Steps to Repairing Rust on a Car
The process will vary depending on the degree of damage, but in most cases, rust repair is a lengthy and difficult process. Here is what to expect from rust removal, whether you choose to take on the project yourself or enlist the help of a professional.
Collect Your Tools
If you decide to remove the rust yourself, you will need to rent or purchase specialized equipment from your local parts or hardware store. This includes a breathing mask or respirator, electric drill with sanding disk attachment, protective goggles, hammer (preferably ball-peen), paint, paint primer, rust resistant primer, 80 grit and 120 to 150 grit sandpaper, and a grinding wheel. Chemical rust remover, while not necessary, may be helpful and can be used instead of a grinder.
Put On Safety Gear
Safety gear is extremely important when removing rust from your car. Safety goggles will protect your eyes from sparks that may occur when using the grinder, and long sleeves and pants will help prevent burns from sparks and cuts from sharp edges. The rust removal process typically generates plenty of dust, which can be contaminated with chemicals, so a respirator is recommended to protect from adverse effects. If you are unable to find one, a surgical mask is a good alternative.
Mask the Car
Park your car in a well lit garage with any important items covered or removed to prevent them from getting dirty. To prepare the car, mask the parts that will not be painted with paper and tape. Newspaper and masking tape work well. Always cover panels near the area you are working on to protect from sparks, particularly the tires, glass, chrome, and any part susceptible to heat. If you are using primer, be sure to cover as much as you possibly can and leave only a few inches around the rust.
Sanding & Grinding
Using the 80 grit sandpaper on metal parts and 120 to 150 grit sandpaper on other parts, sand off the paint until you reach bare metal or rust on the affected area and adjacent components. Then, grind away the rust. Make sure the area is perfectly smooth before you continue to the painting stage. You can then paint the border of the rust holes with a rust resistant primer.
If you need to use body filler to fix a rust hole, mix the paste with the hardener and insert the included zinc metal piece behind the hole. Attach it to the car with a small amount of filler, contour the paste to the car’s body, and let it dry before painting.
Apply Primer
Apply primer to the entirety of the area to be painted, let it dry, and sand it until completely smooth. Use a finer grit sandpaper to continue smoothing by hand, which prevents too much of the panel from being removed. Continue the process of layering primer and sanding two more times. When you are ready to paint, use a 400 grit sandpaper and flexible sanding block to finish the priming.
Paint the Car
Ensure that the surface to be painted is smooth, dust free, and dry, then carefully apply the paint in a thin, even layer. Avoid painting too thickly or letting the paint drip and let it dry before sanding with 400 grit paper. Repeat the process twice more for three coats of paint and finish with a wet sand using water and sandpaper.
Apply Clear Coat
Your rust repair is almost complete. When the last layer of paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect your work and give the car a glossy finish. Let this dry and carefully review your work toe ensure that there are no uneven areas, sanding as necessary for a smooth look.
Getting Professional Car Rust Repair Help
Repairing rust on a car is a lengthy, complicated, and expensive process that can cause a multitude of frustrations. Instead of taking the project on yourself, consider hiring an experienced professional. Contact Robs Customs and Restorations for more information about how to repair rust on a car or to work with an experienced technician on your car’s rust problems.
The team at Robs can apply a custom auto paint job that matches your current color scheme perfectly, ensuring a smooth and professional result, or update your car with an entirely new look if you take the opportunity to update its appearance while fixing troublesome rust spots.
title: “How To Repair Rust On A Car” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-21” author: “Raymond Finney”
What Rust Actually Is
Many people believe that rust is a type of buildup that occurs when water dries repeatedly on a metal surface. However, rust is actually the result of a chemical reaction. Many vehicles are made of parts that contain iron, and when these iron molecules come into contact with oxygen, they produce a new molecule: iron oxide. Iron oxide is another name for rust, and it gets its name from the process of oxidization, or joining with oxygen, that the iron undergoes.
Many cars experience rust no matter the climate. However, certain conditions can accelerate the formation of iron oxide. One of the main culprits is road salt. Road salts dissolve in water and function as electrolytes. Electrolytes speed up the process of exchanging molecules during a chemical reaction; in cars, this boosts the speed at which rust develops. This is why individuals who live in snowy areas where road salt is commonly used often experience issues with rust, while those living in arid climates with mild winters see less rust in the same amount of time.
The Types of Rust On A Car
A car that has begun to rust is beginning to oxidize, but the type of rust that is occurring will determine what sort of repair is necessary. Surface rust is the simplest to treat and typically arises from small scratches or nicks in paint that reveal the metal underneath. Surface rust is not dangerous as long as it is handled quickly, before it can progress. Scale rust is the next step if surface rust is left untreated. It progresses deeper into the metal and can cause flaking. This flaking reveals more metal surfaces, which then also begin to corrode, and the problem can become exponential very quickly. This is why tackling surface rust immediately when it starts is wise.
The most damaging kind of rust, penetrative rust, appears when the oxidization process is allowed to continue without repair until it eats holes in the metal. This is not merely an aesthetic concern; it can cause equipment to fail and make driving hazardous.
Stopping Rust Before It Starts
The most effective way to stop rust before it ever becomes a problem is to immediately treat surface rust as soon as you notice it. An experienced car restoration shop can perform this task quickly and at low cost. Be sure to wash your car regularly to remove any potential contaminants, such as road salts, that could speed up the oxidizing process. Sealing your vehicle and keeping its paint in good repair are the most important steps you can take to slow the development of rust, because they inhibit the ability of the iron molecules to interact with oxygen and begin creating iron oxide. Many surfaces that begin to rust quickly are easily treated or will resolve on their own, such as when steel disc brake rotors temporarily rust but will have the rust wiped off by the regular process of stopping the car.
Fixing Rust That Has Already Occurred
Rust that has already taken hold on a vehicle can present a challenge, depending upon what type it is. Surface rust is relatively simple to repair using sandpaper and grinders. This can remove the rusted area and allow for repainting and sealing that will keep water out so that the rust does not reappear. More heavily rusted sections can be repaired by replacing the parts entirely or through more intensive procedures that are best handled by an experienced car restoration shop. Remember, a spot of rust as small as a quarter may require a repair as large as a basketball to ensure that the vehicle is stable and safe.
Work With The Rust Repair And Auto Restoration Experts
If you would like to get a head start on preventing rust on your vehicle, or if your car has already begun to rust and you need assistance before the problem gets worse, be sure to work with an auto body shop that has experience in restoration and rust repair. The professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to examine your vehicle and inform you about any safety hazards and possible repairs necessitated by rust. Reach out to schedule an appointment with an expert.
