combatting rust

[missioncontrol]

I'm starting to develop rust in certain areas of my truck and would like to get it under control before it gets out of hand...

1) My roof is starting to look pretty bad, last summer at an attempt to combat the rust up there I sanded down all the rust areas by hand then used this rust preventer stuff that had to be applied by a paintbrush then spray painted over it with a color of dark gray that closely matched my truck, but now the rust is back worst than before....

2) developing the rust on the bottom portion of my tailgate. It was noticeable this year, but appears to be getting worst every day.

3) I am noticing a patch above my driver side rear tire. No holes yet but from the looks of it, it won't take long....

I'm thinking a heavy sanding, bondo and paint for above the wheel and roof... the tailgate, I am unsure of...

what are the expert recommendations?

thanks.....

 

[Justshootme84]

The best product to use would be POR-15 or Rust Bullet, as they work much better than the cheaper rust converters/inhibitors. i wouldn't waste the time with body filler/Bondo. It wil lnot prevent rust and will not hold to air- meaning if it has rust holes under the surface, the filler will break loose. I also use alot os OSPHO on rusted metal, but it takes more prep work. Spray or brush it on, then grind/sand to bare metal, primer and paint. You can use RustOleum paint or farm implement enamel paint. The rattle can stuff will likely not last as long as what's applied with a spray gun, but use 2-3 good coats of primer plus paint, then a clearcoat to help seal it. you can also add a a hardener and UV protectant to the final coat to hel pthe paint last longer. But if you paint over any rust, it will re-appear in 6-12 months. JSM84

 

[Seabronc]

Ditto to Justshootme84. Also if there is rust that is deeper than surface, your only choice is to cut it out and put in new metal. If you have never done that, no sweat, you can bond the new metal with Epoxy. That is getting to be a common way to attach new metal and holds as well or better than rivets or welds.

Good luck,

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