Dutton Phaeton S3 steel frame

[Mark Byrne]

Hi everyone, I'm sure I'm not the only one looking to get their Dutton out of the garage now there are some signs of the weather improving. Dolly needs a new MOT, so that's first on the list if the weather is reasonable next week. I've seen some mentions of the steel frame on here, I noticed when I purchased mine it had some surface rust. Would it be advisable to clean and apply a rust treatment like Hammerite on it? If the worst happens at MOT time and there is a rust issue, is it possible to weld/strengthen the frame?

[Steve Kerswell]

give it a wire brush and a good look over, good coat of primer and a topcoat of whatever you fancy. You'll get 16 different opinions on here of what to use :-)

[Adrian Southgate]

I'd agree with Steve. Surface rust isn't an issue for MOT. If the metal appears to be flaking then the tester may give it a prod but as a rule 'wire brush and touch up' should see you right.

[Dave Adams]

it is possible to improve the stiffness of the Dutton frame, its a fair bit of work. but can be worth it.

however surface rust is not an issue, its just a problem if its heavy enough to weaken the chassis.

[Big Vern]

If only surface rust then wire brush, zinc prime and paint, black stonechip always looks good on chassis, if you're really conscientious then waxoil over the stonechip. Most later Duttons came from the factory in red oxide but they never degreased the metal first so what ever gets painted on top just flakes off.