Removing Undercoating but Not Paint

[Shelby_r_b]

So, I jumped head long into removing the undercoating this weekend.  First, a few notes:

1.  Man, that job SUCKS!!! I had the car on a 4 post lift with enough room to wheel around while seated, and it still sucked
2.  I tried 4 different methods / combinations to see which would be easiest for removal.  Here is what I used (picture attached):
  A.  A Wagner 2 range heat gun
  B.  Dupli-Color Grease and Wax Spray
  C.  Freeze-Off
  D.  Kerosene
3.  Did I mention how much this sucks?!?!  Luckily, I purchased a plastic paint drop for the floor under the car, and boy am I glad I did.  This stuff was everywhere as it came off the car.  And, the wheels on my rolling chair now have about 1/4 inch of undercoating not them.  What a mess.

Here are the results:
  A.  The heat gun worked pretty well.  It started the loosening process, but it wasn't good enough on it's own.  And, for those who (like me) forget the obvious when completing a job...don't use a plastic putty knife to follow the head gun.  I'm sure you can figure out why not. 
  B.  The grease and wax spray worked extremely well.  Although, you'll need A LOT of cans to get the whole job done (I feel I barely nicked the surface with one can).
  C.  Freeze-off.  Nothing.  Maybe I was using it wrong, but it did absolutely nothing to remove the undercoating.  I tried spraying for the time suggested on the can, but it had no affect on the undercoating at all.
  D.  The kerosene worked almost as good as the grease and wax spray, but given the smell (and my fear of things catching on fire), I'd stick with the grease and wax spray over kerosene personally.

Also, I was completely paranoid about PPE, given the previous statements about asbestos, so I got everything that was suggested and then some (see the attached picture).  BTW - I almost never take selfies, but I couldn't resist given how ridiculous I looked.  May wife asked if was Breaking Bad (AKA, about to cook meth) or heading to the moon.  Good times. 

[J_Speegle]

  B.  The grease and wax spray worked extremely well.  Although, you'll need A LOT of cans to get the whole job done (I feel I barely nicked the surface with one can).

Wax and grease remover is available from other sources in quart and gallon sizes. Just needs to be poured into some pistol sprayers you can buy in bulk cheaply

[Shelby_r_b]

  B.  The grease and wax spray worked extremely well.  Although, you'll need A LOT of cans to get the whole job done (I feel I barely nicked the surface with one can).

Wax and grease remover is available from other sources in quart and gallon sizes. Just needs to be poured into some pistol sprayers you can buy in bulk cheaply

That's great news, Jeff!  Can you suggest a place / way to get this in bulk?  I can definitely get some pistol sprayers.

[SFM6S087]

Some guys have all the fun. And you already have your Halloween costume ready - Alien Creature. Ha, ha!

Seriously, I'm sure that really does suck, but it's better than cutting out rusty floor pans and welding in replacements.

Steve

[csheff]

what kind of undercoating is on your car?
I have an Asphalt base undercoating on my car. Gas works best to remove it but the dangers of the smell and fumes.

[Greg]

Show us some pictures of the end result...

[KR500]

  B.  The grease and wax spray worked extremely well.  Although, you'll need A LOT of cans to get the whole job done (I feel I barely nicked the surface with one can).

Wax and grease remover is available from other sources in quart and gallon sizes. Just needs to be poured into some pistol sprayers you can buy in bulk cheaply

That's great news, Jeff!  Can you suggest a place / way to get this in bulk?  I can definitely get some pistol sprayers.

You can buy (gallons )the tar, wax, grease remover at a paint & body supply store. At least in OH. Check for VOC regulations in your area.
Rodney

[roddster]

Odd.  Nobody mentioned needing lots of "Elbow grease".

[Shelby_r_b]

Odd.  Nobody mentioned needing lots of "Elbow grease".

LOL. I see what you did there.

BTW - I've found you'll NEVER have enough of that particular ingredient. 

[Shelby_r_b]

Sorry for the delay, as I was having picture posting problems (operator versus forum error 🤓)

Attached are 2 broad shots of this weekend's work. Although, the results look minimal, the effort was not...and totally worth it! 6S030's belly is finally seeing the light of day.

I'll post more soon.

[CharlesTurner]

Thought I read earlier in this thread that the plan is to do a rotisserie restoration?

If so, would make better sense to disassemble the car (carefully) and then do your cleaning/inspecting.

[Shelby_r_b]

Thought I read earlier in this thread that the plan is to do a rotisserie restoration?

If so, would make better sense to disassemble the car (carefully) and then do your cleaning/inspecting.

Hi Charles - you are correct. It would be easier to clean if the car was disassembled. And, I've been debating how to approach next steps, as I'd like to do as much of the work personally while understanding what is within my skill set and what is not. Rotisserie restorations are beyond me, but I can scrape with the best of them.