Keep our beautiful 'classics' from becoming rust-buckets - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 02-01-2004, 01:07 PM

I have no interest in either of these companies, but I have come up with a setup that I think will help our cars to keep from corroding due to road salt.

There is a marine product called salt away that is safe for paints, waxed, chrome, rubber, etc. It is used as an engine flush but is good for anywhere on a saltwater boat that there is salt buildup that you want to get off. It loosens salt and holds the crystals from the surface, coats salt buildups with a vapor and liquid corrosion inhibitor, etc.

Seems like good stuff. Easy to find at marine stores and a little bit goes a long way.

What I have done is get a gallon Ortho hand-pressurized garden sprayer and a 16oz bottle of this salt away. I called them and was told that 1oz per gallon is a good ratio to use before washing the car, or to coat the salt to protect the car.

1 gallon of this solution is more than enough to coat the entire car, because the garden sprayer is so efficient at dispensing product. Its spray wand makes it easy to get into the wheelwells and other hard to reach places, as well as at least part way under the car.

I have no worries spraying it onto the car and leaving it because it is safe for all the surfaces, and protects them. It claims that after being washed off, it even leaves a corrosion inhibiting layer on the surface which will remain to protect from another saltwater splash.

Since us with diesels are the majority of people who drive their 20+ year old cars everyday, I thought it would be more useful to post this here for everyone to see, rather than in the detailing forum...

JMH

:EDIT:

salt-away ingredients
http://www.google.com/search?q=salt-away+ingredients&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=

salt-away concentrate
http://www.google.com/search?q=salt-away+concentrate&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=

salt-away.com.au
http://www.google.com/search?q=salt-away.com.au&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=

vwbuge · #2 02-01-2004, 07:11 PM

I just keep mine in the garage.

whunter · #3 02-01-2004, 07:23 PM

Thank you JHZR2
Mine is a daily driver that I plan to enter in the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance this year.

WANT '71 280SEL · #4 02-01-2004, 08:44 PM

If only they had this stuff 30+ years ago when the w116 was introduced.

my car ould be one tight ride if someone used this stuff 25 years ago. I will keep this stuff in mind for the possible rust free w116 that we will purchase for my mother.
Thanks
David

79-240d-project · #5 02-01-2004, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Meadow Brook Concourse d’Elegance

What is this?

wolf_walker · #6 02-01-2004, 09:41 PM

Best solution I've found for rust is to move to the midwest and keep it clean. You get the added benifit of there not being so darn many people!

I spent a year in florida with two of my VW's awhile back, nope, no sir, never again. Every tiny little scratch you couldnt even see started turning orange and crusty. It was a nightmare.

I would like to re-undercoat the 300d at some point.

whunter · #7 02-01-2004, 10:50 PM

Hello 79-240d-project
RE: Meadow Brook Concourse d’Elegance; What is this?

Follow this link and you will get an eye full of great cars on display, look at the award winning MB.

http://www.mbhconcours.org/
or
http://www.mbhconcours.org/2003winners.htm

The world's most stunning display of Duesenbergs, crown jewels of classic car collections, was the highlight of Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, held August 3, 2003. More than 25 of these rare vehicles were brought together to celebrate the event's 25th anniversary, held at the majestic auto baron estate on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Each was awarded a silver Duesenberg Cup created exclusively to honor this once-in-a-lifetime viewing.
In addition to the Duesenbergs, 250 extraordinary classic cars attracted viewers from all parts of the world. A stunning deep blue 1937 Mercedes-Benz 450K Cabriolet, owned by the Patterson Collection of Louisville, Kentucky, drove away with the Founders Award for Best of Show; a complete list of awards can be seen here.
Concours also featured a fast-paced week of exciting events, including an automotive art exhibit and auction, an haute couture fashion show and a black tie gala. Both the art and classic car auction enjoyed record-breaking sales.
Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance 2004 will take place Sunday, August 1. For details, please visit this site in the near future or contact the Concours office at 248.269.7672.

79-240d-project · #8 02-01-2004, 11:08 PM

Thank you, very nice!

I doubt if the old 1979 240D would ever be considered.

Thanks again,

Jeff

whunter · #9 02-02-2004, 07:39 AM

Hello 79-240d-project
You may be shocked at the unrestored class.
There is also a car show at Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
http://www.hfmgv.org/

Or you could show up at the 2004 Woodward Dream Cruise
http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/2003/
The 10th Annual WDC will be on
Saturday
August 21
2004.

Hatterasguy · #10 02-02-2004, 08:59 AM

I have used salt away to wash boats, fishing rods, and flush engines, it seems to work well. Next winter I will try it on my car, but the best way to stop rust in the winter is just to not drive it, unfortunitly that is not an option for all of us.

JHZR2 · #11 02-02-2004, 10:09 AM

hehe, not driving would be nice, I want my car to last for a LONG time, and I know the body will probably bite the bullet before the engine, even though for now I have no rust spots...
But I think this rustaway is so convenient, when used in a garden sprayer, it really ought to help a lot. Its easy to do the unserside and small spots that are prone to rust.

Im glad someone else has used it, I trust the product, but its nice to see Im not the only one who has ever heard of it

JMH

lietuviai · #12 02-02-2004, 10:50 PM

Move to the west coast.