I need some help with my RUSTY Saturn

My '92 SL2 has really been a good car for the last 12 years. Minimal
repairs and it still looks nearly new with 101k on the odo.

Recently I noticed some rust appearing in the rear door sills. I know
this is normal for this model and year. But I would like to hear if
anyone has repaired this problem and how. Please see pics.

Thanks,

http://members.aol.com/james1549/saturn/rust01.jpg

http://members.aol.com/james1549/saturn/rust02.jpg

 

On my 94 SL2, I used a rust converter liquid called Good Stuff. It is a
harsh chemical that will safely kill active rust and convert it to black
primer. You can find it many auto parts places. Great for killing and
preparing basic surface rust for repainting.

If you are referring to the bottom of the rear dooor, inside the door wheere
the step plate is, I had the same thing. Bad bad Saturn for never correcting
this on S-series models. Keep on top of it with Good stuff and touch-up
paint. Make sure to allow each application of Good stuff to dry a few hrs.

marx404

 

oh, I forgot, also best to prep surfaces w/ a soft wire brush and (if
needed) fine sandpaper when prepping to kill rust, gives a smoother result.

marx404

 

best thing to do with any car where roads are salted is to spray it down
and out real good in spring. that means hit every nuck and cranny. wheel
wells, "inside" rocker pannels, behind trim, every place you normally
wouldnt think to clean.

 

Mind if I piggyback your thread? I've got a '97 SW2, nice car, but the leading edge of the hood
is rusting. For a home repair, will that "Good Stuff" work when the rust is already bubbling up
& starting to flake off?

& can I expect to find a dark green primer? ;-)

I live in Hawaii and can't avoid the salt air; what else on this car is prone to serious
corrosion? (Most cars ten years or older out here are rolling rustbuckets.)

 

You might look into buying yourself some POR-15 out there as an
investment. (por=paint over rust) If its rusting from the inside out
then you need to paint on the inside as well.

 

POR 15 is excellent stuff and so is Good Stuff, but if you are experiencing
bubbled up rust then it is already too late. as the metal has already been
eaten through. At that point, best to sand down the affected area , removing
all rust then use POR 15 or naval jelly to kill any remaining surface rust.
As there are bubbles, this most likely means that there will be holes left
where you sanded down the bubbled up rust. If there are holes, you will need
to bondo them in and sand the surface smooth again before priming and
painting the surface to match.

There are lots of good how-tos and tips for how to repair rusted thru panels
if you search Google.

marx404

 

Its a 10 year old Saturn, not a 69 Camaro. Its not worth that kind of
effort. Just stop whats there and get a few more years out of it...

 

oh wait this is about a 97' saturn now. all rust must be removed or
priming and painting is a waste of time. need sleep.

 

yep, it was J. A. who has the 97 SW2, which has now become a hot commodity
now that Saturn has stopped making them.

marx404

 

FYI :::

There was this product called EXTEND, made by loctite. What it did is
penetrate the metal to kill the rust instantly. Would never rust ever
again. Now I hear, I live in N.B. Canada, this product has been replaced
by another product, ehich of course I don't remember the name...DUH !!!
It was created for marine enthusiastes I am told. It consists of two
cans : one of cleaner and one of rust destruction. It's supposed to
protect your vehicle longer that you'll wish to keep it. One kit will
cover about 12 square feet. So you might want to find someone else who
has rust problems because once it's open it has to be used......

Hope this is of some help. Good luck...

Larry