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Following a number of discussions on this and other forums regarding the galvanised Moke I wrote an article in August 2021 covering the subject in an attempt to address the "misnomer".
The Galvanised Moke Misnomer
In 1979 Leyland Australia released their then new range of Moke consisting of three models, Leyland
Moke AKPPB19Y, Leyland Moke Californian AKFPB19Y and Leyland Moke Californian 1275
AKFPD19Y. The Moke sales brochures of the day contains the statement “body protected by new
electrophoretic rust inhibiting system” which, over time has been interpreted to be “galvanised
finish” and taken even further to be “hot dip galvanised”, nothing could be further from the truth.
The process of “hot dip galvanising” involves cleaning in a caustic solution, pickling in an acid bath
followed by immersion in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of 4500 C with a final step of
quenching. To obtain a “clean” finish on the structure drainage holes are necessary to allow the
molten zinc to run away from corners etc. Structures immersed in the zinc tend to warp and buckle
due to the bath temperature and inbuilt stresses incurred during the manufacturing process. The
control of coating thickness is difficult, and the final finish is not conducive to high quality paint
finish.
The material utilised in the manufacture of the Moke bodies is a Lysaght Australia product called
“Zincmatte GC”, a product described in their booklet of the time (Lysaght Referee, 25th Edition, page
25) as:
“...a corrosion resistant flat quality with a zinc coating modified to produce a minimum
spangle, extra smooth silver-grey surface. Zincmatte with its virtual absence of visible
spangle pattern is intended for high gloss paint finishes.
Zincmatte, …. will permit a wide range of forming and drawing operations. Typical
applications – Automotive body components”
Spangle is the visible aesthetic feature of crystallites on the surface of a galvanised steel sheet.
The process of manufacture of the Moke body involves cutting, forming, folding, and welding both spot
and other methods. Each of these steps “cut or interfere with” the sheet coating thus reducing its ability
to resist corrosion. Component edges are unprotected and at weld joints, the heat of welding breaks
down the coating thus leaving these areas vulnerable to corrosion if left unprotected.
The making of statements of “hot dipped galvanised” or even “galvanised” regarding this model of Moke
is a long way from the truth. Vehicles were manufactured from an improved product to the standard
bright finish body steel utilised in previous models, however vehicles constructed of Zincmatte were still
susceptible to corrosion, maybe not as bad as previous models
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Enjoy your Mini
Regards
John Sneddon
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