Patek14

I just got a new-to-me IS300 but I didn't realize there was a bunch of rust on the bottom - basically on the bolts under the car and on the exhaust piping system. Stupid me for not doing a PPI or a half decent inspection.

-What treatments/processes exist (if any) to remove this junk and treat the surfaces for prevention?
-If I don't bother doing anything, can rust spread even if I keep the bottom well hosed off in winter?

96gti2.0t

i can only see two of the pictures but that looks like pretty standard rust. what year is it, how many miles and where is the car from?

Apex84

The rust is normal. It is a result of constant temperature changes and moisture. Nothing to worry about.

Patek14

Normal rust, even on the bolts? Most (not all) of the bolts & fasteners on the car have rust on them...and not just the ones on the exhaust piping. To answer the other question, it is a 2003. It spent 1/2 its life in Jersey and 1/2 its life in DC.

Having only owned florida cars prior, I am used to zero rust. Even if it poses no risk whatsoever from a structural integrity standpoint, I am nitpicky about looks.

2002GGPIS3

Welcome to CL and welcome to life in the northeast. Rust under the car is usually caused by the stuff they put on our roads during winter. Even with really nice cars, when you drive on the roads even during a nice day during winter time the stuff goes on the underside of the car and causes the rust. Also watch out for the IS300 rear brake calipers they rust easily and this bit me big time this year. I think you can remove the rust by using rust cleaner on the undercarriage and use rust preventive.

PushinLEX

iTrader: (9)

You should have bought you IS from the Pacific Southwest.

That rust damage doesnt look too bad. If your REALLY **** about your car, put it on jackstands and use a couple bottles of metal polish on the undercarriage and piping.

GL man.

Patek14

The rear brake calipers are slightly rusted, the fronts maybe a tiny bit. I have no garage or stands, but I wonder if I could DIY this without taking the wheels off and reaching through the rims? Too non ergonomic?

What specific products would be a good first step cleaner and a second step protectant?

Faymester

i've heard about this kind of rust in the north east ... even in vancouver we don't really have this problem, i guess because all the water washed the underside continuously lol


the NE guys don't seem to think this is a problem ... i'm going to say that's probably part of the deal over there unless you get some kind of undercoating

nyczzzjohn

i would try to hit the exhaust with wd-40 first, let it soak in for 15-30 minutes and spray it off with water. then use something like mothers mag-aluminum polish to make it look like new again.

Brian231

If ever you need to remove bolts for brakes or suspension components, simply spray WD-40 or Liquid Wrench on the night before. The rust does not look bad at all and you will be fine.

wowitztai

iTrader: (1)

looks like my buddy car also...hes bottom of the car has some rust.