Best solvent for cleaning underside
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 7
From: IN
Wish I could pressure wash, but there is no way to roll it outside. No concrete drive and a large drop off. So I guess I'll start scraping and try some of these suggestions. I do appreciate all this forum has to offer!
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Simple green and/or dawn dish detergent.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,115
Likes: 196
From: Wilton Ca.
I usually will scrape off the really thick areas first. Then, like a few others, use Simple Green. If really greasy, it may take a few rinses and reapplications.
Too bad you aren't able pressure wash. That would certainly make it MUCH easier.
Gary
Too bad you aren't able pressure wash. That would certainly make it MUCH easier.
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 480
From: Colorado Springs CO
You could also try using Gojo hand cleaner for greasy areas, combine with using an old toothbrush. Wipe off the residue with a rag. Use water from a repurposed Windex spray bottle and an old rag/towel to remove residual and finish clean up. This might remove crayon marks but should be safe on factory paint markings if you have any. I save all my old toothbrushes to reuse for cleaning tasks, sadly I won't be able to save old brush much longer.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,348
Likes: 2,076
From: California
I swear guys, Kerosene! 
I even actually wash my steel bodied muscle cars with the stuff!
But I guess I am not much of an Environmentalist!
I even actually wash my steel bodied muscle cars with the stuff!
But I guess I am not much of an Environmentalist!
Last edited by TCracingCA; Jun 17, 2017 at 04:32 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,677
Likes: 646
From: Indiana
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Kerosene and Spray Nine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 419
From: Melbourne FL
He rinsed with clear water and they always shined.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
Likes: 145
From: Snake handler
Kerosene then Simple Green to remove kerosene residue. Simple Green is my go to detergent/grease remover. For the bottom of the car use it undiluted. Let it sit on the surface for a good 10 minutes. Then rinse with water.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 924
Likes: 467
From: Brentwood CA
I remember, back in the day, going to the corner gas station with an empty container and buying what was called "light solvent". It was about the same price as gas and a very effective degreaser that didn't smell nearly as bad as kerosene or the paint thinner that I currently use. It is unfortunately, nowhere to be found here in good old California.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
We also used to run a solution of 1/2 kerosene and 1/2 engine oil through an engine briefly to de-gunk it, followed by a fresh oil change.
I bough the Tub O'Towels but haven't tried them yet on the underside...they seem a bit "lightweight" for the greasier jobs but we'll see.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 134
From: merritt island fl
C1 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2016 C1 of the Year Finalist
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
I used to use kerosene and Mr Clean 50/50 as an engine degreaser. Spray it on, hose it off. Cheaper than Gunk.