Cleaning a Body

[Dwight Southerland]

Originally Posted by House of Darts

I sell an American made tool that is specifically designed to remove undercoating. After doing several cars with a torch and steel wool and solvent, this is the best solution. The specialized wheel has done 3 cars and still works well. It will also take off paint although it isn't 100%.

Tell me more.

[JRyan]

Dwight,

Snap-On sells what they call the Crud Cutter. It's designed for the purpose of taking undercoating off. It's very similar sounding to what the other gentlemen was taking about. It has specialized wheels to remove the undercoating. I've been debating purchasing one but, haven't talked to anyone that's tried it yet.

Rick Ryan

[Pelle A]

Dwight, the most efficient way to get rid of undercoating, old goo and loose paint, etc is by using a electric high pressure washer with a diesel fuelled boiler
The secret is to decrease the pressure enough, so that temperature of the water (read steam) reaches 140-150'C (280-300'F) It's the steam that will do the work.

Borrow one, or rent one for the weekend, Sunday can be spent for watching a ball game.
No chemicals, heat guns, burned hands, wire wheels, detergents, elbow grease,carb cleaner, pollutions what so ever. Just water. And filthy drive way...

If necessary, a Roto-Jet nossle can be useful cleaning some parts, rear axle etc, since it encreases the impact force x 7, but only at supplied temperatures under 212*F. And not on sheet metal...

A couple of years ago I "destroyed" a genuine -70 SS BB Chevelle by turning it into a G/SA stocker.
After stripping engine and gearbox, it took me one full Saturday and one disposable overall to get rid of EVERYTHING down to the original satin black body paint.

OK, I used somewhat of the same methode as published on the photo by SSdiv 6, but if you do it safe, there is no problem.

BTW,I never managed to make the Chevelle into a winner, or even a good qualifier...I sold it, it's back on the street with a ridiculous price tag,
Instead I bought many years of experience and buying a goooood stocker Nova from Keith Lynch... I love this car,,,
But, as a matter of fact, it need as underbody cleaning, Keith has never built show cars...
Just good race cars.


Pelle Andersson / Sweden

[Dwight Southerland]

Originally Posted by RJ

What are you building Dwight?

Seriously, RJ, I have changed my ways and have decided to build an F/SA 390 Fairlane. Don't you think that's a good idea??

[Jeff Lee]

Reminds me when I bought my AMX. The underside was reasonable, just typical rust holes at the sump at the rear mounting points for the seats. Then I took the car home and started working on it, starting by striping the interior. Under the carpet was a 1/2" coating of roofing tar! Yea, that was one fine mess to clean up! After that, I haven't been to motivated to do the underside.
Man, I thought Dwight was a 4-speed guy forever. F/SA Fairlane? Talk about moving to the dark side!
Just in case I get motivated (or bored) I'd like info on this tool that was mentioned.

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

Seriously, RJ, I have changed my ways and have decided to build an F/SA 390 Fairlane. Don't you think that's a good idea??

I'm not RJ Sledge, I just remember your SS/C Vette, and thought it was a neat car.

[Dwight Southerland]

My apologies! I thought I was having fun with an old friend!

Actually, I am working on something considerably less dramatic than the Vette. If Jody Lang and Tommy Mattingly can win so much with such "slow" cars, wy spend do much $$ and time to have a good time?

[Grant Eldridge]

Jeff, and others wondering about the tool for removal of undercoating...I believe it's called the "Crud Thug". It resembles an air ratchet, but instead of the drive for a socket there is a wire wheel fitted with uniquely shaped wire. The tool is also similar to an angle grinder in appearance but is an air tool and slimmer in it's construction. Rather than straight wire, these are angled the last 1/8" of the tip, so the wires "dig in" to the undercoating and essentially gouge it off the surface without damaging the underlying metal. BE CAREFUL! This thing could rip your face off if you don't handle it with a strong grip! It's still a hassle, and if you are doing it as I was with the car on jack stands, you'll end up completely black and covered with dirt but you will have removed the undercoating. I've just done the wheel wells on my '67 Camaro, and in places the stuff was close to 1/4" thick, but it's clean and freshly painted now. I used a degreaser/cleaner to wash the surface before painting the car underneath with trim black. As John Duzac said, it's a pride thing and worth all the effort when you're done. It looks like a brand new car underneath, and is a joy to re-assemble when everything is spotless, grease and dirt-free. Good luck!

[Grant Eldridge]

Here's a link to the tool............
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools...e=snapon-store

[House of Darts]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

Tell me more.

It's an air powered tool. The cutting end has a series of wire hooks at a specific angle. The tool runs at a lower rpm. You do not have to bear down on the tool. If you do, the cutting quality goes down. You have to be a little disciplined at let the tool work for you. It comes with a rubber wheel for removing decals and pin striping. Everything about this tool is USA made. The air tool alone will probably last 20 yrs. with good maintenance. Send me a PM and I'll give you all the details if you are interested. Thanks