2002 Car Wash Question

[rexcsmith]

My 2002 convertible top is in pristine condition. Question is whether it can go through an automatic car wash. I've never done it and won't if it's going to cause problems.
thanks, rex

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[Bond007]

I’ve taken mine through several times with no problem.

 

[russelltribe]

I take my 2004 through routinely with no problems. If you’re concerned, you can just ask the attendant to disable the overhead brush as well.

 

[PPA]

I have never taken my 02 or any of the other two converts I owned through an auto wash. I don't have any proof, but i have always felt it could cause the alignment of the top to move. Currently the top fit is perfect. The Bird is so small it take about 10 minutes to wash by hand --------- i then take my leaf blower to blow off all water and never use a towel or chamois. It is always garaged with a good coat of Zymol wax and beads water like crazy. Have told several buddies about the leaf blower trick after a wash and they are believers. If using electric blower move it away from pavement water to blow it off.

 

[Black T]

My 2002 convertible top is in pristine condition. Question is whether it can go through an automatic car wash. I've never done it and won't if it's going to cause problems.
thanks, rex

It's always risky with an automatic car wash, because there is always a chance of a mechanical malfunction that could damage the vehicle. Better to hand wash any classic car, especially our delicate Birds!

 

[Pcrpete]

I've never once taken my 04 thru a car wash, no telling what that would do to the top, and especially the cheap plastic logos and V8 pieces on the car, pretty sure they'd be torn off, never to be found again
Also, as has been mentioned above, it's not a large car, can be washed fairly quickly, and I enjoy doing it
The wheels take a little longer to get all the brake dust off, but man, sure looks good when clean!

 

[Pat Finlon]

My 2002 convertible top is in pristine condition. Question is whether it can go through an automatic car wash. I've never done it and won't if it's going to cause problems.
thanks, rex

I would not! I don't think the brushes and power spray will be good for the top. I really have never seen a soft top in a car wash. Find a hand car wash or DYI. is my suggestion. I always wash by hand it takes no time at all not a large car.

 

[The Flash]

I have taken my 2003 thru a few times in 17 years. some time with the over -head wash off and some times not. I prefer to hand wash if the weather is not cold.

 

[Quique]

My 2002 convertible top is in pristine condition. Question is whether it can go through an automatic car wash. I've never done it and won't if it's going to cause problems.
thanks, rex

I have done too and have had no problems. Not even a leak!!

 

[Bob H]

I take my ‘02 through a brushless automatic all the time with absolutely no problems. In fact, the black soft top gets lots of attention from other retro owners because it looks brand spanking new (it is 20 years old now, with 55k miles); I think the wax, etc., preserves it. Don’t be afraid to try one. That said, I would NOT use one with brushes, mainly from fear of scratching the finish.

 

[SOLDAT]

What about with the hard top on ( ref; 2003 T Bird ) often I've wondered about going thru a brush less car wash ?

 

[MoonFrog]

I take mine through the brushless wash, Never leaked, and it looks fine, i.e., the paint has no damage and all is well. Of course, I don't show the car, it's my daily driver, Also, I'm almost 80 and can’t handwash it, and the road salt during the winter would be hard to clean from the under carriage,

 

[PPA]

I have never taken my 02 or any of the other two converts I owned through an auto wash. I don't have any proof, but i have always felt it could cause the alignment of the top to move. Currently the top fit is perfect. The Bird is so small it take about 10 minutes to wash by hand --------- i then take my leaf blower to blow off all water and never use a towel or chamois. It is always garaged with a good coat of Zymol wax and beads water like crazy. Have told several buddies about the leaf blower trick after a wash and they are believers. If using electric blower move it away from pavement water to blow it off.

Been leaf blowing mine for 12 years. AMAZINGLY easy!

 

[biddle]

The water in the automatic car wash is recycled. Yes, they have filters, but when you think you are getting all the salt off your car during the winter, they are spraying recycled water in your car!

No thank you!

 

[Duncan]

+1 for the leaf blower. I have a Black and Decker 18v cordless dedicated just to drying cars.