Should I Get My Undercarriage Waxed Matron?
Discussion
S3 Exige which is going to be used properly in sun, rain, and likely some salt - thinking of getting some rust protection done underneath when in for its next service in Sept. I've done previous car with Dynax, but was going to leave this to the garage to do on a proper ramp.
Worth getting done, and if so, which product do you recommend? I've used Waxoyl as well in the past but was put off when advised that it can actually trap moisture in if the surface is penetrated and contribute to rot (could be an old wives tale though).
I'm in NI and now stuck for a Lotus dealer, so was going to take it to CMC in Edinburgh as have read good things...
Worth getting done, and if so, which product do you recommend? I've used Waxoyl as well in the past but was put off when advised that it can actually trap moisture in if the surface is penetrated and contribute to rot (could be an old wives tale though).
I'm in NI and now stuck for a Lotus dealer, so was going to take it to CMC in Edinburgh as have read good things...
Personally I wouldn’t, particularly not with Waxoyl. If you were to use anything then something that sets dry and hard like Dinitrol would be better, but prep before doing so is key. Thing is, it would look horrid underneath after and given their design it would be pretty obvious. I would think a good rinse down after a winter drive would suffice.
We had a good look underneath when it was in for its service and the outcome was that there wasn't much that seemed like it should be protected.
It's mostly undertray under there aside from each corner where the suspension and brakes live and to do anything there would have to be brushed on and it could be messy.
If it comes to going out in the salt then it will be thoroughly flushed / rinsed afterwards.
I'm determined to use this one as much as possible as life is too short and I'm lucky to have the opportunity - it will be pampered and looked after too though.
Thanks for your replies.
It's mostly undertray under there aside from each corner where the suspension and brakes live and to do anything there would have to be brushed on and it could be messy.
If it comes to going out in the salt then it will be thoroughly flushed / rinsed afterwards.
I'm determined to use this one as much as possible as life is too short and I'm lucky to have the opportunity - it will be pampered and looked after too though.
Thanks for your replies.
As you've found, the core of the underbody is just aluminium sheet and to my knowledge no Lotus cars have suffered corrosion on there, the one exception being the carpets that were glued down on earlier S1's trapping moisture and rotting the footwells.
In the corners is a different story, the wishbones and uprights are poorly protected from the factory and will look dire in no time at all. You can/should attack these a couple of times per year with something like ACF50, Dynax UC, etc. to at least keep the worst of it off but it will be an uphill struggle to keep it really nice. Eventually, inevitably the car will benefit from a suspension refurb with refinished wishbones, uprights and fresh bushes -often along with a damper replacement or refurb.
In the corners is a different story, the wishbones and uprights are poorly protected from the factory and will look dire in no time at all. You can/should attack these a couple of times per year with something like ACF50, Dynax UC, etc. to at least keep the worst of it off but it will be an uphill struggle to keep it really nice. Eventually, inevitably the car will benefit from a suspension refurb with refinished wishbones, uprights and fresh bushes -often along with a damper replacement or refurb.
Hi Gary,
Im in N.Ireland too, sorry for only seeing this now!
I have a 2019 Elise that I bought new and I did it with ACF50 the day after buying it, drove it for a year in 90% dry conditions and never on salted roads.
The following year I cleaned everything off as it looked a mess due to ACF being sticky stuff and I then did it again with Dynax UC, great stuff IMO.
Just get a local specialist to do it or do it yourself with Dynax UC would be my recommendation..................or in fact I could do it! There are lots of places that rust badly on a Lotus you need to know about though. Prevention is better than cure and a lot cheaper!
Im in N.Ireland too, sorry for only seeing this now!
I have a 2019 Elise that I bought new and I did it with ACF50 the day after buying it, drove it for a year in 90% dry conditions and never on salted roads.
The following year I cleaned everything off as it looked a mess due to ACF being sticky stuff and I then did it again with Dynax UC, great stuff IMO.
Just get a local specialist to do it or do it yourself with Dynax UC would be my recommendation..................or in fact I could do it! There are lots of places that rust badly on a Lotus you need to know about though. Prevention is better than cure and a lot cheaper!
Hi Mike, nice to hear from you. Your Elise looks beautiful.
I'm enjoying the Exige tremendously. I have a technique for getting in now which involves sliding down my right hand on top of the sill meaning no wear on there. I can see how quickly it shines up and wears the stitching based on the prev onwner and how little miles were on it when I picked it up.
I've racked up a few thoisand miles already and taken it on a trip to Killarney. It took all our stuff in the boot - just about, which pleasantly surprised my wife. In fact, she loves it too which is a bonus. It's also great on our roads and very supple.
I'll look out for you on one of the few sunny days we have. That reminds me, I must check if there is any new date for my soft top arriving. No rush now as winter is here...
I'm enjoying the Exige tremendously. I have a technique for getting in now which involves sliding down my right hand on top of the sill meaning no wear on there. I can see how quickly it shines up and wears the stitching based on the prev onwner and how little miles were on it when I picked it up.
I've racked up a few thoisand miles already and taken it on a trip to Killarney. It took all our stuff in the boot - just about, which pleasantly surprised my wife. In fact, she loves it too which is a bonus. It's also great on our roads and very supple.
I'll look out for you on one of the few sunny days we have. That reminds me, I must check if there is any new date for my soft top arriving. No rush now as winter is here...
Yes, the Waxoyl quote was based on something I'd been told, so not experienced it either (trapped moisture) and I've used it in the past.
Got the car currently on another little trip to Westport. Fantastic roads down and enjoyed the handling. I'll say it again, the comfort afforded is rather good considering how 'extreme' it is supposed to be.
Soft top has now arrived after a seven month wait. I plan to give it a coat or two of Fabsil before fitting for the better weather next year and look forward to experiencing it with the roof off.
Got the car currently on another little trip to Westport. Fantastic roads down and enjoyed the handling. I'll say it again, the comfort afforded is rather good considering how 'extreme' it is supposed to be.
Soft top has now arrived after a seven month wait. I plan to give it a coat or two of Fabsil before fitting for the better weather next year and look forward to experiencing it with the roof off.
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