TheSamba.com :: View topic - Rust

Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:53 pm

Look at the attached pics. Short of replacing the pan halves, how do I treat this to stop it from continuing?

TG

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=905953

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=905954

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=905955

Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:53 am

If it were me I wouldn't waste my time treating it short of replacing. That being said, to answer your question, wire wheel to get the majority of the rust off and then coat with masterseries. Keep in mind that when you grind away with the wire wheel those small rust holes will become big ones.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 6:31 am

Depending on how solid the metal is in those grooves, you could media blast (best), grinder with a flap disk (good), or wire wheel (Ok) to see what you have left metal wise. I would then Ospho (Phosphoric acid) the metal after removing the surface rust. Then either epoxy prime or Master Series silver the bare metal, then paint. As far as those rusted through areas, depends on if that's the only bad spot on that pan half or quarter. To fix properly, you'll need to cut-out the rust until you reach solid steel. Then weld in a patch of that shape. Better to replace that pan half or quarter. More work, but more piece of mind knowing that that entire area is solid metal again!

Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:27 am

Thanks for your replys. If I replace the pan halves it's going to be a h--- of a lot of money because I don't weld. In my experience, welding costs a lot of $$. I found this stuff tooling around on the internet yesterday:

http://www.rustbullet.com/Products/Automotive/Automotive.asp

Thoughts?
Thanks.
TG

Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:57 am

rivet in patches, use seam sealer to cover gaps and cover with POR-15 or rust bullet-rust bullet produces nearly identical results to POR-15

then start saving up to get a welder, so you can properly replace the floors when the time comes->you can get a good mig for about $500- but get on that uses gas, flux cored wire tends to suck 50% of the time

Fri Mar 16, 2012 11:34 am

I replaced my pan halves using a flux welder. I think that you can use a simple stick welder since the center tunnel that you weld the halves to is thick metal. Just make sure that you get rid of ALL rust before you start welding. Also make sure that the pan is pressed against the mating metal when you weld. The bugme video will help you. Please look at it.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 4:59 pm

Getting something welded can be made as cheap as possible by getting everything in place. Having everything ready to be welded.

Also, remember to leave some of the areas that will be critical for body bolt alignment. I leave these areas intact until I have all my measurements THEN cut everything away. New pans can be oversize sometimes. I happen to be putting in pans again this week.