Rustproofing bare panels

[Mike Wattam <MikeWattam@domain.elided>]

Hi Alastair

Well, one thing is for sure, don't leave the panels bare!

Personally I wouldn't use either Waxoyl or WD40, either of these is very
difficult to get out of the surface of the metal and just about impossible
to get out of any seams.

Body builders would apply the first primer coats straight away after
stripping and cleaning the metal, as even after a few hours the steel
oxidises and they would then need to rub it down again before the first
priming.  They normally put used engine oil or general purpose grease on
surfaces not to be painted straight away, depending on who's whim it is and
what's handy.

Preserving oil is the 'right' thing to use, but this has to be applied hot
with a spray gun so it is out of reach of the amateur.

As your car is sitting there completely stripped I would either put the
first coat of primer on (recognising that you will have to strip and prime
again if the primer skin gets broken before you have the opportunity to
paint it properly) or use a simple general purpose grease on a rag.  If you
are not absolutely certain the metal is clean, first use a solvent to
remove skin acids and other marks, and then rub it all down to expose fresh
metal before applying the grease.  Then the grease can be washed off again
and rubbed down immediately before you paint.

IMHO - Mike Wattam
Chairman - Triumph Stag Register