Undercoating Removal - The Fastest Method Yet!

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by CabMike

There is a coupon in today's paper to get this tool for $19.99 at Harbor Freight. I think I will stop in and pick one up tomorrow.

If you are a member of the American Legion look in their monthly magazine. There is always a 20% off coupon for HF in their advert in the back. Also in some Sunday newspapers.

[nineball]

fyi.... starting the day after thanksgiving the corded version of this is on sale at harbor freight for $17.87 for 3 days.

[Bob Kontak]

Undercoating Removal - Needle Scaler - VW Volkswagen 1966 '66 Beetle Bug - YouTube

Check this out.

[armandodiaz]

I purchased the scraper and it worked well, but its difficult to get into corners. I then purchased a 5" wire wheel (I picked it up while waiting on line at Northern Tools). What a relief! I connected it to my electric grinder and was able to get everything, including the corners. This is what I did in about 30min...

[Determined]

bump to subscribe, this project is on my list as well. Thanks!

[rnstout356]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Undercoating Removal - Needle Scaler - VW Volkswagen 1966 '66 Beetle Bug - YouTube

Check this out.

^^^ This is awesome!!

I'm late to this thread, but getting serious about my '64 356. I've had a needle scaler for awhile, but had sort of forgotten about it. I tried the air version of the vibrating multi-tool. It worked OK where the undercoat was dry and brittle, but just rolled over the the softer more adhered spots. The needle scaler just blew right through everything.

[jpnovak]

That would be a great compliment tool. This whole process is one that requires an arsenal of tools and techniques. Its just easy to DIY if you have the time and desire.

You are right. The dried stuff comes off much easier than the well adhered stuff.

[armandodiaz]

I also tried the torch and scraper procedure, and it was terrible. I would not recommend. The undercoating turned into a tar and my galvanized sheetmetal is now rusted. Better off sticking with the 5" wire wheel.

[SteamWolf]

Looks perfect for all the hard to get or vertical surfaces!
I found dry ice pellets was by far the easiest and fastest for flat areas though. Tip them on, wait 2 minutes, bop it off with a rubber mallet. It'd lift away in huge chunks and leave nearly no residue.

[outsider347]

Thanks for the multi tool tip!!

Outstanding progress on my proj

[armandodiaz]

I'll still swear by the 5" wire wheel...

[Charles Freeborn]

...and if you work with tools for a living as I do, you buy the original, and still the best:
Fein Multimaster
In addition to scraping it will cut near anything, including Arm Bushings, metal into tight corners and so on. Essential tool.
-C

[latroz]

Yes, Fein is the best.


But why are you guys removing perfectly good undercoating from your car??

BMW owners would never do that.

[pksystems]

Originally Posted by latroz

Yes, Fein is the best.


But why are you guys removing perfectly good undercoating from your car??

BMW owners would never do that.

If your car is old enough, it's a tar based undercoat created by Satan himself. It smears all over the place, and must be removed if you want paint to stick to anything.

[armandodiaz]

Originally Posted by latroz

Yes, Fein is the best.


But why are you guys removing perfectly good undercoating from your car??

BMW owners would never do that.

I'm sure everyone has their reason. Mine....

I'm building a race car, the undercoating is heavy. I'm collecting everything I can to get a final weigh savings number.

[911 tweaks]

also, And most important is one never knows what "MAY" be lurking even under the most inocious looking undercoating...!!!

[outsider347]

Yep
All the above:
Less weight= free speed
Found several "mushy metal" spots easily fixed now with the car apart. Much easier to do it correct the first time.
Ask me how I know....

[ChrisP911]

Just picked mine up at HF for 14.99

[jhelgesen]

Props for the removal tool.

Combination with the abrasive wheel on my angle grinder and the steel looks like new.

[Puma]

What blade/attachment works best?