05RX330AWD

I have some small rust spots to take care of before the matter gets worse. I have done extensive body work on previous vehicles, such as large 6 inch rust holes, the outcome was usually barely noticeable, although never did a DIY as minor as this with several repair options available.
Also on previous vehicles I wasn't so concerned so much about the outcome as now.
Looking for some suggestions...
there are various new products & techniques although would prefer hearing some experiences.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

On my old ES, i had a similar issue, I just chipped out the paint and removed the rust with sand paper, then touched it up with touch up paint. It was a little noticeable, but only the size of a quarter the rust stopped growing and at 240k miles, that was fine with me and the spot didn't get any bigger for the 2 more years I had it.

05RX330AWD

I suppose "old school" it is, hopefully no Bondo required, I'll sand & apply some Rust Check/ Rust Killer as a base primer coat for starters.
Then apply some Etching Primer & Touch Up Paint.
I imagine the touch up will be somewhat noticeable since Crystal Pearl White (062) paint will be impossible to match when the vehicle is 11 years old.
I'll post the results when done, just need a few days with no rain & some warmer weather.

vscalais

iTrader: (1)

The 2nd pic seems more spread, with bubbling under the paint. This will be more extensive. Good luck.

RedGemini

Typically, when you have bubbles at a wheel well, there is rust working its way from inside out. You'll have to open up the wheel well liner for a good look.

05RX330AWD

That's the part for hopefully no Bondo required comes in & better get on it before it gets worse.
Either way it will be better to eliminate the rust & sand inside & out even if a small hole shows up afterwards.

05RX330AWD

As RedGemini posted & from experience from similar body work projects with some that covered a much larger area, it did appear as there may be a rust hole once sanded.
Although this time around (a first) no rust hole, solid, only moisture peeled up the paint which is making this DIY much easier than I thought it would be.
Once sanded I applied some Rust Check Rust Killer as a base primer & will eventually apply some etching primer & sand......
more to come.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

For the back trunk, I suggest taking off that trim parts (extremely easy, just 4 bolts you can see after you snap off the interior plastic panel) That way if there is more rust farther down, you can nip it in the bud before it gets worse and makes the work you already did redundant. Besides that, hopefully it stops the rust from spreading.

05RX330AWD

I was really pressed for time, weather on the warmer side for only 3 hours during the day & possible rain that I figured better hold off for any finer details & any next steps.
I will surely look into that.
I will be much more patient than some DIYs I have done previously which were much worse for rust & holes, rockers were lots of fun.
Pleased that Bondo is out of the equation for a change on this DIY.
Too add, the Rust Check/ Rust Killer as a base primer is the real deal, I repaired a 6" x 2 " rust hole on a 05 Equinox in roughly the same area by sanding on the outside & inside, sprayed Rust Check on the metal piece I welded on the inside of the wheel well, next fiberglass with Rust check as the base primer, etching primer & paint. 2 winters later with salt & no regular car washes, no rust.

05RX330AWD

Has anyone ever used Crystal White Pearl (062) to touch up their RX?
Conflicting info in general on the web...
some mention you need a base 062-OB which I can not find in Canada, whereas others mention they substituted with White (040) as a base.
Also was told by the local Toyota Dealer here in Canada, they can't order (062) paint.
My argument was the Toyota Prius was available in that color. His response, "not in Canada"
No choice, will have to get the (062) paint mixed at a parts store, hopefully someone can confirm I can use the (062) straight up, the etching primer is grey.

05RX330AWD

Update:
Crystal White Pearl (062) can only be mixed (3 paints) by a body shop or parts store...
I was quoted $94.00 for the paint I would require at a parts store, therefore purchased a commercial White (040) paint for $13.00 instead.
Certainly far from perfect although much better than it was compared to the previous photos.
If the RX330 holds up well for another year, I may have this done professionally.

mandyfig

Hardly notice it! Good job.

05RX330AWD

A well deserved thanks!...
Actually the Crystal White Pearl Lexus has a (hard to describe) yellowish metal flake paint integrated in the paint, mostly visible with direct sunlight.
The areas retouched, no metal flake effect.
I suppose in most lighting conditions & if there are shadows present, no one will notice unless I mention it.

05RX330AWD

Wait until rust problems re-occur.
Usually if vehicle shows more rust than normal on the undercarriage, the odds are better than average there are/were other rust issues.