Panel seam rust
 

I know less than 0 about body work. I have some rust starting at the tailgate upper seam and at the seam by the stake box on the side behind the cab See pics.

I would like to sand the rust to bare metal and coat with maybe a black primmer. One guy said I should use a rust preventor before the primmer.

Would someone recommend sandpaper grit size, wether and what kind off preventor, and primmer to use.

Re: Panel seam rust
 

I would definitely use some kind of rust coating/encapsulater.As for as which one you would just have to Google it and choose from there.I have used Rust-Oleum at work and around the house seems to hold up pretty good.I am going to try Eastwood's platinum rust coating and see how it holds up.No matter what you choose it's really just a band aid until you can do a proper repair.

Re: Panel seam rust
 

If you take it to bare metal...and you should...you need to use epoxy primer on it...problem is the rust is still working on the metal under those flanges...near impossible to fix from the outside...so anything you do to the visible surfaces isnt gonna address the rust issue..

Re: Panel seam rust
 

If you decide to use the Eastwood platinum apply 2 coats. Their directions claim that one medium coat provides maximum corrosion resistance. Permanent rust sealer's require at least 2 coats to cut off the oxygen.

Re: Panel seam rust
 

Use 180 grit paper to clean it up a bit. Your rusting from the inside out. We need to get like a Rust converter or rust remover prep with zinc inside those channels. Drill a hole or find some type of access on the side and dump the metal prep inside and let it soak for a while. Use the permanent rust sealer inside out and then paint it.I hope this helps

Re: Panel seam rust
 

Lupo

Could you elaborate on getting rust preventor inside? On the tailgate. I assume I could take it off and hang it upside down at an angle to let fluid in. But what can I do with side next to stake holder.

I have read that POR-15 is a good product.

Thanks

Re: Panel seam rust
 

If you have a harbor freight. Near you pick up a engine cleaning wand. It's in the Air tool section and costs $9. Use this sprayer. Spray it down inside. Use a Rust converter. If you use por 15 use the silver not the black.over the acid after it dries.

Re: Panel seam rust
 

I had the same issue and made a make shift rectangle box lined with plastic and sat my panel inside then filled it up with vinegar for a couple of days then washed it off and blasted and primed it.