Advice needed....

[Duff 206]

Hi, folks,

If this has already been covered before somewhere please forgive me for going over old ground.

I'm getting ready to restore a trailer that was given to me. It's incredibly solid for its age - no severe rusting or pitting, and only a few dents and dings. I do see, however, that there is some rust at the seam where the sheet metal of the bed folds up over and is welded to the front panel. How does one stabilize that rust so it doesn't come back through a new finish? The two panels meet snugly but I suspect they are only tack welded, meaning there has got to be a little space between them where water got in and went to work.

Any ideas and suggestions will be deeply appreciated!

Duff :thumbs:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

"Back in the day", this stuff seemed to work rather well:

Mar Hyde rust converter

It, or similar products should be available at most auto refinishing supply shops or "better" parts stores.

Just make sure you don't use a chemical that will get trapped in the seam and come back to haunt you later. (like paint strippers)

[64s 83]

Duff, Seal the seam with automotive seam sealer. Convert the rust and paint away.

George

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,362]

I have used a similar product to what Terry suggested. I think rusto makes a version. The very best way is to sand blast what you can but if a blaster is not available then use a wire brush first then use the rust converter. Good luck-

[Duff 206]

Thanks, guys! Great advice!

~Duff :thumbs:

[PPGman 5]

Duff like Terry said a good rust converter would work well in that situation. All the major paint companies make metal treatments as well. Basically they are just an acid that you mix with water that converts the rust and stops it dead in its tracks. What you want is for all that rust to turn "black" when your done. Get it as clean as possible with a wire-wheel. After the wire brush, apply your metal treatment and let it dry for the recommended time. Give it a good coat of primer and let it dry. Prior to paint get yourself some seam sealer and seal the joint up for good. Like others have said, make sure there is no chemicals, thinner, ect trapped behind the joint, or you'll get to do it again! :thumbs:

[wheelhorse656 20]

:thumbs: :)

[Sarge 3,464]

Look for a coating called POR-15, been using it on old decks and the stuff is great. A decent cleaning and it will adhere right to the rust and not allow it to do any more damage, also makes a nice hard base for paint. Not the smoothest stuff out there, but it can be sanded and painted over easily.

Sarge

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Rustolium used to make a product that caused a chemical reaction with the rust and sealed it so it didn't continue to rust....senior moment....can't remember the name of it!

[tgranthamfd 29]

Rustolium used to make a product that caused a chemical reaction with the rust and sealed it so it didn't continue to rust....senior moment....can't remember the name of it!

Was it the rust reformer or was it reverter? I used the spray can stuff with good results.