msekanha

Sorry for another rust thread but, I did a search in the forums regarding "rust repair" and found either very little or mixed results...

So I have a VERY small rust bubble that is developing beneath the license plate trim on my trunk lid...

Although the rust bubble is barely noticeable, i'd like to take care of it before it invades my whole trunk lid.

I spoke to my autobody guy and he told me that it's not worth fixing and that I should leave it alone. But I won't be able to sleep at night knowing that I at least didn't try to fix it.

I know there's no permanent fix for rust, but is there anything I can do to temporarily fix it until I pay off this car and trade it in?

I may tackle this job myself, but not sure on products to use... Primer, touch-up paint.. etc?

Any advice on how to fix this? Thanks again

mitmaks

Its definitely worth fixing if you plan on keeping your car. You have to grind out all of the rust and then use good quality epoxy primer to protect metal

LeX2K

Take the area down to the metal, then get a POR-15 starter kit. After doing that, you can either wet sand the area then put a base coat and clear, or you can use some filler putty to smooth things out then put the final coats on.

The biggest challenge will be to blend the repair, it won't ever be perfect but with some effort it will be decent. POR-15 when used correctly will stop rust for many years.

msekanha

Thanks for your reply.

I definitely want to fix it before it gets any worse.

Now if done correctly, do you think the epoxy primer will permanently prevent rust from coming back in that area?

And what brand epoxy primer would you recommend?

msekanha

Thank you.

I'm not concerned with it being "perfect", considering it's almost in an inconspicuous area.

I've never heard of such a kit, but looks like just what I need.

What would you recommend for primer?

And paint now... I was on ebay and found http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-2006-Lexus-ES330-3Q4-Alabaster-Metallic-2-oz-Touch-Up-Paint-1-oz-Clear-Co-/281055623415?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item41703878f7&vxp=mtr Would this be good touch-up paint to use? Or should I stick with the stuff in the can? I'm a little concerned of the quality of this paint.

Thanks for the help again.

LeX2K

The POR-15 starter kit comes with everything you need, the paint goes on the bare metal (you won't be using a traditional primer) after you use the Prep, which contains zinc oxide neutralizing the rust. After the paint has dried (wait a few days, more if it's cool outside) you then wet sand with say a 400-600 grit then apply your base coat and clear.

Like I said you can also use a filler putty if you are looking to get a more seamless repair.

Beware, POR-15 paint is extremely aggressive. If you get it on your hand and it dries nothing will remove it, will take about a week for it to wear off. If you get even the slightest amount on the lid of can and close the can, you will never be able to remove the lid again. If you spill the paint on anything and it dries, it will be there a very very long time.

edit- that paint kit looks good. You can apply it with a small brush if you want. A few coats later and some set sanding the paint will be perfectly smooth. The trick to doing a small repair like that is not to go too far out on the surrounding area. It's easy to do, a small repair becomes a large area painted.

mitmaks

SPI epoxy is nice but expensive. You can buy some epoxy from eastwood. When applied properly it will prevent rust. You will have to use some body filler in area where rust was as you will grind it off and surface will be now lower than the rest of the panel.
Bodywork is complex and is best left to professinals. Maybe you can find someone who could do it for you at their shop at home.

msekanha

Thanks for the advice, guys. I really do appreCiate it.

My autobody guy quoted me $500 to repAir and repaint the trunk lid, but I may just attempt it myself.

Once I change my timing belt and replace a few other little things, ill attempt the trunk lid.

Ill keep you guys posted on how the rust repair went.

PFB

You should also check the area directly behind the rust spot.

Rust sometimes starts on the inside and works its way out. So just fixing the surface rust may not do it.

Phil

msekanha

I pulled the upholstery back and I think i'm good behind the trunk.

But I found a few other rust bubbles on the exterior of the trunk.

I've thought of just buying a new trunk lid and having my autobody paint for me.
It would be less of a headache in my opinion.