We have decided to move away from leasing cars and to purchase a Morris Minor once again. However, in doing so we move away from having our car maintained for us and back to us maintaining the car. A specific problem for Morris Minors is rust. We live in Cornwall and so we are surrounded by the sea. Puddles we drive through might look innocent but are probably full of salt water! So what is rust? Rusting is a form of corrosion that only happens to iron and its alloys, like steel.
Why does iron rust?
Iron rusts when it’s exposed to both oxygen and moisture. This causes a chemical reaction that forms iron oxide, which is what we see as rust.
Why don’t other metals rust?
Other metals don’t contain iron, so they can’t form iron oxide. However, many other metals can still corrode in different ways when exposed to the environment.
Metals that rust:
- Iron
- Steel (because it contains iron)
- Cast iron
Metals that don’t rust:
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Brass
- Bronze
- Stainless steel (it contains iron, but other elements in it help prevent rust)
- Gold
- Silver
It’s important to remember that while these metals don’t rust, they can still undergo other types of corrosion.
While rust is a specific type of corrosion that only affects iron, other metals corrode through different chemical processes. Here are a few examples:
Oxidation: Many metals react with oxygen in the air to form a thin oxide layer on their surface. This layer can be protective (like on aluminium) or it can lead to further corrosion (like on copper).
Galvanic Corrosion: This happens when two different metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte (like saltwater). One metal becomes the anode and corrodes faster, while the other becomes the cathode and is protected.
Pitting Corrosion: This is a localized form of corrosion that creates small holes or pits in the metal’s surface. It’s often caused by chloride ions or other aggressive substances.
Stress Corrosion Cracking: This occurs when a metal is under stress and exposed to a corrosive environment. Cracks can form and propagate through the metal, leading to failure.
The specific type of corrosion that a metal experiences depends on factors like:
- The type of metal
- The environment it’s exposed to
- The presence of other metals
- The level of stress on the metal
Understanding how different metals corrode is crucial for selecting the right materials for various applications and for implementing appropriate corrosion prevention measures.
So let’s build a Morris Minor out of Gold! Or maybe we need to look at how we can protect our Morris Minor.
Ensuring your car doesn’t rust
Protecting a classic car like a Morris Minor from rust is an ongoing battle, but here’s how to win:
Keep it clean: Regularly wash and dry your Minor, especially underneath, to remove dirt, salt, and moisture that contribute to rust.
Inspect regularly: Check for any signs of rust, particularly in common problem areas like the sills, floor pans, wheel arches, and around the headlights.
Address rust immediately: Don’t ignore any rust! Even a small patch can quickly spread. Treat it with a rust converter or remove and replace the affected metal.
Protective coatings:
- Waxoyl: A popular choice for underbody protection. It creeps into seams and cavities, displacing moisture and preventing rust. Reapply every few years.
- Stone chip: Protect vulnerable areas like the wheel arches and sills with a tough stone chip coating.
- Paint: Ensure the car’s paintwork is in good condition to act as a barrier against the elements.
Garaging: Store your Minor in a dry garage whenever possible.
Consider professional rustproofing: A specialist can apply a thorough and long-lasting rust preventative treatment.
Drive it regularly: Regular use helps to keep things moving and prevents moisture from accumulating in hidden areas.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of rust and keep your Morris Minor looking its best for years to come.
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