Best method for surface rust removal on car panel.

lariat · Oct 16, 2024

Got a farm truck with surface rust starting, with one place right at the top of the cab where it meets the windshield rubber. Not bad, but I want to prevent any further damage. What are the at-home methods that will be effective?

Thanks for the help.

Bigfatcock · Oct 16, 2024

Angle grinder will take it off.

akmike47 · Oct 16, 2024

This type of tool, this was the first to pop up.

https://www.harborfreight.com/9-amp-surface-conditioning-tool-58079.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12126402660&campaignid=12126402660&utm_content=135805350152&adsetid=135805350152&product=58079&store=742&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4dqWFBWVLydyN1sDJHWq5u4o&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI78ey27STiQMV1zXUAR3U7AGWEAQYAyABEgJPQPD_BwE

CaptNemo · Oct 16, 2024

Do you have a 4 1/2" angle grinder ? Drill motor ?
You'll want a scotchbrite style rust removing disk and metal prep / Ospho / Phospho to etch the clean metal and leave a phosphate coating prior to priming / painting.
This is what we use on our steel stuff working in sea water on the Gulf of Mexico.

HPIguy · Oct 16, 2024

Before I resorted to power tools for a small surface rust spot, I'd try by hand first as you'll have a lot more control. I love these things, been using them for years now.

Amazon.com

ZiaHunter · Oct 16, 2024

Use these all the time for surface prep and great for removing rust.

4-1/2" x 7/8" Long Life Paint & Rust Stripping Cup Wheel - 1 Piece

Benchmark Abrasives 4-1/2" X 7/8" Long Life Paint & Rust Stripping Cup Wheels are Ideal for removing and polishing and all kinds of surface conditioning.

benchmarkabrasives.com

SilentStalkr · Oct 16, 2024

lariat said:
Got a farm truck with surface rust starting, with one place right at the top of the cab where it meets the windshield rubber. Not bad, but I want to prevent any further damage. What are the at-home methods that will be effective?

Thanks for the help.

POR15

lariat · Oct 16, 2024

CaptNemo said:
Do you have a 4 1/2" angle grinder ? Drill motor ?
You'll want a scotchbrite style rust removing disk and metal prep / Ospho / Phospho to etch the clean metal and leave a phosphate coating prior to priming / painting.
This is what we use on our steel stuff working in sea water on the Gulf of Mexico.

Yup, got all that.

lariat · Oct 16, 2024

HPIguy said:
Before I resorted to power tools for a small surface rust spot, I'd try by hand first as you'll have a lot more control. I love these things, been using them for years now.

Amazon.com

I have boxes of those in the shop.

lariat · Oct 16, 2024

ZiaHunter said:
Use these all the time for surface prep and great for removing rust.

4-1/2" x 7/8" Long Life Paint & Rust Stripping Cup Wheel - 1 Piece

Benchmark Abrasives 4-1/2" X 7/8" Long Life Paint & Rust Stripping Cup Wheels are Ideal for removing and polishing and all kinds of surface conditioning.

benchmarkabrasives.com

I think I need these. The product description has me most intrigued: "They are used for cleaning rust and pain, "

CaptNemo · Oct 16, 2024

If the spots are small and you have a dremel tool, https://www.dremel.com/us/en/p/ez511hp-2615e511ha are the ticket.

akmike47 · Oct 16, 2024

Could do poppys patina products wipe on clear to seal it once you scrub it.

34vld · Oct 16, 2024

I would mix 50/50 muriatic acid and water. Spray it on with a spray bottle, wait 2 mins then rinse. Apply a second time if it doesn't get it all then use primer.

Yasherka · Oct 16, 2024

akmike47 said:
This type of tool, this was the first to pop up.

https://www.harborfreight.com/9-amp-surface-conditioning-tool-58079.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12126402660&campaignid=12126402660&utm_content=135805350152&adsetid=135805350152&product=58079&store=742&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4dqWFBWVLydyN1sDJHWq5u4o&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI78ey27STiQMV1zXUAR3U7AGWEAQYAyABEgJPQPD_BwE

This is also a great tool to remove mill scale from steel

ZiaHunter · Oct 16, 2024

Yasherka said:
This is also a great tool to remove mill scale from steel

Speaking of mill scale removal, these are the best I have used,

Walter FLEXCUT™ Mill Scale Blending Disc 4-1/2

15L843 Features Diamond-Cut pattern - High removal, cool grinding One step finishing wheel - increases productivity Materials Aluminum Other non-ferrous metals Steel, stainless steel Rusted steel Mill scale Applications Grinding various metals without gouging Working on curved surfaces Remove...

www.weldingstore.com

cas6969 · Oct 16, 2024

That's "patina", value of the truck just went up $3k.

kenny1773 · Oct 16, 2024

sandblaster
or Portable Abrasive Blaster as harbor freight calls them now

Jrb572 · Oct 16, 2024

Picture? Is it right next to the glass? If so have the windshield removed it is possibly creeping up from there

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Best method for surface rust removal on car panel.

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