Even amongst supercars, the McLaren F1 stands out. So when you’ll want to clear a type of legendary machines, you do not simply use strange cleaning soap and water. You go for dry ice blasting.
On this Hagerty video, skilled detailer Tim McNair exhibits clear an F1 with dry ice. He views dry ice as “simply one other weapon within the arsenal” within the battle towards dust, however this course of is a step past how most house owners clear their automobiles—and extra dramatic to look at as effectively.
An F1 is an efficient automotive to show dry ice cleansing on as a result of, McNair explains, not like many collector automobiles, house owners truly are inclined to drive them. Positive sufficient, when the wheels and a few of the underbody panelling are eliminated, loads of dust is seen on this instance, which has the high-downforce equipment signified by a big rear wing.
These soiled areas are blasted with pellets of dry ice, which removes dust on impression. It does this with much less moisture and extra precision than different cleansing methods, making it notably helpful for tight, intricate areas like wheel wells and brake assemblies.
As soon as the dust is blasted off, it is time to element. On an F1, that requires a number of forms of cleansing merchandise and methods due to the totally different supplies concerned. On the brakes alone, McNair meticulously applies brake cleaner with cotton swabs and bamboo skewers, then switches to mascara brushes and wonderful metal wool for anodized elements—to keep away from damaging them. All the things then will get wiped down with a spray-on steel detailer.
Alongside the way in which, McNair highlights some fascinating particulars of the F1, like the electrical followers within the wheel wells that blow air into the headlight enclosures to maintain them from fogging.
McNair additionally provides a fast overview of the steering wheel. What seem like paddle shifters are literally controls for the horn and excessive beams. And since the wheel has a racing-style quick-release mechanism that makes direct wiring to the steering column unattainable, these capabilities are activated by infrared beams. These are the stuff you discover once you spend hours detailing a automotive.