Underbonnet Wax

Underbonnet Wax

Where repairs have involved replacement of engine bay panels, treat the entire engine compartment including all components, clips and other fixtures with an approved underbonnet lacquer or wax.

Proprietary Anti-Corrosion Treatments

The application of proprietary anti-corrosion treatments in addition to the factory-applied treatment could invalidate the Corrosion Warranty and should be discouraged. This does not apply to approved, compatible, preservative waxes which may be applied on top of existing coatings.

Fitting Approved Accessories

When fitting accessories it is important that the vehicle’s corrosion protection is not affected, either by breaking the protective coating or by introducing a moisture trap.

Do not screw self-tapping screws directly into body panels. Fit suitable plastic inserts to the panel beforehand. Always ensure that the edges of holes drilled into panels, chassis members and other body parts are protected with a suitable zinc rich or acid etch primer, and follow with a protective wax coating brushed onto the surrounding area.

Do not attach unpainted metal surfaces of any accessory directly to the vehicle’s bodywork unless suitably protected. Where metal faces are bolted together always interpose a suitable interface material such as weldable zinc rich primer, extruded strip, or zinc tape.

Cavity Wax Injection

Box sections treated with cavity wax are shown in this section. Following repairs to these areas always re-treat with an approved cavity wax, using the access points illustrated. In addition, treat all interior surfaces which have been disturbed during repairs whether they have been treated in production or not. This includes all box members, cavities and door interiors. It is permissible to drill extra holes for access where necessary, provided these are not positioned in load-bearing members. Ensure that such holes are treated with a suitable zinc rich primer, brushed with wax and sealed with a rubber grommet.

Before wax injection, ensure that the cavity to be treated is free from any contamination or foreign matter. Where necessary, clear out any debris using a compressed air supply.

Carry out wax injection AFTER final paint operations.

During application, ensure that the wax covers all flange and seam areas and that it is adequately applied to all repaired areas of both new and existing panels.

NOTE: Ensure that cavity wax is applied AFTER the final paint process and BEFORE refitting any trim components.

It should be noted that new panel assemblies and complete body shells serviced as replacements are supplied without wax injection treatment. Ensure that such treatment is carried out after repairs.

Effective cavity wax protection is vital. Always observe the following points:

• Complete all paint refinish operations before wax application.
• Clean body panel areas and blow-clean cavities if necessary, before treatment.
• Maintain a temperature of 18°C during application and drying.
• Check the spray pattern of injection equipment.
• Mask off all areas not to be wax coated and which could be contaminated by wax overspray.
• Remove body fixings, such as seat belt retractors, if contamination is at all likely.
• Move door glasses to fully closed position before treating door interiors.
• Treat body areas normally covered by trim before refitting items.
• Check that body and door drain holes are clear after the protective wax has dried.
• Keep all equipment clean, especially wax injection nozzles.