Can Rust be Repaired?

[93sentra_B13]

This may sound like a stupid question. I'm going to be doing mechanical and restoration work for the first time. I know some people can take a rusty bucket of bolts and make it look brand new so I'm guessing the answer is yes. The car isn't horribly rusted (I haven't seen the underbody yet.) I just hope it's not too late to save her. I'll be posting pics when I get the car.

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard!

Depends on the extent. On a unibody car, any perforation (rust-through) is a BIG danger sign. We'd have to see pics first, but generally, I advise people to steer clear of a car with visible rust, because it's always an indicator of a LOT more that you CAN'T see (such as inside the strut towers and at critical suspension attachment points)... especially if you're not prepared to do a lot of cutting and welding.

[93sentra_B13]

Thanks for replying.

I'll be getting photos of the car, including the underbody tomorrow. This car has been in the family so I want to keep it, it's basically free if I want it. I've had a car in much worse condition before and it kept going. I'm not worried about it but would like to know if I can fix it up more and keep it on the road. The mileage is low at only 165000 km.

[93sentra_B13]

So here's a funny little story. The right taillight is burned out. All the blinkers and lights work except for that one. So I go to Canadian Tire today, buy the bulbs (1157LL from GE) and install them. I did both because I figure might as well change both at the same time. Now the right taillight still does not work, and the left rear blinker isn't working.

Can anybody explain what's happened?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Tough call... maybe you have some corrosion on the bulb sockets or something?

And rust isn't a HUGE issue. People make it out to be a much bigger problem than it is. Its actually pretty fun to repair it, as long as you don't have to make it look perfect. Basically, if the rust is on the underbody and you don't need it to look amazing, you can have more fun with it as opposed to being stupid meticulous, etc.

Just make sure you don't catch anything on fire

[93sentra_B13]

OK I had a safety inspection done by Nissan and it doesn't look good. The car will not pass safety in it's current form. I hope to keep it and be able to work on it, even though the mechanic says he wouldn't put any money in it ha. The car has a short list of problems but they sound bad.

In order of importance:

Rust - under-body mostly, with some all around, but the rust has gone through to the interior in some places

Ball-joint - front left is in bad shape and needs to be replaced. Front right will need replacing eventually

Tires - Two rear are splitting, front right is bald. All need replacing

Lights - Right tail-light is gone, the clusters are different (one broke and was replaced) - license plate bulb is burned out. some wiring issues on right tail cluster

Good news: The car is mechanically sound with low mileage. I've posted a picture, even though I've only got one. I meant to take a picture while it was on the lift but didn't. I figure if the rust can be repaired, then the rest of the work is a small job, I mean new tires, two ball-joints and the lights.

[audtatious]

Sounds like most of the work can be done by you. For exterior rust I would sand down and treat with a rust inhibitor, then prime it. Can you explain more about "but the rust has gone through to the interior in some places"...what places are we talking here, floor boards?

[93sentra_B13]

It's a bit difficult to explain but I can take some pictures next time. On the 3/4 panel just in front of the rear tires is some rust in the bottom. The mechanic showed me that he could put his screwdriver up and threw it saying it had gone through. At the top of the rear-left tire well he was able to do it again. I'm not sure if it's gone through the floor and well-well completely. I'll take some more photos. The work doesn't seem like a lot but I have no means or knowledge about fixing rust right now.

Isn't that a pretty car though?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Wheel well rust? What's that?



FIX IT!!

Rocker panel rust?





FIX IT!

It can be done

[93sentra_B13]

Hey cool,

I'll have to see. There's a shop where they do good bodywork nearby. I think they use bondo. Any thoughts on bondo? I don't have any previous experience with bodywork. The car needs a new tail-light assembly on the right. I think both assemblies should be changed. The boot isn't water-sealed anymore too. I'm sure a new boot lid can be found at a dump or something where I can do a one-for-one exchange.

The left 3/4 panel had an accident and there's a dent there. I really should post more photos of the car so you guys can see what I'm talking about eh? I'll try soon!

EDIT: btw, i'm not too concerned if the patch job makes the car look a bit ugly, as long as it's done well and strengthens the body.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

You won't need bondo on the undercarraige or floor boards, and if someone puts some there, then they are messed up!

[93sentra_B13]

You won't need bondo on the undercarraige or floor boards, and if someone puts some there, then they are messed up!

I don't know if they will. Where is bondo used then, on the outside? Anyway I will get pictures of the rust ASAP and post them for your thoughts. Thanks guys.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah bondo is strictly cosmetic. Its meant to be used to mask a repair and make it look good. You can shape it pretty much however you want so that it will follow the lines and contours of the car. It is used before paint.

[93sentra_B13]

Sad news: the car is being sold. I couldn't find anybody to do the bodywork and don't have the tools or knowledge to do it myself. I was hoping to find someone who I could work with. Thanks for all the information, help, and warm welcomes. If I end up with a Nissan in the future I'll return. Until then, thanks for everything and farewell!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

weak dude.

[93sentra_B13]

weak dude.

Yes I know. The car was not mine yet, it's still my dads. I had time to find someone to help me get the job done, but in the end someone offered him money for the car and he said he would ask me first. Since I couldn't find anyone and can't drive it yet anyhow, I figured I could use the money (he's giving it to me.)

Thanks again guys.