Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

thethomascartel · Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 7

Has anybody used this stuff at all ? It says it leaves a zinc phosphate layer on the metal and removes and neutralises rust. I'm about to spray it on the whole of my carvan chassis before I paint with POR 15 paint. It says I have to wash it off after it has dried as there will be a white layer. Does it come off easily ? As I'm doing the whole chassis and many parts are hard to get too so I was thinking of jet washing it off. What do you think ?

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane

I used it earlier this year on all the suspension components I was restoring on an XK120. It washed of easily with water.

I then used the Por-15 undercoat and then Por-15 final coat and after it had dried for a few days I couldn't believe how solid the paint finish was and a really original satin finish.

thethomascartel · Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 7

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane

Hi,

I took the parts straight from the metal ready bath into a bath of warm water to make sure all of the acid was removed. I don't think you're meant to let it dry at all. This is what I found:

"Metal Ready is a phosphoric acid wash. Remember that you're supposed to keep the panel wet with it as long as reasonably possible to develop a deep grey appearance to the metal. Don't let it dry uncontrolled to forming a white/grey splotchy appearance. If that happens, retreat to get a uniform grey coating.

When you've got the uniform coat, rinse the panel with clean water and immediately towel dry the surface.

The rinsing is necessary to remove active traces of the acid which may react with the primer and/or top coat. "

I did follow the instructions and painted the second coat about an hour after the first.

Cheers
D

AlexMG · Joined: 30 Oct 2012 Posts: 13

I have completed my chassis with this before using chassis paint. Prep and ready was used on the bare metal. DO NOT LET IT DRY. You must keep the area wet with the prep and ready at all times before washing off with water only. The result does not show any significant milky film if done correctly.

Polypedates · Joined: 24 Sep 2012 Posts: 16

I agree with previous posters. It is a good product if used in accordance with the instructions. I have painted the underside, suspension components and assorted brackets of my MR2 with POR-15 after using Metal Ready/Prep and have no complaints.

Only caveat to that is that I find electrolysis a far more effective solution than any spray on treatments for heavily rusted components. No good for a chassis of course though.