What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we all love bolting gear to our rigs, but snorkels and roof racks are absolute magnets for the worst Australia has to throw at us. Whether it is caked-on red dust from a Simpson crossing or salty crust from a weekend at Fraser, these textured plastics and powders-coated metals need more than a quick splash at the local servo. This guide is for the blokes and ladies who want their touring gear to actually last the distance without fading into a sad, chalky mess.
The Reality of Aussie Off-Road Gear
The Gear You'll Actually Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Preparation is Key
Park in the shade
Never, ever do this in the direct midday sun. The chemicals will dry on the plastic and leave streaks that are a nightmare to remove. Wait for the arvo or do it under a carport.
The 'Big Rinse'
Give the snorkel and rack a massive hose down. You want to get all the loose grit and 'crunchy' bits off before you start scrubbing, otherwise you're just sandpapering your gear.
Clear the deck
If you've got recovery boards or shovels mounted, chuck 'em off. You can't clean what you can't reach, and the gunk hiding under those mounts is what causes corrosion.
The Deep Clean Process
Snorkel Head Removal
Start by loosening the clamp and taking the 'ram' head off the snorkel. A customer once brought in a Safari snorkel that was 'whistling', turns out it was half-full of dead Christmas beetles and a very confused huntsman.
APC Application
Spray your APC (diluted about 10:1) over the snorkel body and the entire roof rack. Let it dwell for 2-3 minutes, but don't let it dry. This breaks down the traffic film and oils.
Agitate the Snorkel
Use your soft brush in circular motions on the snorkel. You'll see the suds turn brown, that's the embedded red dust finally saying goodbye.
Scrub the Rack Channels
Roof racks have all those annoying T-slots. Run your brush through every single one. If you've been near the coast, this is where the salt hides and starts the bubbling process on powder-coat.
Rinse Thoroughly
Blast it all down. Focus on the area where the snorkel meets the guard and the mounting feet of the rack. Mud loves to sit in those gaskets and hold moisture against your roof.
Clay the Flat Surfaces
If your rack is a platform style (like a Rhino-Rack Pioneer), run a clay mitt over the flat slats with some soapy water. You'll be shocked at how much 'grit' comes off even after washing.
The Internal Clean
Clean the inside of the snorkel head with a damp cloth. Check the drain holes (the little slits at the bottom). If these are blocked, rain will go straight into your airbox. Not ideal.
Blow Dry
Use a leaf blower to get water out of the rack bolts and the snorkel's textured surface. If you let it air dry in the Aussie heat, you'll get nasty water spots.
De-grease for Protection
Give the snorkel a quick wipe with a bit of Isopropyl Alcohol or a dedicated panel wipe. This ensures your protection product actually sticks.
Apply Protection
Wipe on your trim restorer or a ceramic sealant. I reckon Gtechniq C4 is brilliant for racks, while Solution Finish is king for snorkels. Work it in well and buff off the excess.
Watch Out
The Old Toothbrush Trick
Keeping the Look Alive
Common Questions from the Track
Can I use a pressure washer inside the snorkel?
My roof rack is starting to peel, can I save it?
How do I get bat poo off my rack without scratching it?
Is it worth ceramic coating a snorkel?
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