Citroen XM Forum

Sorry its been a while again hasn't it since ive been on here

Ive been cracking on with the xm and last weekend I managed to get both rear arch sections completed in one foul swoop. I must say im happy with the condition of everything. Nothing with any worrying rust, sure one of the rear bumper brackets is gone, but I plan on taking off the rear bumper at some point anyway so I can make a new one by copying the good one that remains...or something that will do the job Here is how it went......

Looking fantastic Vince. I must do this same thing in the coming months. I to dread what I'll find!
I would be very interested in the products you are using too. They have a good finish.

Very impressed, I mean I've treated mine and it's a lot of dirt and hard work but will never claim it looks great now, just treated...Well done!

How much to do my 24v xm like this sir vince???

Thanks guys,

The process is straight forward if not a bit messy. Wash it off and degrease it. Once dry, wire brush as much rust off as humanly possible. Then start cleaning each bit and painting it to make it look better and protect its future.

The products used however are, tetrosyl underseal aerosol for up in in the arches behind the liners, black stone chip aerosol for the sub frame etc. as it dries smooth with a satin finish, a tin of satin black for anything else smooth that doesn't require the same level of protective coating, and I used simple aluminium wheel paint for the trailing arms and rear calipers. My engine bays have been painted with this for years now. Its very good as withstanding heat and doesn't chip off or discolour...at least not that I've found.

Spray the big bits and mask anything you don't want to paint, the smaller detailed bits paint with an artists brush (£3 a set at Tesco) using the lid as a paint pot. Just spray into it to fill your pot

I find it quite relaxing just plodding on....its not Rembrandt quality, but its a pastime and the car benefits

Paul once its on the road, if you ever want anything like this type of stuff doing just drop it off at mine and leave it with me for a bit. Money doesn't always need to change hands...we can trade

On an additional note and giving credit where its due.....Dean is also doing the same thing on his xm, albeit he is vastly more skilled than I at removing mechanical items and then no doubt refitting them once refurbished. It was the picture of his rear arch section that inspired me to log off and get the xm started this weekend passed.

I'll be doing much the same as and when I can Vince, both you and Dean are an inspiration to me..

I made a small start yesterday even though I find a bit of welding as part of the process will be beneficial...

I want to preserve what's left of mine as I've become very attached to her and want to keep her going as long as I can...

That's the spirit Jim! You will become a detailing nut yet

I can feel the bug catching! I even semi cleaned the car on Saturday as people were arriving. Would never have bothered before!

Vince wrote:That's the spirit Jim! You will become a detailing nut yet

No I won't Vince.. This is much more about protection than body beautiful