I use my backpack blower to dry my Envoy. It works very well to get the water out of all the nooks and crannies.
Blow dry after washing her....
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Blow dry after washing her....
I was finishing up washing the Vert....getting the dust and grime off so I can begin getting it ready for the show season (polish, wax & detail, etc) when I look over and see my Toro leaf blower hanging in the tool house. So I thought "Why not?" So I did and it worked perfectly especially doing the wheels, blowing water from behind the emblems, and getting the water out from all those pesky places you can reach with a towel. AND it was fast!! 
Now I know that it sounds silly and may look silly to use a leaf blower on your car to dry it. But I do have one question...will it hurt the car? I thought about the possibility of dust/dirt getting kick up and the air is it not being filtered air but I figure after washing the car, the concrete is still wet and the dirt/dust is pretty much washed away. Any thoughts?
Now I know that it sounds silly and may look silly to use a leaf blower on your car to dry it. But I do have one question...will it hurt the car? I thought about the possibility of dust/dirt getting kick up and the air is it not being filtered air but I figure after washing the car, the concrete is still wet and the dirt/dust is pretty much washed away. Any thoughts?
Instructor
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From: Clayton NC
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
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I use my electric blower on my 70 the few times I have washed it. Like you say it helps get the water out of the places that would normally cause a drip down the side of the car. I would probably avoid using a gas blower on the vette. The reason I say that is because my gas blowers exhaust comes out the same tube the blown air does. Don't really want two stroke exhaust and oil on my good paint.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: western nc/northern va nc/va
I've heard of alot of detailing guys doing this. There are special made machines also a person can use. Check out some of the detailing sites/sections. I just have a gas blower and have never tried it. I wonder how air nozzle would work?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
As long as no debris enters or, more importantly, exits the blower 
, it should work fine. Maybe a small electric leaf blower, used just for that purpose would be better than the 'yard' blower.
, it should work fine. Maybe a small electric leaf blower, used just for that purpose would be better than the 'yard' blower.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Livonia MI
I've used both a leaf blower and an air nozzle from my compressor. The blower works great on large areas. The nozzle is best for more detailed stuff.
If you use the nozzle, set your pressure regulator to about 50 psi. That's more than enough to move the water. You don't want to blow water into electrical connectors and such.
If you use the nozzle, set your pressure regulator to about 50 psi. That's more than enough to move the water. You don't want to blow water into electrical connectors and such.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Livonia MI
I use my electric blower on my 70 the few times I have washed it. Like you say it helps get the water out of the places that would normally cause a drip down the side of the car. I would probably avoid using a gas blower on the vette. The reason I say that is because my gas blowers exhaust comes out the same tube the blown air does. Don't really want two stroke exhaust and oil on my good paint.
Race Director
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From: Fair Oaks, OK
Le Mans Master
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I like using an air nozzle myself, but you do have to pay attention not to get too close if you don't have a soft tip tho (BTDT), and I suspect I get as many odd stares with the nozzle as one might with the blower.
While we're on the topic, I've also found filtering the rinse water significantly reduces the chances of spotting. The inline type for RV potable water work great.
While we're on the topic, I've also found filtering the rinse water significantly reduces the chances of spotting. The inline type for RV potable water work great.
Race Director
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From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
My shopvac is the design that allows the motor to un-clip from the tank and be used as a blower. Works great. It is a bit easier to direct the flexible hose than the long tube on the leaf blower.
Le Mans Master
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From: melbourne florida
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hot water is good for rinsing, it doesn't spot as much due to less minerals they are seperated out as part of the heating process. it also evaporates quicker
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I've been using my backpack leaf blower for years. They work great with no issues. Before that I usually sheet the water off with an open hose nozzle. Finish with a waffle weave microfiber towel if there's any water left on the car 