Thread: Cold Gal brand quality

Hi all,

I pulled the entire interior out of my recently aquired D1 TDi. Long story short, the windscreen is leaking and the sound proofing has held the water and a dozen or so 50c sized patches of surface rust have formed.

I plan to grind the rust back (it's not too far gone), treat the reminents, cold gal probably the whole floor pan, etch prime then paint.

My question is, what's everyone's experience with the different manufacturers of cold gal? There's White Knight, Galmet, Dulux. Galmet seemed to be the only one who states the percentage of Zinc. I can't find anyone who stocks Galmet products anyway. White Knight and Dulux are sold at Bunnings and accorinding to the "expert" at Bunnings, the Dulux has "glitches" and only $20 cheaper than the White Knight to get a foot into the market.

So, what's everyone'e experience with the different manufacturers? I'd idealy like to go with Galmet as they've been around selling cold gal for yonks, but driving across Sydney to their head office and trying to buy from them directly doesn't interest me too much.

Many thanks in advance

Originally Posted by debruiser

In Mackay I get Galmet from McGinn's Engineering, they are part of the I.S.G. Industrial Supply Group. Try googling a branch in your area. OR try a similar supplier near you.

Galmet craps all over anything else I've seen and used, also can be used to patch up real Gal, and you can't even tell it's been done!

Originally Posted by scanfor

Try places like BOC or tradetools for the galmet.
Maybe also welding supplies shops?

I did some searching the other week, but didn't try the industrial suppliers. Seems like the most logical source though.

Originally Posted by Tank

I had a bad experience with cold gal, I am not sure (as it was 25 years ago) but Galmet rings a bell.
I had some steel to paint and it had been disc sanded and wire wheel cleaned, I painted on the first coat and came back in a few hours to put a second coat on when I noticed rust spots (colour) coming through the first coat.
Seems this paint is water based and by painting it directly onto shiny/clean steel the water in the paint started the rust process.
Maybe an undercoat (oil based?) should be applied first, my experience, Regards Frank.

I'll keep that in mind, cheers

Originally Posted by slug_burner

Zinc is a heavy/dense metal, if you pick up two cans by different manufacturers it is not hard to tell which has more zinc in it.

That's my understanding. The Dulux cold gal was a good 10% heavier than the white knight....

Originally Posted by Jojo

I cannot advise you of certain brands, but in general the more zinc the better. I have been slightly disappointed with the results when I did the same job on my Disco and used a good coat of ground primer with a tough top coat next time. Much better result!
Good luck! If you have sorted things out in time, no major damage has been done. Check for all possible leaks, otherwise you will be back at square one soon.
Cheers

Thanks for the tip.

I'm making sure ALL leaks are out of the thing. Safari in rear quater pannel windows are comming out after the floor's done.

Originally Posted by Chucaro

I would use POR15 and the job will be good and rust proofed for ever.

What in particular makes you choose that over the others?

Originally Posted by Kev the Fridgy

I have been using Galmet products for years and have always had success, "Coventry Fasteners" sell it as well as "Blackwoods", if you can get the brush on instead of the spray can you will have far better protection, remember that Cold Gal type finishes need to be applied a lot thicker than most enamels and undercoats, most of the problems I have seen are from being applied too thin.

I would prefer to brush it on, for that reason.