Rust
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=What causes rust?= | =What causes rust?= | ||
| + | Start with this article: http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/rust/rust.html . | ||
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| + | Plus, information on why older cars rust more quickly than newer cars: | ||
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| + | *Cars are more aggressively coated these days. Galvanizing (explain). | ||
| + | *Steel used in cars is of a higher quality these days. | ||
| + | *More salt is used on roads these days. | ||
=Rust assessment= | =Rust assessment= | ||
==The "best" way to handle rust== | ==The "best" way to handle rust== | ||
| + | The "best" way to do something often implies the existence of the "best" circumstances in regard to skill and money. | ||
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| + | For example, the "best" way to handle anything more than surface rust on body panels is to liberally cut out the rusted area, and weld in a patch panel. Ideally, any metal shaping and metal finishing should be done without the use of any body filler products whatsoever. Many people don't have the necessary skill to do this. | ||
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| + | The "best" way to handle surface rust on an entire body is to have it professionally dipped, often at a cost of over $1000. This amount of money may not be available for a specific project, or it may be impractical to invest it. | ||
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| + | If you take time to properly asses your own rust situation, you can choose a well-thought out solution that's "best" for you. | ||
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| + | ==Assessing the part== | ||
| + | *Can the part be removed? How large is it? Is it small enough to be soaked? | ||
| + | *What part is it? Is it a body panel? | ||
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| + | ==Assessing the rust== | ||
| + | *Jab rusty areas with a screwdriver, scratch awl, or icepick, and see if they go through. | ||
| + | *After cleaning off rust of floor pans, wait until it's dark, and put a trouble light under your car. Pinholes in the sheet metal will show up very well in such a situation. | ||
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| + | ==Assessing the environment== | ||
| + | Do you live in a climate where water or salt will be present in the air? Wintery? Near the ocean? | ||
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| + | What environment will the part be operating in? Interior of car? Undercarriage? | ||
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| + | ==Skills== | ||
| + | Most of the skills required for removing rust are commonplace. However, certain jobs may require welding, or metal shaping. | ||
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| + | ==Tools== | ||
| + | Besides basic hand tools, do you have access to a DA sander? Media blaster? Spot blaster? Blast cabinet? Spray gun? | ||
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| + | ==Cost== | ||
| + | How much money do you have to put into the rust removal? What's the value of the project? Can you expect a reasonable return on your investment? | ||
=Rust removal, treatment, and prevention= | =Rust removal, treatment, and prevention= | ||
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==Assessment== | ==Assessment== | ||
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==Mechanical removal of rust== | ==Mechanical removal of rust== | ||
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