Best way to fix this rust spot?

[cbenowen]

I have a rust spot on the bottom corner of the driver's door. What's the best way to fix this or at least prevent it from getting worse? The only other rust I have is a small spot around the back window. I plan on repainting in about 2 years.

 

[SteveH]

If the other side of the door looks good, then put rust converter on the outside of this spot, let it convert, touch it up with paint, and then shoot the inside seam of the door full of aerosol Lithium grease. It will not rust after that, and will look decent when you open the door. You will have to wipe off the oil and dirt occasionally, which will ooze from the corner of the door. This is goodness. Every could of years, take the door apart and inspect for rust.

Rust around the rear window should always be addressed by first removing the glass and totally removing/sealing the rust, and repainting under the seal area. Any stop-gap measures around the rear window (especially if your climate is humid/salty) are a waste of time.

 

[cbenowen]

If the other side of the door looks good, then put rust converter on the outside of this spot, let it convert, touch it up with paint, and then shoot the inside seam of the door full of aerosol Lithium grease. It will not rust after that, and will look decent when you open the door. You will have to wipe off the oil and dirt occasionally, which will ooze from the corner of the door. This is goodness. Every could of years, take the door apart and inspect for rust.

Rust around the rear window should always be addressed by first removing the glass and totally removing/sealing the rust, and repainting under the seal area. Any stop-gap measures around the rear window (especially if your climate is humid/salty) are a waste of time.

Thanks for the info. The outside of the door look perfect. I've never used a rust converter. What kind do you recommend?

As far as the rear window rust goes, I am probably going to have a body shop fix it.

 

[SteveH]

Most rust converters contain phosphoric acid - so Naval Jelly or Phospho, etc. Don't buy a gallon at a body shop - I would get a small container at Home Depot or Walmart and use that. This rust is cosmetic, and if you convert/paint/grease (critically: grease it!), it won't come back or come through the door. If you're not going to grease the inside, where it started, you might as well not bother with doing anything else.

 

[ozwallaby]

Also make sure the drain holes... (like the one just to the upper left of the rust in the pic) are clear of debris so any water that gets into the door can drain without sitting there for any length of time...