Calling All Rust Experts!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 1
From: Millstone, NJ
Calling All Rust Experts!
I'm seeing early stages of wheelwell rust and want to stop it before it becomes a real problem. I know that my engine will outlast the body so I am doing everything I can to keep this truck in tip top shape. How should I approach this problem? (what tools to use to stop this rust?)
Here are some pics:
Here are some pics:
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
For existing rust use a rust encapsulator. There are many on the market, so I won't recommend one. Topcoat with what ever you want. I have been beating around the idea of using Rhinoliner on the inner fenders.
For areas around that rusty areas, use Fluid Film as needed.
For areas around that rusty areas, use Fluid Film as needed.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 428
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I have used several over the years and this is my personal favorite this stuff works really works
POR15, Inc. - Stop Rust Permanently - Repair Gas & Fuel Tanks
POR15, Inc. - Stop Rust Permanently - Repair Gas & Fuel Tanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
Here's an interesting thread from another forum that might be of interest.
Impressed current cathodic protection in automotive
Impressed current cathodic protection in automotive
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
I use waste oil. Oil stops, kills, and never lets it rust again so long as you keep it oiled every year or so.
I would consider myself to be nearly a rust expert. I have been battling it for my whole life in WI. I HATE rust!
I have one vehicle I like to call the "Sacrificial anode" which is what I use year round, it is cheap, I don't have to worry about it, rust, dents, no worries. Everything else goes in the garage for winter, THAT is the only way to avoid rust, period.
Now if you only have one vehicle and want to keep it nice even after winter, oil is the best.
I have tried it all (I have over 10 different vehicles (fleet) to try things on).
The problem is where the rust starts and causes problems you can't get to with paint or sealers. Oil soaks in, creeps, and gets to those places that paint can't.
I use a HVLP gun to spray the waste oil on, lay a plastic tarp down under the vehicle, and let it drip for a couple days. Spray it everywhere! In the cracks, in the doors, up in the wheel wells, in the cab corners, everywhere.
I have examples! first pics are untreated WI trucks. All trucks have about the same mileage and see the same conditions.
See where oil from the pan leaked onto the cross member, that metal there is unrusted and perfect!
Then the oil treated trucks:
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 659
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From: Millstone, NJ
I use waste oil. Oil stops, kills, and never lets it rust again so long as you keep it oiled every year or so.
I would consider myself to be nearly a rust expert. I have been battling it for my whole life in WI. I HATE rust!
I have one vehicle I like to call the "Sacrificial anode" which is what I use year round, it is cheap, I don't have to worry about it, rust, dents, no worries. Everything else goes in the garage for winter, THAT is the only way to avoid rust, period.
Now if you only have one vehicle and want to keep it nice even after winter, oil is the best.
I have tried it all (I have over 10 different vehicles (fleet) to try things on).
The problem is where the rust starts and causes problems you can't get to with paint or sealers. Oil soaks in, creeps, and gets to those places that paint can't.
I use a HVLP gun to spray the waste oil on, lay a plastic tarp down under the vehicle, and let it drip for a couple days. Spray it everywhere! In the cracks, in the doors, up in the wheel wells, in the cab corners, everywhere.
I have examples! first pics are untreated WI trucks. All trucks have about the same mileage and see the same conditions.
See where oil from the pan leaked onto the cross member, that metal there is unrusted and perfect!
Then the oil treated trucks:
I would consider myself to be nearly a rust expert. I have been battling it for my whole life in WI. I HATE rust!
I have one vehicle I like to call the "Sacrificial anode" which is what I use year round, it is cheap, I don't have to worry about it, rust, dents, no worries. Everything else goes in the garage for winter, THAT is the only way to avoid rust, period.
Now if you only have one vehicle and want to keep it nice even after winter, oil is the best.
I have tried it all (I have over 10 different vehicles (fleet) to try things on).
The problem is where the rust starts and causes problems you can't get to with paint or sealers. Oil soaks in, creeps, and gets to those places that paint can't.
I use a HVLP gun to spray the waste oil on, lay a plastic tarp down under the vehicle, and let it drip for a couple days. Spray it everywhere! In the cracks, in the doors, up in the wheel wells, in the cab corners, everywhere.
I have examples! first pics are untreated WI trucks. All trucks have about the same mileage and see the same conditions.
See where oil from the pan leaked onto the cross member, that metal there is unrusted and perfect!
Then the oil treated trucks:
Thank you for taking the time and posting all of this. Is the oil treated truck an OBS Ford? Looks mint!So in general, basically what you are saying is to spray EVERYTHING with oil?
Can it be any oil? I just did an oil change on my truck and have about 15 quarts of used oil.
Again, thanks. And YES, I am a rust hater as well.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
All those trucks seen dirt roads. The one very rusty truck pretty much lives on dirt roads. Sure the dust will cake some on the oil but it only gets so thick and actually makes a nice looking finish. No worries about dust accumulation on the oil, better than rust!
Any oil is fine to use, I use diesel waste oil because it is blacker and thick. I wouldn't use a high detergent oil like trans fluid or so.
Any oil is fine to use, I use diesel waste oil because it is blacker and thick. I wouldn't use a high detergent oil like trans fluid or so.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
If "stuff is catching fire" I think you have other problems to worry about. Never had a fire problem. If there is I am sure you can just blame it on the brake switch the ford hasn't fixed for 20 years now...
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 812
Likes: 3
From: Mad River Valley
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 1
From: Millstone, NJ
So what do you guys think I should do about the wheel well rust I have now? Leave it or just soak with oil for now?
I gotta do something with it now. I can't stand knowing that its there.
I gotta do something with it now. I can't stand knowing that its there.