Painting the rusty underside lip on the Chassis
05-07-2011, 06:27 AM
#1
Painting the rusty underside lip on the Chassis
Have you ever noticed the sheet metal “lip” on the underside of the car, just behind the side-skirts? It’s pretty much hidden by the skirts, unless you happen to have your eyeballs down on the ground. That might seem silly; however there are times where your viewpoint and the car’s position allow for it to be easily seen.
Well, if you have a 10 year old car like me, it’s probably pretty rusty. I’m sure you’ve noticed it on other cars, as one of the first places exterior rust takes hold. And even if it’s not rusty, if you have a light-colored Maxima (like silver or white), you can’t help but think it’s breaking the lines of the car by having that misshapen lip underneath in the same color as the car.
It’s so easy to take care of. All you need is a wire-wheel on your drill to scrape off the rust, some Chassis Saver for the rust (or Por 15), some flat-black paint for a top-coat, and some disposable brushes.
I did this over the last few days, and wish I had done it years ago. Now I know this seems kind of simplistic, and maybe not even thread-worthy. But if it inspires someone else to look at this detail, then it’s all good.
Here are some before/after pictures.
Well, if you have a 10 year old car like me, it’s probably pretty rusty. I’m sure you’ve noticed it on other cars, as one of the first places exterior rust takes hold. And even if it’s not rusty, if you have a light-colored Maxima (like silver or white), you can’t help but think it’s breaking the lines of the car by having that misshapen lip underneath in the same color as the car.
It’s so easy to take care of. All you need is a wire-wheel on your drill to scrape off the rust, some Chassis Saver for the rust (or Por 15), some flat-black paint for a top-coat, and some disposable brushes.
I did this over the last few days, and wish I had done it years ago. Now I know this seems kind of simplistic, and maybe not even thread-worthy. But if it inspires someone else to look at this detail, then it’s all good.
Here are some before/after pictures.
05-07-2011, 08:05 AM
#4
yeah im going to be doing rust proofing all around the underside of the car this summer...make sure its down to the bare metal or so it's shiny before ya paint otherwise it will just bubble soon and look like crap
05-07-2011, 04:48 PM
#5
Looks good Rochester. I like this idea even more for mine since I don't have the side skirts. I have noticed how shabby mine looks when siiting on a picnic table looking @ it parked 20' away.
05-07-2011, 04:56 PM
#6
It's certainly not rocket science, and requires no skills nor finesse. It's just one of those little details that's been bugging me at the back of my mind for a while. And this time I decided to act on it.
05-07-2011, 08:42 PM
#8
Cripes, those rusty pinch-welded thingies just disappear after you paint them... How come I never thought of doing that? Every time I wash my car, it's a nice reminder that it grew up in Ohio. Stupid winter!
05-08-2011, 06:34 AM
#11
05-09-2011, 01:05 PM
#17
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05-09-2011, 01:16 PM
#18
I know, man... not what you expected. Sorry 'bout that.
05-09-2011, 03:00 PM
#19
Getting a little crotchety there, eh Rochester.
But, I must admit that I completly agree with you on this one.
Now back on topic. Did you also wire brush & paint the inside of the lip as a preventative measure?
But, I must admit that I completly agree with you on this one.
Now back on topic. Did you also wire brush & paint the inside of the lip as a preventative measure?
05-09-2011, 03:12 PM
#20
No, I won't be owning the car for the number of years it's going to take for it to matter. Although if I had the convenience of a lift (or bay), then yeah, I definitely would have done that. A lot of other underside stuff too, for that matter.
Last edited by Rochester; 05-09-2011 at 05:24 PM.
05-09-2011, 05:14 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 1,861
agree to disagree then.. my h&rs look great on the max!
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