Rust; When to worry?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Rust; When to worry?
I was crawling around under my '89 150 (279,xxx miles) today, doing a bit of exhaust maintenance. I noticed I was flaking off a lot of rust from various points on the frame and suspension components. Does anyone have an idea as to when I should start to worry about too much metal being lost? The rear leaf spring mounts are the main area I'm thinking about.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,587
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From: Virginia Beach
Sorry it took so long for someone to answer, I just happened upon this thread in a search. Surface rust, and minor pitting, I wouldn't sweat just yet, but if you have flkes coming off, your losing a lot of metal fast. I'd have to see the frame in question to guage what kind of hazard it may pose. I would get under there and start chipping away all the flakes that you possibly can, and heavily treat the frame in that area with a chemical rust converter such as Ospho. Then paint with a good industrial rust preventing paint. It may not cure the rust completely, but it will slow it down for sure 
P.S. What size flakes are we talking? The areas I patched on my '78 had silver dollar sized, 1/4" thick chunks coming out
P.S. What size flakes are we talking? The areas I patched on my '78 had silver dollar sized, 1/4" thick chunks coming out
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 455
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From: Alaska
I think if it gets to where there are holes through the metal, however small, its time to worry.
you can remove the loose rust, prep and paint, but IMHO, it's a losing game.
I have an 87 f150 that has no frame past the rear axle, anyone know where I can get a cab back frame section?
you can remove the loose rust, prep and paint, but IMHO, it's a losing game.
I have an 87 f150 that has no frame past the rear axle, anyone know where I can get a cab back frame section?
