General Maintenance - Care of the Bodywork

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Care of the
Bodywork

General Maintenance - Care of the Bodywork

Core of the car’s bodywork is most important. Leaving the vehicle in an unwashed state not only makes the vehicle look unappealing, but also could be dangerous should you lights and windows be obscured by dirt.

Bodywork (Anglia)
The steel welded integral body construction used for the “new Anglia” gives immense strength and rigidity which, together with the high lustre finish, will reduce to a minimum the maintenance necessary to preserve the appearance of your car.

Luggage Compartment (Anglia Saloon)
Ample space is provided in the luggage compartment for baggage, and a depression in the floor provides accommodation for mounting the spare wheel vertically.

A small rubber drain plug located in the bottom of the spare wheel housing can be temporarily removed to allow the draining away of water which has accumulated from a wheel changed after use in wet weather.

Washing the Car
Wash the car frequently using cold or lukewarm water – but never hot water. Do not use household soap or detergents, but the use of a car shampoo will materially assist in dissolving traffic film.

When a pressure hose is used, the water should not be turned on to the body at full force, since this tends to drive the grit and dirt into the paint.

After the surplus dirt has been washed off, clean the body with a sponge and plenty of water. Rinse off with cold water, then rub down with a clean chamois leather.

At less frequent intervals, after washing and leathering the car thoroughly, apply approved body polish to impart a brilliant and lasting finish to the paintwork.

Approved cleaning and polishing materials are available through your Authorised Ford Dealer

Small Scratches
It is important to check for small scratches or stone chips that may have damaged the surface of the paintwork. If the paint has been chipped to allow the surface metal to appear then it will need treating immediately to prevent rust forming on the bodywork.

It is suggested that you allow your Authorised Ford Dealer to treat any affected areas immediately with the appropriate materials.

If this is not possible, approved touch up paints are available through your Authorised Ford Dealer

Tar Removal
Tar, or asphalt, used in road making may sometimes find its way on to the body of the car. Any spots may be removed with a solution of 2/3 petrol and 1/3 clean engine oil.

Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and, using one finger, rub the spot gently until it has been removed. The petrol and oil should then be removed by washing down with clean water.

Warning – This was obviously written when environmental issues were not so prevalent. Petrol and Engine Oil must not be poured down a drain or allowed to enter the watercourse. Petrol is also highly flammable and should be treated with caution. The Owner of the site recommends you buy a proprietary tar removal product from a Motor Factors, rather than try Ford’s out dated recommendation.

Chrome Plated Parts
Great care should be taken to ensure that the chrome-plated parts of your car are kept clean and free from rust. Salt or calcium chloride (often used in winter time to melt snow or ice) and seawater can cause damage if allowed to remain on chromium plated parts.

These parts should be cleaned periodically with a reliable chrome cleaner, available from your Dealer. Take care not to use a chrome cleaner which contains abrasive matter.

Cleaning Upholstery
Leather, leathercloth (PVC), or rayon upholstery may be cleaned with a damp cloth and a good quality toilet soap, although an approved interior cleaner available through your Authorised Ford Dealer is a suitable alternative.

Apply the soap to the damp cloth and rub the soiled area briskly, then apply a clean dry cloth, again rubbing the upholstery surface briskly

Never use polishes, oils, petroleum or a dry cleaning fluid when cleaning the upholstery.

Cleaning Carpets
Car carpets are best cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and an interior car cleaner. Petroleum or dry cleaning fluids must not be used.

Door Drain Holes
The drain holes at the bottom of each door should be kept clear by periodically probing with a piece of wire, being careful not to scratch the paint.

Check the Windscreen is Clean – (Daily Service)
To ensure you have good visibility whilst driving, clean your windscreen with a clean dry cloth and an appropriate vehicle glass cleaner.

Windscreen Wipers
Occasionally clean the windscreen wiper blades with windscreen washer fluid, clean water or soapless detergent.

Windscreen Washer (where fitted)
– (1000 Mile Service)
The fluid in the windscreen washer container should be maintained at a reasonable level.

The windscreen washer container is located on the left hand side of the engine compartment on the bulkhead next to the heater.

The container is made of an opaque plastic and so you should be able to see whether the windscreen washer fluid needs topping up. If the level is low, remove the cap from the container and fill with a suitable screen wash solution. Refit the container cap.

Failure to operate when the button or plunger is pressed may be due to a shortage of fluid, blocked spray jets or a leakage at the connections.

To clean the washer jets:

1 - Unscrew the knurled button one turn; do not remove.

2 – Operate the washer and allow water to flow freely through the loose jet to remove any particles of grit.

3 – re-tighten the knurled button, taking care not to damage or lose the plastic washer.

4 – Repeat the above for the other jet. Do not clean both jets at the same time.

nformation taken from Various Ford Anglia Instruction Books and Handbooks..

Warning - The Health and Safety bit.
Please note your health may be at risk if you do not take sensible safety precautions. Never work under an unsupported vehicle, do not take shortcuts. If you feel that the task is beyond your capabilities, then employ the services of a trained professional. The Owner of this Website nor the author cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injury arising from advice given on this webpage. Safety advice can be obtained from the RoSPA.