Do Nuova Pandas rust? Probably. No there is one little problem with the 4x4, and that is the amount of plastic that has to come off if you are going for a professional job. And having counted lots of different clips, screws and plugs, I have decided to try myself. I suspect that the pros simply tear everything off and use their own clips to get everything back, at least sort of judged by the gaps and rattling locaris I have experienced on other cars. Having examined the factory rustproofing, I decided it was time to add a little of my own stuff. In a few months this car will be soaked in salty water, snow and dirt. The gravel sprinkled on icy roads (at least here in Norway) effectively sandblasts the underside. Rustproofing is best done when it has been good weather for a while, and a warm sunny day is perfect. The equipment is simple; disposable gloves and goggles, clothes near its lifetime, a thin penetrating oil, and som thick black stuff for the underside. There are probably hundreds of brands, chemical bases, theories and methods here, but my own theory is that they all beat salt. So I buy the first can I find which comes with a long straw.


The bonnet is easy, lots of holes for the straw, be sure to cover the all ends and edges.

Same with the doors, spray in the holes and the oil will exit the corners. Panda owners care about the environment, so I use a sheet of plastic on the ground for the dripping oil.

The upper edge of the tailgate is designed to collect water as a surprising amount of oil disappeared here.

Lots of places to spray, but avoid blocking drain holes so dont use too much either.

In the engine compartment there are lots of holes, welds and gaps and places to oil. Theres a little clean up to do when you are finished, but its a part of the job.

In lesson 2 we are going under the car.

Preventative maintenance is the best sort. Much easier to stop rust starting than dealing with rust after it takes hold. Good helpful photos

Great article. What stuff&brand should I use for this job. Will Comma Wax Seal Aerosol be OK?

http://www.commaoil.com/productsguide/view/6/278

plus Comma Underbody Seal for under the car?

http://www.commaoil.com/productsguide/view/6/279

Thank you! I have really no idea what products to recommend, the shelves are full of brands and types. I will give you an update on the results of this project in May 2014!

The underside on the 4x4 looks complicated, with shafts and wiring and casings and parts unknown to me, and I am a little worried about covering something that should stay clean in a thick layer of black seal. Exhaust, driveshafts, rubber, joints and bushes will remain clean, but when in doubt I will stay safe and leave parts as they are.

There is a lot of rubber plugs under the car, I remove all these and spray liberally inside here with thin oil using the straw. The same goes with open holes and behind the plastic covers. Oil will now drip out of the most surprising places, which I hope is a good thing. The next part is fitting the plugs and start convering the floorpan and sills in black seal, and that was as far as I got this weekend. The remaing job is now to take the wheel off and do the suspension and wheel housing, the rear diff section, driveshaft tunnel and rear part of the engine and a second coat under. Session 3 in a weeks time!

Any advice is much appreciated!

Excellent pictures. You seem to have painted the black underseal on areas that already look to have been sealed though? I suppose you can't be too careful!