The Big End - Treatment Of Corrosion

In my last article I explained that corrosion came in many different ways and a full understanding of this destructive element is needed if counter measures are to be made.

A Morris Minor body shell is in the main made of steel which is a ferrous metal, and it is in this type of metal that by far the most destructive of all types of corrosion will occur. It most definitely is the main cause of the decay and loss of many classic vehicles. So what can be done to combat this noxious problem.

As I have said, understanding the condition is a most important area and is needed from the word go, as you can then implement procedures and treatments that will stem or hopefully eliminate the condition. If you think of corrosion similar to a type of cancer, you then have a good grasp of what is destroying your pride and joy and reducing its value more than anything else.

Corrosion in metals has been with us since man first experimented in making tools by smelting ores, and through to the present day from the concept of the industrial revolution. Many attempts have been made by making special metal compositions (alloys) which have built in sacrificial elements of lesser noble metals which are used in specialized components. These metals are costly and beyond the build formula for cheap commercial products. The motor vehicle has been made, mostly with low grade metal which the manufacturers have deliberately used, their philosophy is to build vehicles with this self destructive tag better known as built in obsolescence. They want your vehicle to self destruct and that you then get another one and so on. You see we are not helped from the word go.

Many examples of vehicles which readily rust out are around, and perhaps the most remembered is of those cars built during the throw away 60's and 70's. Believe it or not the Morris was considered one of these. Happily its build formula does help us when specialist repairs are required. The Morris does show a tendency for specific areas of the chassis which will readily corrode if care is not implemented. A whole industry has evolved around repair panels and chassis welding as you may be aware.

OK. Now that you have the gloomy picture of what ails Doris the Morris, what can you do. I have said in my introduction article about impurities, salt, industrial chemicals and other elements which regularly contaminate our roads and environment. Here we have a fundamental starting point with regularly washing your vehicle, but not just its topside but right underneath, removing build ups of dirts and contaminates. Finishing off with an application of water dispersants such as WD40 . It is here that the problem starts and if judicial regular attention is made by you then this will undoubtedly be a major step in combating the corrosive cycle of your vehicle.

You will perhaps see your pride and joy as a desirable shiny personal asset. Think again and consider the shiny paint as a protective coating cocooning the vehicles bodyshell, which if degraded opens up to corrosive elements which will attack the metal beneath . Any scratch, chip or detachment of the paint will allow the ingress of destructive products such as oxygen, water, chemicals and toxins which if left will rapidly initiate corrosion.

To combat this situation, any chip or abrasion should be cleaned and protected with a touch paint as soon as they appear, thus sealing off any attack. In the winter months spray prone areas with water dispersant fluids and regularly wash the vehicle even though it might get dirty soon after, because you are helping to reduce build up of dirts and contaminates, and regular washing is therefore not a waste of time.

Regular waxing of the protective finish helps build an effective barrier. Other aspects of good care should also be implemented on a regular basis such a the following. Lubricate any exposed parts ensure any drain holes in any panels such as doors are clear. Additional wax protection on the inside of panels is also beneficial. Try not to scratch the vehicle when work is being carried out. If any damage occurs, as a temporary repair cover with oil or grease, or use touch up paint until a more permanent repair can be carried out.

When leaving the vehicle for a long period of time and when putting it into storage, ensure that it is clean and dry and that a good flow of air will circulate around the vehicle. To leave your vehicle in storage with clods of damp earth or dirts attached to the chassis areas, is a recipe for disaster and will allow corrosion to attack.

Common sense and a practical approach will achieve a good reward for your efforts.

Next month what to do if the vehicle has some corrosion.

© Chris Street, June 7 1999