Preventing Rust - Part II

The best rust-proofing equipment is the professional type. But it is expensive. You might want to invest with a group of friends or with your car club, and then rent it out to recoup some of your investment. Or you can rent the compressor that you will need. Remember, professional equipment reaches deeper and further than hand-powered equipment. You can also have your vehicle treated at a rust proofer. All of these alternatives are cheaper than replacing the vehicle.

Caution: Read all manufacturer safety instructions before attempting to rust proof your vehicle. Keep rust proofer away from ignition or exhaust components because it can ignite. Also keep it away from brake equipment; cover it with plastic before starting work. Wear a safety mask the filters out all rust proofing material. Wear protective goggles and gloves.

Gather all of the equipment and material you will need. Most good manufacturers provide two types of rust proofers: a thin one to enable you to reach behind trim and other parts on the body, and another one that is thicker and tougher for use underneath the vehicle, which is prone to more wear from debris.

For doors, remove the door trim, any audio speakers, and the plastic sheeting that covers the inner cavity. Insert the spray nozzle into the panel through one of the openings. Spray the insides of the door, especially into steel joints where water can collect and rust can occur. Spray the bottom of the door. Make sure to cover completely because this is were moisture can collect and corrode the door from the inside. Note: you can spray the insides of the doors using the lower drain slots without taking apart the door, but you will only reach the lower door surfaces.

The "A" post section of the body is that to which the front doors are attached. Gain access by unscrewing the courtesy light switch. Insert the flexible nozzle into the hole as far as possible and begin spraying as you withdraw it. Treat all parts, up and down, especially the bottom.

Treat the lower section of the area just ahead of the rear wheel. Access is usually through a grommet located there. Grommeted holes and drain holes will give you access to many other areas of the body, too.

Apply rustproofer to the inside of the tailgate, either removing the trim and using access holes or from the drain holes. After you are finished, close the tailgate so rustproofer drains down onto the bottom seam.

In the luggage compartment, pull away the side trim and spray between the outer panel and the luggage-area floor. Give attention especially to the lower joint that forms the wheel well.

Remove the spare tire and spray the spare tire compartment. Wipe off any excess fluid before replacing the wheel.

More rustproofing continues on the link Preventing Rust - Part III.