Gareth J
Member
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- 3,312
- Location
- North Cornwall
I took my old beetle out of hibernation this weekend. Thought some might be interested to see how the paint/coatings have held up.
Restored(ish) in 2007(ish) used as my only car for ~6yrs then stored in a fairly dry garage since 2014. When used, it did lots of long journeys but never a commute and I used to wash underneath regularly, especially if the roads were salty. Stored inside and out.
Chassis and floorpans were sandblasted (not perfect but no loose rust remaining) por15'd and waxoyled. Body, under wings etc, similar but no sandblasting, just cleaned and prepped metal and keyed original paint.
Areas prepped we'll have held up well;
Areas I didn't really bother prepping, like the wings, which I got s/h, a bit ropey and really cheap so considered them disposable, are bubbling up through
Some of the stone chips on the outside are blistering a bit. I used to wipe wax over these bits but didn't when in storage.
Areas I totally ignored but liberally sprayed with wax inside and outside, like this door hinge, have deteriorated.
Por15 was "the thing" when I did it and, despite some stories of woe, I'm pleased it's held up well for me. I can say how much the ~annual waxoyling when on the road helped or was a waste of time but I suspect it was a bonus in higher impact areas.
Am not surprised the crusty bits are more crusty.
Hopefully I'll get some brake fluid next week and some insurance it'll be back on the road!
Restored(ish) in 2007(ish) used as my only car for ~6yrs then stored in a fairly dry garage since 2014. When used, it did lots of long journeys but never a commute and I used to wash underneath regularly, especially if the roads were salty. Stored inside and out.
Chassis and floorpans were sandblasted (not perfect but no loose rust remaining) por15'd and waxoyled. Body, under wings etc, similar but no sandblasting, just cleaned and prepped metal and keyed original paint.
Areas prepped we'll have held up well;
Areas I didn't really bother prepping, like the wings, which I got s/h, a bit ropey and really cheap so considered them disposable, are bubbling up through
Some of the stone chips on the outside are blistering a bit. I used to wipe wax over these bits but didn't when in storage.
Areas I totally ignored but liberally sprayed with wax inside and outside, like this door hinge, have deteriorated.
Por15 was "the thing" when I did it and, despite some stories of woe, I'm pleased it's held up well for me. I can say how much the ~annual waxoyling when on the road helped or was a waste of time but I suspect it was a bonus in higher impact areas.
Am not surprised the crusty bits are more crusty.
Hopefully I'll get some brake fluid next week and some insurance it'll be back on the road!