Restore paint on front underbody protective plate

[Vrunner]

Hi.

Has someone tried to restore paint/surface of the front underbody protective plate? Is it possible?

The surface on mine looks pretty bad (see picture) and I am wondering if it can be restored DIY or best by specialist shop.

Thanks.

[GSTheo119]

Originally Posted by Vrunner

Hi.

Has someone tried to restore paint/surface of the front underbody protective plate? Is it possible?

The surface on mine looks pretty bad (see picture) and I am wondering if it can be restored DIY or best by specialist shop.

Thanks.

I did mine in position, just loosened the retaining bolts but didn't remove, rubbed it down with wet & dry, masked it and gave it about 3 sprayed coats of silver Hammerite. Looks great and paint is rock hard. Waste of money getting it done professionally.

[Vrunner]

Originally Posted by GSTheo119

I did mine in position, just loosened the retaining bolts but didn't remove, rubbed it down with wet & dry, masked it and gave it about 3 sprayed coats of silver Hammerite. Looks great and paint is rock hard. Waste of money getting it done professionally.

Thank you for this, looks promising. Few questions:

1. Can it be done without loosening the bolts?

2. Would you be able to suggest the exact products for all three steps?

3. How long did it take, step by step?

4. Best done in summer?

I am a lamer for paint jobs, so all new to me.

[dwaine dibbley]

Did mine a couple of year ago, used spray silver smoothrite.

It's not too difficult to remove, probably quicker than leaving it in situ and farting about masking everything off.

[ianu]

Bit of a wiggle and it comes off fairly easily.
Did mine with Volvo silver and added a bit of chrome wrap highlights :-)

[Rooster]

I took mine off last year and had it blasted and powder coated,

I then wrapped it with a clear film before refitting it

[binty]

Had mine blasted and powder coated a couple of years ago and still looks good.
Just four bolts to drop it off, but I also had to loosen the fixings for the power steering cooler to allow it more wiggle room.
Cost me £50 all in.
if you are anywhere near North Lincolnshire PM me and I can recommend one. If not there will be one local to you.

[Vrunner]

Originally Posted by binty

Had mine blasted and powder coated a couple of years ago and still looks good.
Just four bolts to drop it off, but I also had to loosen the fixings for the power steering cooler to allow it more wiggle room.
Cost me £50 all in.
if you are anywhere near North Lincolnshire PM me and I can recommend one. If not there will be one local to you.

Thank you, unfortunatelly am not near.

Dont have the possibility to take it off myself, so looks like a trip to the workshop for me.

[GSTheo119]

Originally Posted by dwaine dibbley

Did mine a couple of year ago, used spray silver smoothrite.

It's not too difficult to remove, probably quicker than leaving it in situ and farting about masking everything off.

Yes, Smoothrite is the stuff, not very shiny but very tough. Rub the original paint back with wet & dry, 500 or 750 grade will do. use it wet. I couldn't for the life of me get the damn thing off though. But you can paint it in situ pretty well. Powder coating would be the best and toughest finish though.

[binty]

The front fixings actually hook over the crossmember, so it needs pulling forward before it drops down.
(That is why I needed to loosen the power steering cooler to give clearance)
hope the photos help.