War on underbody rust

[Temeeo]

While doing some work on the car I noticed that the underbody is in a need of attention. Being a bit OCD I decided that I'll carry out all the work myself, I figured that even if I did only a one or two square feet a week the car would be all done in few weeks (well before winter).

Here is the plan:

I'll be starting with sections that are the worst, removing the heavy rust mechanically (wire brush, various wire wheel brushes + drill) then I'll use Deox Gel (by Bilt Hamber) followed by degreaser, couple coats of self-etching primer with high zinc content and top coat.

I'll be going for "factory" look - everything white except for suspension/steering parts and fuel tank.

Small parts that can be easily removed will be soaked in Deox C.

All cavities will be treated Dynax S-50 (also by Bilt Hamber - apparently outperforms by miles waxoyl and other products)

I won't be using the typical black under seal, I don't like the idea that the car could be rusting underneath the under seal without me knowing about it/without visual signs. Once finished I'll treat the underbody with Dynax UC (see through anti-corrosion wax).


Here are some pictures of what the underbody looks like now, when I bought the car back in January all the rust was classified as surface rust - hope it's still the case and that welding won't be needed.

























Some supplies, all I need now is determination and elbow grease!

[goz_83]

It is a relief to know that someone is fussier than me

[Temeeo]

It is a relief to know that someone is fussier than me

Haha, what bogs me is that I won't be able to do it as well as this chap http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?283826-Comprehensive-S14a-refurb. At least not this time around as the car is my daily driver.

[Kace]

Nice plans. Just as a matter of interest do you have a lift or pit, or are you just going to do this work with the car up on axle stands?

[Temeeo]

do you have a lift or pit, or are you just going to do this work with the car up on axle stands?

I wish I had a lift and some sheltered place where I could carry out the work, driveway and axle stands will have to do.

[brccrx]

do you have a lift or pit, or are you just going to do this work with the car up on axle stands?

I wish I had a lift and some sheltered place where I could carry out the work, driveway and axle stands will have to do.

You'll absolutely love wirebrushing the chassis Loads of fricking fun
Buy some dust mask and a pair of googles.
Dont cut corners and dont rush and you'll be grand.

I would love my R.E.D. under would look as good as yours is, ive spent 3 long evenings lying under it, welding the chassis

[Temeeo]

I would love my R.E.D. under would look as good as yours is, ive spent 3 long evenings lying under it, welding the chassis

Looked as good as mine? Jesus, I nearly got an heart attack when I saw the current state. Can you tell from looking at the pictures that it won't be bad? What does your white GPvR look like down under?

[goz_83]

Jan, your fto is actually quite clean underneath. You WOULD have a heart attack if you looked at most of the examples on the road

[brccrx]

The white one is better than R.E.D. but again not as clean as yours so i might go at undersealing it the next.

+1 Gary.

[Mick ah]

+1 Gary also

Looks very clean.

Good idea to seal it now though. The work will be very easy in comparison to when it actually gets bad

Good luck with the work!

[Temeeo]

It's really nice to hear that it's not that bad (that it could be a lot worse) lads!
I was going to start today but then I decided that headlights were more important...