Moldy Interior - need your advice

waelwell

waelwell

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A customer brought a Porsche 928 into the auto repair side of our shop this week. The interior is so moldy that the mechanics won't get into the car. I predict that on Monday, I'll be asked to give a price to clean the interior. I suspect that I'll only be asked to clean it well enough that the mechanics will work on the car. I don't think that the customer will pay for a complete tear-out that this car deserves. And the mold seems to be confined to the leather surfaces. I've attached a picture of the current state of the interior. Unless the customer asks for it, I'm not going to pull out the front seats (the back seats pop out pretty easily) and I'm not pulling out the carpet either. My current plan is to put on a 3M 6200 half face respirator, use an extractor & brush for the fabric surfaces, and a brush & towels for the hard surfaces.

My question is simple. Do you folks have a better plan or care to offer any advice?

Thanks,

Bill
 
One of my boat detailing class alumni students is an expert at removing mold from boat interiors, I'm pretty sure the products and techniques he uses would work for you to.

I have a full day of IDA CD and SV testing today plus a full wetsand, cut and buff project.

As soon as I can I'll get a hold of him.


I uploaded your picture to your free gallery here on AGO, here's the picture "inserted" instead of "attached".


Mold_in_Car_Interior.jpg




:)
 
Wait for mikes response.I did a porche Cayman back in 2003 it was brandnew at a dealership,someone had left the sunroof open during the course of winter on the upper deck parking.when they finally noticed in March it was pretty much the same you have there.The worst thing is moving that around while cleaning.If you're not tied to the auto repair shop,I would ask 1000.00 for that.mold must be treated with the proper chemicals otherwise the spores will return the very next day.Do it right or stay away from it.
 
I think GSKR has thrown out the best advice so far. quote: Do it right or stay away from it. good luck. hope they at least pay you to take the interior out to work on it. good luck.
hmardown
 
GSKR said:
Wait for mikes response.I did a porche Cayman back in 2003 it was brandnew at a dealership,someone had left the sunroof open during the course of winter on the upper deck parking.when they finally noticed in March it was pretty much the same you have there.The worst thing is moving that around while cleaning.If you're not tied to the auto repair shop,I would ask 1000.00 for that.mold must be treated with the proper chemicals otherwise the spores will return the very next day.Do it right or stay away from it.
Click to expand...

I don't blame the mechanics. Occupational hazard for sure, I wouldn't want to breathe that! Cayman didn't come out until 2006 (I had a 1st year CS) and never had a moonroof. Must have been a Cayenne.
 
WaxMaster1 said:
I don't blame the mechanics. Occupational hazard for sure, I wouldn't want to breathe that! Cayman didn't come out until 2006 (I had a 1st year CS) and never had a moonroof. Must have been a Cayenne.
Click to expand...
Yes you're correct sorry.
 
That truck was totaled dealer wasn't able to sell it.
 
Speaking of mold, I've got a mysterious reoccurring flood that happens inside the tire compartment in my trunk everytime we get heavy rain, like we had 2 days ago...

982eb4e307b7ec90e3564ec171fab27b.jpg


I vacuum the water out, clean it with APC, then blow it dry. Mold prevention.

bf5f8ae59944ca35ab3b7f4def36a015.jpg







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
There's a good Mexican restaurant down here called Pepe's Porch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Eldorado2k said:
Speaking of mold, I've got a mysterious reoccurring flood that happens inside the tire compartment in my trunk everytime we get heavy rain, like we had 2 days ago...

982eb4e307b7ec90e3564ec171fab27b.jpg


I vacuum the water out, clean it with APC, then blow it dry. Mold prevention.

bf5f8ae59944ca35ab3b7f4def36a015.jpg







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I have owned 2 cars with this problem. A first gen neon and my current DD kia spectra. After chasing leaks for 3-6 months on both vechiles I found the root cause. On the neon it was the gaskets around the taillights and on the kia seam sealer had failed and was leaking in at the body seams near the tail lights.
 
Mrguy57 said:
I have owned 2 cars with this problem. A first gen neon and my current DD kia spectra. After chasing leaks for 3-6 months on both vechiles I found the root cause. On the neon it was the gaskets around the taillights and on the kia seam sealer had failed and was leaking in at the body seams near the tail lights.
Click to expand...

I've been trying to find the source of the leak for quite a while now. I still don't know how the water gets in. Funny thing is it's only wet in there and not wet anywhere on the cover or the top carpet, only gets wet down there.


Sent from my iPhone
 
Eldorado2k said:
I've been trying to find the source of the leak for quite a while now. I still don't know how the water gets in. Funny thing is it's only wet in there and not wet anywhere on the cover or the top carpet, only gets wet down there. Sent from my iPhone
Click to expand...
I had the sames problem with a Pontiac Grand Am, only get wet in the tire well so I replaced the trunk seal and it seems to stop the leak but I didn't have the car long enough to see if it was a permanant repair. If you have access to the trunk though the back seat, you can check for leak with a flashlight.
 
Had the exact same problem with a Pontiac Grand Am too! I'd say it's a funny coincidence, but it really wasn't funny! What a disaster that car was! I constantly fought trying to keep it dry and aired out. Thankfully, no mold, and I made sure I ditched it too!

With that Porsche, I agree with the sentiments of doing it right or staying away.
 
Update...


waelwell said:
A customer brought a Porsche 928 into the auto repair side of our shop this week.

The interior is so moldy that the mechanics won't get into the car.


Bill
Click to expand...


Hi Bil....

Sorry for the delay but so busy....

I just called my good friend Parker and asked him what it is he uses.

I think it's this product I have on my desk called

IOSSO
Mold & Mildew Stain Remover


Once he confirms I'll reply to this thread.


He's teaching a class on removing mold and mildew at Mobile Tech Expo this year. He attended my boat class last year and has been incredibly successful in the boat detailing business.



:)
 
Thanks Mike. I really appreciate you and the rest of the crew taking time to consider my problem. I'm diving into the car tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Bill
 
waelwell said:
Thanks Mike. I really appreciate you and the rest of the crew taking time to consider my problem. I'm diving into the car tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Bill
Click to expand...


Here's what Parker uses and he swears by it. Again, he'll be teaching a class on this at Mobile Tech Expo this year.

Benefect Botanical Decon 30



Parker is a true professional and stand-up guy, I'd trust his recommendation on this product.



:)
 
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