Page 26 - Transporter Talk Issue 144

Transporter Talk No 144
THE MECHANIC
This instalment of The Mechanic looks at how you can protect your VW for years to come using Dinitrol products.
The biggest threat to any classic vehicle is rust and unfortunately our beloved Volkswagens seem to su er badly. Rust is an iron oxide that forms by a reaction between iron and oxygen in the presence of water. With the British climate being renowned for its rainfall we need all the help we can to keep rust at bay.
There are numerous products on the market to help combat rust, if you do your research there are various opinions on the most suitable solution. Waxoyl and Dinitrol seem to o er the best results and the choice of which product to use comes down to personal choice or ease of application.
WAXOYL is a long established and proven method for combating rust. It is a petroleum based wax product with self-healing properties that contains oxidation inhibitors that slow down the growth of rust. It works by covering the treated area, thus preventing water and air contacting the treated area.
DINITROL is an oil based product that contains rust inhibiting ingredients to treat and stop rust after it has been applied. It also forms a barrier that prevents further corrosion occurring. Dinitrol is supplied in several di erent forms, a cavity wax for use in inner sills etc. and an under body wax that dries to a exible tough lm to withstand rain and salt.
Waxoyl is generally suitable for use on vehicles that have been restored and have fresh metal welded into them, whereas Dinitrol is designed for vehicles with existing surface rust due to its rust killing abilities.
Guide For a Split, Bay or T25
The range of rear engine transporters are all unique in their own way, but all su er from corrosion in the same way. One problem that is particular to a Camper is that we create more moisture due to us living inside, just boiling a kettle will produce large amounts of rust inducing steam, sleeping in the van presents its own problems as we sweat and breathe out moisture. The underside of any Van is straight forward to protect. The usual suspect areas such as inner sill, front valance etc are easy to access from underneath, but the inside structure is more challenging. The front and side door cards are easy enough to remove but the rear will require removal of the interior furnishings and panels to gain access, a time consuming exercise but worthwhile!
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For those of you with a newer bus, the guide for a T4, T5, or T6 is coming next issue!