Recommendations on underbody cleaning

[jims427400]

I recently purchased my 67 coupe that had a so called body ON restoration (whatever that means) but the under side looks pretty grungy but does"nt appear to have any rust.What is the easiest way to clean the under body and frame to make it look "better"..I've read about some of the acetone problems, are there any easy cleanup ideas Thanks Jim

 

[Mac]

I guess it depends on what kind of crud is under your car. If it's a thick coat of undercoating, you're in for a messy job. If it's just road grime compounded up 30+ years of driving, it's not as bad.

Are you familiar with Varsol... aka mineral spirits? You can purchase it at most paint or hardware stores in jugs up to gallons. Paint it onto your greasy mess and it will soften the crud up so it's easier to scrape off... and it won't damage your fiberglass!

Once you've got most of the crud off, spray it down with SimpleGreen or similar degreaser, rinse and you're done!!

-Mac

 

[jims427400]

Mac, Thanks for your quick responce. Can you sprey on the mineral spirits w/ something like a garden sprayer or do you physically have to "paint" it on by hand. AGAIN thanks Mac.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Mac, Thanks for your quick responce. Can you sprey on the mineral spirits w/ something like a garden sprayer or do you physically have to "paint" it on by hand. AGAIN thanks Mac.

I would use a hand-spray-bottle, if you don't want to brush it on, and tackle a small area at a time. If you power spray a large area, much of the softening effect may have evaporated by the time you get to it all.

 

[jims427400]

67HEAVEN Thank you for your input.I enjoy all of your threads pertaining to 67s. Its heapfull to all of us tackling small and large repair jobs. Jim

 

[Kid_Again]

I use 2+2. You have to use it in a well ventiated area. The advantge is no need to let it soak. Buy a case since it's good for lots of stain removal chores.

 

[jims427400]

kid again, can you tell me more abouy 2 +2. I've never heard of this.. Thanks Jim

 

[Mikey1]

Guess for undercar cleaning there is a method that makes use of blasting it with frozen CO2 pellets. That removes ANY dirt on there. If done correctly it does not harm paint or fiberglass.

 

[Ol Blue]

I used a steam cleaner to clean the years of collected crud from under car. (See Picture). There was also lots of undercoat under each fenderwell and I used a heat gun to soften it up.

I put one hand on the opposite side of where I was directing the heat and then took the gun away when it was too hot to keep my hand there. That softened it up enough to scrape almost all of it off. WD40 and a scotch-brite pad took the rest off very nicely.
Ol Blue

 

[Knob_tool]

In New Joisey I can find 2+2 at any chain auto store like Perp Boys, NAPA, etc. Look for it near the engine degreaser stuff. I buy a case of the stuff when its on sale.

It is REALLY nasty stuff but it is the best solvent I have ever used. I am certain that the fiberglass will absorb this stuff but out gas over time, therefore I would not use it on a fiberglass surface that needs to be painted. Now that I have a lift, I re-did the underside of both cars with this stuff and it cuts right through any undercoating. Since it has such a low boiling point, you can use it to instantly dry anything - for example, I will frequently wash metal parts in hot soapy water before I paint them. I just dy of the item, spray it with this stuff and immediatley paint the part. Saves a lot of time and the paint has lasted over 8 years now.

 

[TLeBlanc]

I went through the same thing on my 64 right after I got it. I got her up on jack stands, took an old tooth brush, a 2 inch putty knife and stiff scrub brush with me under the car along with an industrial type degreaser. Can't remember the name of the degreaser, but got it at O'Reilly's Auto Parts in a purple spray bottle. I'd spray and scrape, spray and brush, then wipe with heavy duty shop towel till it was sparkling clean. This took about 3 weekends, and each time I'd come out looking like the bottom of the car did when I began

 

[Knob_tool]

BTDT:bang