preparing 'new' old wings for a 124

[mattc]

I have some original wings to go on my coupe. They are in almost immaculate condition and really only have a smattering of surface rust on one or 2 of the cut outs (Nick Mercedes can testify to there condition).

What should I do to them before they get sprayed to remove any/all traces of rust? I am happy to get them dipped/sand blasted whatever as I want/expect them to last a very long time. I am particularly interested on ides of how to treat the inside of the wing where it is hidden from view but collects the mud. Should I fill the wheel arch with something for instance?

Any/all advice gratefully received

 

[EDZ649]

Send them away for galvanising!

 

[mattc]

I would happily do that

a) if it can be done?
b) they would still need to be perfectly clean beforehand surely?

 

[EDZ649]

I would happily do that

a) if it can be done?
b) they would still need to be perfectly clean beforehand surely?

Yes, it can be done. Have a word with your local engineering firm, they should be able to help you.

IIRC galvanising firms used to collect metal objects from engineering firms once a week, usually on a Thursday for some reason!

 

[jaymanek]

the place that did my widebody rear flares may be worth a try?

surface processing in dudley.

 

[Rob77]

Wouldn't the process involve hot dip galvanising? I understood that couldn't be done on something as thin as a wing and anyway it used to be extremely expensive.

Be interested to hear how it goes though

 

[Sorry Pete]

At some point I'll have to get the front wings off mine to do a proper job on them. They're just starting some micro-bubbling on the arch lip, so I'll be interested to see how you get on with yours.

This thread came up with a few sensible solutions: Cleaning under wheel arches.

Anyone have any thoughts about zinc-rich primer? With an epoxy and/or urethane coat on the inners, I think that would provide a long-term solution, without going the galvanising route. See here. Seems to be good enough for marine applications, so road salt coupled with regular hosing should stand you in good stead.

Preparation is key though, once you're down to clean shiny metal, NO moisture/finger oils must be allowed to come into contact with the metal before your protection layers go on.

 

[Sorry Pete]

Should I fill the wheel arch with something for instance?

You mean around the lip on the inside where the mud and muck can dwell? I'm interested in this as well, and I believe the member who recently refurbed his CE filled his with silicone sealant - though I could be mistaken..

 

[RBYCC]

I have some original wings to go on my coupe. They are in almost immaculate condition and really only have a smattering of surface rust on one or 2 of the cut outs (Nick Mercedes can testify to there condition).

What should I do to them before they get sprayed to remove any/all traces of rust? I am happy to get them dipped/sand blasted whatever as I want/expect them to last a very long time. I am particularly interested on ides of how to treat the inside of the wing where it is hidden from view but collects the mud. Should I fill the wheel arch with something for instance?

Any/all advice gratefully received

The exterior face of the wing should be taken down to bare metal in any area that shows rust.
Just as easy to strip the whole wing.
Coat with an self etching primer, then a coat of zinc enriched primer.

The inner faces of the wings must be cleaned and if possible go down to bare metal.

Self etching primer coat and a hand brushed coat of POR-15 or equal which creates an impervious bond to the inner surface not allowing moisture to penetrate.

In the USA we have a spray product called "Zinc-it" which in essence is a cold galvinizing application.
It's a DIY product.

Hot dip galvanizing as pointed out by a previous poster may warp the thin wing sheet metal...

Ed A.

 

[EDZ649]

If galvanising can warp the metal why and how are modern Mercs galvanised? Lets face it, older cars were made of much thicker metal than new ones!

 

[Dieselman]

If galvanising can warp the metal why and how are modern Mercs galvanised? Lets face it, older cars were made of much thicker metal than new ones!

Were they?

Cars are made from pre-galvanised sheet.

 

[EDZ649]

Were they?

Cars are made from pre-galvanised sheet.

You only have to tap the wing of an older car to hear it is thicker than flimsy modern panels.

If modern cars are made from pre-galvanised sheet would it not have an effect on the integrity of the galvanising when being pressed into shape?

 

[nicko]

Wouldn't the process involve hot dip galvanising? I understood that couldn't be done on something as thin as a wing and anyway it used to be extremely expensive.

Be interested to hear how it goes though

Is hot dip the only process of galvanising? I thought it could be electro-plated.

 

[Will]

I have no facts to offer , but I bet Leigh is right for many cars. A W201 bonnet/door/wing feels really solid and thick, where as when polishing a W202 bonnet (for example) it's easy to feel the panel 'flex' in places

Older cars seem even more tank like, what about the really old 60/70s stuff?

I guess if they are made of thinner metal, perhaps it's because the structure is better designed and safer, hence the panels need not be so thick? And of course thinner sheet metal would reduce the weight and manufacturing costs, as well as improving economy etc.

Will

 

[Tiff]

I remember years ago when I was still an apprentice panel beater, and first came across high strength steel in Hondas we were repairing. I remember some bumpf about the metal being so much thinner, but stronger,had to readjust our welders, and relearn tolerances with pullers etc.
Older Benz's, and cars in general felt and sounded more "solid" firstly because the metal was thicker, but also because cars used to have swage lines and creases in the panels, which add strength.

 

[drussellwilks]

I agree with Tiff, the metal in newer cars is a great deal thinner you only have to compare a new and an old Mercedes door to see the differences, and as mentioned earlier modern machining has made it a lot easier to produce very complex shapes in thin metal that could only have been hand formed at vast cost in the past.

Going back to preparing the wings, a dip or a sandblast would be sensible then etch primer, high build primer flatted back and then top coat. Depending what you wanted to do with the inside a good coat of stone chip would certainly help to protect the paint and metal.

 

[mattc]

Guys, thanks for the replies you all posted whilst I was away on holiday.

You've given me ideas to pursue - I will remember to take pictures through all the stages and post them.