How do you folks find it easiest/best to clean off EVERYTHING on the bottom side of the XJ?

I'd like to start prepping for some frame plating, but the bottom side of my truck is just covered in dirt, and below that is the rubber coating.

I have a wire wheel and grinder, but I'm wondering if that is indeed the best way...

 

Toothbrush

 

Sprinkler and brush and soap are what I used before I did some underside painting

 

Got a pressure washer? They call it a "gutter cleaner" but you get the idea.

 

After I pressure washed mine I used degreaser and a rag. And a wire wheel then more purple power and a rag. Water, Then some kind of mineral spirits or denatured alcohol stuff. then I painted spots with por 15 then covered everything with bedliner. might have gone a little overboard but everything came out really good. That was last October

 

Tried a tooth brush. Even tried the wife's ...that didnt go well for me.


I was thinking about trying to find a media blaster...

 

Overboard is my aim!

 

Depends how clean you need it, Extremely clean without a spec?
Media blast= spotless.
Chemicals= very good.
wire wheel= clean.
high pressure water= bleh.

But as with everything, costs might dictate how well it can be done.

 

I just use the hose and spray it all down if I cant get it all I just drive around while its raining(live in AZ this doent happent much) haha

 

If you have access to a media blaster... Blast the **** out of it! Never used it on the jeep but I use it on a lot of parts at work and it is worth it! Just don't blast a hole through the rust!

 

If you use a media blaster, use something else other then sand. Crushed Walnut shells work good. A dry ice blaster would work the best.

 

Cost won't be that large of an issue. I'm fine setting money aside until I can finish the project.

I think that'd actually be part of the goal, if there is rust I eant it gone so I can weld new metal in place.
Lol, I have access to a pressure washer, but I need it spotless so I can weld to it.
Never thought of crushed walnut shells, I was a night time manager at a pet store for 10 years, and they sell them. I could prolly get a helluva deal on the media at least!

And then clea up isn't terrible either!

 

I am about to do an undercoating on my XJ. So far what I've researched as a good thing to soak the bottom with is POR-15 marine clean. I am going to try it this week.

 

The stock undercoating can be a royal ***** to get off, then you get the seam sealer too. Ive always used wire wheels on an angle grinder, and sometimes just a grinding wheel carefully. But i have heard a torch and paint scraper works amazing if you are careful enough.

 

I met the seam sealer when I repaired my floors. That garbage and the undercoating are the two main things I'm concerned about. Getting the rust off isn't that much of a challenge.

But the smoke that rubber crap makes is NASTY when hit with a grinder or wire wheel, and I'd imagine worse if a weld gets passed over it.

I guess part of my question was aimed at a way of doing this to keep my lungs safe as well.