Protect underside of pagoda

[Bagspacked]

Hi
I recently chatted with a classic car mechanic who suggested applying something to the underneath of my 280sl to protect from the elements.

I believe there are a number of techniques ranging from air/dry blasting or applying a type of tar solution.

Would anyone be able to recommend a solution that would protect well but not devalue the car?

[MikeSimon]

It depends on what you mean with "devalue" and what you intend to do with the car that considers "value".
I have my old cars sprayed with oil. It is a little difficult to find someone willing and able to do this due to environmental concerns.
But I found this the easiest and most effective way to protect the underbody from corrosion.

[Cees Klumper]

You also want to protect the inside of the various chassis components from water (including seepage from elsewhere and condensation moisture) as things can and will rust from the inside, not just outside.

[Vander]

I use Berkebile PFC, it is a lanolin based wax that goes on clear and will not devalue the car. It is a spray application. I am in the process of doing a 280SL which I am documenting before and after. I first steam cleaned the entire underside before applying this protectant.

[Vander]

Here are before and after photos of a 1971 Mercedes 600 I owned and did last year. Process/results are same on the Pagoda.

[mnahon]

I would strongly advise against tar. It will devalue the car, and it will cause problems in the long run---drying, cracking and trapping moisture.

[stickandrudderman]

Unless you are sure you have a rust-free car then it's largely a waste of time and can cause more problems than resolutions.
Once rust is in there no amount of protection is going to stop it; it will however hide it from the eyes of the less well informed.
You can apply chemicals to react with and stabilise rust but this is only good if you can actually access the rust so if it's inside a box section you'll struggle.
On my restorations I apply a two pack product called Raptor. You can mix colour into it too.

[mauro12]

I use 2 dehumidifier with special powder and I put one under the car . It’s a small cube with powder inside ( this when the car is in garage ).
I have a thin layer of rubberized undercoating which protects from the elements but I avoid driving in the rain and here in Sicily we don’t have the problems of salt in the streets .

[Brennie]

It’s when I read discussions like this that I’m so glad I bought my car from you Colin… being completely less informed…question( my friend just had his SL250 “Raptored”) is it reversible? Meaning,is it a problem to remove at a later date…I don’t drive on rainy days,but..I think I’d like the option?