Patch panels?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
If you don't care so much about what it looks like, here's the smallest budget approach..... Cut the existing rust back to good metal and hit it with a grinder, wire-wheel, file, etc so that it's de-burred and you're not left with a machete as a wheel arch. After power-washing out all the debris, treat it with whatever your favorite "paint over rust" type of paint is - try to get it as deep down into the valleys as much as possible. Done.
Leaving the arch seam open like this, you'll be able to more readily power-wash in there on a regular basis and get the gunk out that accelerates rust development. Again, this assumes you're not planning on entering an beauty contests.
Leaving the arch seam open like this, you'll be able to more readily power-wash in there on a regular basis and get the gunk out that accelerates rust development. Again, this assumes you're not planning on entering an beauty contests.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Thanks brad, but the problem is is that on the right rear fender the rust goes almost up to that body line that runs about 4" below the top of the bed. I had thought about cutting the fenders in the rear.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
Sounds like the "tin worm" has been dining for quite a while. Have you checked the integrity of your spring shackles and the frame itself? I'd hate to see you invest a bunch of time and effort into something that is too far gone.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Used motor oil only seals up, it doesn't penetrate. You don't want rust anymore? Spray it everyyear with a penetrant. I'd heard ATF works nice.
I use Krown here in Canada. Probably the best rust preventor ever created.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
The truck altogether is solid. Just the typical ford tin rotting away. After all the truck is 17 years old. The frame is in great shape. Ill undercoat the truck or at least the frame under the bed when i pull it off for repairs.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Tranny oil works good. I've heard alot of guys on here using something called Petroleum Jelly or something like that and having really good results from it also. Never tryed it, or even seen it for that matter.
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