ARGH! Mold In My Targa- HELP...

[UrQuattro]

Hey all

so, i parked my 81 targa in my driveway under one of the silver Porsche car covers for the past month and a half as I waited out all the rain that we've gotten here in the sf bay area. The car would leak in heavy rain iif left out alone, and I don't have covered parking for it.

Anyway, the cover didn't work like it has in the past, and when I removed it today so that I could take it for a drive, I found that the whole interior is full of mold. There was standing water in the passenger side footwell (front and rear), but it seemed pretty dry on the driver's side.

Anyway, I'm extremely upset. I'm most worried about the new sparco milano alcantara covered seat that I had installed when I got the car back on the road in august of last year. There is mold on that seat that is black in color. It isn't fuzzy or anything, but I definitely am wanting to get it cleaned up asap.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas on what I can use to clean up the interior?

I called one of the sparco dealers and they are going to contact me tomorrow with instructions on what to use to clean the alcantara.

Sorry for rambling. I'm just so ****** frustrated and upset.

Michael

[steely]

Michael - so sorry for you. Could the black stuff be mildew? Might go a little way to helping you find the best method - it's dusty when dry.

[Hugh R]

I deal with mold on a semi-regular basis in my job. Mold is like a plant or animal (it's neither) like any living thing, it needs food, water and oxygen to live. Deny it any one of those three and it dies. Dry everything out, I'm not sure what "alcantara" is (found it on google, it's a synthetic fabric) use a mild cleaner and just clean it. A mild cleaner is soap and water for example. You may have it (MOLD) on both sides of the fabric. Shampoo the carpets with a shampoo that has an anti-microbial (available at the supermarket). Vacuum when done shampooing. I can offer more info, post some pics.

[James Brown]

MOLD? I have a micro climate growing all over the car. More like moss, the state plant!!! It's normal in Washington and I kind of like the little fellas!

[gtc]

I would pull out and thoroughly clean anything contaminated with mold or mildew. Carpets, seats, door panels, etc. In my experience, if the mold itself is not physically removed it will come back at the slightest hint of moisture.

[twistoffat]

You need to treat it quickly. You can get mould sprays(make sure you use one without chlorine). Also a sack of rice left in the car should help get rid of residual moisture(leave is in for a few days). Those silver covers are prone to condensation.

[UrQuattro]

Thanks for the info so far. It very well be mildew, so I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow.

Man I am not looking forward to cleaning this up. Everything Is covered in the stuff.

Thanks again and I'll get the pics up when I have a chance.

Michael

[UrQuattro]

Hey

so, I talked to a detail shop that is close to my house and they are willing to clean it up and do the shampoo, detailing, etc for a couple hundred bucks.

I had one person tell me that it would be 2000 dollars minimum.

This detail shop has some great reviews online so I think I'm just gonna take it to the pros to do it.

Does anyone think that is not the best way to go? I know I could probably do it myself, but I'm just worried about missing it or screwing it up.

TIA
Michael

[CCM911]

For a couple hundred bucks, I would do it myself. I let my Targa sit for about a year when I was broke, and when I finally went to work on it, there was a ton of mold on the inside. On the seats, the door panels, and even the steering wheel! Since mine was all leather, I just wiped off the mold with a damp cloth, saddle soaped, and then treated the leather with some Lexol with Neats Foot Oil. It took me all of about two hours. Then I made sure to remove the top and let the car sit in the sun all day. Problem solved.

See, once you get rid of the moisture, your interior is no longer conducive to mold growth.

[RSTarga]

take the top off with the carpets out and let it sit in the sun until dry. Then vacuum everything. If you still have remaining mold , take it and get the whole interior steam cleaned and again let it sit in the sun.

[Vmarch]

Sounds like your top needs new seals or a good adjustment, especially at the area above the fixed 1/4 window where the front seal meets the side seals as well as the rear of the side seals where they meet the rear bar seal

[UrQuattro]

Yeah, you are correct. I definitely need to have the top worked on, and replace the seals. I'm just trying to save up the $$ needed for it.

Michael