<VV> bad car smell-not a Corvair

[Mike Kost]

Mark wrote:

>Hi, I am putting car back on the road that has been sitting since 1982.  It
>has been stored always covered, mostly inside.  Mechanicals are complete, as
>are new seat covers and carpet.  However, the car still has a rodent smell in
>it and if it sits in the sun with the windows up, the smell can get so bad you
>can't even sit in the car.
>
>It is pretty clear that mice and/or rats had gotten into the car, but no
>damage was done, and very little evidence of them even being inside the car
>was visible.  I guess it pretty much smells like "rat pee"???  I thought that
>when the carpets were replaced the smell would go away.  Not.  I guess this is
>similar to when a car is smoked in.  The odor gets into all fabrics,
>headliner, etc.
>
>Any ideas on how to remove this odor?  I had a car that had a damp/moldy smell
>inside at one time and I put a bag of apples in the car.  I guess the apples
>absorbed? the smell and somewhat freshened the inside.
>
>Any help would be appreciated.  This is a pretty neat car that we are anxious
>to get on the road.
>
>regards,
>Mark
>'66 Corsa 140 convertible (smells fine)
>etc
>etc
>  
>
You could try baking soda. Sprinkle it around on the carpet and let it 
sit then vacuum it up. You may also have had mice inside your seats and 
headliner with them leaving their calling card in those hidden places.

-- 
Mike Kost
Show-Me Corvair Club