Question,

I have a 2000 Toyota Corolla and it’s started to get little tiny rust spots. I’ve read you post about removing rust but I wanted to know if that applies to my situation also. I’ve been told that I can just remove the rust with a flat head screwdriver and then use touch-up paint. Is that process acceptable? Any other suggestions that don’t involve chemicals?

Thanks,

Melissa

Answer:

I would not use a screwdriver. You can tape off the area around the rust spot, go 1/4″ past the rust and sand the area with some sandpaper. You can then prime and paint to keep the rust from coming back. Any auto parts store should have touchup paint and primer for your car. It’s best to take care of it ASAP so the rust does not spread.

Kevin

I had a visitor contact me the other day to have me look at a repair bill.
She wanted me to review the charges and make sure she was not being ripped off.
It got me thinking about ways to make sure you are getting the best deal on
body work.

Here are a few tips to help you out when looking at an auto body repair estimate…

1. Check labor rates between shops. Body work should be around $30 – $60 per
hour depending on your location and the shop.

2. Most body shops use a computerized quoting system which uses standard rates
to complete jobs. This can be good or bad. Usually these numbers are inflated
to protect the shop from losing money on the job. If you find a shop that does
not use a computerized quotation system, be cautious. Get competetive quotes
from other shops and make sure the shop stands by their quote if it goes over
time.

3. Ask to see the parts which were replaced. Just like taking your car to a
mechanic, make sure they are actually replacing the parts on the quote, and
make sure they were truely damaged and needed to be replaced.

4. Ask questions ! A body shop quote can be very confusing, a good auto body
shop will spend the time to go over the quote and answer your questions. If
they do not, run away and find another shop.

Kevin I, like you, have a need to wash in the most careful way. I use towels, and dry same, in the household dryer with out any smell good agent. Each is washed with no souap, in warm water after each use. My 2003 SSR black, needs 6 to 8 towels after each wash. Question ? we are in a hard water system, have you heard of any method ie filters to run the rinse system thru to clean the water of lime, metals and or other factor which do cause water stains? Automoblie dealers have systems to treat the water, but these systems cost many bucks. Looking for a treatment system at the wash point hose ..

John

Answer:

John you are in luck, check out the Mr. Clean Auto Dry Car Wash system.

Mr. Clean Website

You can find it at most auto parts stores if you don’t want to buy online.

Happy Washing,

Kevin Schappell

Question:

Hi Kevin,
Enjoyed the read, just a quick question i a have a 1992 honda prelude 2.2vtec si. Is the engine an interferance engine. Can you also tell me how to treat rust from the inside of body work.

Many thanks,

Andy M.

Answer:

Yes, Your engine is an interference engine.

Rust is tough to get rid of, the best way is to cut it out and weld in new metal. If you can not do that, a rust converting product can help stop it from spreading. The rust converting liquid will convert the rust and leave a coating ready to paint. Check out www.Eastwood.com for their rust treatment products. I would undercoat the area after it is treated to prevent any future rust from starting.

Kevin Schappell