After a rough day of tanking - how do you clean your tank?
#1
After a rough day of tanking - how do you clean your tank?
Hi there,
I assume you just can't take the hose and spray these things off - what are some of the things you guys do to clean them up after a day of "off roading"? i'm really curious as to how clean you need to keep the tracks and runnning gear and how best to clean them.
Thanks a bunch,
Paul
I assume you just can't take the hose and spray these things off - what are some of the things you guys do to clean them up after a day of "off roading"? i'm really curious as to how clean you need to keep the tracks and runnning gear and how best to clean them.
Thanks a bunch,
Paul
#4
If you're talking tracks and you were me, I'd take them off and use warm water and an old toothbrush to scrub off the mud/dirt. Actually, I'd personally apply water (soapy or not) and toothbrush to pretty much everywhere.
#8
What TheBennyB said - cleaning is not necessary except for the gearboxes and bushings/bearings in the wheels, especially if you have a WW2 tank. Otherwise, just running it around dirt adds visual effect more easily than spending hours on the bench with pigments and paints:
#10
If my tracks get TOO dirty with wet sand/mud I just lay the garden hose on the drive way and turn it on then drive the tank thru the flowing water. That way the thick grit don't dry out and start falling off on to the shelf where I keep'em. Usually they're not 'dirty' enough!
Mike
Mike
#13
Hey guys, I've been thinking about this subject so I'm reviving the thread to ask, what are you using just for general maintenance cleaning? I'm talking about the dust and grime that collects from sitting on the shelf. I've always used a blush brush and a tack cloth to clean things up, but I've found that this is a GREAT place to get new and innovative ideas on the simplest subjects, so what tools do y'all recommend? I've been thinking about one of those tiny vacuums, anybody tried those?
#14
Well, if the lint, dust, and wooly-boogers get to thick on my upper hull, I usually turn the air compressor down to a gentle blow, put on one of those trigger air guns then take a small soft paint brush and as I blow the stuff I gently brush it off. Works GREAT around the tools, tight corners, crew, and delicate stuff.
I tried one of those tiny computer vacuums with the little brush but it didn't pull stuff up from around the tools/corners AND it was time consuming... maybe it'd work with the soft paint brush used too, but I've had to open the larger garage shop vac and dig ('OOOUUU!!") out some small parts before. THAT'S when I went to light air blowing on and small wide paint brush.
Mike in Kentucky
I tried one of those tiny computer vacuums with the little brush but it didn't pull stuff up from around the tools/corners AND it was time consuming... maybe it'd work with the soft paint brush used too, but I've had to open the larger garage shop vac and dig ('OOOUUU!!") out some small parts before. THAT'S when I went to light air blowing on and small wide paint brush.
Mike in Kentucky
Last edited by Old MSgt; 09-02-2014 at 06:49 AM.
#15
I put mine back on the shelf, dripping wet from Danville.
They get some light dusting now and then plus a can of air to get the dust & cob webs off but NO cleaning!
Jeff
They get some light dusting now and then plus a can of air to get the dust & cob webs off but NO cleaning!
Jeff
#16
It's great that you can do that, Jeff, but at my house I have to worry about more than just dust. I don't think it would be very realistic to roll out the Jagdpanther only to see that's it's covered in cat hair.
#17
Oh, that's too bad. I had cats once and now we have 3 dogs.
But I restrain them from anything more than just visiting in the "Mission Room" and I have a screen filter over the AC/Heat duct in that room.
Have you ever thought of relocating them OR using an air ionizer/air cleaner? I heard they remove 99% of dust, hair and pollen. I'm thinking of getting one just for the dust. With my shoulders being fried, dusting is an option I cannot do well anymore. PLUS, my paint booth is in there too so I need one.
Jeff
But I restrain them from anything more than just visiting in the "Mission Room" and I have a screen filter over the AC/Heat duct in that room.
Have you ever thought of relocating them OR using an air ionizer/air cleaner? I heard they remove 99% of dust, hair and pollen. I'm thinking of getting one just for the dust. With my shoulders being fried, dusting is an option I cannot do well anymore. PLUS, my paint booth is in there too so I need one.
Jeff
#19
Other then the seasonal tear down and clean and lube of the in side I only clean out the grass that's stuck in the wheels and idlers after a battle the dirt makes it look better .
Jimmy
Jimmy
#20
#21
I just use clean water and drive back and forth through the stream.
#23
As for the drive-thru tank wash, ever seen that commercial for the inventor that came up with the inflatable car wash for kids? Hmmm, maybe we should call Ron Popiel.
#24