I have a new-ish to me 2003 Sahara that is completely covered by rust on the underside. Everything looks good, just a nice even coat of rust.
I want to rust-proof it, and might go with POR-15. I have read many many posts about prep, other rust-proofing, etc, but didn't find anything about WHAT can or can't be painted with the POR-15 (or rustoleum, etc).
Any advice on what NOT to paint? I have rust on the EVERYTHING.. I took the wheels off to do a tire rotation, and the entire hub/rotor is covered, as well as the wheel drums, studs, springs, etc. The only thing that looks clean is where the brakes come in contact with brake drum on the rear wheels.
Basically, can I pretty much paint wherever there is rust on steel? Other than the brake mechanisms and such or the ZERK fittings, of course. Just want to make sure I don't paint something closed (I know to remove the drain plugs first, too) or keep something from moving that needs to move.
Well... you can't put it on your underside for starters
All jokes aside, if it's me, I'd start with the basics. Stationary parts like the frame are easy enough to prep and then roll on. But suspension parts, I would actually take the time to remove them and paint them separately if the time is available. Rust on the drums is normal and unavoidable. Heck, I've seen cars after two years with drums and hubs looking straight out of a junkyard. Besides replacing those components as they wear, there isn't much else I would about too much. You're on the right track to avoid zerks and nips, but I would go so far as to avoid areas where parts are bolted together unless you're taking the components out first.
Do not paint over any bolts either. They wont come back off, lol.
You can paint pretty much anything as long as its metal. Frame, underside of tub, differentials, wheel wells.
Your hands. Seriously, this stuff is awesome, except when it gets where you don't want it. Take precautions, it's not like Herculiner or any spray on stuff. It's like a rock hard coating, but you know that. It's also like that on your skin.
Would it be better to go to one of those undercoating places and have them spray it. I was thinking about doing some rust proofing too, but not sure which way to go. I love my jeep but do not plan on getting a new one for quite some time. And since I just got this one I don't want to cause any difficulties with doing mods/repairs.
No, you can do it yourself, just be cautious. You will be far more careful with it than a shop will be, generally. It's your jeep, after all. A buddy of mine put POR-15 on his frame about ten years ago, and we all took turns hitting it with hammers after about a week, or so. Not even a nick. Amazing. He had some drips on the garage floor. Still there, I hear.
Oh, and FWIW, I wouldn't put it EVERYWHERE. Heh! There are places you may want to cut, or weld, or who knows what, like on your floor. I also wouldn't use it on the interior surface unless you embed some sand in it. It can be a bit slippery when wet. IIRC, you can color it a bit with some oil based paint. Might be wrong, but I would check it out if that interests you. I think you end up with a slightly swirly finish, but sometimes my memory is muddier than my yard.
Man,POR15 ning the entire underside,thats a job.I have a 97 tj that i had ziebarted 2 years ago.They did a pretty good job for the 5 or 6 hundred I payed.They put it up on a lift,and hit it with a steam jenny first.What kind of made me happy,was I got a call from the guy doing it saying he was trying to remove the gas tank skid(which doesnt come off without dropping the tank)So he wasnt a jeep expert,but at least he was trying to do a good job.I would use them again if i buy a new jeep,with no rust yet ,as the prep wouldnt be as important.I bought 2 of the por15 starter kits,and did my floorboard wells.The stuff gets glass hard,I like it.They give you a cleaner,and an acid etching prep fluid to use before painting.This would be a nightmare on the entire underside IMOP.....
Sure would be nice to have a lift to pressure wash everything easily. Would even be nice to use a lift to apply. I don't know how fun it would be to lay on the ground to get the job done.
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