So, a friend/coworker had a fire where he stores his car, and asked if I could help him with the aftermath. FWIW, its a Chrysler Crossfire. And before you start, I already told him he might have been better off to let it burn, then he could get a real sports car. Then I ran away

Anyway, fortunately, no physical fire damage to the car. However there is ash, almost sticky ash covering the exterior.

The interior, of course smells of smoke bad.

I searched and saw a thread from some unfortunates in Cali, whose cars were effected by some of the fires out there. Most talked about having positive results on the exterior with some soaking washes, claying then polishing. Clearly this would be the time to own a foam gun

I was unable to find anything regarding the interior other than procedures for removing cigarette smoker smell. The advice there was to remove the seats, clean carpets and seats, clean/detail dash and all interior panels. I could not find any advice on vents.

So, I'm looking for advice/help, especially regarding the interior.
What am I missing?
Any specific products?
Any way to clean the vents?

Thanks in advance

 

lmao at your remark about letting his car burn!

you are on the right track- its pretty much a "tear the thing down" and clean it out sorta job.

there are products that can help - i will let others chime in here.
as for the vents, change the vent filter (its prob o.k., but if it happened to pick up some odor, it will keep the odor- and hey, its prob time to change it anyway!), and if you can blow them out (other end of the vac) you will find out whether they are dusty or not. again, there are products that you can blow into them too.

the main culprits are usually soft surfaces, like the seats and carpets- and headliner. i like a good apc - currently using megs. vac everything first then apc or other cleaner. also nice to be able to do this on a warm sunny day so things can air out and dry in the sun.

this will get you started - actually you are already started and you are on the right track. just wanted to add on a few thoughts.

 

[QUOTE=wanabe,Jan 20 2010, 04:04 PM]

 

you are too funny...

yes, top down outside is good- but thats with sunshine!
snowshine just isnt quite the same

 

change the cabin filter and use this for the vents:
http://www.detailersdomain.com/1zeinszett-...riacleaner.aspx

you can "bomb" the interior (with the top up of course)
to help with the smell. this might do the trick:
http://autodetailingsolutions.net/odor-bomb.html