Help me clean up my rust!

[tvbuster1]

I have a few spots of rust.

One right above my windshield.
Another is the center rear bumper.
And both running boards.
There is one more small piece near the front of my hood.

All of the interior is in great condition and I don't have any mechanical problems at the moment so I might take care of this stuff.

I was just looking for some opinions on what to do. I was going to go to an auto body shop to get a quote.

 

[JohnsD90]

Here, you can just buy a new rear bumper center on ebay, and if i were you, just remove the running boards, they dont do much for most people, if not plenty of members have sets at their house from removing it, im sure someone will send you theirs.

The roof rust i would get fixed asap by a body shop, i have no idea how much it would cost.


BTW nice bicycle, who makes that? I ride a specialized FSR XC, and a Cannondale M700.

 

[tvbuster1]

Here, you can just buy a new rear bumper center on ebay, and if i were you, just remove the running boards, they dont do much for most people, if not plenty of members have sets at their house from removing it, im sure someone will send you theirs.

The roof rust i would get fixed asap by a body shop, i have no idea how much it would cost.


BTW nice bicycle, who makes that? I ride a specialized FSR XC, and a Cannondale M700.

Those are good ideas. I tried getting the running boards off but the bolts are rusted on. If I can borrow an air wrench from my friend I will take them off myself.

But yeah I thought the roof would probably be best to have a body shop look at it.

My bike is made by Trek but it's a Gary fisher Wahoo model bike. I actually got it really recently and love it so far. That's cool you ride too. Bmx racing used to be one of my favorite sports but now im moving to mountain biking

 

[Viking97SR5]

Run Board

I had the same problem with my midwest rusting boards. Those bolts will just end up snapping off. A grinder or reciprocating saw is your best bet. Unless you have a torch:flamethrwoer2:

 

[fightman80]

I'm going to agree with John and Viking....I had windshield rust on my rig when I first bought it...not that bad though....it caused water to get into the cabin.....I would get that dealt with ASAP.

The bumper section, should be easily removed and replaced....if you have any wrenching experience....it's do-able. The running boards could be cleaned up and painted with Rustolium.........but removing them would be easier, and avoid any rust starting up between them and the rocker panels.....

 

[JohnsD90]

I sawzall'd my running boards off, took all of 15 minutes.

 

[tvbuster1]

Thanks guys I'll make sure to take it to a shop for the windshield rust.

I would cleanup the running boards but there are actually some holes forming in the rust on one of them. I suppose I could patch and sand the holes but it might be more work than it's worth. I don't have many tools or saws to cut them off but maybe I'll buy one or ask a shop to do me a favor.

And I guess I'll get a bumper on eBay but I'm just worried about the quality. I'll definitely paint the inside to help prevent rust.

 

[Sherwood4Runner]

I see 4runner bumpers on craigslist all the time for 100 dollars in perfect condition. Check that out.

Also let us know what the body shop quotes you for the roof rust fixing? I have rust in the same area.

 

[CanukRunner]

I too am battling the rusties!!

Not quite as bad as yours.. I have no body rust...just frame and undercarrage...

When I put on my off road bumper which I would reccomend...( stock bumper not tied to the frame = stupid btw)

I tried a whole bunch of stuff... in the end the only answer I came up with for rust is a grinder... I tried being nice at first with a very harsh steel cup brush and after that gell rust remover from permatex... nope...

Grinder -> rust gel -> Rustconverter for what is too pitted to get -> Rust paint, several layers...

Thats my formula... considering i never kept a car for more than 3 years... it should work for me..

Body Rust.... forget it.. body shop only, get the metal replaced and insist on zinc rich primer ...

That bumper is done.. probably so is the front... get a deal some where.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I too am battling the rusties!!

Not quite as bad as yours.. I have no body rust...just frame and undercarrage...

When I put on my off road bumper which I would reccomend...( stock bumper not tied to the frame = stupid btw)

I tried a whole bunch of stuff... in the end the only answer I came up with for rust is a grinder... I tried being nice at first with a very harsh steel cup brush and after that gell rust remover from permatex... nope...

Grinder -> rust gel -> Rustconverter for what is too pitted to get -> Rust paint, several layers...

Thats my formula... considering i never kept a car for more than 3 years... it should work for me..

Body Rust.... forget it.. body shop only, get the metal replaced and insist on zinc rich primer ...

That bumper is done.. probably so is the front... get a deal some where.

I have had good luck with an angle grinder and a heavy duty twisted wire brush. Takes the rust off nice but doesn't easily cut into the metal.