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Old 09-07-2012, 01:15 PM   #1
WRXGOBerserk
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Default How bad is this rusting? Picture Included

So I just found this rust underneath my side skirts. It appears someone tried to jack the car up on all four sides and left it there and the pinch welds were bent in and rusted.

Couple questions: I know the rust is bad, but should I worry about it? How would I get it fixed/is it worth fixing?

When the side skirts are on, you can't see it at all.

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Old 09-07-2012, 01:21 PM   #2
SilverWagonRX
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The first pic is pretty bad, but not worth repairing. The cancer has started and there's no way to get rid of it all. How old is the car and how long do you plan on keeping it? And where do you live?
Even with all that info, you can spray can it with something if you want, but I would just put the skirts back on and try to forget about it. Its going to cost way too much to repair correctly and even then there will be more rust coming.
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Old 09-07-2012, 01:22 PM   #3
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Worrying does nothing for rust. All joking aside, I'd want to get that cleaned off and repainted/sealed as soon as I could. It shouldn't be a huge project and I think it would be worth it for peace of mind.
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Old 09-07-2012, 01:24 PM   #4
dirtslayer
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Use a wire wheel on a grinder. Paint. Done.
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Old 09-07-2012, 01:29 PM   #5
WRXGOBerserk
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I appreciate the help guys, Thank You. Honestly, I plan on keeping the car for a few more years at least and it wouldn't bother me to leave it necessarily but I just want to combat it in some way if I can. I live in Upstate, NY so the winters can get bad but it doesn't rain a lot during the warmer months.

I'm wondering which areas would be most cost effective to fix or at least touch up. Should I have a body shop cut out the rusted parts and weld in new ones (speaking of the first picture specifically). The other parts can be re-finished and painted I suppose.

Just looking for the best route.
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Old 09-07-2012, 01:32 PM   #6
SilverWagonRX
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I was meaning that body shop wouldn't be worth it. Wire wheel to grind it off and then paint with something like Por15 would help some on the outside, but the inside will keep spreading.
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Old 09-07-2012, 02:37 PM   #7
wonder371
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtslayer View Post
Use a wire wheel on a grinder. Paint. Done.
Hey WRXGoBerserk, I agree with dirtslayer. I used to have a Jeep I used for off-roading that was constantly battling rust. Instead of using normal paint, may I suggest going to an autoparts store and getting a more severe rust protector (sometimes called "sound deadener"). Usually about 50% black paint/50% rubber. When I used to paint the undersides of my jeep to avoid rust, it would always bubble up and come back. But when I used the "rust proof sound deadener" it would never have an issue (unless I slid the underside over a rock; in your case a curb, steep driveway, improper jack usage... in that case you would need to re-apply immediately)

Hope this helps...

EDIT: forgot something, if you are worried about overall weight of your car... do not paint the entire underside! as you can imagine a full undercarriage treatment of this stuff can actually add a few pounds.
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Old 09-07-2012, 02:40 PM   #8
dirtslayer
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Ye.
Truck bed coating from the autoparts stores works really good too. I've painted all my subarus bottom skirt in it. Looks good and if not rallying, side skirts can go on and cover the look of it
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Old 09-07-2012, 10:55 PM   #9
WRXGOBerserk
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After doing a little research that sounds like the best idea. I don't think I'll even re-paint it since the skirts cover it up anyways.

What type/size brush do I need to get? I feel like this is something I can do myself..
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Old 09-08-2012, 03:00 AM   #10
Dev Nodland
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i can't see the picture but i've dealt with quite a few resto jobs in the past, there are a few options if you have the resources, and considering your skirts would cover any mess ups you could have with painting i wouldn't sweat doing it yourself.

obviously grind and repaint it, if you go this route i'd recommend a high zinc primer over the affected area, that will prevent the rust from spreading as quickly. its rusted once and unless you cut the metal and weld new metal into place the chances are pretty high you'll get it again.

another option you have is a chemical that will actually kill the rust, does mean you'll have to grind a slightly larger area first, but it does turn rust into a sandable/paintable surface. can't remember the name off the top of my head but they do carry it at most paint stores. again this wouldn't last forever, but for a quick fix for the next few years it should hold up fine.


as was stated earlier, its all a matter of how much money you want to spend and how long you need it to last.
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Old 09-08-2012, 03:44 PM   #11
leecea
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I keep a can of this around and spray anything that looks rusty under the car: http://www.duplicolor.com/products/rustFix/

I hope it's actually useful.
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Old 09-08-2012, 03:46 PM   #12
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i would go with a wire brush on a drill and work your way around it so that theres no rust showing anymore. spray some primer and paint and you're good to go!
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Old 09-17-2012, 07:23 PM   #13
WRXGOBerserk
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Again, I appreciate all the help. Just got some more photos of the worst area by far (rear passenger side).

Guess I got a hefty bill waiting for me..

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Old 12-03-2012, 01:32 PM   #14
sampsonohio
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Waterproof greese smeared all over bad rust areas really slows things down, not ideal if you plan on repainting and using rust proofer products.Good for a quick way to stop the progress of the rust untill you can do a proper job. Works really well for some areas where you cant get enough protection with painting. Ive seen used oil brushed on as well(not a fan of dumping this stuff all over the ground myslef)
Hope this helps

PS, with that kind of rust on your body i would consider taking a good look at your fornt lower control arms, they are a common problem with rusty subarus
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:17 PM   #15
KINGSPADE
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****google This: Por-15*****
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:31 PM   #16
Mr Wrex
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This thread is 3 months old. I'm sure OP has fixed this by now
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:42 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Wrex View Post
This thread is 3 months old. I'm sure OP has fixed this by now
I hope not. It's a 2004 with a terminal case of cancer. The best route would be to just leave it as there's no point in pouring money into it what would end up a bandaid fix for a terminal issue.
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Old 12-03-2012, 05:09 PM   #18
AliBenn
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jesus......glad i live in texas and dont have to worry about this rust you speak of.......
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Old 12-03-2012, 06:12 PM   #19
Dale2011WRX
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Yeah, but you have to live in Texas....
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Old 12-04-2012, 09:38 PM   #20
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Sand it down and prime and paint it. It will be fine!
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