Most cars rot eventually. The question is not “if” but “when”. If you start seeing orange flakes on your fenders, don’t panic. But don’t ignore it either. The difference between a cheap patchwork and a structural nightmare is time.
If corrosion has eaten away at the metal to the point where it is unsafe, stop. Sources it to the experts. First of all, replacing rusted parts is not a weekend job. Requires welding, structural integrity checks and serious gear. If you make a mistake, you will driving a death trap.
But what about spots? These are yours to fix. You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars by treating small patches yourself. Follow the instructions. Prepare the materials. Use safety equipment. rubber gloves. goggles. Dust mask. Scraping off iron oxide and paint fumes. Avoid contact with lungs or skin.
List of physical rust removal tools
If you’re going to scrape or grinding, you need the right weapons. It’s not just wiping with a sponge. Removal of damaged material.
Here’s what you need for your workbench:
– Grinder or drill with a sander bits
-grinding block
– sandpaper (varying grits)
– Rivet gun and rivets
– Hammer
– Tinsnips
– body filler
– spreader
– Glazing and spot putty
– masking tape
– Primer
– Rust neutralizer
– Screen wire
Choose a repair method
Repairing the rot depends on the extent of the damage.
Grinding surface rust may be enough. Clean the surrounding area. Apply the primer. Add touch-up paint. That’s it. Done in an afternoon.
If rust causes holes, the metal must be rebuilt.
- Grind away the loose, flaky metal until solid steel is exposed.
- Insert screen wire into the hole. This acts as a foundation.
- Spread body filler to and around the wire.
- Let it harden.
- Sand and smooth.
- Apply primer and paint.
“When repairing a car, it’s important to remove all the rust. If you miss a spot, the metal in your car will continue to corrode.”
Using rust converter
Sometimes you don’t want to grind. Sometimes you just want to stop it from rotting. Enter the rust converter.
This chemical is a game changer. It reacts with iron oxide (rust) and turns into iron tannate. Iron tannate are very stable. It doesn’t expand. It does not corrode steel. Most converters also contain a polymer. This leaves a protective primer layer behind.
This is a faster fix than grinding. However, it only works if you remove the loose flakes first. A clean surface is still required for the chemical action to take place.
Waiting costs
Check the car. Look behind the wheel wells. Check the door jambs. Check the rocker panels.
Did you catch it early? Repairs are easy. It is very cheap. These can be done using a box from a hardware store in your driveway.
Let it go? The rot spreads. The frame weakens. You will lose the panel. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The value of the car decreases. You risk safety.
There is no middle ground. maintain it or replace.
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Sources
- Car enthusiast. “Repairing car rust is as easy as sand, scrap and paint.” June 14, 2006. (November 14, 2009) http://news.carjunky.com/repair-tips/car-rust-repair-as-easy-as-sand-scrap-and-paint-abc242.shtml
- Corrosive doctor. “Anti-rust Tips”. (14 Nov 2009)http://corrosion-doctors.org/Car/Rust-Prevention.htm
- Cortech Co., Ltd. “Iroha to combat car rust”. bullfrog.com. (14 Nov 2009) http://www.bull-frog.com/publications/articles/abc_car_rust.php
- Trainable. “How to prevent your car from rusting” 2009. (11/14/2009) http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-prevent-rust-on-your-car/
- Mary, David. “Don’t let your car rust, don’t let rust ruin your car.” Mdwholesale.com. 2009. (14 November 2009) http://www.mdwholesale.com/Stop_prevent_car_rust.html
- Ray, Crystal. “How to prevent and fix car rust” related content. June 22, 2006. (November 14, 2009) http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3986/how_to_prevent_and_repair_rust_spots.html?cat=27
- Simkins, Brian. “Fix the rusty spots on your car.” DoItYourself.com. 2007. (16 November 2009) http://www.doityourself.com/stry/smallrustspotscar
- Skupecka, Marx. “Different ways to prevent rust in cars. Buzz. August 28, 2008. (November 14, 2009) http://www.buzzle.com/articles/various-methods-for-car-rust-prevention.html
- Rusty shop. “Rust prevention of cars and trucks (prevention practice edition)”. 2009. (14 November 2009) http://www.theruststore.com/Practical-Tips-for-Preventing-Car-Rust-W27C2.aspx
- White, Mike. “How to prevent car rust” related content. June 21, 2006. (November 14, 2009) http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/38969/how_to_prevent_rust_on_your_car.html?cat=27
