Question 1

Will dry ice cleaning damage my car's paint or original finish?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Dry ice cleaning is completely non-abrasive and will not etch, scratch, or damage paint, clear coat, chrome, aluminum, or any original finishes. Unlike sandblasting or media blasting, dry ice sublimates (turns to gas) on contact, so there's no abrasive media to damage surfaces. This makes it ideal for classic cars where preserving original paint and finishes is critical for authenticity and value. We've safely cleaned countless Porsche 911s, vintage Ferraris, and other high-value classics without any damage to original surfaces.

Question 2

How does dry ice cleaning increase my car's auction value?

Accepted Answer

Auction buyers on platforms like Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and Mecum scrutinize undercarriage photos more than any other aspect of a listing. A factory-fresh undercarriage signals meticulous care and often adds $5,000-$15,000+ to final bids on classic cars. Dry ice cleaning removes decades of grease, oil, and road grime to reveal clean metal, original markings, and factory finishes—creating the 'cleaner than new' appearance that serious collectors demand. Combined with detailed engine bay cleaning, this presentation dramatically increases bidder confidence and final hammer prices.

Question 3

Can you clean a Porsche 911 undercarriage without damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dry ice cleaning is the preferred method for Porsche 911 restoration because it's completely safe for all materials—aluminum, magnesium, steel, rubber, and original finishes. We can clean the entire undercarriage, suspension, engine bay, and chassis without removing components or risking damage to delicate parts. This is especially important for air-cooled 911s where preserving original finishes, factory markings, and date codes is critical for authenticity. The process removes decades of oil, grease, and undercoating while maintaining the originality that collectors value.

Question 4

What makes dry ice cleaning better than pressure washing for classic cars?

Accepted Answer

Pressure washing forces water into electrical components, bearings, and sealed areas where it causes rust and corrosion. It also can't remove baked-on grease and oil without harsh chemicals that damage rubber and original finishes. Dry ice cleaning is completely dry—no water, no chemicals, no secondary cleanup. It removes contaminants that pressure washing can't touch, reaches areas water can't access, and leaves surfaces completely dry and ready for inspection or photography. For auction preparation, the results are dramatically superior.

Question 5

Can you clean an assembled engine without disassembly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of dry ice cleaning is that we can clean fully assembled engines, transmissions, and mechanical components in place. This saves hundreds of hours of disassembly and reassembly labor while achieving concours-level cleanliness. We can remove decades of oil, grease, and grime from valve covers, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, and all external surfaces without removing a single bolt. This is especially valuable for matching-numbers engines where maintaining original assembly is critical for authenticity and value.

Question 6

Will dry ice cleaning remove factory markings or date codes?

Accepted Answer

No, dry ice cleaning preserves all factory markings, date codes, paint marks, and original finishes. Unlike abrasive methods that can remove or damage these critical authenticity markers, dry ice only removes contaminants—not the surface itself. This makes it ideal for high-value classics where originality documentation is essential. We've successfully cleaned countless rare vehicles while preserving every factory marking that collectors and judges use to verify authenticity.

Question 7

How long does automotive dry ice cleaning take?

Accepted Answer

A complete undercarriage and engine bay detail typically takes 4-8 hours depending on the vehicle's condition and size. For auction preparation, we recommend allowing a full day to ensure every detail is perfect. The investment is minimal compared to the value increase—a $1,500-$3,000 detailing service often adds $10,000+ to auction results. We can also provide expedited service for time-sensitive auction deadlines.

Question 8

Do you work with classic car restoration shops and dealers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we partner with restoration shops, classic car dealers, and auction houses throughout South Florida. We understand the standards that serious collectors expect and deliver results that help our partners command premium prices. Whether you're preparing a single car for auction or need regular detailing services for inventory, we provide consistent, high-quality results that maximize resale value. We're experienced with high-value classics including Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, Jaguar, and American muscle cars.

Automotive Restoration Cleaning Services

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Restoration Process

Impact Phase

Thermal Shock

Sublimation

Automotive Restoration Cleaning

Restoration Advantages

Paint-Safe Process

Increases Auction Value

Concours-Level Results

No Disassembly Required

Preserves Originality

ROI-Focused Detailing

Automotive Services

Automotive Restoration FAQs

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