So it is a long story exactly how this happened, but my entire engine compartment had wax applied and was never buffed off. It has now been there for several months. I need a solution. It is on all the black plastic and I just cant stand it any longer. And all of this back to black crap doesn't work worth a damm. Any ideas?

 

Might want to try some 3M Adhesive Remover or some Wurth Clean Solve:
http://www.autogeek.net/wuclso32ozca.html

 

I would try some Dawn dishwashing liquid diluted in some water. You should be able to use a brush on just the black parts. Something with soft bristles and the soapy water might get it off.

JMHO

 

PPG wax and grease remover (available at the auto parts store)

Kerosene, JP4, and even Gasoline will work.

Soapy water will not work (unfortunately), although some people have mentioned (creamy) peanut butter as a wax remover.

I myself prefer aliphatic solvents because they don't leave a residue.

 

According to some of the wax/polish manufacturers Dawn does remove wax/polish. The problem with your issue is its probably baked on. You can try the Dawn but you might have to go with a solvent to get it off.
Wonder why someone put wax on and didn't take it off? Have you tried 3M Plastic cleaner on the plastic? Good stuff but it might be a bit late for that.
Pat

 

windex or wd-40

 

+1 with manisusmc WD-40 will probably do the trick.

 

Good question. I'm sure you're going to try a few of them. I would be interested in what worked, and what didn't.

 

I keep three "solutions" in a special breifcase that work everytime on any problem.
Solution one= WD-40
Solution two = Duct tape
Solution three = A single malt scotch.

WD cleans just about anything, Duct tape fixes just about anything and if they don't solve the problem, then pour the scotch.

Go with the WD and give it some time, like 30 minutes or more. Have 2 fingers of booze while your waiting and then scrub off the wax with soapy water (Dawn does work best)

Repeat process until it doesn't matter.


Roadster with a stick

 

DONT USE SOLVENTS it will ruin your paintwork and plastics - the best, quickest, cleanest, most thorough solution - which not damage anything - is to take the car to the garage and have it steam cleaned (not just high pressure cold water which wont touch it) The steam melts the wax away and will completly clean everything.

 

Good idea Steve, never thought of steam. By the way which Gibson's? I had a 69 Les Paul Standard and a 57 dbl cutaway LP Junior. I wish I still had them!
Pat

 

Before doing this, get some dielectric grease in all wiring harness connections to insulate them from the condensation that is about to build up with steam/watervapor/water about to build up. Not too many weatherpack connectors in there, if any. Life would suck to have to replace a 200$ sensor by spraying it down without the proper protection.

A great time to reset the adaptive strategy while you're at it