I'm so stupid... the car cover goes on the OTHER WAY

[MachOneMustang]

Alright guys, here's the deal. I'm 18 and I'm a classic stang lover. I drive an 89' GT. About 3 months ago I helped my dad in buying his first classic mustang since the 80's. This car would be a beautiful great-shape 1969 Mach 1 (390ci, hurst 4spd). Needless to say my Mustang-lover friends have been stopping by, begging to see the car, to which I say "alright alright, lemme take the cover off."

Problem is... recently my dad was grinding down a fiberglass sink in the garage (doors open... but its not all gonna get out), and alot of the excess dust settled on the outside car cover. Well... I wasn't aware of that. So... sometime around a week ago I'm assuming, after one of the times I took the cover off to show my friends the car... I put it on wrong, what was the outside was now the inside. A couple days ago (when I was goin over the interior, looking for parts that needa' replacin') I realized that the car seemed extremely dusty. I thought to myself "gee... what-a-car-cover this thing is, letting dust right through." Not the case, obviously. Today my dad pointed out to me why the car looked like it did (it was the first time he noticed it). I feel really dumb, hah. I guess I should too, but it was clearly an accident.

What my worries are centered around is the car's paintjob. This may be a stretch... but do you think the fiberglass dust (and it is very fine), has any chance of marring the paint? I've vowed to wash the car this weekend (weather pending), but... I worry alot, hah... and do you guys think theres any chance of the dust putting fine scratches in the paint? And to you that say (if you say) "not if it wasn't physically rubbed in", what about the car cover itself, laying on the car? Is that enough to "rub it in"? This weekend will be I guess just shy of 2 weeks the dust has been laying on the car.

Sorry, I know this post isnt too relavant to anything, I'm just a worry-wort.

 

[SuperDave]

Hosing the car off BEFORE washing it is suggested. It is unlikely that you damaged the paint. I'd be more concerned about BREATHING fiberglas particles.

BTW. I put a piece of bright colored yarn into the fabric of my cover. That way I know which end is the front and which side goes to the outside.

 

[crushnut]

SD beat me to it, do what he says and you should be fine. Any fine scratches, if any should come right out with a good wax and polish.

 

[Sicarius428]

If you have a air compressor try blowing it off first maybe.
Kevin

 

[Sicarius428]

Nevermind just hose it off. It's just going to get everywhere agian.
Kevin

 

[bnickel]

Nevermind just hose it off. It's just going to get everywhere agian.
Kevin

i think you're first post was better, i would blow it of with compressed air at a low pressure, maybe 10-15psi or so, but definately wear protection, safety glasses, dust mask or respirator if you have one, long sleeve shirt and gloves. if you try to just rinse it off you run the chance of it clumping together and making the problem worse, especially if you get it on the wash-mit. if you blow it off first you'll reduce the chance of that happening, but then i'm a worrier myself

 

[SuperDave]

Having worked fiberglas on boats and canoes, I can tell you that the residue is harmful to your skin, eyes and lungs. Blowing the residue off only reintroduces it into the air and,accordingly, increases the chances of further contamination. Washing away the residue is much safer as the water absorbs the harmful elements.

I'm NOT suggesting using a wash-mitt but simply a garden hose and nozzle fo rinse the car. After the car is rinsed in this manner, a wash-mitt and soap should follow.

 

[pabear89]

then a coat of wax would be nice.

PB

 

[bnickel]

Having worked fiberglas on boats and canoes, I can tell you that the residue is harmful to your skin, eyes and lungs. Blowing the residue off only reintroduces it into the air and,accordingly, increases the chances of further contamination. Washing away the residue is much safer as the water absorbs the harmful elements.

dave, i used to work at a marina and we did a lot of glass work, we had a rental fleet of about 8 ski boats and another dozen waverunners that were constantly getting beat-up, and that was the way we did it, not saying there is a right or wrong way. i do agree that blowing it off does re-introduce it to the air, hence the reason i suggested protective clothing and such. i personally would be more afraid of scratching the paint, provided i was taking the necessary precautions.

edit for spelling