#2
Pre-soak your vehicle to remove heavy contaminants like boulders and squirrel remains.

#3
Use mild liquid soap and a car-wash mitt or sponge — and don't skimp on the water.

#4
Wash one section at a time, and then rinse it off. Start with the roof of the car, then proceed to the hood and the rear. Next, clean the upper sections of the sides, and then, finally, clean the lower areas, including the rocker panels, which invariably have the most dirt. Why this sequence? If you clean the lower sections first, you'll wash the dirt from the top of the car back down onto the lower parts. But, more importantly, you run the risk of having small pieces of debris adhere to the mitt or sponge, and could scratch the vehicle.

      Here are few helpful suggestions to help take care of your beloved Pontiac from the inside.
#1
Refer to the owner's manual before attempting to clean the interior of your vehicle. I've found that many of today's auto components are very sensitive to cleaners. Before you start, test each of the interior materials in small, out-of-the-way locations, where consequences won't be too terrible if it doesn't work out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Do you want to look at the spray pattern from a can of Super Duper Quikkie-Kleen for the rest of the life of your car?

#2
Don't vacuum hard to reach places — instead, blow it out by connecting your vacuum hose to the vacuum outlet. It is most effective to rapidly toggle the power switch on your vacuum between "on" and "off." Here's why. If you blow the debris out at full speed, it's going to fly all over the vehicle. Doing it at a reduced power, however, will move the debris just far enough so you can access it, then easily vacuum it up.

#3
Get a paint brush and a toothbrush. These are the two best tools for accessing hard-to-reach cracks, crevices and corners. The paint brush is great for reaching into deep locations. Vacuum with one hand as you brush those hard-to-reach locations, and you'll quickly clean up tricky spots. Leave both brushes in your glove compartment, so you'll have them when you stop by your local car wash and vacuum emporium.

#4
To thoroughly remove debris from carpets and mats, use a sturdy brush and run a vacuum right behind it. Don't get too aggressive with the brush. Mats and carpets are (sadly) poorly made these days, even on high-end vehicles. You can easily cause fraying or other damage by using too much force

#5
For gum, wax and other materials use chewing gum remover. It actually freezes the gum, so that it can easily be scraped off. Use a dull paint scraper to remove the gum once it's frozen. If you can't find chewing gum remover, you can also use dry ice. Get the gum cold enough so it will crack when you apply light pressure with the scraper.

Chewing gum remover may not be available at your local automotive parts and accessories store. You may have to purchase it through an auto-detailing company or a janitorial supply company

Courtesy of Greg Yoke from Car Talk

Here you can find technical tips on Pontiac repairs. Please email us with your suggestions on specific repairs. (Compliments of The Arkansas Pontiac Assoc.)

Tech Tips

None of these tips are offered as professional advice, only suggestions from one Pontiac hobbyist to another. The Arkansas Pontiac Association will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the application/use/misuse of these tech tips.

Rocky has done it again. This time he's unraveled the mystery of ignition timing. Click on the photo above to see it.

Rocky Rotella has given us a great story to help us understand the Pontiac Quadrajet. Click on the photo above to see it.

Chris Ritter has an article detailing how to upgrade the front calipers on 70-81 Trans Ams. Click on the photo above to see.

Checking Clearance - A ball of clay or Silly Putty can be used to check clearance between parts on any restoration/modification. It is commonly used to check the oil pump pickup height. Roll up a small ball and place it on top of the pickup. Seat the pan and allow it to squash the clay. Measure the thickness of the clay to see how much clearance you have between the pickup and the bottom of the pan. - Chris Ritter

Get Wired - Coat hangers can be used to wire accessories up out of the way when pulling an engine. Cut, thread and twist to keep those components out of the way while lifting the motor free. - Robin Hood

Good Reading - The local library often have extensive collections of automotive guides, such as Chilton's. You can score points with the better half by taking the kids along. - Robin Hood

Taping The Edge - If body parts are painted off the car, be sure to use masking tape along the edges of the panels before fitting them. This will help prevent chipping or cracking the new paint. Folded cardboard can help with spacing the panels while fitting them. - Chris Ritter

Basic Brackets - While you have that engine out to be rebuilt, clean and paint all those accessory brackets. Coat hangers come in handy again. Hang the parts up and shoot them with a high quality, semi-gloss black paint. - Robin Hood

Brush Between Shows - Wax and dirt have a way of finding cracks to hide in. A good assortment of soft bristle brushes can help you clear out grunge and will make a difference with most judges. - Chris Ritter

Shine That Rusty Chrome - Light rust that has formed on chrome can often be cleaned with a light application of Navel Jelly followed by a quick rub with a very fine grade of steel wool. - Bryan Blocker

Spotless Engine Bay - Mix dish washing liquid and water in spray bottle. Mist the engine compartment with the soapy water and rinse with a hose. The sheeting action of the dishwashing liquid will help keep the water from spotting the engine compartment - Jerry Spradlin