Back when my cars didn't have computers, I'd wrap the alternator, distributor and battery connectors with plastic and let loose with a hose & detergent.
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Nowadays I just use a magic duster for all loose dust, then follow with a damp rag.
Same here sir, old-school carburetors, foam-type overhead air filters, distributor caps and spark plug cables (1,3,2,4), hehehe.
I think I even used Tide pwder back then, much to the anger of my mom.