Mercedes G-Wagen and SL Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting and chassis protection for the Mercedes G-Wagen and the classic SL. Chassis, floors, sills and running gear cleaned without abrasion or water, then protected for the long term.
- Method
- Dry ice (CO₂) blasting
- Areas
- Underbody, chassis, engine bay, components
- Chassis protection
- Lanoguard, Bilt Hamber, Dinitrol, IGL Aegis
- Workshop
- Guildford Road Industrial Estate, Hayle, TR27 4QZ
- Collection
- Arranged UK-wide
Mercedes G-Wagen and SL
Two icons. Very different underneath
The G-Wagen has been built on a separate steel ladder chassis since 1979, from the early W460 to the latest W463. The body deserves as much attention as the chassis: floors, door bottoms and the area around the rear door all collect moisture.
The classic SL is a different proposition. The W113 Pagoda, R107 and R129 are steel monocoques, where the condition of sills, floors, jacking points and inner wings has a large bearing on value. On both, dry ice blasting removes road film, old underseal and contamination without water, grit or chemicals, leaving a clean, sound surface for honest inspection and protection.
Models we work on
- G-Wagen W460 and W461
- G-Wagen W463
- G 63 and G 500
- W113 Pagoda
- R107 SL and C107 SLC
- R129 SL
Chassis protection
Chassis protection for your G-Wagen or SL
Protection applied to a clean, sound surface bonds better and lasts longer than the same product laid over road film and old underseal. Accessible surface corrosion is treated first. We hold four systems in-house and recommend by vehicle, storage and use, rather than leading with one product.
Lanoguard Clear
Lanolin-based protection with an annual top-up recommended, ideally before winter. Suited to vehicles in regular use or stored outdoors.
Bilt Hamber Dynax-UB
Wax-based protection, typically lasting 1 to 2 years before a top-up in high-wear areas. A pragmatic, proven choice for regular use.
Dinitrol Full System
Multi-year protection applied as part of a full programme, with a free inspection at 12 months. We are working towards Dinitrol approval.
IGL Aegis
Long-term protection for high-value vehicles being kept for years to come, with an annual inspection for the first 3 years.
Each system has a recommended maintenance interval. We record yours and, with your permission, remind you when it is due.
What we clean
Where a G-Wagen or SL needs attention
Every G-Wagen or SL is assessed individually before work begins. The process is then set around the surface, the contamination and the condition of the vehicle in front of us.
G-Wagen chassis
Chassis rails, crossmembers, axles and suspension cleaned in place, body on. Accessible surface corrosion is treated, leaving a clean, sound surface for protection.
G-Wagen floors and door bottoms
Floors, door bottoms and the rear door area cleaned of debris and moisture-holding dirt, so their condition is clear before protection.
SL sills, floors and jacking points
The areas that decide a classic SL's condition, cleaned back without abrasion. Previous repairs and corrosion are easy to see.
Engine bay and running gear
Engine bays, subframes, suspension and brakes cleaned of oil, grease and road dirt. Non-conductive, so it's safe to use around wiring and sensors.
Also available: wheel arches, underseal and bitumen removal, drivetrain and gearbox, exhaust systems, concours interior preparation and boot compartments. See every automotive service
The method
Why dry ice suits a G-Wagen or SL
Solid CO₂ pellets are accelerated by compressed air onto the surface. On impact, each pellet sublimes, turning straight from solid to gas, and the thermal shock lifts contamination away from the surface. Nothing is left behind.
The difference is control. Pressure, pellet size, flow and nozzle are all adjustable, so the same process can clean a painted panel without marking it or strip years of compacted underbody deposits. Dry ice is also non-conductive, so it's safe to use around wiring, sensors and connectors.
| Method | On the vehicle | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Steam or pressure washing | Introduces moisture | Water left in seams, box sections and electrics |
| Media blasting | Abrasive, with hazardous fallout | Grit to contain; rubber and seals need protecting |
| Chemical degreasing | Leaves residue | A waste stream to dispose of |
| Dry ice blasting | Dry and non-abrasive | Clean, dry, sound surface. Nothing left behind |
How it works
From first call to collection
Assessment
Tell us about your G-Wagen or SL and the work you are considering. We call you back and give you a real quote, usually within 24 hours.
Drop-off or collection
Bring the vehicle to our Hayle unit, or we can arrange collection from your door anywhere in the UK.
Configuration
Pressure, pellet size and flow are set for each surface: painted, bare, composite or heavily contaminated.
Cleaning
Contamination removed dry, in place, without abrasion. Left as a clean, sound surface, ready for inspection.
Chassis protection
Accessible surface corrosion treated, then the protection system you have chosen applied. We record the maintenance interval.
Return
Your vehicle is ready to collect, or returned to your door.
Our equipment
Not all dry ice blasting is equal
Kaeser and Boge compressors, Tundra air dryers and dry ice energy blasting machines. Constant airflow at the same pressure from the first minute to the last, with precise control over pellet size, flow and pressure. Our Hayle unit is built around proper air management and industrial-grade kit throughout. The kit is the foundation. The judgement is what makes it work.
Getting your vehicle to us
Two ways to bring your G-Wagen or SL to Hayle
The work happens at our dedicated commercial unit: Unit 1C, Guildford Road Industrial Estate, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4QZ. How your vehicle gets here is your call.
Bring it to us
Book a slot and bring your vehicle to our West Cornwall workshop. Make the journey part of it, then leave it with us and let the work begin.
We come to you
Prefer not to make the trip? We can arrange collection from your door, anywhere in the UK, and return your vehicle once the work is complete. Collection is quoted with your assessment.
Questions
Mercedes G-Wagen and SL dry ice blasting questions
Can you clean a G-Wagen chassis with the body on?
Yes. The chassis, axles and suspension are cleaned in place, body on. Access is planned at assessment, and arch liners or undertrays are removed where needed.
Is dry ice safe on an original SL?
Yes. The process is non-abrasive, and we set pressure, pellet size and flow for each surface. Removing old underseal and contamination shows sills, floors and jacking points honestly, before restoration or purchase.
Can you protect my G-Wagen or SL after cleaning?
Yes. Protection applied to a clean, sound surface bonds better and lasts longer. We hold four systems in-house: Lanoguard, Bilt Hamber Dynax-UB, the full Dinitrol system and IGL Aegis, and recommend by vehicle, storage and use.
Will it remove rust?
Dry ice removes loose rust and contamination, so we can see exactly what's there. We then treat accessible surface corrosion before protection. Anything more serious we'll flag at assessment.
Do I need to bring my G-Wagen or SL to Cornwall?
No. You can drive it to our Hayle unit, or we can arrange collection from your door anywhere in the UK and return it when the work is complete.
We also work on
Other vehicles we work on
Get in touch
Talk to us about your G-Wagen or SL
Tell us about the vehicle and the work you are considering. We will call you back to talk it through and give you a real quote.
- A real quote, usually within 24 hours
- No obligation
- Collection arranged UK-wide
