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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1965 Rolls Royce Phantom V

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Expert: - 8/24/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi from Portugal. I have to clean this jewel in about two days. All cloth in very dark (almost black from exhaust smoke, I guess, the leather is worn out, carpets are also almost black. My main concern is the ceiling lining. Any special advice?

ANSWER: How on earth did exhaust smoke enter the passenger compartment?.  the Wilton wool or West of England broad cloth should only be cleaned with a dry cleaning agent such as the type garment dry cleaners would use. ask your locale dry cleaner for help in this, better yet ask at least a couple of them in order to confirm that you are being recommended the correct material and method. best regards George

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

Headliner Cloth
Headliner Cloth  
QUESTION: How on earth did exhaust smoke enter the passenger compartment?
My guess: years and years in the same garage where day to day cars in use are kept. Start the engines inside, leave the windows opened and there you have it!
I cannot explain the deep black stains that move around in the cloth when we clean them. No matter how much you extract, it just keeps coming up from the inside.
I've used a dry cleaning agent - Benzine - didn't work.  
Regards,
Miguel

Answer
what a shame. Well Miguel in most instances this would be considered a total loss and the interior would require a refit. if this is your car then you can try something more drastic, if this is someone else's then explain it to the owner that you will attempt a solution with no guaranty.  try an upholstery shampoo machine for the suction, use a hand held spray bottle and spray a small section and suck out the grime, try this in a small inconspicuous section, and only use water at first to see if the dust / soot will suck out. if you need it use a mild detergent that is used on wool, in the states we have a product called woolite. it is very gentle and i have had success with light cleaning. your case sounds pretty severe though. best of luck with this please keep me abreast of your progress. best regards

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Volunteer

Jorge Martinez. Rolls Royce & Bentley specialists

Expertise

Al Questions regarding the upkeep of Roll Royce & Bentley I am a Factory Certified Master Technician retired after Rolls and Bentley ceased to exist. I do not work on BMW or Volkswagen's garbage disguised with the Rolls Royce and Bentley badge's

Experience

Ariel Industries – Monte Video, Uruguay 2005 – 2008 / Chief Engineer – Plant Manager Designed electrical 240 / 480 schematic and fire suppression system for building and factory operation. Prestige Imports – Miami Beach, Florida 2003 – 2005 / Shop Foreman Chief Specialist Lamborghini, Ferrari, Lotus and Aston Martin. Managed a team of 10 technicians. Lauderdale Imports – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 2001 – 2003 / Shop Manger - Lead Technician Specialist in the repair of Rolls Royce and Bentley. Braman Motor Cars – West Palm Beach, Florida 1999 – 2001 / Shop Manger - Lead Technician Specialist in the repair of Rolls Royce and Bentley. Executive Motor Works – Boca Raton, Florida 1993 – 1999 / Owner-Founder Directly responsible for the overall profitability, sales and service for Rolls Royce and Bentley specialty restoration and repair shop, which generated more the $ 8 million annually in sales revenues. Defined and implemented long and short-term objectives, oversaw and controlled all daily operations, policy implementation, advertising/promotions and strategic directions. Set and administered budgets; initiated cost controls to ensure profitability. Recruited, hired and motivated a staff of 14 including key management and support personnel for sales, service, parts and body shop departments; evaluated overall and individual performance and devised and implemented proactive management training processes. Establish departmental goals with management teams, which were based on exceeding the expectations of the customers through continuous improving services. Provided an environment of mutual trust and respect and demanded the highest ethical and professional standards from the staff and management. Sold the business in 1999.

Publications
The Silver Lady, Miami Herald.

Education/Credentials
PRIVATE CERTIFICATIONS: Lotus Cars USA, Inc – Lawrenceville, Georgia Certified Technician of Lotus Rolls Royce & Bentley – Factory Certified Technician for Rolls Royce and Bentley Lamborghini USA – Boston, Massachusetts Certified Technician of Lamborghini Morton College – Berwyn, Illinois Certified Technician – HVAC Airco Technical – Chicago, Illinois Certified Welder – MIG, TIG, ARC, Plasma ASC – Miami, Florida Certified Master Technician EDUCATION: Eisenhower College – Seneca Falls, New York Mechanical Engineering – BA

Past/Present Clients
!!!YOU MUST BE KIDDING.!!! how completely unethical

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