Removing Rust (with Parts On Car)

[den9112]

Hi, Having had some advisory notes from my MOT ,Rav4 96 nreg 3 door gx i have decided to spend some cash on my car . I am starting on the front end , i have new springs (thanks to toyota) new shocks n/s control arm o/s on order new front discs flexy pipes and pads . However as i have previously stated in a earlier thread the front and rear subframes are very corroded . I have been underneath the car and got my wire brush on the job and the sub frames are not as bad as they first apeared but they do need some work . I have had a look at some air compressors so i could hook up a shot blasting gun but i dont think i would get one good enough to do the job for the money i have . I have a good idea on what to coat the metal with after i get the rust away but need a bit of advice on 1 the air compressor route and 2 what to use to make the job easier . I have tried the drill with the wire brush , ok in small grooves but not on large patches . Is there anything on the market that i can brush on the rusty area then wire brush off . Any help on any matter would be gratefully apreciated .Thanks

[anchorman]

There may be some that disagree with me but from what I remember you had an advisory "corroded but not urgent" or words to that effect. The underside of my car (18 months old) is showing signs of surface corrosion already - you can see it here;

It doesn't worry me in the slightest as rust on the steel sub components is normal and does not indicate any structural weakness.

You are making major improvements with the steps you are taking but the rear sub frame is a different story. If you could lay your hands on one it will be expensive to buy and to have fitted. However, if you take it to a garage that specialises in under body protection and have it wax oiled or similar you will stop any advance of the corrosion and that is all that is required. I can tell you that any pained efforts to sandblast and paint the subframe while it is in place are a complete waste of time. the very best job would be to fit a new one. The second best would be to remove the existing one, strip it down and shot blast it then either paint it or galvanise it. The most practical is to oil/wax oil spray it and arrest any further corrosion. It isn't perfect but you will probably find that it will last quite a long time at minimal cost if re treated every year. If the day comes that corrosion gets the better of it you can hunt for one in a scrappy and then get the properly treated and fitted.

I think unless you have plans to keep it many years you won't need to worry about it.

Good luck.

[bothwell_buyer]

gies a break - yer makin me anjus

try whisky - it disnae fix rust but has the same effect as diazepam (valium)

An go out an gie yer RAV a thrashing amongst the mud as thats quite guid as weel

[T600]

Look up Jenoseal den. There's no need to remove every bit of rust before painting it on.

Alternatively, Jenolite is a brush on, wash off rust remover, but I think the Jenoseal is a better solution.

[den9112]

Thanks for the excelent reply anchorman , your advice will be heeded . The problem with me is that i have had many cars in my 25 years of motoring and when i bought the rav4 it was after the kids had grown up and my wife and i had no reason to purchase another family car , i do a lot of hill/mountain climbing and walking with my wife and dog and the rav4 is perfect with the set up with seats at the rear , dog in back rucksacks and boots and away we go . The rav as been the best car i have had for all sorts of reasons and basically i just want to keep it as long as i can , i could purchase another i know but the one i have as been so reliable etc i just dont want to see i deteriorate . Once you have had a car for so long and you get that trust feeling every time you start it and drive , you just dont want to go back out in the market and start looking for another one , the previous only owner of the car also looked after it but she could afford to take it to the main dealer for repairs , were i cannot . plus i dont mind doing the jobs myself as i grt satifaction of knowing i have done it , i changed the oil, plugs and filters yesterday and it only took me a hour and that was mostly waiting time for the oil to drain . So i think i will try the jenolite , and then some red oxide .