As I begin my slow journey to restoration stardom lol, I would like to know a few things. It would be nice to do a frame of resto, I just haven't the room or time at present like many of us. It's a little here and a little there. Hopefully the novelty doesn't wear off before I complete my project! It's you guys out there, certainly can't name you all but are a big inspiration as I read your comments and threads. Your pictures are amazing! As I dive into my rust horror there are many things I will probably do wrong. My biggest concern is treating rust to whatever degree I can with my experience. When do we decide a panel can be left alone or not have to be replaced? Do we cut out all rust we see? Or treat with an inhibitor then prep and paint? Where do you guys typically draw the line and what inhibitors would you spray/brush onto any crevices or creases to slow down future rust. It would be nice to do a complete body acid wash but that won't happen here. Sandblasting may not get all areas and I don't have the room or friendly neighbours anyways. Interested in what you experts do. I really appreciate all your comments. I'm a home builder by trade for 30 years but watching you guys perform your magic makes me urn for a new career/hobby lol!

 

If it is just minor surface rust, using a paint/rust remover wheel on a drill or angle grinder to get the majority off will do. Then coat with a good epoxy primer and paint over that. No way for oxygen to get to any little bit of discolored metal may be left behind.

If it is rusted the whole way through, or the metal is to thin to have rigidity, there is no hope but to cut out and weld in a patch, or get a whole new panel.

I have covered up some pretty ugly rusty metal with an acid etch and epoxy paint, with zero signs of any rust growing under the paint several years later. However these have been on thick metal bumpers where the chance of rust finding a way in from the backside of a thin panel is very unlikely.

 

Good advice, I think, for sheetmetal. For the frame, thorough de-grease is a start. Then remove loose rust and paint. A wire brush, scraper and pick work. A HF needle peen gun and decent air compressor can speed it up. Then prime with rust stop primer. Red Rustoleum or Eastwood Rust encapsulator are my favorites. A coat of Rustoleum enamel to finish.

 

I second all that has been said as for as the process. I will throw POR-15 in the mix . Works great over frame rust that has been wheeled and it's thin and flows into the cracks and creases or the undersides sheet metal.

 

Thanks guys.