Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Repair corrosion in cars

I just bought a 13 years old car that came with some rust around the doors. I am a bit short of money, but I would like to do something about such rusty spots. Is it possible to do it myself, I am quite good with that kind of jobs and find it quite entertaining. So what do I need to buy and to do?!

Joana Maia Vaz
- Lincoln, U.K.
2003

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2003

Joana,

You are lucky you don't live in a heavily snowed area where they use salt on the roads ..THEN you will get rusting!

Re your doors ... l. Sand down 2. If very bad, use an orbital grinder, ie. a sanding disc on a drill. 3. finish off with fine & then ultra fine wet sandpaper 4. Acquire some matching paint for your car ... best of all, if you can get it, use a spray can but first of all, PRIME, using a rust inhibiting paint 5. If you have holes, ah, oh dear ... then buy some fibreglass patching compound. 6. If you have big holes get some fibreglass cloth ... but first of all prime with frp (fibreglass) resin to get some adhesion, then a little patch of cloth, then, when dry, finish off with the patching compound to get a smooth surface, then sand down as above.

If you have a black car you are in luck ... as you sure can get oddles of black spray paint.

Like everything else, READ instructions on labels before proceeding. (Doesn't Halfords supply these materials?)

Finally, when you have done all that, go and enjoy your Rolls!

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).