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Technical Old undercoating removal

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by goldmountain, Mar 9, 2026 at 10:37 PM.

  1. goldmountain
    Joined: Jun 12, 2016
    Posts: 4,901

    goldmountain

    Way back when our Hamb era cars were new, it was common practice to get them undercoated with that nasty asphalt based undercoating which was poorly applied since no one removed anything in the way and just sprayed so that it would look like it was helping prevent corrosion. Anyhow, we are now stuck with the problem of how to work on these cars. My latest attempt is to soften it with a torch and then attack it with a putty knife which seems to work except in the hard to get at crevices. Do any of you guys know of a decent solvent that would help?
     
    dana barlow and 49ratfink like this.
  2. RmK57
    Joined: Dec 31, 2008
    Posts: 3,209

    RmK57
    Member

    I’ve found if you heat the area that’s already s****ed off, a rag with solvent will easily clean off the remaining tar. For stubborn areas a wire brush also works pretty good.
     
  3. The stuff on my Nomad, came off in chunks using an air chisel with broad blade. Didn't get it all, but a good portion.
     
    dana barlow likes this.
  4. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 60,232

    squirrel
    Member

    Used gasoline on mine, to get the remains off after the torch/putty knife routine.

    (it makes it easier if you cut part of the car out before doing this, so you can work on it right side up)

    20140119_133239.jpg
     
    winduptoy and dana barlow like this.
  5. corncobcoupe
    Joined: May 26, 2001
    Posts: 9,105

    corncobcoupe
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    You didn't put your location in your profile but see if there is a Dry Ice cleaning company in the area.
    Works well cleaning many applications.
    Industrial Mfg's who use Cold Jet Dry Ice machines for spraying Dry Ice at a decent pressure for removing buildup of plastic and rubber build up on injection molds.
    It doesn't hurt the metal.
    It just instant freezes the coating so it blows off.
    Could be quicker and more efficient, costs could vary.
     
  6. y'sguy
    Joined: Feb 25, 2008
    Posts: 817

    y'sguy
    Member
    from Tulsa, OK

    Last edited: Mar 10, 2026 at 12:28 AM
    Toms Dogs likes this.
  7. milwscruffy
    Joined: Aug 29, 2006
    Posts: 4,205

    milwscruffy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Me after s****ping off the entire bottom of my 66 Bel Air wagon 15 years ago. This was with safety gl***es, a mask and about 6 hours work. If I remember correctly, it took 4 rounds in the shower to finally get everything off me. But hey, made for a good photo. 515016109_10228332996779246_4462756461812314274_n.jpg
     
  8. '29 Gizmo
    Joined: Nov 6, 2022
    Posts: 1,208

    '29 Gizmo
    Member
    from UK

    Kerosene... alow it to soak in
     
  9. andy dewitt
    Joined: Mar 25, 2017
    Posts: 38

    andy dewitt

    A dry ice blasting business in the Detroit metro area quotes undercoating removal for a complete car starts at 3 k
     
  10. dana barlow
    Joined: May 30, 2006
    Posts: 5,487

    dana barlow
    Member
    from Miami Fla.

    When welding patchs in to floor of one of my Studys,lomg ago,I removed some of the ****py under tar junk. As pointed out above.
    Years later,hunted up some "Do-it-your -self undercoating",to use on a oval track stockcar,too cover up some mod.s that may or may not been legal= made it look stock old car. ;)LOL Never found,even after going through tech a doz. times,,,< So it's good for something :D
     
    Tow Truck Tom likes this.

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