Save £300 in five hours
Ed Hughes shows you how to add long-term corrosion protection to your classic this weekend
WEEKEND WORKSHOP
ED’S JOB CARD
HOME RUSTPROOFING
Today I'll show you how to rustproof your classic at home. You'll need a dry car, plus ramps or axle stands. You don't necessarily need a compressor. The simplest job protects the underbody, while a comprehensive service treats structural members, doors, etc. Years ago, factories didn't apply rustproofing – that was your responsibility as the owner. Even if your classic's more recent, however, anti-rust wax is supposed to be reapplied periodically as it can dry out and flake off. Invest your time now, not in welding later on.
START DAY 1
UNDERBODYPREPARATION
Peel and scrape off any loose underseal, seam sealant, etc under the car. Wire-brush damaged areas and treat with a quality anti-rust paint. If any welding is required, do this before applying any fresh wax. Washing dirt away with a hose is a good way to clean the car, but it must be allowed to dry completely afterwards. If it's dry, wire brushing and probing with scrapers and screwdrivers is fine.
EQUIPMENTANDMATERIALS
If you have a compressor, you can use a 'schutz gun' to apply wax both underneath and in box sections, if it comes with a lance. Professional rustproofing guns are also available.
Aerosols are very effective, hassle free and mess free – and any extra expense is negligible on a single car. They're perfect for box sections and fiddly areas, with special extension nozzles.
We generally use Rustbuster and Bilt Hamber waxes. Underbody wax forms a tough skin. Cavity wax stays sticky. 'Penetrator' is a good primer for existing rust. Use colourless wax for chrome.
WHEELARCHAREAS
The most vulnerable areas are around wheels. Front wings can collect large amounts of dirt that must be dug out from around headlights, etc. Search for crevices that have been filled with mud.
Dig out any debris from the inner lip of the wheelarch. Most rear arches (and some front) are double-skinned, spot-welded on the arch lip, and water gets between the skins, causing swelling.
