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Hi all,

My 1998 XK8 has a fair degree of (hopefully) superficial rust underneath at various sites, I need to get under and explore more, but in terms of trying to delay it's progress does anyone have suggestions? I was planning on coating what I can see in rust converter and then applying something like hammerite, does that sound reasonable? Fortunately the bodywork is otherwise in good condition for it's age.

Unfortunately, the only perfect remedy for rust is to cut it out and repaint the area with suitably tough coatings. Doing as you suggest should slow down the inevitable but it needs inspecting regularly and correcting again at the earliest signs of rust reappearing. Mike.

Thanks Mike.

My current preferred system is to scrape and/or power wire brush the surface, including the immediate painted area until everything is as rust free and solid as possible. Then I apply a really thick layer of Hamber Bilt Deox-Gel for about 40 minutes before scrubbing it into the surface with a wire brush. After another 20 minutes or so I remove it by wiping with cloths and warm soapy water.

Dry it all off thoroughly - hairdryers work well! - and repeat the process if thought necessary. Otherwise apply a first coat of Hamber Bilt Electrox zinc rich (93%) paint. Two hours later a second coat of Electrox, followed two hours later by one or two coats of Hammerite. Final touch is a generous layer of Waxoyl.

And so continues the never-ending battle. Considering the impressive underbody protective system detailed in bodywork section of the workshop manual, it's all a bit disappointing, even after allowing for all the years

Thank you!