Advice for newbie rust/winter/fun FJ40

[mossman40]

Hello all,

Recently purchased a 1977 FJ40 that is in what I consider to be very good shape. No apparent rust through, but many spots of rust that could see the other side quickly. I want to have fun and drive it, but winter time in western PA is almost here, the FJ doesn't fit in the garage unless the top comes off and I'm undecided as to what I should do.

Should I sand down all of the surface rust I can get to, and spray some primer on the spots until I can really get going on them in the spring ? Or should I just park the darned thing, take the top off and leave her in the garage ? That means the good old Tacoma has to sit out in the cold. I've included some pictures and welcome any and all opinions. I looked long and hard for a vehicle that ran well, wasn't rusted through, had a good frame, disk brakes, that sort of thing. Please hit me up with suggestions and comments.

 

[Texx]

Rust never sleeps, and the seeds are already planted. Primer is porous, and will offer no long term protection against rust, in fact, it may exacerbate the problem. If you're really considering a temp fix, better to sand, prime with a rust converting type primer, and paint with any color spray paint than use primer alone. If you would have time and opportunity to work on it while it's inside, that would be my choice.

 

[mossman40]

Texx,

Thanks for the advice. I've really been considering taking the top off so it will fit in the garage and trying to work on it there. Problem is the temps would be too cold to do any painting and it would be uncomfortable for me and my wife's car.

Thinking about sanding, primer and then buying some spray cans to match the color.

Am I correct in this color being "sky blue" ? 1977 is the year.

When the weather is nice again (which rarely happens in Western PA), I plan on tearing it down and doing it proper.

 

[mossman40]

If you're really considering a temp fix, better to sand, prime with a rust converting type primer, and paint with any color spray paint than use primer alone.

Texx, are specifically speaking along the POR 15 / Rust Bullet lines ?

 

[dmaddox]

Anything with a rust prohibitor in it will be fine. It depends on what your long term goals are. From the title of your post - I gather you just want to wheel through the winter - and then address rust issues next spring.
If THAT is the case, use used gear oil and grease to protect the rusted areas (apply when dry of course) and then clean it off and degrease in the spring and then go from there to fix it.

Even on restored cruisers, I use used gear oil and/or axle grease on common rust areas to prolong the life of the steel. I am sure others will shriek in unbelief, but on the farm with tractors sitting outside their entire lives - the areas where grease has been - ZERO rust.

 

[mossman40]

dmaddox,

Thanks. I have a friend, owns a farm and he uses and swears by diesel fuel, old oil and grease.......learned it from his grandfather, who learned it from his father etc. etc. Will look into it, but can see one major problem right away. If you can smell it, my wife won't be happy. Guess I'll just have to ride with the dog and myself then.

 

[dmaddox]

Stick with the exterior for now then, lol.....

 

[kb3gun]

I hear you about the Western PA winters. Mine is down to base steel and some etching primer as we speak. Luckily, my garage is big enough to keep it inside till it's time to paint.
As was mentioned earlier, just topcoat the primer with a spray can top coat till you have time (temperature) to do the whole job.
Where is WPA are you located?

 

[mossman40]

KB,

I'm up in Butler, north of Pittsburgh. It's hell living up here and being a Redskins fan. Hell, it's hard being a Redskin's fan at all these days. Thanks for the advice. Going to take the top off this week so I can get it into the garage. Don't want to as I'm enjoying driving it around daily.