.

If, however, mud has been allowed to remain in the grain of the fabric for any
length of time the appearance will be affected, generally looking very streaky or
blotchy. A gentle scrubbing with a nail brush, a little soap and warm water will,
however, remove the ingrained mud and renew the appearance of the fabric.

CLEANING PLATED FITTINGS

SECTION Hard metal polishes, generally used for cleaning household brass work,
152 should be rigorously avoided. Not only do they eventually rub through the

surface, but they leave innumerable small scratches, which ruin the surface
for a good shine. Reliable plate polishes only should be used.

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