Rustproofing caravan underbody

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 17:34
ThreadID: 143283 Views:7586 Replies:6 FollowUps:6
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We have a 1996 caravan with a chassis that is rusting and needs treatment - either rust converter and paint or Penetrol or fish oil.
Can't find a workshop for this so will do it myself if I can get the van up on car ramps. (At road level my 80yo body complains loudly).
I'd welcome tips and tricks for acheiving the result safely.
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Reply By: PeterInSa - Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 18:32

Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 18:32
Don't know about the car ramps. but years ago, on a single axle 16 ft van, in the back yard, I jacked the front up until the rear touched the ground and with multiple jacks under the front for security and old carpet on the concrete for comfort, I brushed on Rust converter to the chassis, gave it a wipe over, brushed on the metal primer on the chassis, then I painted the under side of the van ( with mask, goggles and headgear.)

The 4 sides of the van were masked off for protection

For the rear underbody the towball /A frame was on the ground.

From memory it helped a bit if its windy so any paint fumes do not hang around and blows away from you. ( May have used fans as well). I my aim was to protect the wooden under side ply that was opening up ( small surface cracks).
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Follow Up By: Adrian W4 - Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 19:09

Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 19:09
Thanks Peter. Much simpler than car ramps.
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Reply By: mountainman - Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 21:01

Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 21:01
POR15 is the best stuff you can get

Paint
On
Rust
POR
Not cheap but has a awesome reputation in the car repairs game
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Follow Up By: Adrian W4 - Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 21:59

Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 at 21:59
Thanks MM. I'll give it a try.
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Follow Up By: PeterInSa - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 11:14

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 11:14
Definitely POR/KBS is the way to go to stop rust, have used KBS (Oz Product) on our Sprinter campervan and Landcruiser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsk3AQeIZWE
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Reply By: AlbyNSW - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 07:13

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 07:13
I know it is a more expensive way to buy it but using Penetrol in the aerosol cans is much easier to apply and it gets into all the nooks and crannies better too. Makes a crappy job a lot easier so worth the extra dollars IMO. If you have access to a spray gun you could head down that route as well
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Follow Up By: Adrian W4 - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 08:04

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 08:04
Thanks Alby. I have compressor and spray equipment. Certainly much quicker.
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Reply By: Genny - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 12:37

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 12:37
Since nobody else has said it, don't get under anything supported by jacks. Find something that can't compress/topple.
AnswerID: 639583

Follow Up By: Adrian W4 - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 13:09

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 at 13:09
Very sound advice Genny. Meanwhile I now have a couple of quotes for sandblasting and painting - $1200 and $600. The high figure is because of the extra time needed to avoid damaging the aging plywood floor.
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Reply By: PeterInSa - Thursday, Feb 24, 2022 at 11:45

Thursday, Feb 24, 2022 at 11:45
Re ( I now have a couple of quotes for sandblasting and painting )

Could be a waste of money. Had the windscreen pulled out of the Sprinter, rust was sanded/blasted out and repainted( By a professional Org). 3 years later rust reappeared. Had the screen pulled out again and with KBS DIY treatment no rust 5 years later.

Even with sand blasting I would still use a Rust converter. I do not know how mush rust you have on the chassis, but $1200 seems low for a good job, if its extensive.

If the ply is iffy this should be painted as well, How are the underfloor cables/hoses pipes being shielded from paint.
AnswerID: 639598

Follow Up By: Adrian W4 - Friday, Feb 25, 2022 at 14:49

Friday, Feb 25, 2022 at 14:49
If I can get a break in the non-stop rain here in Sydney, I'll get under and do a closer check. Thanks for the feedback on KBS.
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Reply By: Adrian W4 - Saturday, Feb 26, 2022 at 19:56

Saturday, Feb 26, 2022 at 19:56
I checked the nature of the rust on the chassis and it appears to be surface only and is not flaking. It could therefore be a candidate for KBS. It only remains to find a workshop who will do this as at my age it is beyond me.
Considering possible damage to the plywood I am ruling out sandblasting.
Thanks for all the helpful contributions.
Adrian
AnswerID: 639632

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