Cleaning a Body

Grant Eldridge · 08-18-2008, 12:31 AM

Jeff, and others wondering about the tool for removal of undercoating...I believe it's called the "Crud Thug". It resembles an air ratchet, but instead of the drive for a socket there is a wire wheel fitted with uniquely shaped wire. The tool is also similar to an angle grinder in appearance but is an air tool and slimmer in it's construction. Rather than straight wire, these are angled the last 1/8" of the tip, so the wires "dig in" to the undercoating and essentially gouge it off the surface without damaging the underlying metal. BE CAREFUL! This thing could rip your face off if you don't handle it with a strong grip! It's still a hassle, and if you are doing it as I was with the car on jack stands, you'll end up completely black and covered with dirt but you will have removed the undercoating. I've just done the wheel wells on my '67 Camaro, and in places the stuff was close to 1/4" thick, but it's clean and freshly painted now. I used a degreaser/cleaner to wash the surface before painting the car underneath with trim black. As John Duzac said, it's a pride thing and worth all the effort when you're done. It looks like a brand new car underneath, and is a joy to re-assemble when everything is spotless, grease and dirt-free. Good luck!

08-18-2008, 12:31 AM	#19
Grant Eldridge Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 124 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Cleaning a Body Jeff, and others wondering about the tool for removal of undercoating...I believe it's called the "Crud Thug". It resembles an air ratchet, but instead of the drive for a socket there is a wire wheel fitted with uniquely shaped wire. The tool is also similar to an angle grinder in appearance but is an air tool and slimmer in it's construction. Rather than straight wire, these are angled the last 1/8" of the tip, so the wires "dig in" to the undercoating and essentially gouge it off the surface without damaging the underlying metal. BE CAREFUL! This thing could rip your face off if you don't handle it with a strong grip! It's still a hassle, and if you are doing it as I was with the car on jack stands, you'll end up completely black and covered with dirt but you will have removed the undercoating. I've just done the wheel wells on my '67 Camaro, and in places the stuff was close to 1/4" thick, but it's clean and freshly painted now. I used a degreaser/cleaner to wash the surface before painting the car underneath with trim black. As John Duzac said, it's a pride thing and worth all the effort when you're done. It looks like a brand new car underneath, and is a joy to re-assemble when everything is spotless, grease and dirt-free. Good luck!