Best way of treating the underside

[71Westy]

Hi,

My first post here - I have just bought a 1971 Westy (US import), and chap I met in a filling station recommended this Forum.

The underside is the original paint plus mainly surface rust. What is the best approach to dealing with this and protecting it? Lots of people I have spoken to have suggested just to waxoyl it. But should I treat the rust first? Or prime it too? What's the Forum view?

Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[easy]

I would personally remove all the rust by whatever means, then you have a few options.

1. Paint the underneath with a quailty rust proof paint like Rust Bullet and then you can either repaint over the top with a matching colour to the van or wax oil it. Cost varies greatly on how much of a quality finish you want. I would say allot more expensive than option 2.

2. Clean off and steam clean the underside of the bus, leave to dry (it must be TOTALLY dry) and then cover it in Scwartz to protect it. This is thick tar like stuff that creates a good barrier between the bodywork and the weather. (You may have to re do this every few years as it become brittle with age. Cost is around £150 for the entire process.

Any areas of rust must be addressed first before applying any product really. A good clean up will do if its only surface, Rust Bullet and waxoil stop rust but it can come back just takes longer

 

[Trikky2]

Scwartz to protect it. (You may have to re do this every few years as it become brittle with age. Cost is around £150 for the entire process.

Or use "blackwax" which is very similar to the underside treatment by "zeibart". It can be brushed or sprayed and the advantage is that it does not go brittle - ever.

 

[71Westy]

Thanks folks - Rust Bullet it is then.

After that, I might pay someone to waxoyl it. Although I have yet to find anyone near Ipswich that does that sort of thing.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[Grazy]

Hi,

My first post here - I have just bought a 1971 Westy (US import), and chap I met in a filling station recommended this Forum.

That'll be me then Nick Glad you found us and good to see you are asking questions , If i can help let me know mate there is plenty of us on here in your area ,

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Nick,

I'm with easy on his number one approach.

And FWIW, you can get Waxoyl in a self applicating container. Sort of a pump kinda contraption. Not all that expensive - certainly a good deal cheaper than hiring the job out.

 

[71Westy]

Thanks for the welcome!

Well, I spent Saturday under the bus, and came out covered in rust and silver paint. Only got first 3/4 done, but really pleased with the result - Rust Bullet sticks like... verysticky thing. Shame about the drive :?

Found a mate with a compressor and waxoyl sprayer, so may try myself... I want to make sure the belly pans get treated well inside.

 

[K@rlos]

Found a mate with a compressor and waxoyl sprayer, so may try myself... I want to make sure the belly pans get treated well inside.

Woo Hoo another Early bay in the area 8)

Waxoil is the tits, but get a good coat of it on and the finish will be good, just don't get it in your hair, i found that out the hard way, used the pit at work and it dripped