Undercoating removal

[rme]

Anybody know what type undercoating was used '72-'73? Better still, any tricks for removing it? In the wheel wells, it is between 1/8" and 3/8" thick and stuck firmly to the metal. Kind of a gray or beige color. There must be something besides a wood chisel that will remove it.

[RallyBob]

Either lots of heat, or lots of cold. A heat gun with a radiused gasket scraper will remove it, but it's a lot of work no matter what. And it stinks and makes a mess.

On the other hand, application of carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen (and use of a respirator and heavy rubber gloves) will freeze the undercoating, and striking the area with a plastic hammer will shatter the undercoating. This method is commonly used by race-car fabricators and restorers because of the speed of removal, BUT, all safety precautions must be followed. You could literally freeze your own body parts and that would NOT be good. It also costs more.

[azopelnut]

Bob
How much weight have you dropped(off an ascona) with all that stuff gone?

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by azopelnut Bob How much weight have you dropped(off an ascona) with all that stuff gone?

72-75 lbs total.

[SpringGT]

Do you have access to a 3,600PSI, 4GPM pressure washer? I haven't tried it on undercoating, but it will certainly remove paint in a hurry with the proper nozzle and distance from the coated surface.

[GTJIM]

Do you really need to remove it?
Inside the wheel wells it is there to reduce dents from stone thrown up by the wheels up under the guards. Without it being there every stone thrown up causes an outward dent in the metal.
Unless there are areas of rust under it I would leave well alone and cover it with a quality underseal - or even something like 'Rhino-Tuff' pick-up truck deck coating.

[rme]

Originally Posted by GTJIM Do you really need to remove it? Inside the wheel wells it is there to reduce dents from stone thrown up by the wheels up under the guards. Without it being there every stone thrown up causes an outward dent in the metal. Unless there are areas of rust under it I would leave well alone and cover it with a quality underseal - or even something like 'Rhino-Tuff' pick-up truck deck coating.

Two good reasons to remove it: It covers areas where the metal has rusted from the other side, and I find I get more metal patched when I'm not battling flaming undercoating. An added reason is that I'm leaning toward POR-15ing the whole underside when I finish the repairs.

[benncojr]

I have been told that ez-off oven cleaner works on the stuff in the car. It may also work on the undercoating.

But as Bob has already said "Follow the safety rules", ie do it in a well ventalted(sp) area.

[soybean]

Originally Posted by rme An added reason is that I'm leaning toward POR-15ing the whole underside when I finish the repairs.

I did that with mine then added undercoating as extra protection. Have you seen this site? http://www.buyroadwarrior.com/products.html I'm going to try that on the Red Gt that's being restored. Jarrell

[rme]

Originally Posted by soybean I did that with mine then added undercoating as extra protection. Have you seen this site? http://www.buyroadwarrior.com/products.html I'm going to try that on the Red Gt that's being restored. Jarrell

Interesting. Did you note that they sprayed the exhaust pipe and muffler, also?

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by benncojr I have been told that ez-off oven cleaner works on the stuff in the car. It may also work on the undercoating.

It works great on the black tar-based undercoating. It doesn't seem to do much to the white sealer/undercoating that's in the GT's wheelwells under the black undercoating.

[salsashark]

Originally Posted by soybean I did that with mine then added undercoating as extra protection. Have you seen this site? http://www.buyroadwarrior.com/products.html I'm going to try that on the Red Gt that's being restored. Jarrell

*Best Comic Guy Voice*

Worst Website Ever!

*End Comic Guy voice*

Seriously though, it's 2006, get some security on that order form!

So what's the difference between this road warrior product and any other spray on Linex type material? Or is it just a rattle can version?

[opelwasp]

I will be eventually using Linex on the bottom of my GT. I was quoted $600 to spray it.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by opelwasp I will be eventually using Linex on the bottom of my GT. I was quoted $600 to spray it.

Hmm, I like the Line-X product better than Rhino lining or some of the others. I had a chance to sample each, and the Line-X is wayyy lighter than any of the other brands, about 1/3rd the weight. It makes a big difference. It's also supposedly 'self healing' should it get damaged.

[tunepipe911]

Did mine with a round steelbrush placed on a grindingmachine,removes rust and undercoating,lots off work but good result

[soybean]

Originally Posted by salsashark *Best Comic Guy Voice* Worst Website Ever! *End Comic Guy voice* Seriously though, it's 2006, get some security on that order form! So what's the difference between this road warrior product and any other spray on Linex type material? Or is it just a rattle can version?

Very good question. It's the rattle can version and my Red Gt is on a body Dolly that I copied from Keith Wilford, with no front or rear suspension, so no way to move car. You are correct on the security on that order form, so I may look elsewhere for undercoating. They do offer a phone nos to call though. Must be oldtimers kicking in. Jarrell

[Geek]

I found that heat works really well. My experience was that after the heat was applied, the undercoating just fell off. Of course, my application was really hot...and unintentional...it was more of a fire actually...