Best Way To Stop Rust Chevy Van

[Gebo]

We have a 2008 white Chevy church van that is losing paint here and there. Most places is just showing gray primer after the paint peels off. I’m fine with the gray primer showing.

Along the drip rails and on the top of the van, there are spots of rust. Been to 3 body shops and they all said I’d have to completely strip and repaint the entire van. Estimates are between $5-7K. As a small church, we can’t do that.

One body shop did suggest Maaco for just an inexpensive cover up/spray over. I appreciated his honesty

My question is this. Is there something I can apply to the rust that will stop it? The biggest spot is about 6 in diameter on the roof.

At this point, we are merely trying to preserve it. Van runs great. Only drive it 1-2k/year.

 

[Nessism1]

Remove as much rust as possible using a DA and sandpaper. Sandpaper with a wooden stick for drip channel. Then, I'd seal over the remaining rust/metal with POR-15 paint. It's black, so follow that with rattle can primer and some Duplicolor white (or similar). That will get you down the road for a good long time.

 

[Warstud]

Here's A Test Of A Few Encapsulators

 

[JohnnyG]

This material used to be available in 1 gallon size/w 1 Qt. hardener. Not sure if it still is.

https://industrial.sherwin-williams...11543396/macropoxy-920-pre-prime.9896905.html

 

[Gebo]

Thanks guys! That video was very informative.

 

[walterjay]

Maaco is a good option. Maybe some guys in the church would prep it and get it ready for overcoat. Take it to Maaco for a basic white paint job. Ask and see if there are willing people.

 

[Donald]

I would try a few things to see what works best.

Evapo-Rust works great but usually dip the item. Maybe tightly tape plastic over 3 sides of the rust spot making a pocket and slide in a cloth soaked in Evalo-Rust.

There are rust converters that turn the rust a color. Then paint.

The rust encapsulators are hard like a turtle shell and prevent oxygen from getting to the area.

Obviously sand and prime is an option.

What about the frame area? That could make or break the whole project.

There are probably a few one or two man small shops if you hunt them down. They may focus more on painting than collision repair. Better price.

 

[Gebo]

I would try a few things to see what works best.

Evapo-Rust works great but usually dip the item. Maybe tightly tape plastic over 3 sides of the rust spot making a pocket and slide in a cloth soaked in Evalo-Rust.

There are rust converters that turn the rust a color. Then paint.

The rust encapsulators are hard like a turtle shell and prevent oxygen from getting to the area.

Obviously sand and prime is an option.

What about the frame area? That could make or break the whole project.

There are probably a few one or two man small shops if you hunt them down. They may focus more on painting than collision repair. Better price.

Frame is perfect. Remember around 2007-2009 when a bunch of car makers (Lexus included) had all that problem with the white paint peeling off. They had “all” changed the painting process and the primer proved to be non sticky.

 

[cb450sc]

Maybe a Krown treatment?

 

[Number_35]

We have a 2008 white Chevy church van that is losing paint here and there. Most places is just showing gray primer after the paint peels off. I’m fine with the gray primer showing.

Along the drip rails and on the top of the van, there are spots of rust. Been to 3 body shops and they all said I’d have to completely strip and repaint the entire van. Estimates are between $5-7K. As a small church, we can’t do that.

I recommend that you have the van completely restored by skilled professionals - have them take it right down to the frame, and replace any questionable body panels with parts from the dealer. Repaint it with that rich opalescent pearl-coloured paint.

Cost? Money should be no object, just take it out of the pastor's salary ... Hey, wait!

 

[ripcord]

The best way to stop rust? Drive it to Arizona, pressure wash it top and bottom and coat everything in petroleum. At least that's how the military does it.

 

[GMBoy]

Go to a bedliner place and have it rhino lined (or similar) like a pickup bed. Sand it real good and rattle can prime the spots you sanded and let them spray it. Or let them sand it. These bed coatings come in color so they probably can do white or just do the standard black and give it racy look! I think that option would be under $500, last forever and be less hassle for you.