Undercoating? What to use and how?

Daphne · Post by **Daphne** » 24 Aug 2011, 14:18

Hi,
My Volvo S60 came east from California two years and has spent two winters in the Northeast. I would like to have it undercoated or do it myself but haven't quite found the forum that would tell me what to use and how to do it. I want the best so can anyone tell me what to use for the cold, salty, wretched north winter coastline (road salt winter, marine salt air year round). What gets the undercoat and what should I not undercoat.
Thanks again for all your help!
Daphne

Post by **JRL** » 24 Aug 2011, 15:23

Oh boy
You should have done this right when it got off the truck.
If you do it now, you will be undercoating over sheet rust and I don't think that's such a great idea
As long as you keep it clean under there, you should not have a problem
Car washes (with the undercarraige wash option) every couple of weeks in the winter and a good powerwash each spring and fall

Post by **anodyne** » 24 Aug 2011, 22:56

Go to NAPA and buy some Fluid Film. The next time you get your car on a lift (or jack it up) see if you can hit the metal with that product. It's a phenomenal product and you can spray it on anything. It stays wet for a very long time. I use it for everything, but rust prevention is its strong suit.

Daphne · Post by **Daphne** » 02 Sep 2011, 17:55

Thanks so much for the info. I bought the car used so now is my first option for undercoating. I will give the car a super cleaning underneath, then work with the underfilm.
Daphne

Post by **JRL** » 02 Sep 2011, 19:14

You don't need anything
Volvos really don't rust. the worst thing you will have are some stubborn brake and suspension parts and pieces to remove when replacement is needed.
If you take it to a car wash in the winter once a month and do the optional undercarriage wash, that gets much of the crap and salt off

Post by **DGM** » 02 Sep 2011, 20:09

+ 1 for "Fluid Film". Very effective on places where rust has already started.

Depending on where you live in Maine, you may have maritime climate (sea salt mist) in addition to salt on the road in winter (calcium). I would suggest a complete cleaning as indicated and then it would be a good idea to have the whole undercarriage treated.

As mentionned, they are well protected but good care will bring it further.

I have owned a S70 for 13 years in a harsh climate with minimum corrosion

.