Bare Metal

[devilgti]

Hi guys,
I am currently completing a restoration on my alfa romeo and have bare metalled most panels, using paint stripper and a stripper disc to clean the surface. I will be spraying epoxy on all panels once repairs are complete, however I was wondering whether there maybe another product which could be used temporary to prevent surface rust occurring (if instance the roof is bare metal, but I am not ready to spray epoxy as yet).

Is there sometime like a wax or similiar product which can be put on the surface and maybe cleanned with thinners when not required anymore?

Any suggestions would be hopefully.

cheers

 

[devilgti]

No suggestions anyone??

 

[RobS]

I don't know if this is too late but don't put any thing waxy on it because you'll need to literally WASH the car in thinners...you'll need 20 to 40 litres to rinse the wax off. then do it again. I've kept bare steel from rusting by covering it with some cotton bed sheets then one of those cheap plastic drop sheets...seal it all up with tape.

 

[devilgti]

I've kept bare steel from rusting by covering it with some cotton bed sheets then one of those cheap plastic drop sheets...seal it all up with tape.

RobS, I haven't put any wax on the bare metal, lucky. I think this is the best solution in protecting the metal from causing surface rust. I will follow up on your advice.
Thanks heaps;

 

[RobS]

G'Day devilgti,
Yeah the theory goes that the cotton holds any moisture off the metal and the plastic sheet keeps the atmosphere out ! It kept a steel tank I was sanding / polishing from going rusty for almost a month before I painted it with POR-15 'Glisten" ( that's a two pack clear designed to stick to polished metal)............stinky humid weather in Newcastle NSW.

 

[devilgti]

Thanks once again RobS, will do what you have suggested.
Bloody weather here in Melboure isn't any different, with some days forecasting four seasons in one.

 

[TAZ]

That stripper is some messy stuff. If it's not too late, why not tackle one panel at a time?
I would use 40 grit 8" to start, then go to 80 grit 8" to strip the panels. If the panel has bodywork, do it now. Then DA with 80 or 180 the panel. Then prime the panel with a epoxy primer (not sealer).
The epoxy primer will help prevent it from rusting.

 

[devilgti]

TAZ,
I only used this paint stripper on the many areas where needed. I carefully masked the area were I don't want it to strip and focussed on one panel at a time. I chose this option because
some panels were absolutely covered in multiple layers of paint and it was to think to sand by machine making heaps of dust.
Can the panel be finished with 120 or 240, then repairs made and then epoxy primer or is it better 80, then 180 then epoxy?

Also from my understanding epoxy can stay on the car for several months uncovered?

 

[TAZ]

I would probably go with 80 grit (or even 180) on the complete panel. Then do the bodywork, then prime it up.
Shouldn't be a problem to leave it in the primer for some time.
I'm doing the same thing. My parts will probably sit about 3 months before I get them all ready to paint while I do the frame and the rest of the stuff. I am assuming that you would be keeping the car inside.

 

[devilgti]

I am assuming that you would be keeping the car inside.

The will be indoors at all times.