Author Topic: Detailing under carriage How to remove underseal (applied at some point)?  (Read 2914 times)

Pinder

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my 280SL at some point prior owner had sprayed on black underseal of some sort. Its not very thick and I am able to rub it off with some effort with gasoline or Laquer thiner. The not seem to affect the factory undercoat which is some kind of light color. I am trying to remove this black underseal and leave the original intact. Any other recommend ways of removing the black undercoat that would be quicker and also safe on the original?
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

mrfatboy

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I have heard people removing the undercoat with dry ice. Plenty of videos on YouTube.

I have no idea how safe it is for our cars.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Garry

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Tom Collit used to swear by the dry ice method of removing it but not the paint and i am sure there are posts here on its use.


https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=23838.msg170556#msg170556
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

bogeyman

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I have detailed several undercarriages mainly using low odor mineral spirits.
Takes some time but if you want to do it yourself, it works.
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio

Pinder

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I tried mineral spirits but maybe i should let it sit longer. So far lacquer thinner is working but its pretty strong and does affect the original underseal if you work an area too long.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

rbouch8828

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I had a company use dry ice to do my undercarriage. I had to find someone with an outdoor lift that I could use so they could get underneath. I was reasonably happy with the results. In my case there was thick undercoating to remove, plus years of dirt and grime.
RB

Pinder

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But doesnt the dry ice affect the original coating ? I am trying not to disturb the original coating which is intact and there is no rust (that I am aware of).
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

JN

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I am curious what company does this dry ice cleaning?
Anyone in the Philadelphia area?

JN
1967 250 SL Coupe
2014 GLK 250 BlueTec
1994 Ford F 150 4wd