Ultimate Show Car Interior Restoration and Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is parked in a fully shaded, well-ventilated area. In Australian summer, interior plastics can become brittle or overly soft when hot. Work only when the surface temperature is below 30°C. Open all doors and the boot to allow air circulation and the dissipation of any cleaning fumes.

Remove all floor mats, child seats, and personal items. If the vehicle is for a high-level show, consider removing the front seats (disconnect battery first to avoid SRS/Airbag lights) to access the 'dead zone' between the centre console and the seat rails where dust and debris accumulate.

Perform an initial high-intensity vacuum. Use a stiff-bristled nylon brush to agitate carpet fibres, bringing trapped sand and red dust to the surface. Use compressed air to blow out the 'tunnels' under the seats and inside the air vents. This step must be 100% thorough before any liquid touches the interior.

Mix your APC (All Purpose Cleaner) or dedicated interior cleaners according to the soil level. For show prep, a 1:10 ratio for general surfaces and 1:20 for delicate headliners is standard. Pre-hydrate your brushes in clean water to soften the bristles before use.

Start with the headliner. Spray a fine mist of mild cleaner onto a microfibre towel—never directly onto the headliner to avoid adhesive failure (sagging). Gently blot stains. Use a dry towel to 'chase' the moisture. This prevents gravity-fed drips from contaminating cleaned lower surfaces later.

Use a detailing brush and compressed air simultaneously. Spray cleaner onto the brush, agitate the vent slats, and blow the excess liquid out with air while holding a towel to catch the spray. This ensures no dust is left in the corners of the HVAC system.

Clean the dash using a soft horsehair brush and a pH-neutral cleaner. For the instrument cluster (clear plastic), use only a brand-new, high-GSM microfibre and very light pressure to avoid 'swirl marks' on the soft acrylic. Avoid any cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol here.

Door cards often house oils from elbows and red dust in the speaker grilles. Use a steamer with a microfibre wrap to liquefy oils, followed by a brush for textured plastics. Ensure you clean the door jambs and the often-missed bottom edge of the door panel.

Apply leather foam cleaner to a brush. Work in a circular motion to create a lather, which pulls dirt out of the 'valleys' of the leather grain. Wipe immediately with a damp towel, then a dry one. The leather should look matte; if it's shiny, there is still body oil present.

The steering wheel is the filthiest part of the car. Use a leather cleaner and a soft brush. For heavy buildup, a steam cleaner held 10cm away can help loosen the 'human 'gunk.' Repeat until the microfibre towel comes away clean. This is vital for show judging 'feel'.

Apply a low-moisture carpet shampoo. Agitate with a drill brush (soft yellow bristles). Use the hot water extractor to pull the chemical and dirt out. Perform 'dry passes' (suction only) until no more moisture is visible through the extractor nozzle to prevent mould in the heat.

Show cars must have spotless pedals. Use an APC and a stiff brush on rubber pedals. For metal/Aluminium pedals, use a fine metal polish and a toothbrush to clean the rubber grip 'nubs.' Ensure they are completely dry and non-slippery for safety.

Use a two-towel system for glass. One towel with glass cleaner to remove the film, and a second dry 'waffle-weave' towel to buff to a streak-free finish. In high heat, work on small sections to prevent the cleaner from drying too fast and leaving spots.

Apply a dedicated UV protectant (like Aerospace 303) to all vinyl and plastic. Spread evenly with an applicator and buff off after 2 minutes. This creates a sacrificial barrier against the 40°C+ Australian sun without adding artificial shine.

Once the leather is dry (approx. 30 mins after cleaning), apply a modern leather sealer. Unlike old-fashioned conditioners, sealers prevent dye transfer from jeans and protect against UV-induced drying. Buff to a factory-matte finish.

Use a high-powered LED torch to inspect under seats and in cubby holes. If any 'old car' smell remains, use an ozone generator for 20 minutes (ensure the car is aired out for 1 hour before entering) to kill bacteria and mould spores.