Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

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Galileo
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Location: Shetland / here & there

Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

#1 Post by Galileo »

I'm more than likely moving to Shetland, and having seen what the "sea breeze" did to two of my previously immaculate motorbikes in the past I'm genuinely concerned about my Sprint, to the point of contemplating leaving it behind rather than taking it up and for the poor thing to be destroyed in no time or perma-parked in a sealed garage, which also doesn't appeal.

The car will be garaged when not in use but does anyone on the forum here living in a coastal climate and who use their cars with advice on how to protect them from the all year salt spray?
Current fleet: '75 Sprint, '73 1850, Daihatsu Fourtrak, Honda CG125, Yamaha Fazer 600, Shetland 570 (yes it's a boat!)

Past fleet: Triumph 2000, Lancia Beta Coupe, BL Mini Clubman, Austin Metro, Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 & MK2, Renault 18 D, Rover 216 GSI, Honda Accord (most expensive car purchase, hated, made out of magnetic metal as only car I've ever been crashed into...4 times), BMW 318, Golf GTi MK3 16v x 3
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RSi
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Location: Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides)

Re: Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

#2 Post by RSi »

Galileo wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 1:44 pm I'm more than likely moving to Shetland, and having seen what the "sea breeze" did to two of my previously immaculate motorbikes in the past I'm genuinely concerned about my Sprint, to the point of contemplating leaving it behind rather than taking it up and for the poor thing to be destroyed in no time or perma-parked in a sealed garage, which also doesn't appeal.

The car will be garaged when not in use but does anyone on the forum here living in a coastal climate and who use their cars with advice on how to protect them from the all year salt spray?
I live in the Outer Hebrides (Lewis), if you have a classic it simply has to be garaged. I think it's fair to say that most here are summer use only, some dry weather use only, and a small portion all year round use but it shows on those classics.

I've not had the Sprint out yet but she'll be dry use only to preserve her in the condition she's in. My last one was dry use only too (RS1600i), the one before that was a fully restored and modified 1985 Landrover which was all year round use, but you were chasing the paintwork all the time to keep it right.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint (RNK 957W)

Automatic, porcelain white - 52,820, genuine mileage (warranted).

Built 26/6/1980, 3 previous owners (2 within the same family).

Supplied by Lavender Hill Garage Ltd, Enfield, London, by garage owner Jimmy Metcalfe on 30th September 1980 to Geoffrey Robinson, Enfield, London.

Club Membership No: 2017092
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Galileo
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Location: Shetland / here & there

Re: Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

#3 Post by Galileo »

Thanks Murdo, and it will definitely be garaged that's for sure, the wind up here will have it over into the Atlantic if I don't!

I can live with having to stop using it as a daily and make it a sunny day car, though it will have to be a calm sunny day as the island ferry is open deck and you get a bit of splash. Would rinsing it down after it's been out help or hinder by pushing salt water into areas?

Anyone used this rust proofing service?

I've got my Fourtrak for all year round use, chassis will be fine but the bodies rusts in no time but I've no qualms in chasing rust patches with my appalling welding abilities on that car!
Current fleet: '75 Sprint, '73 1850, Daihatsu Fourtrak, Honda CG125, Yamaha Fazer 600, Shetland 570 (yes it's a boat!)

Past fleet: Triumph 2000, Lancia Beta Coupe, BL Mini Clubman, Austin Metro, Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 & MK2, Renault 18 D, Rover 216 GSI, Honda Accord (most expensive car purchase, hated, made out of magnetic metal as only car I've ever been crashed into...4 times), BMW 318, Golf GTi MK3 16v x 3
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Re: Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

#4 Post by new to this »

Galileo wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2019 5:03 pm Thanks Murdo, and it will definitely be garaged that's for sure, the wind up here will have it over into the Atlantic if I don't!

I can live with having to stop using it as a daily and make it a sunny day car, though it will have to be a calm sunny day as the island ferry is open deck and you get a bit of splash. Would rinsing it down after it's been out help or hinder by pushing salt water into areas?

Anyone used this rust proofing service?

I've got my Fourtrak for all year round use, chassis will be fine but the bodies rusts in no time but I've no qualms in chasing rust patches with my appalling welding abilities on that car!
Rust busters are very good,I would use old engine oil in the wheel arches and sill headlamp area first then get dust busters to do the same, I know the old oil will get messy but it will get in to all the small area's

Dave
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Re: Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

#5 Post by GTS290N »

I wouldn't use old engine oil. If you must use engine oil, buy some cheap new stuff, it's pennies.
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Galileo
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Re: Rust in peace - avoidance techniques and tips?

#6 Post by Galileo »

Price of new engine oil I might as well go mad with Dinitrol and the likes. Used engine oil was the old trick with most cars of the era self rustproofing that way as well but it's messy and old engine oil is not exactly good for you or the environment, and seeing as I work for a wildlife charity perhaps best not to use that!

Thanks for the input, always good to get others perspective.
Current fleet: '75 Sprint, '73 1850, Daihatsu Fourtrak, Honda CG125, Yamaha Fazer 600, Shetland 570 (yes it's a boat!)

Past fleet: Triumph 2000, Lancia Beta Coupe, BL Mini Clubman, Austin Metro, Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 & MK2, Renault 18 D, Rover 216 GSI, Honda Accord (most expensive car purchase, hated, made out of magnetic metal as only car I've ever been crashed into...4 times), BMW 318, Golf GTi MK3 16v x 3
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