9 replies to this topic

[The Portly Knaresbruffian]

I've just bought a decent 2nd hand rear subframe off eBay, and it's in very good nick. It's been coated with a black waxy coating, and some has dried and chipped off. I'm assuming it was done at the factory as its in areas that require the subframe to be removed to get there.

Does anyone know what it is because I'd like to add more where its coming off. As I've said, it's not like waxoyl, it's like soft black candle wax.

Hope someone can help.

Attached Files

•  _20210328_143125.JPG   26.21K   8 downloads

[sonikk4]

Nope i'm pretty sure sure that never came from the factory like that. However what is on there is probably Ziebart coating which was an aftermarket application.

 

I know this as my car was done like that back in the day. I also used to work for a company who used that sort of process back in the late 70's.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Looks like dried underseal from that picture.

 

Ziebart was also used in the 70,s and 80,s, it could be a bit of that.

 

You may find it was removed by the owner at the time who knew that if left untreated, it would rot out, hence the gear being in the hard to reach areas.

[leyland73]

Wax was yellow from the factory, had this on our Thirty

[mab01uk]

I also remember Ziebart aftermarket protected from new classic Minis in the 1970/80's which had no serious rust 10+ years later so it did work well. When car manufacturers started to take rust prevention seriously at the factory with rust warranties, wax injection, etc the Ziebart aftermarket business declined, although today similar Waxoyl type treatments can be done DIY or by some classic car specialists.

 

In the 1970's I remember one of several aftermarket processes of wax injection for new cars was marketed by 'Ziebart'  which mean't that some Mini's which were treated actually went to the scrapyard due to mechanical problems rather than terminal rust!

Ziebart seem to be still going in the USA:-

"Automobile manufactures are making better vehicles and are providing longer warranties…including rust-through warranties. There’s really no need to purchase a rustproofing package unless you plan on keeping your vehicle for 10+ years. Franchises like Ziebart were left in the dust. Or, were they?"

http://www.ziebart.c...rust-protection

 

[mab01uk]

Ziebart Rust Protection

https://www.theminif...ust-protection/

 

[The Portly Knaresbruffian]

Thanks all, lots to look at. The coating looks like it will remelt under heat, so I might have a bash with a heat gun on a hot day, and spread it about again with a spatula (don't tell the wife). It'll be a bugger to get out of the recesses, so I think I'll live with it.

[sonikk4]

Thanks all, lots to look at. The coating looks like it will remelt under heat, so I might have a bash with a heat gun on a hot day, and spread it about again with a spatula (don't tell the wife). It'll be a bugger to get out of the recesses, so I think I'll live with it.

I removed all of mine on my resto with a scraper and thinners. The problem is if it’s chipped off then water etc does get in under it. Something to bear in mind. I have to say it did help preserve a chunk of my floor pan on Paddy. It did also help with the inner wings as well but as it was over 40 years old it all had to come off.

[Ethel]

There is a Hammerite underseal with waxoyl that's like what you describe. It looks like the usual black bitumen stuff but takes forever to go off

[The Portly Knaresbruffian]

It's not the hammerite waxoyl stuff, that has a grainy texture and is like soft black porridge. This is far more smooth and hard, and has a glassy like appearance where it's broken off.