Cleaning behind door panels.

Submitted: Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 18:36
ThreadID: 132864 Views:3157 Replies:6 FollowUps:5
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Hello all,
I am finally getting around to cleaning the insane amount of dust filled behind every nook and cranny in my Hilux.
I have removed my door trim and plastic lining only to wonder if I speed up the process and hose it out? Would this risk ruining the electrics? Or is there not much to ruin behind there providing I remove the speakers? I should mention I do have electric windows so there is a motor behind there.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I attached a pic to show people how dirty they get under there!
-Raph
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Reply By: Hoyks - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 18:52

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 18:52
I'd start with the water turned down to a trickle so it doesn't spray mud everywhere and a soft brush. Detergent is optional, but helps.

Then wash it as you would the outside of the car.

The electrics are robust & reasonably water resistant, and I wouldn't bother about pulling the speakers. Water gets in there whenever it rains as it runs past the rubbers. A bit of WD spray on the plugs won't hurt when you are done.
AnswerID: 601845

Follow Up By: Raph M - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:38

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:38
Thanks for the advice :)
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Reply By: swampy - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:36

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:36
hi
Remove speakers.
Tape up the door opening with plastic sheet then pressure clean door with detergent . There also will be a lot of manual brushing with hose .
Put electrical grease on the connectors when reinstalling.
Use new mastic on door liners [the black stuff].
If done properly u will need to lube window regulators with zinc grease .
swamp
AnswerID: 601849

Follow Up By: Raph M - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:39

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:39
Hi Swampy,

Thanks for the advice. Which door opening should I tape up? I was pretty keen to hose out the whole inside of the door.

-Raph
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 21:26

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 21:26
We had gallons of water come into our car after a panel beater did not replace the torn plastic. Make sure it is as sealed as you can.

It took a week to get the stink out of the car. That plastick is the seal that stops water coming into your car through the door drain holes etc. I even replaced our plastic liner with new sheeting from Bunnings. I got the mastic from tham as well.

Phil
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FollowupID: 871393

Reply By: Gronk - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 21:24

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 21:24
If you are going to drive on dusty roads again, all I would do is dust down the outside with a soft brush and whack the door trims back on.

Even if you want to do the inside, 90% can be cleaned up with a good wipe down with rags.
AnswerID: 601852

Follow Up By: Raph M - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 22:22

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 22:22
Yeah I think I may rag it down to be safe, Thanks mate!
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FollowupID: 871394

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 22:18

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 22:18
Probably better off just using some rags, together a bucket of water with some detergent or CT-18 mixed in it. If you try to hose it you'll still to scrub as that stuff sticks like sh"t to a blanket.

Agree with comment about not worrying about the inside too much, but now you've got all the gear off probably rinse it out, and if it looks at all rusty, use some kill rust or similar, followed by good coating of fish oil.

What Phil said about the plastic too! Looks like yours wasn't working to well. :-)

Bob

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Can't remember most of it.

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AnswerID: 601854

Follow Up By: Raph M - Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 22:24

Sunday, Jun 26, 2016 at 22:24
Thanks man, I think I will take your advice and rag it down to be safe. I am going to gaff tape some new plastic on there. Cheers!

-Raph
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Reply By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Monday, Jun 27, 2016 at 15:29

Monday, Jun 27, 2016 at 15:29
Compressed air - just blow it out with an air gun.
AnswerID: 601873

Reply By: swampy - Monday, Jun 27, 2016 at 19:14

Monday, Jun 27, 2016 at 19:14
hi
Raph M
Tape up the body side opening so when u clean the door no debris water goes inside the car.

Resealing with tape does not work that well , Mastic works/seals best.

Forgot to mention , Removing latches is best degrease and relube but if not
pressure clean out and flood with heavy oil an crc zinc lube wear u can .

swamp
AnswerID: 601890

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