While the motor is out I'd like to detail the engine compartment. The only thing I don't know how to clean up and detail is the metal tubing - fuel, brake, trans and AC lines and receiver/dryer. Can I use green scotchbrite or 00 steel wool for these? How about cleaning the rubber hoses?
Thanks,
Larry.

 

what is your intention?

if you want a chrome or polished appearance you can do this to most all of your hardlines under the hood. back in the day i wetsanded it, don't remember the grit but went as fine as i could and the parts turned out great. i also kept up on these lines though so i never knew had i left them alone on a daily driver if they would have stayed looking nice.

as for the hoses, you don't want to use a chemical on them. just wash and clean them as best you can. if using a mist n shine doesn't get them the way you expect after you have washed then it's time to replace or live with it.

you can do several things relatively cheap if it's worth your time to you.

 

I use a 400 grit to clean up the hard metal lines the FIRST time, and then a 1000 wet will make quick work of the maintenance every month or two. Not a daily driver though, so not sure how much maintenance you wanna do. Even still, they'll look better than if ya left all that corrosion on 'em.

I also use meguiars polish and wax on the engine bay paint. Makes a HUGE difference, at least on my red paint.

Hit the local store and buy new fasteners/nuts/bolts, etc. etc.

Replace all that old split loom wiring that's probably dirty and cracking.

Reroute some wiring. I have NO wires on either frame rail.

I clean EVERYTHING with simple green!!!!! I cover up the alt, dizzy, and battery, and soak everything else!!!!! Let it sit for about 10 minutes, re-apply and wipe down. Then just rinse with water.

I detail for shows with meguiars trim detailer. Just a little here and there goes a LONG way. It's pretty light stuff. No overly greasy residue like other underhood detailers. I use Back to Black on the Airbox,strut towers, brake booster and the main coolant hoses. If you're driving regularly, I'd agree with not using too many chemicals underhood, but I'm under the hood at LEAST once a week and I'm regularly fixin', cleaining, replacing, upgrading, etc. etc. so I feel confident that the chemicals aren't gonna sneak up on me and eat away some heater hose or something like that.

 

For the most part I just wanted to make it look as good as possible. As far as the lines go I want to get rid of the the patina/tarnish,nothing fancy since it'll only be driven ocassionally. Everything metal will be getting a coat of primer then chassis black. It's not going to be a show car but I'll take it to a show or two when all the paint and bodywork gets done. Figured while the motor was out I may as well take care of all the dirt and grime.
Thank you both for the great ideas and suggestions, they'll be a great help.
Larry.

 

I use Black magic engine degreaser and shine on my daily driver before block parties, and it always looks beautiful. Looking at this engine, you'd never believe it has 240,000 original miles. (225,000 miles when this pic was taken). IT also works pretty good at getting grease off the hood and inner fenders.

All you do is spray it on everywhere, except carb and exposed wires/filters, wait 15 mintues, then use LIGHT pressure to hose it off. Crank the engine, let it run for 10 minutes or so to dry, and you're done. I typically spray some tire shine on the hoses and plastics, but this is also a 6 year old pickup here, with a lot of plastic, may not want to do that on a camaro. Use your judgement on that.

I also used the same stuff to clean my iroc's engine. Same method, I just simply didn't apply any shine to it. It's better than it was, but god knows when this poor thing had a good cleaning last.

If you want to get a better look at these pics, the cardomain link is:
www.cardomain.com/id/chevyspeedqueen
The Silverado and the Camaro

 

Thanks, every little bit helps.