To undercoat or not undercoat the GEN4

I had a Defender done a few years back. Fantastic job and great service. Highly recommended.

Slightly puzzled by the phrase 'undercoat' - there are quite a range of underbody coatings available some of which are more focused on sound deadening, some are anti-chip (to protect the existing factory treated steelwork and some are about slowing down the spread of rust (anti-corrosion). With modern zinc plated steel and various factory treatments the spread of tin-worm disease has been slowed down - but not totally eliminated. Putting a 'waxy' type coating over a fresh from the factory will offer another level of protection but I question how many owners will ever keep their Jimny long enough to reap the reward? I've sprayed and pumped Waxoyl (and similar products) under quite a few cars - but never kept them long enough (i.e. 20 years) to see a return on the investment. As the main dealer (not Suzuki) regularly tells me - "It's no longer corrosion that ends a cars serviceable life - it's usually the electro-trickery going wrong"!

On the gen3 rust prevention is an absolute must and I am seeing the benefits after just 8 years nevermind 15 or 20 and on visual inspection the gen4 is ostensibly getting the same treatment as the later gen3 so is a worry. As to electronic failures, any generation of Jimny is relatively immune to this disease being so simple compared to it's contemporary equivalents though the gen4 is heading in the wrong direction there. Time will tell.

Some years ago I talk with someone from 3M and they were afraid their undercoat could degrade the original anti stone chip that came with the car. So I they advised me to monitor the original treatment ad when the first signs of rip appears, to take it all off and made the chassis with another coat, like polyurea, etc. Now $ome guy$ are using some "heavy duty" nano ceramic coatings in the chassis too....

Get it undersealed as a no brainer.

If I were buying a brand new Jimny and spending all that money and intended to keep it for some time I'd be getting it professionally done.

Before and After are another company. I've never used them, nor do I know where they are, so I'll let you do the Googling!

Kirkynut

kirkynut wrote: Get it undersealed as a no brainer.

If I were buying a brand new Jimny and spending all that money and intended to keep it for some time I'd be getting it professionally done.

Before and After are another company. I've never used them, nor do I know where they are, so I'll let you do the Googling!

Kirkynut

I was given this companies details from a mate. He had his landy done and said it was a good job,...

However, I would strongly advise you each do your own research on this company > "before and after"

Google it to find out. The guy has had some very bad reviews. Like really bad .... and fairly consistently over the years. #DigDeeper.

Just a heads up.

Just saying.....