Hi,
I want to clean up the engine bay of my car. Is there any chemical I can use to get all the metal parts and hoses looking as shiny as they did 20 years ago? What do you guys use to get them looking so shiney in photos?
Thanks guys,

 

Simple Green is a popular one. The Meguiars cleaner in the purple bottle is similar. This stuff doesn't really perform miracles though... hoses should be replaced rather than shined up.

 

I cleaned up mine and I used a product called MEAN GREEN sprayed it on and left it about 10 min. then scrubbed a little bit. Then sprayed it off let it set and dry went to dollar store picked up tire shine and sprayed on hoses then wiprd off. Still looks good today.

 

i read somewhere that you should only use citrus based cleaners under the hood, 'cause other solvents can damge your hoses, etc. in the long run.

 

once its clean, you can also use silicone spray for a good shine. we used that in an old detail shop i worked for a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. silicone spray is in most auto stores/walmarts. it's in a yellow can(size of spray can), made by prestone. it's also a quick way to shine metal and plastic parts as well. just clean 'em first. shiny dirt is not cool.:p

 

I use Super Clean or any of the "Purple" cleaners. Works great, just don't get it on the paint.