Waxoyl removal suggestions

[v8250]

Dear All, am starting to remove the old waxoyl from MGB under-body - then fully repaint uunderside, wheel arches etc, this winter. Apart from the usual weeks of dirty manual scraping away, does anyone have any tips for doing this? Is there a product that readily removes years of waxoyl?

All suggestions welcome. Thanks, Andrew.

[GadgeS3C]

I think I used white spirit (tried a few things and that worked best) to remove it from the underside of our 3000M. It's not a miracle cure though and still took lots of elbow grease.

Good luck.
Gary

[dufctubs]

White spirits, hot air gun and scrapper ?

[benjj]

Try and think about it this way: removing waxoyl is more stressful than getting divorced while moving house while being told that your company has gone bankrupt and you've got a terminal illness.

Unless you're against the clock I would follow my foolproof way of doing it:

1) Allocate an hour (or two or three) a day/weekend to do the job

2) Have a cup of tea before you start. One at half way. One at the end. Drink it standing up to help your back get straight again

3) Wear latex gloves - have a supply of at least one pair per day

4) Put the radio on and concentrate on that rather than the bd fking waxoyl

5) Just crack on without thinking about it

[v8250]

benjj, excellent strategy we both have same approach - shame their isn't a simpler way of getting the job done.

[benjj]

I just drive myself mad if I try and think about it - a bit like stripping wallpaper or sanding a floor, you just need to start, continue, end while thinking about something else!

[na]

I can tell you from having a leak from the fuel tank sender gasket years ago that petrol washes waxoyl clean off

not sure if 95 or 97/98/99 is best though

[v8250]

Thanks Guys, yes petrol, white spirit et al works. However, wouldn't it be great if there was a less hazardous product available for effective waxoyl removal?

[na]

well you could leave it on and not paint the underside, the waxoyl whether thin stuff or underseal will be protect the metal which is all the paint will do

[AJAX50]

How about steaming it off, either hire the kit or get it done by a specialist.

[AndrewW-G]

AJAX50 said:

How about steaming it off, either hire the kit or get it done by a specialist.

Car up in the air, wheels off, steam cleaner from local hire shop, give it a blast, let it dry for an hour, then plenty of transit wax remover, let that soak in and then a good steaming

[davebeast]

Brush with phosphoric acid and leave to dwell, should loosen it up.

[v8250]

AndrewW-G said:

Car up in the air, wheels off, steam cleaner from local hire shop, give it a blast, let it dry for an hour, then plenty of transit wax remover, let that soak in and then a good steaming

Andrew, any suggestions as where's best for TFR product? Have googled but can only find commercial quantities of 100+ltrs; a 5ltr qty of TFR would suffice. I have my own steam cleaner.

Thanks

[AndrewW-G]

v8250 said:

Andrew, any suggestions as where's best for TFR product? Have googled but can only find commercial quantities of 100+ltrs; a 5ltr qty of TFR would suffice. I have my own steam cleaner.

Thanks

You can get 25L thingies of TFR from your local motor factors (about £1-£1.20 a litre) they should also be able to get you the same size of Transit Wax Remover. . . . . not forgetting to wash the TFR off with something that will also neutralise it (wash n wax for example)

ETA, my local Euro Car Parts stock TFR, but it doesnt seem to be on their website, so maybe worth a phone call

Edited by AndrewW-G on Wednesday 26th October 16:07

[The Rustman]

Trouble is it weighs a lot and is expensive to ship around, if you go to your local car parts corner store he will have a contact with an auto products wholesaler he will be able to buy 25 ltrs of tfr for about £13 + vat so he'll charge you about £25 ish. Turtle wax and Gunk do a tfr in 25 ltr drums

[The Rustman]

As per previous post the best product to remove Waxoyl is a petrol type of solvent. But you would have to be vary careful ( no smoking etc ) something containing xylene & naptha will do it. Work on a small area at a time and let the scrapings dry before disposing of them

[redgriff500]

Bit late but for future searchers

I buy my TFR in 5 litre containers from Autojoy sensible prices and shipping rates.

[Sifly]

Probably quicker (and easier) to strip the car and acid dip the shell!!

[T0nup]

Steam clean

[chappardababbar]

benjj said:

Try and think about it this way: removing waxoyl is more stressful than getting divorced while moving house while being told that your company has gone bankrupt and you've got a terminal illness.

Unless you're against the clock I would follow my foolproof way of doing it:

1) Allocate an hour (or two or three) a day/weekend to do the job

2) Have a cup of tea before you start. One at half way. One at the end. Drink it standing up to help your back get straight again

3) Wear latex gloves - have a supply of at least one pair per day

4) Put the radio on and concentrate on that rather than the bd fking waxoyl

5) Just crack on without thinking about it

Great advice! I'm just about to get started. Thank you