TheSamba.com :: View topic - Best way of removing factory undercoat and crud?

Wed Jun 30, 2004 5:02 am

I'm looking to restore my 67 westy and need to remove most or all of the factory undercoating and crud buildup over the years. I want to get all the rust out once and for all. Any ideas? Thanks

Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:33 pm

a little bit of heat (some sort of hand held gas torch) and a 2" putty knife. and some goggles and gloves, some elbow grease, an afternoon and a couple of beers (or other beverage of choice), and you'll be set.

*warning* be carefull where you point the flame from the torch and where you set it down when your not using it.

Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:42 pm

I` did the solder touch and scraper, make sure and have a fire extinguisher close, that stuff can catch. Don`t hold the flame to long in one spot, the metal can worp pretty easy. The rest will come off with a rag with a little thinner on it. It will be kinda messy. Good Luck. Let us know how it turns out

Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:59 pm

71surfbus wrote: make sure and have a fire extinguisher close. Don`t hold the flame to long in one spot, the metal can worp pretty easy.

good points.

i found that applying heat to the area surrounding the undercoating you are removing worked best. rather than focusing the heat directly on the area you are removing. putting heat right on it will make it gooey, whereas heating around it will make it kind of peel/flake off.

good luck.

Wed Jun 30, 2004 8:56 pm

You might want to try a hot air gun rather than a torch - no flame and less chance of starting a fire. Also known as a paint stripper at Home Depot or Lowes.

Thu Jul 01, 2004 4:57 am

Thanks for the help you guys. That makes sense for the heat to loosen things up. I'm gonna do that as soon as I get the drivetrain and beam out of there. Any idea how these vans left the factory as far as paint color or undercoating on the underside and inside fenders etc??

Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:45 pm

heat is an excellent way to remove the undercoating. As mentioned have a fire extinguisher ready. also, if you don't like the smell of 40-50 year old rubber and road nastiness i would recommend at least a gardening mask. that stuff is pretty nasty smelling! what is your specific question on the undercoating from the factory? did they come with it? yes.