How to Rustproof a Car
Rustproofing a car helps preserve its value and saves you money in the long run. If you need to sell your vehicle, you can set a higher selling price because you're confident that it's in good condition. Another benefit of rust-proofing is safety. Because rust generally attacks the weaker spots first, welded spots on a car could become compromised if not rustproofed, thus affecting your personal safety. The good news is that with the right equipment, you can rustproof your own car.
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Things You'll Need
- Rustproofing fluid
- Air compressor
- Spray gun
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Wrench
- Scissors
- Pieces of plastic (4)
- Rubber bands (4)
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Connect the spray gun to an air compressor. Fill the spray gun's tank or container with rustproofing fluid. Although you can use the spray gun without the compressor, you will achieve better results if you use one.
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2
Raise the car with a jack then place it on jack stands. Remove the wheels with a wrench.
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3
Cut four pieces of plastic, one for each wheel, about 10 by 10 inches. Painter's plastic or another type of plastic that's thick enough to keep spray from getting into the brake mechanism will work. Place the piece of plastic over the brake assembly and slip a rubber band over it to secure it in place.
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4
Wait for the car's underside to dry if you have driven through water. Use a wire brush to clean the car's underside and the wheel arches to remove any mud. Spray the underside and wheel arches with rustproofing fluid.
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5
Rustproof all the doors. Use a screwdriver to remove any light switches from the doors and spray through the openings. Insert the spray gun's probe into the drain hole on each door and press the trigger while pointing it upward. Point the probe downward and press the trigger again for a thorough rustproofing job.
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6
Spray rustproofing on the underside of the hood. If the hood has a liner, remove it and spray the metal thoroughly.
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7
Wait for the treatment to set, about three days, then repeat the treatment to create a thick, waterproof barrier.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid spraying any plastic components with the rustproofing liquid as it can damage the plastic.
Leave the windows open for a day or two to get rid of any entrapped fumes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit car image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
