Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Removing Rust on BMW

I have a BMW, that is rusting on the bottom of the driver and passenger doors as well as a small spot on the trunk. Not many auto body places will touch this, because they say it's just too expensive and the rust will just return. Is there a way to get rid of the rust, and then delay it's return? I know sanding is involved, but I was hoping there was a way to ensure that rust will not return.

Constantine Argiris
- Algonquin, Illinois, USA
2003

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Hi Constantine Argiris,

If the rust is serious (especially the bottom of the car), and you like your BMW very much, you should prepare it for a full sandblasting job. Then repair the holes, dents and other problems on the body. Metallizing should be applied after sandblasting and repairing the body. Afterwards this operation, the car can be painted again. From this final step, it'll last for the next approx. 30 years.

If the rust problems are as small as you describe it, you could strip the spots down mechanically (make sure that all rust is removed) and then use a good primer (prefers zinc rich primers myself) and afterwards painted (make sure to get new paint with the right RAL code).

Got two BMW's myself - both model 320i type E30.

Good luck.

P. Søndergaard
- Denmark
2003