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Quick Question: Is Undercoating a Factory Process?

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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 01:26 PM
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Default Quick Question: Is Undercoating a Factory Process?

My 70 has had undercoating/soundproofing sprayed in the front and rear wheel wells. This stuff is missing from my 68. Was this done at the factory? Was this an aftermarket process?

I don't like it. I'm trying to freshen up the underbody of my 70. Getting rid of 23 years of road grime and engine blowby oil. This stuff is a dirt catcher and I'll eventually need a high pressure water jet to clean it. Just curious to know the origin of this stuff.....Thanks!
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 02:17 PM
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I believe the factory used a spray in the wheel wells for sound deadening, but from past forum discussions, it seems fairly irregular and sporadic...
Dealer applied (up charge) undercoating is hit or miss as well...
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by n2h2o2
I believe the factory used a spray in the wheel wells for sound deadening, but from past forum discussions, it seems fairly irregular and sporadic...
Dealer applied (up charge) undercoating is hit or miss as well...
Thanks. Looking more closely, it appears this crap was sprayed on before the body was dropped on the frame. So I'm thinking it was put on at the factory. It really looks bad....a tremendous dirt catcher with the irregular surface. It looks pretty sloppily applied. Oh, well! I'm having the front clip replaced so the front well wells will look nice.
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by n2h2o2
I believe the factory used a spray in the wheel wells for sound deadening, but from past forum discussions, it seems fairly irregular and sporadic...
Dealer applied (up charge) undercoating is hit or miss as well...
I believe the factory wheel well coating was intended as protection to the fenders from stones hitting the underside, which could cause stars in the paint. Sort of a cushion of sorts.

Edit: I thought it would be shown in the AIM, but I'm not finding anything.

Last edited by barkingrats; Nov 20, 2023 at 09:23 PM.
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 09:40 PM
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They show it on my 72 but the location is questionable. LOOKs like the rear of the front and rear wheel wells but I know it was all over on mine.



I agree there should be something used to protect the single layer of glass from star cracking with rocks
M
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 09:44 PM
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I shot the wheel wells with 3M 08883



and the battery jack trays etc with 08881 (had a slight brown tint so I topped with a dusting of krylon semi black)


Not that you were asking or anything
M
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 09:56 PM
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I agree with Mooser.
Unless you are going NCRS, I would use the best stuff...3M Rubberized Undercoating in the wheel wells...
It looks good and really helps protect the glass and deaden the sound..
But I prefer to only do the wheel wells and not the fenders or floors...
If I see undercoating everywhere, I question if there is something hiding under it...
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Mooser
I shot the wheel wells with 3M 08883



and the battery jack trays etc with 08881 (had a slight brown tint so I topped with a dusting of krylon semi black)


Not that you were asking or anything
M
t

I really like the results you got, and might go the same route. Whats the difference between 08881 and 08883? These do no contain asphalt correct? I spent hours this week scraping off the old undercoating, and this would help hide the minor imperfections compared to a semi-gloss urethane.
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 10:06 PM
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Just found the TDS and it is based on asphalt and polymers. Can the asphalt leach oils into the fiberglass when baked in the sun? Likely not if you and others haven't had any issues, but curious if this is a hazard to consider?
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 10:41 PM
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08881 Undercoating Black
• A multi-purpose, non-paintable aerosol
coating for under carriages, wheel wells,
frame rails and fenders.
• Designed to protect metal from
corrosion and abrasion.
• Can also be used as a sound-dampening
coating in door skins.

08883 Underseal™ Rubberized
Undercoating Black
• Rapid-drying, rubberized undercoating
material in an aerosol container.
• For rustproofing and sound deadening, also
for sealing fenders, quarter panels, door
panels, repaired sections, welded joints,
hoods and decks.
• Sprays easier than other products.
• Maintains proper spray pattern while
applying and won’t plug the spray nozzle.
• Quick-drying.
• Sound deadening.

The 08881 is a bit smoother while the 08883 had more texture / thickness, was also glossy which I didn't want on the battery / jack boxes but was good for the wheel wells.
M
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Old Nov 22, 2023 | 09:09 AM
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Here is another option to consider also. Used this on my wheel wells and it looks nice and works well, easy to apply, has what I would call a matt (semi-flat black) sheen.

https://www.corvettecentral.com/c1-5...-ounces-101540
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Old Nov 23, 2023 | 08:53 PM
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Painting or undercoating the fiberglass under the car is not recommended for cars which may be judged... or if hoping to sell the car to someone who may in the future may want to judge it.
It's incorrect and most feel it is done to hide shoddy fiberglass repairs, so if you don't have shoddy repairs it may be best to leave as original.

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