Wheelwell wonders

S

ScubaStevo

New member
So I was thinking for my upcoming season of detailing, I'd add anouther thing to my detailing check list on full details.



I want to add undercoating to my list of things so I dont' have to waste so much dressing, and it will actually stay looking nice.



Now my question is, what kind of undercoating would work this way? Do you think it would be a viable idea if the customer gives me the ok? When applying undercoating, what do you have to do to prep the surface.



Steve
 
If you mean the spray on stuff in a can, I'm not sure if it is going to look great on the ( at least the front) plastic wheel well linings of most of today's cars.
 
ScubaStevo said:
So I was thinking for my upcoming season of detailing, I'd add anouther thing to my detailing check list on full details.

I want to add undercoating to my list of things so I dont' have to waste so much dressing, and it will actually stay looking nice.

Now my question is, what kind of undercoating would work this way? Do you think it would be a viable idea if the customer gives me the ok? When applying undercoating, what do you have to do to prep the surface.

Steve
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Personally, I would not even bother offering it. The only time I had any luck with the do-it-yourself underspray was with a brand new car. You really have to prep the surface to new condition if you want it to last. You also have to cover any exhaust / engine parts because that stuff, if got on the exhaust or engine, will burn and stink. And, the other bad part, is I always made a mess when using that stuff.
 
Eh, seems like a waste of time to me. A lot of people just cut a water based dressing more so less product is used.



Lorne
 
I don't know if cleanliness applies to wheelwells, but I've had luck using a huge bone-sponge to apply dressing to the wells, as the sponge just gets dirtier each time from the grime, it eventually becomes saturated so you use less dressing and it applies much smoother. I keep it in a large ziplock bag, and when I need to use it, i grab the sponge while the bag is on it, then flip the bag over to cover my hand from getting filthy. Sort of a 'picking up dog doo' approach to things... :D
 
I like ArmorAll Detailers Advantage spray foam for wheel wells, but I am intrigued to learn more on undercoatings as well.
 
That's a good approach. If you want a larger distance between your hands the wheel wells and wish to be able to squeeze in tight spaces while dressing them, use a sponge with a long handle intended for bathroom cleaning. The only local source I can find for them is Walgreen's. They are a few bucks and they make dressing the wells go by easier.
 
If you want a larger distance between your hands the wheel wells and wish to be able to squeeze in tight spaces while dressing them, use a sponge with a long handle intended for bathroom cleaning.
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Good idea Bill. I'll have to try that.
 
SilverLexus said:
I like ArmorAll Detailers Advantage spray foam for wheel wells, but I am intrigued to learn more on undercoatings as well.
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The exact product I use for wheel wells too. I like it. I still need to find a good brush that will fit in those tight gaps though. Scrubbing can be a pain sometimes.
 
SilverLexus said:
.. I am intrigued to learn more on undercoatings as well.
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I've had to learn about this due to brakefluid damage on my '84 RX-7's wheelwells and undercarriage. I'm no expert by any means but I know a lot more than I used to.



There are a few types of undercoating. Yeah, this is sorta oversimplified but hopefully it'll be an ok introduction to the stuff. Any experts- please feel free to offer corrections/etc.



Rubberized undercoating. Often available in spray cans and commonly used by DIYers. Gotta have the underlying surface *CLEAN* for it to stay in place. Also gotta consider how it'll look as it wears/ages. IMO people use this one too often, when another product would be a better choice.



Asphalt-based undercoating. This is the thick black stuff that is often applied at the factory (or at least it used to be). It can be good but when it starts to crack and/or separate from the underlying surface it can get pockets that'll trap moisture/dirt/etc. which can lead to trouble.



Lighter-weight undercoatings similar to the asphalt stuff. This is the browinish/black greasy stuff that smells like tar. It is sometimes available in spray cans and is what they use in bulk with spray equipment at places like Ziebart. Not a bad product, not as particular about surface prep as the rubberized stuff. But it's not as attractive either, and it's messy. Never really hardens *completely* so it can really soil a mitt/etc. but it does harden to some extent and stay put. Reasonably resistant to wear. Can attract dirt and can't really be cleaned all that well without removing it.



Wax-based undercoatings. These are more "rust inhibitors" than true undercoatings. Two variations- 1)ones that don't ever really dry and they can be worn/cleaned off pretty easily, very messy to apply and 2) ones that dry to a fairly tough, waxy coating-this is like the stuff commonly (but incorrectly) referred to as "cosmoline" that is used on many new cars, less messy to apply but doesn't creep/flow as well. Their light viscosity lets you spray them in tight areas, where they creep/flow to provide good coverage and protection. Great for spraying in frame rails, inside doors, etc. So light they won't clog drain holes if properly applied. Perfect for areas that don't show and aren't subject to wear. These (especially variant #1) will seal much existing rust and prevent further corrosion. Available in spray cans and in bulk for use with spray equipment.



Hybrid undercoatings. It combines the last two types of product to presumably provide the better qualities of each. It is currently available in bulk for use with spray equipment but AutoInt/ValueGuard will be releasing it in spray can form in a few months.
 
I like to use stoners trim shine, but more often than not i just clean them and let them be. i really wanna try the griots undercarriage spray but it seems pretty "intense" if i get it on things i shouldnt :)
 
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