Cleaning factory toolkit?
 

OK, I did it. I actually USE the factory tool kit.

I got it all greased up and dirty.

Soooooooooo, how does one go about cleaning the once beautiful white inside area of vinyl tool kit?

TIA
Nick H.

Simple green? Just guessing here, but sure would be easier on the vinyl than say, kerosense. Just be sure to rinse well, let air dry, and I think you'd be okay. BTW, I just got a flyer..advertising "original refinished" tool kits for '72-73 cars @ $500 each. I thought there were variations of tool kits during the '73 model year? Anyway, for road trips? I have a roll of Craftsman tools I carry for actual use, if need be. Craftsman is at least the equal of the factory tool kits in quality, as far as I'm concerned. And no tears if I should lose a wrench.

Thanks pwds. I tested a small area on the tool-kit, it looks like it stains it green. :(

Hence, the question. I tried some regular hand cleaners, they seem to make the grease stains worse.

BTW: It's an '85 coupe.

I'd try paint thinner. It really is pretty unobtrusive.
A small grease stain probably isn't going to decrease the value of your car.

Mrdi,

It isn't a question of value. It's a "feel good factor" :D

I will try some Laquer thinner.


Nick

Hi Nick,
Laquer thinner is much stronger than paint thinner. You might try alcohol 1st, then paint then laquer, then acetone.
Let us know.

Like beer? j/k

Rubbing alcohol?

Paint thinner, laquer thinner?

TIA
Nick

Isopropyl, same as rubbing, usually says skin antiseptic on the bottle. Same stuff you buy at the drug store. Comes in 2 strengths.65 and 90%. I use the 90 quite a bit. It is probably the least obtrusive among solvents.
Alcohol may be a little "wimpy" for grease however. Paint thinner should do it though. The remaing stain is the dirt that has migrated into the pores of the vinyl, so it won't come completely clean. that is also why the simple green stains it, it is 30yrs old and porous. Once it is as clean as you feel comfortable with I would treat it with your favorite vinyl dressing to help close the pores.

Beer thinner? oh yeah thats lite beer! I'd try a spray called Spot Shot. i get mine at the supermarket and us it all 'round the house for cleaning carpet and fabric stains, don't know whats in it, but the s#@t works.

A general rule of thumb. Always start with the gentlest cleaner you think might work..move up in strength only if needed. If I remember right, there is a competing product for simple green called "clear magic"...you might try it before moving up in strength. Forget who makes, it but I bought a bottle of it some time ago when the local Wal-Mart's automotive dept. didn't have simple green. I's a clear liquid, and it seemed to eat grease pretty well.

Tool Kit cleaning
 

Nick--first off, DON'T use lacquer thinner. I don't believe it's friendly to any plastics. Try
making a wet paste of your wife's dish washing soap and a product called Oxi-Clean. You've probably seen it advertised on TV. Spread it evenly over the white surface and let it sit for twenty mins. Light brushing with a soft brush would help get it into the pores. I've found it to be very powerful--but safe. If you can't find the Oxi-Clean--e-mail me and I'll send you a couple of ounces.

George 86TSmileWavy

RIght after I posted, I was thinking about OXY-clean.

I have it. It works MOST of the time... :)

Thanks

While on the topic of tool cases.........
 

Does anyone know the proper orientation of the tools in the tool case? I know this one borders on anal retentiveness, but I gots to know!! Actually, I'm just trying to get them to stay in there place instead of always falling out when I open it.

Re: While on the topic of tool cases.........
 

This is an IMPROPER use of the word "borders"! This is WAY BEYOND "borders"! This is even beyond "ANAL"!!! Maybe manic!! Put long tools in long pockets. Put medium length tools in medium pockets. That leaves short tools. Now where could we put them?? Hmmm!;)

I don't remember ever seeing a pic of the toolkit fanned open with the tools in it. I checked my owners manual--nada. Maybe Wayne could supply a pic of a completed roll ready for sale.

george 86T

George 86T

Improper use of "there" as well, but who in this group is compulsive, or retentive ?

A book called "The 1974-1989 911 912E & 930 Porsche" Authenticity Series by Mark S. Haab has a section on tool kits. It has pics of various tool kits and a listing of the contents of the kits for each year. Don't know whether the pics show correct position of the tools or not but it might help. Gotta agree with the Anal thing though. Put me in that category too (sometimes), DT

Please someone let me know before my next concours. At the last one I was at, I lost out from my -.5 deduction because my competitor had a connection to old Porsche microfiche showing all the tools in the correct placement. (Have a great Christmas everyone, to those that don't know me, of course, I'm only joking!):D

Michael,
The manual has approved the use of a large strip of duct tape to hold your tools in the proper place in your tool kit.
See Bentley
Official Repair Manual
1980-91
Volkswagen Vanagon.

How's this for anal- I have 2 Porsche tool kits. One that I actually use, and one that I never touch or open...;)

So Nick, did you ever get the grease out?