Most rust starts to form inside a panel. There are various reasons for this: dirt and moisture, and lack of factory paint treatment are the major causes. Leaving your car outdoors without shelter, in rain and dew, will hasten the process.
Any observant motorist visiting an overseas city, located in a warm, dry climate, will soon notice the absence of perforation rust in the local vehicles. When you think about it, moisture is the problem. So, how do we solve this long term?
Consider how often you have seen a rusty steel gearbox or steering knuckle. When was the last time you heard of a car engine sump rusting through? Most likely never! But these parts are all subject to moisture, salt etc. and are unpainted.
Why then, do they not rust?
The answer is of course - oil! This is the basis of rust-proofing today. Oil repels water. Whether the oil is dirty or clean, it still has the property of repelling water, and sticking to metal. All we need do to ensure that our rust does not continue is to saturate the inside of rusting panels with oil.
Don't waste money buying new oil. The oil drained from the engine or transmission of your car will work fine. The thicker the better. Most garages will fill a can for you (free) if you do not like to change your own oil.
This stage must be left until the painting is completed, as oil continues to seep out of cracks and drain holes for days afterwards.
A paintbrush is usually all that is required for the insides of doors, panels etc. But some areas require a bit of ingenuity. A spray-gun is ideal. Don't worry about overdoing it. The surplus will find its way out. Saturation is the key word.
Sills (the two bottom panels that run along below the doors) are difficult to treat. Sometimes kick plates can be removed, and holes drilled, or cut with a chisel underneath these, to give the required access. If this fails, a professional rust-proofer can treat them for you.
Crevice rust
Deep crevices trap salts that can cause surface rust. This is especially noticeable in vehicles exposed to the sea, or in areas subject to heavy air pollution.
The simplest solution is to treat crevices with a smear of ordinary grease. This of course is done when painting is completed.
Welding in new steel
Many motorists believe the only effective way to rid their vehicles of rust is to weld in new steel panels. This has not been covered here for several reasons:
• It is highly expensive. Panel shops talk it up and charge appropriately.
• Without rust treatment, surrounding areas soon rust out.
• The skills required are beyond most home handymen.
• Permanent repairs are possible by filling and rust proofing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6112110
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