Editing Removing undercoating

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Removing undercoating is typically an arduous, lengthy, messy process.

==Miscellaneous tips==
*A [[Automobile body and frame rotisserie|rotisserie]] can be very helpful. Removing undercoat while sitting on a stool is much easier than crawling under a vehicle.
*Wear safety glasses, at very least. The job may also call for additional safety equipment, depending on the methods used.
*Some older automobile undercoatings contain asbestos.
*Hot undercoating can screw up a concrete floor. Consider using tarps or plastic sheeting.

==Removal methods==
Remove chunks first, then use solvent for the remainder.

===Heat===
Heat gun, or propane torch. Apply carefully, only a small amount of heat should be necessary. In some cases, if you have access, it may be helpful to apply heat from the back side of the panel. This can even be done with a halogen work light (method described [http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=32370#post234922 here]).

Once soft, the undercoating can typically be removed with a putty knife or similar tool.

===Mechanical removal===
====Hand tools====
*Putty knives of various sizes.
*Wire brush.
*Hammer and wood chisel.

====Power tools====
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needle_scaler Needlegun scaler], also known as a "needle scaler" or "needle gun". It may leave pock marks on the metal, and works best on rock-hard undercoating. Use with light pressure. Can also use a needle scaler attachment to convert a standard scaling hammer to a needle scaler.
*Air body saw. Method described [http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=163893&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20#2566987 here].
*Twisted wire brush on a grinder.
*Drill-mounted brushes.
*Air hammer or air chisel.

===Solvents===
Try placing pieces of undercoating in different solvents, to see which one works best. Also, try applying with a pressurized garden sprayer.

====Commercial purpose-specific solvents====
*[http://www.eastwood.com/under-gone-undercoating-remover-aerosol-17-oz-net.html Eastwood "Under Gone" undercoating remover].
*[http://www.wmbarr.com/product.aspx?catid=102&prodid=209 Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover]. [http://www.wmbarr.com/ProductFiles/GJBP00203%20C0673.pdf Label], [http://www.wmbarr.com/ProductFiles/4015.23E.pdf MSDS]. Also available in aerosol.
*[http://www.pbblaster.com/PB_Blaster.html PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst].

====General-purpose solvents====
*Lacquer thinner.
*Kerosene.
*Diesel fuel.
*Mineral spirits.
*Oven cleaner.
*Floor adhesive stripper (the kind used to remove mastic).
*Automatic transmission fluid.

===Other===
*Dry ice blasting.

==References==
*http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/45-year-old-undercoat-removal-help-173785.html
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needle_scaler
*http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93119
*http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/crud-removal-174.html
*http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/how-remove-undercoating-80590.html
*http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/removing-rubber-undercoating-52843.html
*http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/car-restoration/8094-dry-ice-blasting-remove-undercoating.html
*http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/galaxie-pages/445779-how-remove-undercoating.html
*http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22062
*http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=163893
*http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=32370

[[Category:Body and exterior]]