Rust in inner wheel arches!

Newbie Joined: 04 Dec 2004 Posts: 17

I've got some rust starting in the inner, upper wheel arch (near the shock top mounting) Well known R19 rust spot. The metal is sound but I need to do something about the rust to stop it progressing

The area is covered in a tough, rubbery underseal - seems similar to floor lino. Looks like a stone damaged the underseal and then rust started. I have scraped away all loose underseal and paint with a wire brush but I suspect there is rust lurking under the intact underseal too. What's the best way to remove this stuff to have a look. Looks to me like it'll have to be hacked off with a stanley knife as it is very well stuck to the metal. Anyone got any ideas on how to get if off. I don't have access to any power tools

Or would I be better off leaving the intact underseal alone and just treating the rust that I can see.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Level 3 User Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 70

Im restoring a '63 Mini so i know how evil and bad underseal is, avoid it as it traps moisture. Stick to red oxide+primer and then pleanty of waxoyl

anyways the best way ive found to remove this evil stuff is with a hot air gun......or a blow torch and a blunt wood chisel it will scrap off with ease.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

wood chisel is how I do it.

Scrape it off until you get back to the shiny bit, then wire brush it, best with attachement in a drill.

Then kuruist then anti rust primer or similar then some underseal then waxoyl on top.

I need to do it on the blue chammy rear arch.

Level 3 User Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 70

best rust killer ive seen is hydrate 80 or something with that kinnda name. Its pretty expencive. about Â£30 a litre but its well worth it. Its a rust converter. Then can be painted on top of

I also use a wire brush in the angle grinder as its got abit more power with it. Just not as easy to get in with.

A flexi drive for the pistol drill might also be a good investment.