First actual question only for the one who's "been there,done that"

From reading,many opt to pull the original drive train and turn these A's into sumthin else all together,I'm keepin mine stock ride.The Train this van creates in traffic lookin in the rearview is astonishing,Like EVERYONE smoked a joint and decided to SLOW down and enjoy the scene around them,life SLOWS UP around this van,people actually slow down and calm down around this thing,It's got a real power that has nothing to do with torque or horses...anyway dude,how the hell do I THOROUGHLY get 47 years or GRIME off fEVERYTHING under the van? (lines,links,bottom of motor,tranny,rear axle,e.t.c)You think chippin away at it?or blasting it all with an industrial N.A.S.A type spray and just let it melt like the nasi's face on indiana jones and the temple of doom......

I don't have one but a pressure washer would do the trick. If you don't have one you could put the wheels back on and drive it to the coin car wash for a steam cleaning. I take my rain gear and face mask and lay on the ground. Works for me.

Killer idea,only problem is they won't allow it at wash bays out here in the high desert,they have cameras,no manure,horse trailer washouts,engine degreasing....thanks for the info though,it's one step ahead in the investigation.

I used the gel type spray-on de-greaser, and let it sit on there for a day or so, then repeated for a second time and it came off fairly easy. I would rent a pressure washer if you don't already have one, it will be worth it.

Tom

Seems most parts of CA the city water has pretty good pressure and I'd think that you could get a lot of that heavy cake-on debris knocked off with a garden hose and a good nozzle, assuming you're not on a well.

looks like most of that was from a old oil leak. spray washer is my vote but watch around the wires.

I HAVE a pressure washer and it won't knock that heavy thick multi-layer stuff off very well, even after a good soaking.

I'd suggest looking around at big rig shops in the area.
They usually have to rebuild engines that have 500K miles on them and clean the chassis too. Also heavy equipment repair places.
They should have real steam cleaning machines. They will not let you near them because steam burns you quicker than hot metal. But they may be willing to do a small side job for you. Be polite, talk to the manager, not the lot boy, and understand they are doing you a favor. You will be amazed what a pro with a steam wand can do!


P.S. If you are leaving a smoke screen behind you, it's time to fix it.
Oh, and I AM going with stock stuff in the 68.
In fact, it's got a 78-80(? small plugs no tubes) slant 6 in it now that's worn out and I'm sticking in a 76 I picked up from a guy that has the big plugs and tubes! So it's actually getting closer to stock!

Just gotta strip it down, clean and paint, assemble and install....

hows this for a dumb a$$ reply;
leave it on there. it's some of the best undercoating and nothing will rust. but if you take it off all the metal parts are exposed to air and could rust. will expect replys to this but my truck still has the 44 year old oil leak grime all over the bottom of it. shes a driver not a barratt-jackson garage queen...

A Hotsy steam cleaner is the only way to go. Got 99% of the crud off the underside of mine not to mention the mouse crap that was everywhere inside. Yes you do have to be careful with hot water. Don

A couple steam cleaners and a crew from home depot then van will be done in 2 hours!

I would take a plastic putty knife and scrap off what you can first then use a de-greaser and a scrub brush with water to get the rest.