13 replies to this topic

[cian]

Hi ive decided to start the task of removing all the old underseal from the underside and in the wheel arches when the mini was my daily and tidying up the underside, has anyone any tips for doing this?

Edited by cian, 29 July 2012 - 12:26 PM.

[Andyagl]

i used a wallpaper scraper on mine, got most of it off,
then you could gently heat it and wipe off the remaining
and then some degreaser should get the rest off.

[dklawson]

There are many methods, none of them pleasant.

My method requires that you invest in a disposable long-sleeve shirt, a face shield (like used for grinding) a hot-air gun, putty knives, and leather gloves. Working on your back, heat a spot with the hot air gun. As it starts to soften, use the putty knife to scrape it off. Get as much off as possible with heat and scraping. Then, use a ScotchBrite pad wet with mineral spirits, diesel, or kerosene and scrub the surface. Wipe the scrubbed surface off with disposable paper towels. Repeat as necessary until it is as clean as you want it.

Other ways involve freeze sprays and chipping hammers, impact tools for electric drill bits, and chemicals. In the end, heat and scraping has always worked best for me.

[sonikk4]

A messy but good way is a twisted wire cup in an angle grinder. But like i said its messy but quite quick.

[minidaves]

twisted wire wheel i found was cack, scraping and chipping and petrol wiping in an open space i found was best

[donjarr]

Acetone gets it off just as well, and is far cheaper than petrol or kerosene,.

[dklawson]

I know fuel is more expensive in the U.K.... but acetone is cheaper than kerosene? WOW ! I pay about 3 times as much for acetone or lacquer thinner than I do for gasoline.

Everyone has their favorite method for taking care of this nasty task. Every method has some degree of risk. Regardless of the method you choose, use safety gear... particularly for your eyes and hands.

[sonikk4]

I would like to know where you buy acetone cheaper than Petrol. Going online it looks to be £5 per litre.

[cian]

Great tips guys, think im gona go for the scraper with desgreaser route!

[Spiffingly Good]

White spirit works wonders,scrap away what you can, then just give it a little soaking time,

[jdawg558]

I did the whole underside using a heat gun and scraper worked a treat for me and took me hardly anytime

[cian]

What is the procedure when using a heat gun to remove the underseal?

[SA MINI]

When I redone my inner wings. I used one of those angle drinder sanding pads.
eBay item : 280716504213

With these i managed to rub all the old underseal off then I carried it on & removed the original primer. & re painted & wax oyled the lot

[dklawson]

What is the procedure when using a heat gun to remove the underseal?

Heat the undercoating until it gets soft, scrape it off with a putty knife. Because the undercoating is very hot and sticky at that point, you MUST wear a long sleeve shirt and gloves. If working on your back, face protection (like a full face shield) is a very, very, good idea. That hot undercoating will stick to your skin and make a very deep burn.