Thread: Chassis/Bitumen Paint.

Ah good ol tarepoxy good sticky shyte

The problem with bitumen paints is the tendency to sometimes rust behind the paint, but I don't think it will hurt. Remember though that in most cases the chassis will rust out from the inside - and there are probably other types of paint easier to get in there.

I doubt it will make things quieter - one of the characteristics of the Series construction is the total lack of soundproofing or sound insulation, although if you painted all the underneath surfaces of the body with it as well, that might have an effect, although it would complicate a lot of maintenance and repair work.

John

The paint dries out and cracks and can rust in these areas but in others where it has bonded well it does work well.

I did this with my 2A.

A good wire brushing, followed by a coat of Cold Galv. followed by a coat of Brushable Bitumastic.

8 years on & it still looks fine as it appears to remain semi-pliable.

The only disadvantage that I can see is if petrol gets on it, but then it still seems to form a 'greasy' coating in that area.

In reality though, it's probably the cold galv. doing the job.

I advocate giving all new steel brake lines a coat along their length as well.

I used to live in cold wet Northern UK with winter rock salt spread on the road; Rust Central. Bitumen products were a very common treatment 30-40 years ago; 'Underseal'; and my advice is don't do it. The rust seems to get a grip even faster behind the coating and you can't see it. I would much rather use a conventional modern paint like the Cold Galv mentioned already, or epoxy. Waxed oils are often used in the UK now instead. Bulk pack versions of stuff similar to CRC Soft Seal or Valvoline Tectyl. Our friends with military vehicles would be familiar with these protective coatings as much military equipment is protected with this waxy brown stuff.

Fortunately, salt isn't used here. The application of Brushable Bitumastic I used was more a chassis paint thickness, not trowelled on like the MoD used.

It served as a chassis coat as well.


You pays yer money & makes yer choice.

I am using Bituthene & Cold Gal.
Bituthene has a high content of rubber so it keeps it's elasticity to a point.
I am going to get inside the chassis with fish oil later.

anyone know where you can get Valvoline Tectyl?

LRH