Car underside restoration
Discussion
Does anyone know the magic words i have to say or search with to have the underside of a car restored?
I would like it to be like new but I can compromise. What I don't want is gallons of underseal or Waxoyl everywhere.
No bodyshops I've spoken to are interested. They say it's a specialist job but can't think of a specialist.
The car is structurally sound but is really untidy underneath with areas of surface rust. The rusty components - exhaust, shock absorbers and springs etc - can be replaced but what about the rest of it?
I'm not keen to do it myself and nor us anyone else as far as I can see.
There's a place in South Yorkshire offering a service but that's a bit of a hike for me. I'm in Berkshire.
Any ideas? Thanks.
I would like it to be like new but I can compromise. What I don't want is gallons of underseal or Waxoyl everywhere.
No bodyshops I've spoken to are interested. They say it's a specialist job but can't think of a specialist.
The car is structurally sound but is really untidy underneath with areas of surface rust. The rusty components - exhaust, shock absorbers and springs etc - can be replaced but what about the rest of it?
I'm not keen to do it myself and nor us anyone else as far as I can see.
There's a place in South Yorkshire offering a service but that's a bit of a hike for me. I'm in Berkshire.
Any ideas? Thanks.
DickyC said:
Does anyone know the magic words i have to say or search with to have the underside of a car restored?
I would like it to be like new but I can compromise. What I don't want is gallons of underseal or Waxoyl everywhere.
No bodyshops I've spoken to are interested. They say it's a specialist job but can't think of a specialist.
The car is structurally sound but is really untidy underneath with areas of surface rust. The rusty components - exhaust, shock absorbers and springs etc - can be replaced but what about the rest of it?
I'm not keen to do it myself and nor us anyone else as far as I can see.
There's a place in South Yorkshire offering a service but that's a bit of a hike for me. I'm in Berkshire.
Any ideas? Thanks.
What car is it?I would like it to be like new but I can compromise. What I don't want is gallons of underseal or Waxoyl everywhere.
No bodyshops I've spoken to are interested. They say it's a specialist job but can't think of a specialist.
The car is structurally sound but is really untidy underneath with areas of surface rust. The rusty components - exhaust, shock absorbers and springs etc - can be replaced but what about the rest of it?
I'm not keen to do it myself and nor us anyone else as far as I can see.
There's a place in South Yorkshire offering a service but that's a bit of a hike for me. I'm in Berkshire.
Any ideas? Thanks.
DickyC said:
The car is structurally sound but is really untidy underneath with areas of surface rust. The rusty components - exhaust, shock absorbers and springs etc - can be replaced but what about the rest of it?
Simply put you paint it. Ideally everything would be removed, blasted and powder coated. Or replaced if that can't give the finish you want.
Then you paint or replace the floor pan. New nuts and bolts when it goes back together and it will probably be better than new.
None of that is difficult as such just time consuming.
Would depend on the car and what sort of work. If you want to eye up some fantastic restoration of old Nissans (skylines, silvias etc) I'd recommend having a look at SR Autobodies. I've no idea if he'd be of use to you as he specialises in a couple cars in particular but shows there's always someone out there for the job.
https://www.facebook.com/SR.Autobodies/
https://www.facebook.com/SR.Autobodies/
I had my Audi RS2 underside restoration done las year by a guy in Market Harborough, not sure he still doing it but very good workmanship.
Thread can be seen here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thread can be seen here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
you need to go to a proper restorer not bodyshop for this.
people like buzzweld etc produce and do restore some landrovers etc and have good rep!
I would avoid using waxoil too, there are many better modern alternatives.
to be fair I'd go as far as getting the car trailered to a good shop to get it done.
I've also known carson performance to do proper underseals/underbody subframe out jobs.
they're near dorking.
people like buzzweld etc produce and do restore some landrovers etc and have good rep!
I would avoid using waxoil too, there are many better modern alternatives.
to be fair I'd go as far as getting the car trailered to a good shop to get it done.
