Underside weather protection - thoughts?

[nickv12]

I’m using my VH-platform Vantage (2018) all year round. I try to avoid using it when there’s salt on the road, but it’s no garage queen. It’s under cover when parked up.

It’s only used for pleasure, and it’s definitely a keeper, so I want to look after it with long-term in mind.

What are thoughts on getting underside protection? I’ve asked at AM Bristol and they’re gonna look into it for me.

It’s in good condition (3.5k miles) with an intended 4-6k miles use per year. It would obviously need to be thoroughly cleaned first.

Any recommendations for experienced places that offer this as an alternative?

Thanks

[steveamv8]

try lanoguard,
pressure wash it down, let it dry , spray this stuff on and forget about it

[Jon39]

It is the steel subframe at the rear which suffers most.
Spraying with protection is awkward with that assembly, because so much of it is out of sight.

You mentioned keeper.
Some extremely enthusiastic AM PHers have removed their subframes, then had thorough protection applied, before reassembling everything. Sounds a lengthy job, so I admire those who undertake such a task. Looked better than new (it is) in the photos.

[drt30]

Strangely enough, I've recently contacted amperformance in Macclesfield to get a service lined up for my 09 vantage. I enquired about sub frame protection, since mine is pristine and would like to keep it that way (I haven't driven it in a month due to the salt). I was told that dinitrol offered good protection.

I've also hear dynax is useful stuff too, although application to the entire subframe in situ, is tricky.

I'd like to hear more ideas - I would love to use mine more over winter.

[M1AGM]

Glad that you are getting full year round use of your new steed nick. Similar to the above, ACF50 works well on motorcycle parts so no reason I can think of why it wouldn’t do the job. The tricky bit will be getting access to the areas that need treating.

[peteA]

I use ACF50 on the metal parts of my vantage - having said that mines off the road when the salt arrives!

[nickv12]

Thanks, all, for the great replies! Really appreciate it.

AM Bristol recommended Lanoguard, especially as it's clear when applied, and it seems to work well. Interestingly, they didn't suggest they'd do it. I didn't ask further about this, as it's actually a job I wouldn't mind doing myself - just need to sort out some ramp access (where they don't mind a big puddle when cleaning it!).

I received a health check video from AM Bristol after my visit (didn't expect that) which had very nice, clear video footage of the underside. It's all in good condition, but looks not remotely as clean as those photos above! But it never will; it's gonna get used in winter and around the country lanes at all times.

It's almost related to my thought regarding paint protection. I'd prefer to see the lovely paintwork without any protection. When it starts to look remotely tatty, I'll get it resprayed. As with the chassis; I want to have fun using this car. When bits need doing, I'll simply get them done. This protection will merely hold things off for a bit longer.

[V8V Pete]

nickv12 said:

It's almost related to my thought regarding paint protection. I'd prefer to see the lovely paintwork without any protection. When it starts to look remotely tatty, I'll get it resprayed. As with the chassis; I want to have fun using this car. When bits need doing, I'll simply get them done. This protection will merely hold things off for a bit longer.

If you saw my grille (unprotected), compared to my bodywork (PPF) you might change your mind on that Nick. Mines now on 46K miles and I think I'd have had to have the front end resprayed about 4 times in that time to keep it looking good. Also, stone chips don't happen all at once just before you have your front end respray done. Your car looks progressively worse with more & more chips until you cave in and get it done. Then you get a massive stone chip one day later. Have you seen how good modern PPF is? It's obviously totally up to you but I think my logic stands up to scrutiny.

[nickv12]

V8V Pete said:

If you saw my grille (unprotected), compared to my bodywork (PPF) you might change your mind on that Nick. Mines now on 46K miles and I think I'd have had to have the front end resprayed about 4 times in that time to keep it looking good. Also, stone chips don't happen all at once just before you have your front end respray done. Your car looks progressively worse with more & more chips until you cave in and get it done. Then you get a massive stone chip one day later. Have you seen how good modern PPF is? It's obviously totally up to you but I think my logic stands up to scrutiny.

Thanks, Pete! Yeah... I know that it's going to get progressively more used and its condition will reflect that. From new, it had the Williams Paint Protect which only really stops swirls and not stone chips.

With PPF, I fear that the paint itself could get damaged by the process. The PPF will, itself, become progressively more worn and need replacing. That process may not be kind to the paintwork. I am speaking with zero experience and simply a perception. But the paint on this one is so magical in all lights, that I don't want to be in any way dimmed.

I am sure my logic doesn't stand up to any scrutiny, but a strange part of me actually likes this idea of cherished cars getting used - and maintained - as intended. I don't expect to have any paint work done for 6-7 years, unless the "they all do that" bubbling starts to appear on the doors. Let's see...