Do-it-yourself auto body repair

[applet]

Leak in the base of trunk, starting to rust, thru opening which is plugged with rubber part. Is it worth spraying with "Rust Converter" inside and "rubberized Ashphalt undercoating" outside underneath the same area? what about "silicon" to seal the leaking area around the plug?
Thanks

 

[zekestone]

Don't know about Rust Converter. But I've used Tremclad rust paint. It slows down the spread of rust. I wouldn't put on anything that could trap moisture which would accellerate the rust.

 

[applet]

Leak in the base of trunk, starting to rust, thru opening which is plugged with rubber part. Is it worth spraying with "Rust Converter" inside and "rubberized Ashphalt undercoating" outside underneath the same area? what about "silicon" to seal the leaking area around the plug?
Thanks

any other opinions?

 

[tboy]

Do you want to do it the right way or just stop gap?

The right way would be to cut out the rusted area and weld in new steel. Since it's the trunk I'd say it's probably 16 ga. Drill a new drain hole and put the rubber plug back in then use asphalt undercoating to protect the new steel.....

 

[landscaper]

grind out the old rust
MAKE SURE THE GAS TANK IS PROTECTED FROM THE SPARKS A BLANKET WILL WORK

If the metal is usable ie; there is something left fiberglass the entire area ( Canadian tire fiberglass kit about 10.00) drill out the original hole to the same size. Prime the area drill out the hole the gromit ( round rubber piece) was in and replace it.

Job done

If rust has destroyed the entire area cut out the area make sure you go to good metal try to keep the shape rectangular.

At this point you have 2 choices if you know how to weld and have a welder cook away AGAIN MAKING SURE THE GAS TANK IS PROTECTED

If not get a snap riveter( Canadian Tire under 20.00) Cut a piece of replacement steel 1/2 in larger in all dimensions. Drill 4 holes the recomended size for the snap rivets one on each side of the replacement. Hold the patch in place and through the holes you just drilled drill through the trunk. Rivet the patch in place. Now add rivets as needed aproximatley every 4 inches. Cover the inside and the outside with the fiberglass body filler again, grind and sand flat drill out the gromit hole and prime replacew gromit job done and it will pass an MTO inspection.