I've also known carson performance to do proper underseals/underbody subframe out jobs.
they're near dorking.
DickyC said:
robinessex said:
What car is it?
1998 SLK230 that we've owned since 2002.Another recommendation for Buzzweld.
They're more aimed at the 4x4 fraternity but their products and knowledge are excellent.
https://www.buzzweld.co.uk/locator.html
They're more aimed at the 4x4 fraternity but their products and knowledge are excellent.
https://www.buzzweld.co.uk/locator.html
I the dim past, when I had the time and money (not married then), I did exactly this, albeit, when cars were simpler. Quite simply, up on 4 axle stands, took off everything underneath, hand scraped the whole bottom of the car clean of dirt and any loose stuff, sorted any rust patches, recoated the body shell base, blasted and cleaned all the suspension and runing gear, re-painted it all, and put it all back together. Wasn't that expensive actually, just replaced what was normal wear and tear. Only downside, it does take quite a while.
robinessex said:
I the dim past, when I had the time and money (not married then), I did exactly this, albeit, when cars were simpler. Quite simply, up on 4 axle stands, took off everything underneath, hand scraped the whole bottom of the car clean of dirt and any loose stuff, sorted any rust patches, recoated the body shell base, blasted and cleaned all the suspension and runing gear, re-painted it all, and put it all back together. Wasn't that expensive actually, just replaced what was normal wear and tear. Only downside, it does take quite a while.
Oh, to be young and fit again. Are axle stands going to be high enough? I was picturing baulks of timber to get the car high enough to work comfortably beneath it. The car is my wife's and has had a fairly easy life so it's not in too bad shape underneath, just scruffy. I don't picture the rear subframe coming off for example.
Until recently the car had full MB service history. One of things that put me off was when it is serviced by MB I have to endure a video of the technician walking under the car remarking how rusty everything is. It sails through MoTs with no advisories (okay, rarely any advisories). Yes, the springs, dampers and exhaust are rusty but they still function. They will be replaced when they fail or when I choose to improve the appearance under there.
I'll think about doing it myself and I can see how satisfying it would be but wouldn't it be nice to put it in somewhere and have it done?
DickyC said:
robinessex said:
I the dim past, when I had the time and money (not married then), I did exactly this, albeit, when cars were simpler. Quite simply, up on 4 axle stands, took off everything underneath, hand scraped the whole bottom of the car clean of dirt and any loose stuff, sorted any rust patches, recoated the body shell base, blasted and cleaned all the suspension and runing gear, re-painted it all, and put it all back together. Wasn't that expensive actually, just replaced what was normal wear and tear. Only downside, it does take quite a while.
Oh, to be young and fit again. Are axle stands going to be high enough? I was picturing baulks of timber to get the car high enough to work comfortably beneath it. The car is my wife's and has had a fairly easy life so it's not in too bad shape underneath, just scruffy. I don't picture the rear subframe coming off for example.
Until recently the car had full MB service history. One of things that put me off was when it is serviced by MB I have to endure a video of the technician walking under the car remarking how rusty everything is. It sails through MoTs with no advisories (okay, rarely any advisories). Yes, the springs, dampers and exhaust are rusty but they still function. They will be replaced when they fail or when I choose to improve the appearance under there.
I'll think about doing it myself and I can see how satisfying it would be but wouldn't it be nice to put it in somewhere and have it done?
I have no connection to (and indeed have never used) these guys but they appear to do what you are asking for
https://www.onyxautomotive.co.uk/pages/underside-r...
https://www.onyxautomotive.co.uk/pages/underside-r...
LennyM1984 said:
I have no connection to (and indeed have never used) these guys but they appear to do what you are asking for
https://www.onyxautomotive.co.uk/pages/underside-r...
