TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:09 pm

Hi guys , I am trying to address some rust in the tunnel of my 66 Ghia. I wonder what other folks have done in the past to fix this hard to reach area. I wondered about rust buster or maybe Eastwoodâs internal frame coating? Anybody tried anything different?

Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:43 pm

this is a common problem.....
the best way is to cut the tunnel open ie removed a large part of the bottom of the tunnel so you can get in there with wire brushes etc. you can then replace the tunnel floor with this panel
https://restorationpanels.com/product/bottom-plate-for-center-tunnel/

ready for welding

if needed you can also get a replacement panel for the section under the front beam support
the second best way is to treat the tunnel with many doses of phosphoric acid, wash it out and either coat with paint and or spray in cavity wax. I prefer cavity wax.
the next best way is to encapsulate the rust with a Por15 or Eastwood product. a good review of various products is here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Ag46YUovPUc
over the years I have used all three methods of tunnel 'renovation' with success.

Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:45 pm

Thanks Ian, I like those suggestions! Washing the acid out might be a problem as i'd have tip the frame on it's side to drain it out!

Sun Feb 12, 2023 5:26 pm

Taking the bottom plate off looks like the way to go if your body is off. I can't imagine trying to do that from underneath. Not without a serious thick leather suit and headcover.

Mon Feb 13, 2023 5:01 am

I'm a fan of phosphoric acid, wash thoroughly then cavity wax.

Tipping it on it's side makes it really easy to work on. Chain hoist is useful.

Mon Feb 13, 2023 9:54 am

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-internal-frame-coating-14oz-aerosol.html