Underside Restoration - Do I need a Steam Cleaner?

[scz4]

Evening,

I have just bought a 2009 MX-5 with 33k miles as a project and something to tinker with. As any MX-5 owner will know, the undersides don't have much in the way of protection so have a lot of surface corrosion.

I plan to jet wash the underside, use a wire brush before applying rust treatment (Aquasteel) and Dinitrol protection.

Seems a lot of professional services mention steam cleaning the underside as part of the process. Is it worth doing this. If so, can anyone recommend a make and model to buy. Could maybe rent one depending on prices.

G

[GreenV8S]

I don't see any particular need for a steam clean, but you do need to degrease the area being treated and not just blast the loose debris off with a jet washer.

[scz4]

Morning.

Thanks for that. Yes, meant to add that as a step. Planning to use Gunk (or similar product) with a firm bristled detailing brush.

[donkmeister]

Having seen cars being professionally dinitroled (had a car done a few years ago) I'd suggest you need to consider how you are going to access the underside whilst cleaning it.

The professionals put it on a ramp for the steam cleaning. I've heard of people using inspection pits, but even if you can get it up on cribbing at home it's going to be pretty unpleasant lying in a puddle with the crap going all over you.

[scz4]

donkmeister said:

Having seen cars being professionally dinitroled (had a car done a few years ago) I'd suggest you need to consider how you are going to access the underside whilst cleaning it.

The professionals put it on a ramp for the steam cleaning. I've heard of people using inspection pits, but even if you can get it up on cribbing at home it's going to be pretty unpleasant lying in a puddle with the crap going all over you.

Fully expecting it to be a dirty job, but that's half the fun. You have reminded me though that I'll need a shorter lance on the pressure washer due to the limited height.

[GreenV8S]

scz4 said:

Fully expecting it to be a dirty job, but that's half the fun. You have reminded me though that I'll need a shorter lance on the pressure washer due to the limited height.

Maybe a job for a 'rent-a-ramp'.

[Belle427]

Get some Bilt Hamber surfex hd and give everything a good scrub, pressure washer afterwards.
Should be more than enough.

[dhutch]

scz4 said:

Morning.

Thanks for that. Yes, meant to add that as a step. Planning to use Gunk (or similar product) with a firm bristled detailing brush.

One think I will say, is that engine degreaser in the eye is a seriously painful experience. It's very alkaline and really burns!

Maybe good use of PPE, and don't expect to be able to do it lying down under the car, oh and make sure you have some eye wash on site and are not alone!

Ask me how I know......

Edited by dhutch on Thursday 20th March 12:41

[Smint]

I bought an L shaped lance for my pressure washer (ladder chassis on one so the lance can go inside) whch is odeal for wheel arches and all sorts of awkward places, my cars are AWD so higher off the ground so it might be worth putting your car up on axle stands and have the wheels off.

For cavity treatments Bilt Hamber cavity wax aerosols are brilliant, long diffuser probes never had a blockage.

[scz4]

dhutch said:

One think I will say, is that engine degreaser in the eye is a seriously painful experience.

Maybe good use of PPE, and don't expect to be able to do it lying down under the car, oh and make sure you have some eye wash on site and are not alone!

Ask me how I know......

Yikes. Will get a pair of goggles I think, even for when brushing off any rust. Don't want that in your eyes either.

[eth2190]

One thing I found very handy for this was a pressure washer attachment with a hooked end, the type meant for cleaning gutters. Good for getting into cavities and tricky angles.

[dhutch]

scz4 said:

dhutch said:

One think I will say, is that engine degreaser in the eye is a seriously painful experience. It's very alkaline and really burns!

Maybe good use of PPE, and don't expect to be able to do it lying down under the car, oh and make sure you have some eye wash on site and are not alone!

Ask me how I know......

Yikes. Will get a pair of goggles I think, even for when brushing off any rust. Don't want that in your eyes either.

Rust is lovely compared engine degreaser, a real sunshine walk in the park, I had mild chemical burns around the wrists where it had got under the cuffs of my gloves too.

[rambo19]

Long term landy owner here.

I will never clean the underneath of my landy ever again!
I spent 2 days, wearing waterproofs, under the landy on my back jet washing and still missed loads of spots.

Local place near me now does a chassis wash and lanoguard for £300, which is what i'll do next time.

My advice-pay someone else to wash the underneath for you.