Rustproofing advice - help?

[widster]

Hi,

I've just taken the rotten exhaust of my 1987 mk1b. I want to rub down and treat the rust on the underside before putting the new exhaust back on. I know this may be quite basic stuff but i have a few questions if anyone can help?

There is a large metal 'plate' that sits beneath the boot. On my car it is solid but has surface rust on it. I'm thinking of just rubbing it down and treating it but i'm wondering if i should try and remove it to see if there is any rust above? However, the bolts look quite seized and likely to snap off. What do people think?

Also, what sort of rustproofer would people recommend? I've been looking at the 'Bilt Hamber' website but now i am more confused!

http://www.bilthamber.com/index.html

There are rust removers, rust preventers, paints and waxes. I was thinking that i would use a 'paint on' rust treatment and then hammerite followed by underseal. Can anyone advise what they have used?

Thanks
Widster

[classic mk1]

Hi widster, the bit you refer to is just a heat shield. Ive completely removed it from my car with no ill effects, the boot doesnt get overly hot so problem solved. For originality try one of the POR products or when removed you could have them blasted and then stove enameled.

[Lauren]

If you want to get it done properly go to www.chassisclean.co.uk

We got the Super Edition fully treated, they looked to do a good job.

They are based near Warrington just off the M6.

[010on1986]

If rust is present - treat with de rust (turns rust blue) then your-choice-of-preferred-paint/waxoyl (or dinitrol equivalent ££)/10days to dry/waxoyl underseal.

I have that de-ox stuff from bilt-hamber- fantastic. Mix with water in a bucket, add the rusty part for a day or 2, go back pull it out no rust. I even put it in my engine block for 2 days when the head gasket was off, and wet/dry vacuumed it back out, it de-rusted the entire inside of the engine block, ready for fresh forlife.

Removed both exhaust heat shields, simply waxoyled then undersealed the area they protect and hung them up in the garage as garage ornaments.

[cartledge_uk]

Anyone know of a rust proofing/underseal place down south s/e area?

[widster]

Thanks for all your comments. Very helpful.

[Adam W]

I just took those heat shields off my car and every single bolt snapped. Don't expect to refit them unless you drill out the old bolts and retap all the threads!

[coverco]

I just took those heat shields off my car and every single bolt snapped. Don't expect to refit them unless you drill out the old bolts and retap all the threads!

50% of mine sheared, they are pigs to drill and tap as well as the swarf falls onto you

I did my heat shield with POR15, the boot floor on mine was OK but I wire brushed it and used Hammerite on it, all that work and you can't even see the thing once the exhaust is back on

[widster]

I just took those heat shields off my car and every single bolt snapped. Don't expect to refit them unless you drill out the old bolts and retap all the threads!

50% of mine sheared, they are pigs to drill and tap as well as the swarf falls onto you

I did my heat shield with POR15, the boot floor on mine was OK but I wire brushed it and used Hammerite on it, all that work and you can't even see the thing once the exhaust is back on

Think i might just leave it in place and hope that the boot floor is solid!

[coverco]

I just took those heat shields off my car and every single bolt snapped. Don't expect to refit them unless you drill out the old bolts and retap all the threads!

50% of mine sheared, they are pigs to drill and tap as well as the swarf falls onto you

I did my heat shield with POR15, the boot floor on mine was OK but I wire brushed it and used Hammerite on it, all that work and you can't even see the thing once the exhaust is back on

Think i might just leave it in place and hope that the boot floor is solid!

That is a good plan