What's the best DIY undercoating product? I want to undercoat a Mustang GT and I'm not sure about which product to use or where to apply it.

 

I think I'm going to try this when my Mustang comes in:

http://forum.eastwoodco.com/showpost...79&postcount=4

from here: http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...ORY&itemID=372

I read that its some of the best stuff out there, better than POR-15 from a report on their website:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...88&iSubCat=852

& no I don't work for Eastwood Co

 

I may give their rubberized undercoating a try unless there's something better.

 

Por-15 is the best that I have used/seen.

http://www.por15.com/

 

Can POR-15 be used on fresh metal surfaces (like the underbody of a new GT)?

 

I believe it can, that stuff sticks to EVERYTHING, especially fingers!! I had some on my hand for 7 days before it finally came off.

 

I read on a site that the silver POR-15 contains metal filler and is best on rusted metal. Is the silver stuff the right stuff to use on fresh metal (powdercoated, painted, etc...)?

 

I also have been looking into this topic. I drive my car through the winter and want to protect it the best I can. I had been thinking that POR-15 was the answer. That stuff is awesome ! I have used it on other cars and have had incredible experience with it. The problem with the Mustang is that I have a hard time getting underneath it with the brush, and would make a mess trying to apply it. I have no doubt that once applied, it will last for a really long time. I am looking seriously at an interim solution, which is a product called Fluid-Film. It is not permanent like paint, but it has some great properties to protect a car from rust, especially from road salt. I understand that snow-plows use it to keep their equipment from degrading from salt exposure. It looks to me like this is a product that you apply to the underside each year. The only downside is that it does not get into the hidden areas which might rust ... but then again, I would not get into those areas with POR-15 either. Here is a link for the fluid-film product. http://www.eurekafluidfilm.com/

Good luck !

 

I've heard negative results using Eastwood's Rust Encapsulater and POR-15 on fresh/clean metal (like on a new GT). It will usually peel and flake off from what I have read.

 

If you use the POR-15 on new metal there is a special product you use to etch up the metal, I think it is kind of an acid or something. It's called Metal Ready, it's on the POR-15 website.

 

Only thing I would recommend is that you cover your body paint before putting any undercoat on...once you get that on the paint, it's a real bear to remove...

 

I had someone on this site advise me one time about the bad things about undercoating. Basically if you have any moisture at all and then cover it with undercoat, or have any kind of pocket against metal that water can find, then you are worse off than if you didn't have it at all. The rust proofing of the body panels is pretty darn good from the factory from what I hear.....

 

Yep, you use the metal ready on fresh metal. Then you put the por-15 topkote on....Just make sure you put plastic down on the floor and wear plastic gloves and clothes you don't care if you wear again. It can be messy but I think it's worth it. Once on you can clean it very easily.

 

I`ve used linseed oil for years and it works great. Get a cheap spray gun and spray down the underside.suspension,exhaust everything. It drys slowly and won`t come off but the dirt salt will. Cheap too.

 

After more research, I've found recommendations to stick with rubberized undercoating for areas prone to getting hit with objects (rocks/pebbles) such as fender/wheel wells and underbody areas especially on new/painted surfaces. POR-15/Rust Encapsulator appears to work great on rusted metal, but requires extensive preparation on new painted metal.

3M makes 3 types of aerosol spray on undercoats: 08881 ($4/can), 08882 Underseal ($5-$6/can) and 08883 Underseal ($8-$10/can). I figure I can trust 3M's adhesive technology, but I cannot find a comparison of all 3 types (which lasts the longest, etc...)

I realize they are generally made of an asphalt material - but even shingles are rated in years (10, 15, 20, 30 year warranty, etc...)