1954 Underbody Clean up

[John L.]

I have a question regarding the acceptable finish preparation for the fiberglas on the underside of the body of a 1954. I know the bottom was not undercoated or painted in any way. As I have cleaned the underside it appears that the oil and other fluids may have stained the fiberglas a darker shade at the transmission area than the very rear by the tire tub. I really did not want to soda blast the underside if I did not need to make all the fiberglas the same shade I may consider it.
What would be the consensus of the group and would soda blast of any sort really make a difference?
John Lanning

[Brett H.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

My suggestion would be to wash it down with lacquer thinner and leave it alone. Every once in a while, I apply another coat of resin on the underside. Depends on the car and if it needs it. I would not soda blast it.

My .02

[John L.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

Thank you for your reply Brett. That is my inclination as well. Started the cleaning with Simple Green to cut a lot of the grease and grime and then several applications of laquer thinner which really clean things nicely. Believe it or not I tried a little whitewall cleaner (Bleach White) and you know that seemed to pull out some of the staining which can be compared between the seat pan 1/2 at the top of the photo above the tunnel and the seat pan below the tunnel.
BTW - I heard the 53-55s were prone to leaking....I suppose that is why someone in the past had drilled over 50 - 1/4 holes in the pan under the seat on the drivers side and I dont think it was done to cool the drivers bottom side either!

John Lanning
1954 #68

[Brett H.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

If you only knew how many small holes I've filled in floor pans. hahaha.

The staining is just another characteristic of these cars over the years. Most of what I see is the heat from the exhaust and the grease from the rear end. These are some neat cars to restore.

[Brad H.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

If your car is set up for a top flight anyway and would pass everywhere else, a good wipe down front to back underneath is all I would do. Brad.

[John L.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

Thanks for the help ... certainly have a ways to go with the restoration with other details to attend to but to go back and redo this after the fact> Woud rather ask the question now.
Appreciate the help.
John

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

How do you fill the "drain holes" so the filler has the same appearance as the unpainted underfloor? Or do you not worry about that because the judges don't study the underpan that closely?

[Brett H.]

Re: 1954 Underbody Clean up

How do you fill the "drain holes" so the filler has the same appearance as the unpainted underfloor? Or do you not worry about that because the judges don't study the underpan that closely?

I usually place duct tape on the underside of the holes and then fill the hole with resin. Once dry, just pull the tape off the bottom and you're done.