Underbody paint on a budget?

[TreySmith]

Can I just go under the car and shoot some black spray paint to make it look better? How long will it last? The car is really clean underneath aside from the rear end and leaf springs. I don't have the skills or time to take everything off so I think I am just going to pick up a couple cans of spray paint and try it out.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't do it?

[caper150]

Because it'll never last, if you don't have access to a compressor then shoot bedliner on it, last longer and stick better, if you do then get a shultz gun and spray it with undercoat.

[almcbri]

It will never stick well. Once you get the car running take it to the power washer and clean the underside best you can. After that, I would spray some degrease-simple green works ok, and then a scotch brite pads and water. Don't get that crap in your eyes though. After it drys then rattle can it.

I would focus on the body and getting it prepped to paint. I know you want a car ready to go now, but this stuff takes time. It is better to do it right once.

I got my car when i was 17 in sept. 02. I thought it was going to be a quick deal and the car would be done by my senior prom, but I knew nothing about restoring cars then. 1100 hours later and the car still isn't done, but it is done right.

[67rsssls]

Spray can bed liner should work well.

[almcbri]

yeah true.

You could buy the walmart rubberized undercoating. Pretty decent stuff for a quick fix.

[TreySmith]

Guess I will try the rubber coating. Doing the rear brakes this week so I guess I will do it then. Thanks guys!

[AALynch]

I just undercoated my rear fenderwells with a DupliColor undercoating/sound deadening product I picked up at O'Reilley's for like 8 bucks a can...clean it all up really well, wipe it all down with w/g remover, spray a zinc primer ($3) on it first, coat it, and you should be good for years to come...

[Bryce]

i sprayed my underbody with krylon gloss black, Looks fantastic and holds up good for the weekend only car.

I would never spray that rubber stuff, too heavy. I try to make everything light, 2700lb falcon and 2750lb mustang.

plus i like the smooth look

[NRV2L8]

Do it right and do it once.
A Rattle Can will NOT provide a long lasting protective coating. Looks good at first but sooner than later. It will start to peel and chip off.
You need a hard barrier between the metal and the elements. A Rattle Can, just won't provide that level of protection.

[BBC69Camaro]

I used Lizard Skin heat and sound formulas not too expensive off Summit. Just cleaned the bottom really well and sprayed it on.

Before:


After:


Dries a to more of a dark gray over the course of a week.