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To rust-proof or not to rust-proof? '96 Volvo 960 900 1996

Just bought a beautiful "new" 1996 Volvo 960 driven by some old lady in Arizona. 80k miles. Hasn't seen an Upstate New York rainy Summer or snowy/salty Winter. I don't have a garage. There is no rust on this car (only surface) and I want to keep it that way.

I've heard bad things about undercoatings (has to be done perfectly or it'll trap water instead of repel it, and nobody around me does it perfectly). I've been recommended to do an annual rust-proofing treatment. I don't want to do it myself.

Anybody have opinions about whether I should rust-proof? Any experience with 960s rusting or never rusting?

Thanks in advance!!








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    To me, one important feature in Volvos is the drains in rockers, doors, sunroof, trunk surround, cowl, etc.

    The drains must be undamaged and clear.

    Sunroof and trunk surround drains can be checked by pouring a glass of water ito each one - water should show up beneath the car immediately.



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      So you think if I only have surface rust in the undercarriage and I keep my car clean of salt/dirt, and those drains are clear, I shouldn't have rust problems anytime soon?

      Are those 2 drains the only ones I can test?



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        to add to Peter's post.
        It's not necessary to go 'full out' gallon can with sprayer.

        I live in Maryland, where they do salt. pre-storm liquid (?) on the roads...worse here is Ice during commuter times so there are liberal applications.

        for my 87 245, which I don't use to commute but does get driven in the winter, I hit it in the fall using the 12oz aerosol of Fluid Film. Hitting the lower seams on the doors, inside the rocker panels (the 240 has rubber plugs uptop giving access), rear springs and shock mounting hardware, lip under rear bumper, rear axle. and any where I find new nascient rusty spots. Hinges etc, anywhere you would use lithium grease or oil.

        1 can does it, with left over to hit the snow blower.

        Buy it at any John Deere dealer. $15...



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        Hi,

        I don't want to discourage you, but my experiences with rust free Volvos from hot and dry southern climates are that they are best left in the south or laid up from December to the end of March. Rust free cars from the cool blue north are getting to be rare as hen's teeth, but I would choose one any time over a desert car. Lap seams on places like door edges, rocker panels, floor panels and rear wheel wells have likely lost their seal. These, and any other places where paint or the tar based undercoating has cracked or dried out will experience dramatic effects when exposed to salt water as opposed to plain water. Salt water has low surface tension and creeps into every crevice like an oil would.

        Expect problems with caliper seals or around any other rubber parts that have dried out, shrunk or cracked, as well as electrical connection issues.

        There's a Brickboard member who has been maintaining a non galvanize 1984 240 in Montreal for many years. Montreal uses an insane amount of salt so it can be done. I think he'd agree that it takes a lot of work, constant inspection, and a thorough understanding of your car's construction.

        I heartily agree with CB and Spook that lanolin based Fluid Film is your best bet. It penetrates vigorously into seams where other products wont, and it doesn't dry out. We live in a high salt area and have a winter dedicated, sacrificial 91 245 that gets a gallon of it every fall. It takes a full day with compressor and spray gun, and although I wouldn't call it pretty, it's still inspectable after 12 years and should see a few more. Without the Fluid Film it would be long gone.

        In your case you have the advantage of planning your rust prevention before it has begun to appear. The disadvantage will be the expense and difficulty in finding someone who'll give it the care that usually only an owner will provide.

        Good luck, Peter



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    This is the stuff to use.
    For a full car you will need to buy a sprayer OR find a shop that will do it for you.
    There are YouTubes showing how to use this stuff.

    https://www.fluid-film.com/automotive-applications/



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      from the FAQ here on Brickboard.

      https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/FAQPDFVersions/BodyRust.pdf



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    Dear hlapadu1

    Hope you're well. There are lanolin-based sprays, that are "translucent", so will let you see if there's corrosion underneath. Lanolin is the oil in sheep's wool, that keeps sheep from becoming saturated. I do not know how often a lanolin-based product will need to be applied. Rubber-based materials are opaque and can trap water.

    Another way to slow rust is to wash the underbody several times during the winters. On a day when temps hit 50⁰F, a wash will flush-away salt, sand, etc., but leave time for some drying.

    I bought a driveway washer and turned it into an under-body washer. It is a T-shaped device with six spray heads and two casters. I reversed the casters, so that the spray heads point upwards. I attach a garden hose at the base of the "T", where there's a shut-off valve.

    Water sprays upwards with considerable force and removes salt/sand from the underside of my "winter" car. I use the hose with a regular nozzle to wash the wheel wells.

    I also have painted the bottom of the oil pan with Rustoleum paint. This seems to have lasted a few years, so should prevent "rust" pinholes. On the whole, I think paint - applied on a surface sanded free of rust and cleaned with a power solvent - will pretty well prevent rust, without trapping moisture.

    If the paint fails, you'll see it and be able to clean-up the failed area and re-spray.

    I gather some car washes have an "under-body" wash option.

    Hope this helps.

    Yours faithfully,

    Spook



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