Why buy a rust proofing kit for your classic car restoration?

Before the 1980's almost all car manufacturers had makes and models that showed signs of corrosion with age. This hasn't deterred restoration enthusiasts from keeping a number of these vehicles on the road. There are many rust prevention and treatment 'how-to-guides', videos and demonstrations available, which offer information on achieving successful outcomes.  

In this article we discuss the merits of DINITROL products for the  treatment of corrosion and rust proofing all vulnerable areas of a vehicle. DINITROL products are used by professional auto restorers, treatment centres and by classic car enthusiasts or hobbyists. To make rust proofing easier, Rejel have bundled all the products needed into a kit. There are different size kits available dependent on the size vehicle to be treated.

DINITROL rust proofing kits are available in litres or aerosol. A trigger attachment is supplied with all aerosol kits, whilst the 1 Litre can rustproofing kit can be applied conveniently with an underbody coating gun.

If you live in a rural area the chances are your vehicle underbody chassis is at greater risk of corrosion with increased surface water during the winter month’s. To help protect your vehicle against water ingress, excessive road debris and mud we recommend applying a protective coating with a DINITROL rustproofing kit.

Before you start treating your vehicle, it is wise to wear suitable protective clothing such as goggles, mask, gloves and overall. It is also a good idea to place a plastic floor covering under your vehicle to protect the surface from product drips.

Once you are all prepped to get started, give your vehicle a thorough wash and once completely dry, mask up any areas that you do not want to spray such as exhausts, brakes, electrics or radiator.

Products in your classic rust proofing kit

Rust Treatment

Inspect your vehicle paying particular attention to the underbody. If you find any signs of corrosion treat with DINITROL RC900 rust convertor aerosol. First remove any flaking rust before applying the rust convertor to the remaining rust making sure the edges are coated. You may need to repeat the process a couple of times.  You will know when the rust has been successfully treated when the treated area turns black. 

Allow at least 1-2 days for the surface to completely dry before applying a cavity wax or underbody rust proofing to the treated areas.

DINITROL rust treatment products work by creating a protective surface barrier against oxygen or moisture thus stopping corrosion. With DINITROL RC900 organic chelat base epoxy resin can be conveniently sprayed onto the affected area. 

With most rust treatment products the indication that the area has been protected against further corrosion, is the surface area becomes black in colour. This is a common characteristic with most rust removers available on the market.

Cavity Wax

Spray cavity wax into all box sections, internal bodywork and chassis cavities using an injection pipe or extension nozzle. Slowly retract through the box sections whilst applying the product, listening for the spray. The product will leave a waxy, water-repellent rust protective film.

Underbody Wax 

DINITROL 4941 is an underbody rust protection treatment. When applied to a clean, dry surface, it adheres to both painted surfaces and those coated with a layer of PVC or similar material. Zinc, rubber and plastics are completely unharmed by the product.

The applied underbody coating should be touch dry within 6-12 hours approximately. To check it is dry, press your thumb onto the wax. It should leave a print in the wax but not come off onto your thumb. DINITROL 4941 underbody wax shows self-healing properties and skins over when dry but remains soft underneath allowing it to re-seal. It adheres to both painted surfaces and those with a layer of PVC or similar material.

To clean excess or overspray

To clean equipment use DINITROL® 7225 Auto Cleaner or other Benzene based spirit.

Step 7 – For engine compartments you can use DINITROL® Corroheat 4010 clear wax.

This product is specifically design for engine compartments and will withstand temperatures up to 200°C. Once dry the product creates a hard transparent film that is resistant to both alkaline and acids.

Step 8 – Retreat the cavity wax every 5 years

Also remember to inspect the underbody annually and touch the coating where necessary to check the surface in more detail.

Dinitrol Classic Carrust proofing kits don't include cavity wax, DINITROL 1000, but it you want to apply a thin coat to the underside of your car, you can order it as an addition to the kit. DINITROL1000 is a transparent high penetration polyethyelene-base cavity wax and is designed for application in closed cavities, doors and other parts. The product provides excellent low temperature properties and is highly water repellent.

Apply a thin coat of DINITROL 1000 to the underside to help with the adhesion of the underbody rust proofing whilst retracting into existing corrosion. The DINITROL 1000 cavity wax coating also contains rust inhibitors. Allow around 1-2 hours for the product to dry.

After the DINITROL 1000 has cured you can start applying the underbody rust proofing. Apply in even layers by building up the thickness. The underbody rust proofing combats the highly corrosive effects of road salt and abrasion.

DINITROL rust proofing kits for Classic Cars are available in 4 different sizes for small, medium, large and extra large size cars. These rust proofing kits are supplied in aerosol or in litres for those who have access to an air supply or compressor. Classic car rust proofing kits contain DINITROL 4941 underbody chassis coating, DINITROL 3125 HS cavity wax and DINITROL RC900 which converts rust on substrates into a stable organic iron complex.