I have a Yakima LoadWarrior. I take good care of it, but there's been enough wear in some parts that the paint was worn down, and it eventually went to the bare metal. There is light rusting, but nothing that keeps it from being unusable. I did my best to clean it off, but there's still some left (photo).

I know that I could sand it down and spray paint it or something. But it seems like the coating/paint on the metal was a very special type, applied in some complex way, and it may be difficult to replicate.

Does anyone have any suggestions on eliminating this rust, and sealing it up to prevent further rusting? Cosmetics don't matter the slightest bit to me.

This hardware is relatively cheap, so the ultimate solution is replacement. But it's all structurally sound, so in the meantime, I thought there might be a simple way to clean this up.

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I'm guessing its powdercoated.

Can always bed liner it if you want more durability.

YAKIMA'S RESPONSE:

Hi Eric,

"Thank you for contacting Yakima support.

It's powder coated.

I'd use a wire brush and remove as much as possible.

Then primer and then paint.

I'd use a good quality out door element type paint.

At the least a Rust O leum type product.

Let me know if you have any other questions."

Use the Rustoleum Epoxy Paint. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ole...3376/205756160

Here's their second response, when I asked what type of primer I should use:


"Hi Eric,

HERE is a really good primer.Automotive grade.

It's not cheap, but its' a good one.

Before primer, I'd steel wool it real well to remove all dirt. It then scores the surface for the primer to adhere better.

Let me know if you need me for anything else."

Happens on my Gobi rack and the attachments, especially with all the mounting and removals of the stuff I put up there.
When I see a little rust I'll hit it with a wire brush, maybe a Dremel wire attachment if the rust is really in there.
Put some cardboard behind whatever I want to paint and then spray some rattle can (whatever brand you like) on the spot. That's it.
I figure with even a little lazy maintenance like that it will help it last a few years longer. The way these are made they should last for decades.