When to mitigate rust?

[Hayes]

Hey folks.
My '05 is in great shape, but after the last few winters here in Utah, I'm picking up a little more rust on the frame. It's mostly isolated to the welds, but it's getting more significant at the rear, where bits and pieces are directly exposed to debris and salt spray from the roads.

I've read a bit about the POR-15 type treatments, and I'm wondering if it might be worth some effort to hit the trouble spots now before they get worse.

The few pics I've posted below give the general idea. I recognize that this is not problematic, but is it to a point where you would do something purposeful to contain it (besides keeping it clean)?

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Hayes]

Front of rear axle housing:

Rear axle flange:

Back of rear axle housing:

 

[e9999]

this is very minimal surface rust. Your fasteners look very good. Yes, it will get worse with time, although not so fast if you rinse off the undercarriage every so often when exposed to salt. Yes, rust removal or rust conversion and paint over it will stop/reduce it. But that is a lot of work if done well. Unless you're seriously anal or want to keep it 50 years, it may not be worth the full treatment from what I see. But I imagine going under with a spray can would not take too long, sloppy results as they would likely be (and which may lead to pointed questions upon resale too).
So, if you would enjoy playing with the rust and paint, do it. If you have better things to do with your time, you can still sleep soundly IMO.

 

[dubitup]

I just did POR-15 to a trailer I bought. It was worth it but a LOT of work to remove rust. Maybe hit with a wire brush and use a rust inhibitor spray paint.


This what I used the POR-15 on, like I said a lot of work

 

[abuck99]

Havent used the POR-15 yet. But the VHT rust converter works pretty well. Works best when you can wire brush or chip away the surface to remove any loose scale, but still provides decent result just by spraying it. Where possible, I have also applied the green self etching primer over the converter, then satin or flat black over that. Found on amazon.

 

[WarWagon]

I'm about to get to work using this......

 

[sean2202]

One spot that I make sure I clean well with the garden hose is where the rear shock mounts up into the frame. Stuff likes to get caught up there. Once in a while I wire wheel the undercarriage rust spots and slap some paint on.

 

[Sandroad]

Do all you can now. That undercarriage still looks great and when it gets worse, it will be all that much more daunting to treat. Get after it.

 

[Hayes]

So far I like your response best.

this is very minimal surface rust. Your fasteners look very good. Yes, it will get worse with time, although not so fast if you rinse off the undercarriage every so often when exposed to salt. Yes, rust removal or rust conversion and paint over it will stop/reduce it. But that is a lot of work if done well. Unless you're seriously anal or want to keep it 50 years, it may not be worth the full treatment from what I see. But I imagine going under with a spray can would not take too long, sloppy results as they would likely be (and which may lead to pointed questions upon resale too).
So, if you would enjoy playing with the rust and paint, do it. If you have better things to do with your time, you can still sleep soundly IMO.

 

[SHREDwagon]

Oil it twice a year with a non-toxic rust inhibitor. Krown is best, but Fluid Film is alright.

 

[sean2202]

@WarWagon is that a flap disc in your picture? What grit are you using?