How to Fix Rust on Cars Around the Tires
The areas of metal around tires are the parts of a car most susceptible to rust. When you drive down the road, water, snow and mud are thrown into this area, where they dry and stay on the metal until the next wash. This can break down the paint and reach the bare metal, causing rust to form. You can learn how to take steps to deal with the rust.
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Things You'll Need
- Jack stands
- Jack
- Wire brush
- Grinder
- Cutoff wheel (for grinder)
- Replacement metal
- Welding machine or
- J-B Weld
- Spray primer
- Spray paint
Instructions
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1
Lift and place the car on jacks so the tire and wheel can be removed. Closely inspect the rusted area around the wheel well to see how much rust exists. Use a wire brush to brush the rust away.
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2
Push the rusted area with your fingers to see if the rust is on the surface or if it has rotted through the metal. The metal will feel soft if the rust has gone through it.
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3
Brush the rust using a lot of pressure. If there is only surface rust, use the grinder to grind the area smooth and remove the rust. Spray the paint on top of it and it will be finished.
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4
Use a grinder and cutoff wheel to carefully cut out the rust-rotted metal. Cut around the area in a square or rectangle shape so it's easy to replace.
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5
Measure and cut out the same shape from a new piece of metal. Use the old piece as a template, making the new piece only very slightly larger.
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6
Weld the new piece in place with a welding machine or patch it in by using J-B Weld. Read the directions on the package carefully before applying. Overlap the J-B Weld enough so the line of weld is thick. Allow the product to dry overnight before touching it.
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7
Spray primer on the repaired area and surrounding area. Allow the primer to dry for 30 minutes before spraying a coat or two of paint over the area. Allow this to dry for 24 hours before driving the car.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gear such as safety goggles, thick gloves and a mask when working on rust or spraying paint and primer.
Don't just spray primer and paint over the rust. This won't stop the rust from rotting the metal.
