THE CORROSION PROBLEM
Cornwall's rain and salt air are hard on vehicles. These conditions shorten the life of an otherwise mechanically sound, reliable vehicle, or leave you facing an expensive welding bill at MOT time. Once corrosion starts attacking your trusted wagon, it plays on your mind. Chassis Proof grew out of that same concern about my own vehicles.
I provide underbody and cavity rust protection in Cornwall, using careful preparation, Bilt Hamber treatments and clear protective wax. Each job starts with a look at the vehicle, a discussion about what it needs and an agreed price.
HOW THE TREATMENT WORKS
1. Inspection and agreed scope
I inspect the accessible underside, looking at the chassis, inner sills, subframes, suspension mounts and other areas where corrosion develops or mud collects. Existing coatings, access and the condition of the metal all affect what can be done. We discuss the areas to be treated, preparation needed and price before work starts. Any areas that appear to need structural assessment or welding are flagged before treatment.
2. Mechanical preparation
The vehicle is safely raised, with wheels removed where the agreed work requires access. I use wire wheels, brushes and scrapers to remove loose corrosion, scale and failed coatings from the areas being treated. Dirt, grease and preparation dust are cleared away so the treatments can contact the underlying surface. This is usually the most labour-intensive part of the job.
3. Rust treatment and local coating
Remaining surface corrosion on prepared areas is treated with Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80 rust converter. Where a tougher coating is needed, such as areas exposed to stone chips, I use Bilt Hamber Epoxy Mastic. These treatments are applied where appropriate, with the necessary drying and curing time before protective wax is added.
4. Cavity and underbody protection
Inner sills, chassis box sections and suitable enclosed spaces receive Bilt Hamber Dynax S50, a creeping cavity wax applied through a lance with a 360-degree spray nozzle. Access bungs are removed and refitted as needed.
The agreed external areas receive Dynax UC clear protective wax. Its transparent finish allows the underlying surface to remain visible for future checks. Any wheels removed are refitted and tightened to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
PRICES AND PACKAGES
Tier 1: Core chassis and sills
Approximately 3.5–4 hours
Main chassis rails, inner sills and rear floor-pan section.
Includes localised mechanical preparation, Hydrate 80 where required, Dynax S50 internal cavity treatment and Dynax UC clear protective wax.
Labour £160 | Materials £60
TOTAL: £220
Tier 2: Full underbody and arches
RECOMMENDED · Approximately 5.5–6 hours
Everything in Tier 1, plus inner wheel arches, arch lips and bump-stop mounts.
Includes wheel removal for access, arch preparation, Hydrate 80 where required, internal Dynax S50 and Dynax UC clear protective wax. Wheels are refitted to the manufacturer’s torque specification.
Labour £240 | Materials £85
TOTAL: £325
Tier 3: Running gear and suspension
Approximately 7.5–8 hours
Everything in Tier 2, plus upper and lower wishbones, front and rear axles and differential housings.
Includes heavier scale removal from suspension components, localised Epoxy Mastic on exposed or high-impact areas, Hydrate 80 where required and Dynax UC clear protective wax.
Labour £320 | Materials £100
TOTAL: £420
Tier 4: Complete chassis and tow pack
Approximately 9 hours or more
Everything in Tier 3, plus anti-roll bars, droplinks, tow-bar assembly and electrical socket brackets.
Includes heavier scale removal from the tow frame, localised Epoxy Mastic coating and comprehensive clear-wax protection.
Labour £380 | Materials £115
TOTAL: £495
VEHICLE PREPARATION
Please pressure-wash the underside a couple of days before the appointment and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Minor localised cleaning is included. If further cleaning or removal of accumulated mud is required, this is charged at £40 per hour and may delay treatment while the vehicle dries. Any additional cost will be agreed before work begins.
Heavily muddied vehicles may need to be cleaned and returned on another day. Old coatings, extensive corrosion or additional preparation may also affect the final price.
PREVIOUS WORK
BEFORE
1996 Hymer motorhome
Lower control arm and front suspension components
AFTER
Jeep Rubicon 4x4
Tier 2 package. Rear chassis rail and rear spring.
BEFORE
AFTER
Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4
Tier 4 package. Rear upper wishbone and chassis rail
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
Mercedes Sprinter campervan
Front trailing arm assembly
BEFORE
ABOUT CHASSIS PROOF
I’m Dom. Having lost good vehicles to rust in the past, I wasn’t keen to repeat the experience when corrosion advisories appeared on my Shogun’s MOT.
After a few false starts and plenty of research, I invested in suitable lifting equipment, tools and a treatment system using Bilt Hamber products. I enjoyed the preparation and treatment, so I did our 2006 Shogun Sport. Then a few vehicles belonging to friends, followed by friends of friends.
I like helping something built to last, last. I understand why someone would put time and money into a vehicle they know and trust, rather than simply replace it.
My main work is ocean guiding through Surf Sanctuary in Newquay. I take on a limited number of rust-protection jobs during the quieter months, and carry out the work myself. I find the methodical nature of it satisfying: getting underneath, working through the areas that need attention and taking the time to do them properly.
CONTACT
To discuss your vehicle or check availability, send me a message on WhatsApp.
Let me know the make, model and year, where you’re based and any areas of concern. Photographs you already have and the wording of any MOT corrosion advisories are useful, but you don’t need a complete assessment before getting in touch.
We’ll discuss what the vehicle needs and arrange a look before agreeing the work and price.
I’m based in Newquay and take on a limited number of vehicles during the quieter months around my ocean-guiding work.
Dom
07356 232912
Chassis Proof
Wesley Yard, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1LB.
Please contact before visiting.