Removing Rust traping FOAM

kuch · 09-09-2002, 07:41 PM

Porsche used a foam that they injected into the body panels to prevent RUST. This idea seems to have backfired as this foam tends to hold moisture between the foam and the metal that it is supposed to protect, and therefore promotes corrosion.

I am working in my rear fender wells on my 914 and am trying to rid my car of this nasty rust trap, which is sandwiched behind the foam near the door latch and upper fender areas. I have poked and scraped but have not found a good method of removing the foam in tight hard to reach areas. Does any one have a method to remove the foam?????

derek_sf · 09-09-2002, 08:14 PM

did you try a torch?

Zeke · 09-09-2002, 08:19 PM

I don't know if I'd call that stuff foam. But yes, I did remove that stuff from that particular area. Be ready to work real hard. Here are the tools and supplies I used to rid the car of the goo:

Air chisel
Torch
Pry bars
Vise grips
MEK
Sand blaster
Paint remover
Scrapers, knives and wood chisels

Let's see, did I leave anything out? Probably. Have fun.

kuch · 09-09-2002, 08:28 PM

oK ,

I forgot to mention that my exterior paint is very good and a torch is not an option. I was hoping that I was using the hard method by physically removing the stuff. Surely there must be an easier way to do this?

Has anyone found a chemical that disolves this "foam" ?

Speedo959 · 09-09-2002, 08:55 PM

I would tear a piece out and just experiment with different things. I would start with something really caustic. Seem to remeber using carb cleaner in a foam cup once and it dissolved. Now I am curious. Kinda off the subject, but I have had tremendous results cleaning things with Castrol Super Clean. Left a spray bottle on top of my parts car once and it ate the top! Anyways good luck and I'll keep you posted if I find something that works.

John2kx · John2kx's Garage

I've used gasoline to dissolve foams used in my other hobby. Do a test with a small piece. If it works, perhaps you can remove material and also save your paint.

Ron Meier · 09-10-2002, 06:16 AM

Try Acetone.

rockaria · rockaria's Garage

Move to Tucson Arizona!

(Just kiddin'

)

philinjax · 09-10-2002, 10:33 AM

I have sucessfully removed that foam sealent by using my 1/4 inch reversible drill fitted with about a 10 inch solid extension and one of a selection of small diameter wire brushes, the pointy kind of wire brushes. Of course, the rear wheels were removed.
Good luck at it.
Phil

John2kx · John2kx's Garage

I've used gasoline to dissolve foams used in my other hobby. Do a test with a small piece. If it works, perhaps you can remove material and also save your paint.

kuch · 09-11-2002, 08:56 PM

Correction, this stuff is more like seam sealer then FOAM. I removed some of it using a long flat screw driver and soaked part of it in acetone, and another part in industrial paint remover. I let it sit over night and after 24 hours nothing happened.

Has anyone come across a company that makes a chemical seam sealer remover ?

John2kx · John2kx's Garage

Your last post cleared up the material your trying to remove. I removed every spec of it in my rear trunk just a few months ago. I got nowhere using a paint scraper, screwdriver and various paint removers. A 3" wire brush attached to end grinder worked like a champ. For the tight corners, I used my dremel tool and small wire brush.

Por 15 was used in the clean seams prior to painting to prevent any future rust.