Reply to "Restoration of lithographed cars - Ives in this example"

@Mannyrock posted:

When you folks are using Carnauba wax/cleaner, are you first washing the car with warm water and a mild soap, followed by a good water rinse?  Or do you skip the washing part and go straight to the wax?

I have been just washing my old Marx cars, and they immediately look 50% better, being very careful to get into all the cracks, such as ladders on cylinder castings.   

Mannyrock

I always begin a cleaning project with dishwashing detergent and a toothbrush, being careful to get into all of the corners, such a ladders on cylinder castings.

Next step is spray remaining spots with WD-40 and scrub with a toothbrush.  That works especially well on Bakelite (ZW's, O22, etc.).

Then I go to more aggressive tactics such as cleaning wax and brass polish.