Rust-stupid question

Does a cheap paint job slow down rust? I want to do a cheap paint job that can last for 2-4 years while I save up to do it right. Is that a huge mistake?

 

A 'cheap' paint job is only going to temporarily slow down the rust on the surfaces it is applied to. To really stop it, you need to do some scraping of the flaky stuff - from both sides of the damaged area - get it as 'clean' as possible, then treat it with a rust product such as POR. The trick is to work at encapsulating what's left of the rust after the scraping - and you have to address both sides of the metal - not just what you can see from the outside.

Have you taken the car to a body shop to see how much it would be to 'do it right'? Also, a lot of what I described above can be done yourself at little expense.

 

Thanks

The whole wagon is covered in light rust, no flakes or holes yet but that is what I want to avoid. I have not had an estimate done since I can see that it is a big job. Not sure I could do it myself.

 

Unless the current surface rust is completely removed (hand labor = $$$), simply painting over it is a waste of time and money.

 

Any moment now Norm will be along to tell you that you can do it yourself with a roller and some Tremclad/Rustoleum. While that may sound crazy, listen to the man. He knows of what he speaks. His "hand rolled" wagon looks absolutely spectacular!

He has a detailed thread that explains just how to work this magic and make it look guuuuuud.

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711&highlight=tremclad

 

The problem with just covering it up is it will cost more to fix it correctly down the road.

 

There are several finishes that instantly convert rust to paintable metal.
And they work great.

Rustoleum makes one in a rattle can called rust converter.

Por15 is probably the most popular.

We've done several hot rods where we used clear Por15 over the patina surface, to preserve the look. Here's my brother's:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WILD...7847082?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19c74c462a

The reality is, if the car is showing rust all over, it's probably not worth going to great lengths to halt the rust for removal later. You'll be up in the $10k area to strip the car to metal, and repaint it at today's rates. Not too many cars, let alone wagons that are worth the effort.

 

I would say drive it like it is, maybe a few touchups to slow it down. Save the $ and buy a non rusty one from out west...

 

How rusty is it on the underside? Did this car ever live in salt country? Do you have pix of the car?

 

I was going to start a new thread but I'll piggyback off this one. I have a similar situation like the OP. My thread is here http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11113

I continued to try and "repair" my rust knowing it was temporary. I'm somewhat pleased with my progress and now I'm about to spray the touch up paint i got. Now, my muffler is shot and needs to be replaced. I went under to strap up the hanging pipe and noticed more areas of rust pretty bad. Ot looks like whatever rust proof coating was put on it, underneath is all rust. At this point, I'm not sure if i want to spend $200+ to fix the exhaust for a car beyond repair overall. I love using it so I want to keep it. I doubt I'll be able to buy another anytime soon. What would you do?

 

I just re-read your thread moliva....what have you done with your wagon?

 

pics

I have pics but i cant upload them. Says they are too big.

 

How To Post Pictures in a Thread

 

Maybe?

Here is a picture.

 

Good pic and a nice looking wagon from what I can see. Looks like primarily light surface rust. Might be a good candidate for a natural survivor patina wagon! What state is that wagon from?
Nice looking dog, too!