There’s nothing worse than seeing rust bubbles appear not long after you finished restoring that old car or truck of yours. Seeing rust form on the new parts you had only recently installed is even more disheartening. But there are steps you can take to ward off the dreaded rust bug from ruining all your hard work.
Even if you’re not after a perfect, show-quality restoration, you still want your beloved old car to look like it just rolled off the assembly line, at least for the next few years or so. Several almost indistinguishable “modifications” can make all your hard restoration work look better and last far longer without degrading prematurely. Although it employs the use of certain non-authentic supplies and parts, to the untrained eye most folks, and a few judges, will not be able to tell the difference.
So here are just a few of the more popular hidden upgrades that are gaining in popularity.
Brake Lines: Although mild steel brake and fuel lines look authentic, stainless steel brake lines won’t rust. Besides retaining a new appearance for years to come, most importantly they won’t rust on the inside, thus reducing the chance of splitting and endangering you and your passengers. A quick polishing every few months will keep the lines looking brand new. However, stainless steel is harder than mild steel, so you may encounter fluid leaks if the fittings are not perfectly seated and made very tight.
Coil Springs: No matter how many coats of enamel you refinish a coil spring with, the constant stretching and contracting of the coiled metal will eventually cause the paint to crack and trigger the onset of rust. Instead, consider having your coil, or leaf springs, powder coated. You can choose from a variety of colors to maintain a factory-correct appearance. Powder coating is a very durable finish, and because it can be applied in either a gloss, semi-gloss or satin finish, it will give your springs a factory-new appearance that will last for years. Just make sure too thick of an application isn’t applied as that too may crack over time.
Suspension Components: Although many folks are also choosing to have their suspension components powder coated too, the more common method is to use a durable hard paint such as a quality urethane mixed with a hardener. For the ultimate paint finish, use a base coat/clear coat system, with an extra coat or two of clear for added protection. However, if you prefer a more factory-correct appearance, have the suspension arms coated with bluing. This is the chemical that gunsmiths use to protect gun barrels with. Bluing penetrates the metal, so it becomes one, unlike paint which is just a non-integral coating. Depending on how the bluing is applied, a coat of clear enamel will protect its natural looking finish for years to come.
Frames: Complete frames and sub-frames are also being powder coated today, but like suspension components, if you prefer paint use harder wearing urethane enamel instead. And just because a light, thin coat was applied when your car was new, that doesn’t mean that you should do the same. Give your frame all the protection it needs by first applying a coat of epoxy primer, followed by a primer-sealer, then several coats of the urethane enamel color of your choice. As an alternative to urethane enamels, you can also use POR-15 and Chassis Saver rust preventive industrial paints, which are very hard wearing and long lasting; just don’t get it on your skin as it’s very hard to remove.
Nuts & Bolts: Fasteners that are exposed to the elements, such as those used on the suspension, anti-roll bars, sub-frames, brake assemblies and exhaust systems will invariably rust. Cadmium plated fasteners will resist rust longer and retain a shiny appearance for several years. However, the best fasteners that will never rust are made of stainless steel, and they are available in a variety of grades for specific applications. If your car is equipped with specific factory fasteners that are irreplaceable, then consider having them plated, but this can get expensive.
Screws & Washers: One of the easiest things you can do during a restoration that will enhance the engine compartment is the use of stainless steel screws and washers. They look just like plain steel screws, but they won’t rust. Most importantly, use stainless steel fasteners with sill plates, headlamp bezels and other trim pieces, especially those holding the exterior trim in place, to prevent unsightly rust stains.
Rocker Panels-Interior: Whether or not new rocker panels were installed during the restoration, drill small holes on each end and squirt in oil to help ward off rust, then cap the holes with a small rubber stopper.
Rocker Panels-Exterior: Because cars built prior to the 1980s had rocker panels that were only coated with a thin layer of paint instead of being well protected with a rubberized finish, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do the same to your old car. Available from autobody suppliers in aerosol cans, a thin coating of this rubberized finish will provide excellent protection that will add years to a rocker panel’s lifespan. And unless someone bends down for a close inspection, no one will notice it. There are two different types available – paintable and non-paintable – so choose wisely if you plan on top coating it with color to match the adjoining body panels.
Undercarriage: The best way to protect the underside of the floor pan is with 3M’s Body Schutz. This fast-drying, textured coating is a tough material that effectively protects the metal against stone chips and road abrasions while providing sound deadening quality. There are two different types available – paintable and non-paintable – so make sure you use the correct one. For the paintable finish, it has to be top-coated within 24 hours, so keep that in mind. This finish will give your old car that new-car, original-equipment appearance.
Exhaust System: If available, go with stainless steel. Even if a stainless steel muffler isn’t available for your particular car, at least use stainless steel pipes, clamps and fasteners.
If done correctly, every one of these tips will help enhance the beauty of your restoration while warding off rust, thus adding life to your car which, in the end, will provide you with additional years of enjoyable use. And isn’t that what owning an old car all about?