So I recently bought a mk2 Octavia VRs so that I can spend some time on getting the car exactly how I want it and I’m getting there mechanically.

My next thought is the underside of the car as it is now 15 years old and I really want to keep this car long term I want to start looking at protecting it.

I jacked her up and had a quick look today and the pinch points are pretty swollen in places also noticed the arms look pretty rusty but that’s as far as I got without removing trays etc.

My question is what would be the major things to looks to strip back and seal or replace. Also are the pinch points repairable? I will try and get some pics on here tomorrow any help is much appreciated.

I use zinc spray lavishly on anything underside and around engine bay, including exhaust (note pure, high temp 400deg C resistant zinc for exhaust, cheaper zinc-alu will do for other parts). Easy to apply and easy to top up in places every couple years or so (cars not garaged). Zinc is better than other coatings in that it offers galvanic protection also of nearby exposed areas. Pinch welds / jacking points are definitely worth zincing up then painting over as visible, but for lifting using garage lift it is best to put in lift pads IMHO, I have had them on all cars. Not expensive, easy to install, double the amount of support points and save wear on pinch welds. I usually lift using a trolley jack with a wide rubber pad on a lifting point/ pinch weld, then put a jack stand under the lift pad. Of course, much easier with a garage lift. HTH.

1 hour ago, dieselV6 said:

I use zinc spray lavishly on anything underside and around engine bay, including exhaust (note pure, high temp 400deg C resistant zinc for exhaust, cheaper zinc-alu will do for other parts). Easy to apply and easy to top up in places every couple years or so (cars not garaged). Zinc is better than other coatings in that it offers galvanic protection also of nearby exposed areas. Pinch welds / jacking points are definitely worth zincing up then painting over as visible, but for lifting using garage lift it is best to put in lift pads IMHO, I have had them on all cars. Not expensive, easy to install, double the amount of support points and save wear on pinch welds. I usually lift using a trolley jack with a wide rubber pad on a lifting point/ pinch weld, then put a jack stand under the lift pad. Of course, much easier with a garage lift. HTH.

Interesting I never thought about zinc I’ll take a look at it. It’s going to be a driveway job also unfortunately as I don’t have any access to a lift so can see it being very challenging job with a lot of grinding to before I can even think about coating it.