Smelly trucks
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Omaha, NE
Smelly trucks
I am working on restoring a 1954 F250 that sat in a barn for 20 some years. The truck had the usual collection of dirt and mouse nest inside. I have gutted the interior and washed everthing down with a bleach solution.
I have vacuumed out all of the crevices that I can reach, although I am sure that there is still stuff I can't get out.
The cab still has a musty smell to it, especially when it is humid out. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to eliminate the odor?
Thanks, Kevin
I have vacuumed out all of the crevices that I can reach, although I am sure that there is still stuff I can't get out.
The cab still has a musty smell to it, especially when it is humid out. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to eliminate the odor?
Thanks, Kevin
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Limestone, TN
Kevin
I would be a little concerned over the bleach solution. It will enhance the tendency for rust to start. I would try a acetone based cleaner as the smells have probably been absorbed in the old paint.
That is my opinion but then there are far greater minds here than mine.
Bill
I would be a little concerned over the bleach solution. It will enhance the tendency for rust to start. I would try a acetone based cleaner as the smells have probably been absorbed in the old paint.
That is my opinion but then there are far greater minds here than mine.
Bill
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: SW Wyoming
I would bet that Kevin had personal safety in mind, which is more important than a little rust, when he used bleach. When cleaning out anything that has housed mice the first thing you should do is spray all of the surfaces with a watered-down bleach solution to kill any viruses such as La Junta. I don't remember the concentration they recomend, but I'm pretty sure it's no more than one cup bleach per gallon of water.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Minnesota
10% bleach solution is what is what I use to disinfect equipment that is returned from doctors.
Originally Posted by j gibbs
I would bet that Kevin had personal safety in mind, which is more important than a little rust, when he used bleach. When cleaning out anything that has housed mice the first thing you should do is spray all of the surfaces with a watered-down bleach solution to kill any viruses such as La Junta. I don't remember the concentration they recomend, but I'm pretty sure it's no more than one cup bleach per gallon of water.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Santa Clarita
I'm curious, is the gas tank in the cab? Sometimes that musty smell comes from the gas or leaks on hoses/ sending units from the tank. My tank gave off an odor very similar to a musty sour smell especially when it got humid or hot or sat for a while. Just a thought?
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From: Omaha, NE
Thanks for all of the replies.
To follow up on some of the comments. This truck does not have the gas tank in the cab. I have had the tank boiled out so it is clean inside and out.
I think I will spray some bleach solution in the areas I can not reach and then see what fabreze can do.
Thanks again. I hope to someday have this thing on the road. It is weird to work so long on something that I have never driven.
To follow up on some of the comments. This truck does not have the gas tank in the cab. I have had the tank boiled out so it is clean inside and out.
I think I will spray some bleach solution in the areas I can not reach and then see what fabreze can do.
Thanks again. I hope to someday have this thing on the road. It is weird to work so long on something that I have never driven.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
Have you cleaned out the cab corners? Dirt, debris, mice and other things like to collect there. Also the bottom of the doors. Maybe sprinkling some baking soda down there will help. Good luck, Jag
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Canada
Had some of those critters moved in over the winshield, and when the old headliner was removed you sure could smell it.
Any way I vacumed it out real good, the took the air hose to it for about 15 minutes, then vacumed it again and more air. Then went and bought a can of Rust Check, looks like Auto Trans Fluid Red, it comes in a spray can.
Then I spryed the area real good, and even the trough at the rear of the cab floor. There is lots in one of these cans, and the smell is gone and it is now rust proofed as well. This is a good product and gets into the smallest areas, just a method I used. Moth ***** were also used and left in a closed cab for over a week, I usually crush them they give off more scent.
Best of luck to you in getting rid of the smell, sounds like your on the right track.
Any way I vacumed it out real good, the took the air hose to it for about 15 minutes, then vacumed it again and more air. Then went and bought a can of Rust Check, looks like Auto Trans Fluid Red, it comes in a spray can.
Then I spryed the area real good, and even the trough at the rear of the cab floor. There is lots in one of these cans, and the smell is gone and it is now rust proofed as well. This is a good product and gets into the smallest areas, just a method I used. Moth ***** were also used and left in a closed cab for over a week, I usually crush them they give off more scent.
Best of luck to you in getting rid of the smell, sounds like your on the right track.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Floriduh
Why would you want to remove the "old truck smell" from it???? I have a 67 mustang, and when I put in the new carpet kit, I lost all the old car smell. 
I havent made the same mistake yet with the 53 truck, but I DID like how quiet the car got when I put the carpet kit in.
I havent made the same mistake yet with the 53 truck, but I DID like how quiet the car got when I put the carpet kit in.
