underbody rust prevention

[Horst]

After all those years the little jeep starts to show some age. The underbody was originally covered with some black coating at the factory but that is gone in most of the places. Some of these critical areas where multiple layers of sheet metal overlap show some minor rust areas. Nothing super serious but I decided to slow down the process of disintegration...

Instead of the usual undercoating I have used wax, so I can keep track what is going on. Started today to do the wheel wells and suspension parts.

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BTW, I am using Ballistol oil to clean. I am not sure if there is an equivalent oil in the States. It is a traditional and very light oil. It can be used for a lot of purposes. Good for weapons cleaning but we also use it to take care of the ears of our dog. It is not harmful for the skin and you can actually swallow it.

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[rickf]

Horst, over here we use a wax based coating called Fluid Film. I use it for long term storage of engine blocks. It is messy but it gets the job done.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Film-Penet ... hvexpln=73

[Horst]

Good that you mention fluid film. Before applying wax, I am using it to penetrate the overlaps and openings, then I cover everything with a thin layer of wax. Fluid film itself does not work as a wax for the underbody, it will just wash away.
But it is also the right stuff to spray the insides of the frame rails, I have just ordered two more cans with the long plastic probe to treat the frame rails (again).

[rickf]

Can you tell me a little more about the wax? I assume it is sprayed on the outside of the frame and underbody and hardens there?

[Horst]

Correct. It is still clear enough to see through, so rust cannot develop undetected. It will be not very tacky and as such not collect much dust. After it hardened, you can't simply wash it off, if the need is to remove it, it can be rubbed off with a rag with gasoline.
Needs to be re-applied after a season.

[Horst]

Finally did all the frame rails. The 2 cans fluid film I ordered turned out to be the absolute minimum for all rails.

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[m3a1]

I think it may be too late to treat on this one...

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[Horst]

Looks to me like a perfect candidate as it seems to be saved

[m3a1]

If you only knew...