Looks good, probaly not cheap though. My Ford Capri 2.8 injection looked like that when I'd finished it, it's not hard, just time consuming. Some of the smaller little clips and brackets break or are rusty beyond use, and the ordering of these bits can be lengthy through main dealers who are the only stockists.https://www.onyxautomotive.co.uk/pages/underside-r...
robinessex said:
My local independent Jaguar service garage charges circa £90/hr (inc VAT), thus 1 weeks work is circa £3600 !! Add on the inevitable bits that'll need replacing, wouldn't be surprised +£5,000 !! Usually, all the suspenion bushes are need/worth replacing, new shocks, stainless exhaust. Add on blasting all the bits clean, and then the paint. Don't forget re-powder coating the wheeels, tyre removal/replacing and balancing.
Three times the car's value!
Yes, maybe I'll look at doing it myself.
Suspension bits and bobs will be done when they need replacing. I'll possibly replace the shocks and springs as they're a bit public. Discs and pads are okay.
The exhaust is original. I'm dead chuffed about it but the MB technician turned his nose up at it.
Wheels and tyres good. The winter wheels and tyres have just gone on.
Finding a balance is the answer. Don't want to go mad, just like it to be nice and last a bit longer.
87,000 miles, I meant to say earlier. Three volumes of history, three owners - Mrs C for 18 years. She still loves it, so it's the keeper.
LennyM1984 said:
I have no connection to (and indeed have never used) these guys but they appear to do what you are asking for
https://www.onyxautomotive.co.uk/pages/underside-r...
That looks good. Thanks, Lenny.https://www.onyxautomotive.co.uk/pages/underside-r...
DickyC said:
robinessex said:
My local independent Jaguar service garage charges circa £90/hr (inc VAT), thus 1 weeks work is circa £3600 !! Add on the inevitable bits that'll need replacing, wouldn't be surprised +£5,000 !! Usually, all the suspenion bushes are need/worth replacing, new shocks, stainless exhaust. Add on blasting all the bits clean, and then the paint. Don't forget re-powder coating the wheeels, tyre removal/replacing and balancing.
Three times the car's value!Yes, maybe I'll look at doing it myself.
Suspension bits and bobs will be done when they need replacing. I'll possibly replace the shocks and springs as they're a bit public. Discs and pads are okay.
The exhaust is original. I'm dead chuffed about it but the MB technician turned his nose up at it.
Wheels and tyres good. The winter wheels and tyres have just gone on.
Finding a balance is the answer. Don't want to go mad, just like it to be nice and last a bit longer.
87,000 miles, I meant to say earlier. Three volumes of history, three owners - Mrs C for 18 years. She still loves it, so it's the keeper.
I forget the name of the company. They're a BMW specialist who do the boot floor upgrades on E46 M3's along with a full refurb.
Someone will know their name, judging by their youtube page they do an excellent job, although I'm sure you pay for it.
Your main issue is you're talking hours and hours of prep to do it properly. I'd bet 50 hours of prep and 10 hours of application to do a top quality job wouldn't be far off.
I'd be using a combination of POR15 and Bilthamber products.
Someone will know their name, judging by their youtube page they do an excellent job, although I'm sure you pay for it.
Your main issue is you're talking hours and hours of prep to do it properly. I'd bet 50 hours of prep and 10 hours of application to do a top quality job wouldn't be far off.
I'd be using a combination of POR15 and Bilthamber products.
ChocolateFrog said:
I forget the name of the company. They're a BMW specialist who do the boot floor upgrades on E46 M3's along with a full refurb.
Someone will know their name, judging by their youtube page they do an excellent job, although I'm sure you pay for it.
Your main issue is you're talking hours and hours of prep to do it properly. I'd bet 50 hours of prep and 10 hours of application to do a top quality job wouldn't be far off.
I'd be using a combination of POR15 and Bilthamber products.
It's the one I posted earlier:-Someone will know their name, judging by their youtube page they do an excellent job, although I'm sure you pay for it.
Your main issue is you're talking hours and hours of prep to do it properly. I'd bet 50 hours of prep and 10 hours of application to do a top quality job wouldn't be far off.
I'd be using a combination of POR15 and Bilthamber products.
Redish Motorsport does that for BMW https://www.redish-motorsport.com/ The whole procedure is on YouTube
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