How to Fix Rust Spots On a Car

Step 2 Remove Paint

The first thing I did was remove the paint around the rust. I used a 4 1/2" grinder with a 120 grit 3M Sandblaster wheel. It worked really well for taking off the thick layers of primer and paint. I carefully worked my way around the rust spots and removed paint until I could see clean metal surrounding the rust.

I also used that wheel for removing all of the light rust that hadn't pitted the metal.

Note: Before grinding, cover up anything that you don't want to get dusty. The paint dust is super fine and covers everything. I had my hood open to help access some rust, so I got a tarp to cover up the engine. Having your windows rolled down here would be a bad idea.

Comments

[LeviMan_2001]

I wouldn't recommend using a grinder, use a wire wheel.

[Jeffrey G C]

Agreed, using a wire wheel would a better choice than a the grinder. sanding is ok, but using a grinder like is done in the next step can cause more problems than it solves. I say this for a couple reasons

1 A wire wheel wont remove too much base metal
2 you can get rust out of pitted metal better with the wire wheel than a grinding or sanding disc

However, I will caution that if you do use a wire wheel that you must wear safety glasses, and if you put the wire wheel on a drill, to always rotate the wheel in the same direction. as the wheel gets worn the wires will bend, reversing direction will cause a lot of wires to break off and go anywhere the drill is throwing them

[BrianJone5]

The sandblaster wheel is fine for this job. Its not a solid grinding disc that I think you suspected it was, its overlapping pie segments of 'sanding' material.

[xvitox]

now what kind of grinder do you use? i am thinking about shopping for one so i can start on my acura and was wondering if you could point me in the right direction

[erick3525]

I use a RYOBI which is carried by Lowes...Inexpensive, but has a slot for the normally quick to vanish wrench in the handle.