Post engine fire clean up

[PbFut]

As some of you know, I had a pretty good engine fire 3 weeks ago. Hagerty has been decent to deal with on parts and allowing for self repair. I have the front clip off, engine out and 95% of firewall items removed. I was messing with various cleaning methods but not coming up with anything that does not require a great deal of rubbing with blue scotch-brite. The soot from burnt plastic is really bad. Has anyone with fire damage found a solution? Paint on the body panels escaped heat damage as far as I can tell but the soot will not release. I am no using sctch-brite on exterior. Polishing compound is working as that seem to be the ticket. But areas under removed panels and firewall is really bad. Tunnel and distributor area go too hot. Will need wire brush strip and prime. I have not removed interior as yet. So all that to ask for tricks in washing off this soot?

[LS short box]

After you remove everything off the firewall, then use various diameter "roll lock" fiber discs on a die grinder or hand drill.

[PbFut]

Yes for removing burnt paint, but what about areas not needing repaint? The fiber disc will put too deep of marks.

[Steeveedee]

The soot is likely chemically bonded to the paint via heat. I know you don't want to hear my solution. Sorry to see what a mess the fire made of your truck.

[howzzzit]

Will wet sanding work?

[PbFut]

All Exterior paint except hood is good. I experimented with polish used when I painted. Unless I find some heat damage, not expecting to, a good wipe down with paint prep and polish with compound will get it gack to 100. Firewall will need full strip to metal. Right fender on inside is heat discolored. I think I can strip to the hood channel seam and be good. Liners need strip and repaint. Cleaning just puts a step in that is not needed since I'll strip anyway. No getting around that the firewall is toast.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

I wondered about that bond to unprepped paint, glad it's not fused on there. We used to remove fresh graffiti from heavy equipment with Brakleen and a rag, but that crap wasn't applied hot

[3drburb]

If you have a Dollar Store (cheap) nearby, maybe try some oven cleaner along with Ajax or Comet with the heavy duty green scrubbing pads.

[LS short box]

For the firewall I was thinking using the roll lock discs. But yes if you have undamaged paint areas the roll locks would be too course.

[70STOVEBOLT]

Maybe try this?

https://www.amazon.com/Absorene-Eras...33467506&psc=1

[Jason Banks]

70Stovebolt, that looks like a good thing to try. OP might also try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser/Melamine sponge. They are essentially a very fine sanding sponge.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Try soaking it in wd 40?

[daddymoo2]

How about a pressure washing it and soap solution. Good luck.

[PbFut]

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

Maybe try this?

https://www.amazon.com/Absorene-Eras...33467506&psc=1

I had not thought about those eraser sponges. Thanks for tip.