Repairing a rusted out chassis can be a daunting task. This is a very time-consuming and labor extensive job. However, if you have the time some individuals think it is worth it to do it yourself then pay thousands of dollars to have someone else do it. It is important to be aware of a rusted out chassis because that can lead to a lot of safety issues. Not only will holes start to form, but important parts could start falling off of your vehicle if you let this go too long.
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There are a few factors that will lead to a rusted out chassis that you will want to be aware of. One main factor is if you live in a colder climate where salt is often used. This salt will heavily contribute to a rusted out chassis. Additionally, if you live in an area with ocean air that has high salt content that will also lead to a rusted out chassis. Ultimately, this rust will peel away at the paint, cause the structure to weaken, and eventually, parts will start to deteriorate. Listed below are some simple steps to follow when trying to repair a rusted out chassis.
Types Of Rust
Before you start any repairing of a rusted out chassis it is important to be aware of the different types of rust you might be facing. Each type is very difficult and can leave different pain points. The three types of rust you might see are surface, scare, and penetration.
Surface rust will start from paint scratches or cracks in your car parts. This type of rust is easily fixed because you can use sandpaper to grind it off of your car. Once you do that, you will need to buff out the paint until the metal appears. This will allow you to see that all of the rust is completely gone. Once you do that you will want to apply primer and paint onto that same spot. Once all of that dries, you will want to put one last round of primer on to keep out any rust moving forward.
The next type of rust you could see is called scale rust. This type of rust can weaken the overall strength of the metal that makes up your car. It is more difficult to get rid of and causes big problems to the overall structure if left untouched for too long. When you are trying to remove this type of rust, you will want to use a wire brush and grinding wheel to get the rust off. After you do that, you will need to sand that area down and apply primer. This will help protect it from future rust occurring.
Lastly, the worst type of rust you could see is called penetration rust. This occurs when rust is left exposed for a long time. This type of rust will cause the entire frame of your car to become very weak. Holes will start to form and parts might start to loosen or fall off as well. Once you reach this point, it can be very difficult to come back from it and create a strong frame.
Steps To Take When Repairing A Rusted Out Chasis
The first thing you will want to do is lift up the rusted out chassis up on jacks to reveal all of the serious corrosion and see what you are working with. You will need to remember to remove any plastic wheel covers or mud guards that could obstruct your vision. Once you have everything removed, you can put the entire chassis into an acid bath. This will help remove anything that isn’t solid steel. Once you take out the chassis from the acid bath, you will notice that the frame will be completely rinsed out and cleaned so it is an easier surface to weld on.
After you have completed the first step, it is time to use the wire wheel brush to get rid of loose rust. This is a very time-consuming process. You will want to make sure you have a mask and goggles on so no loose rust gets into your eyes. You will notice that the rust will go all over the place when using this brush.
After you have removed all of the rust that you can see, you will need to take sandpaper and go over these spots. Once you do that, you will want to smooth over all of the parts. Make sure that all of the parts are buffed and smoothed over well. If you locate any holes from the rust, you will want to use body filler so the holes get fixed as well.
The next step is to wash the entire chassis to get rid of any dust particles or excess rust. It is best to just use soap and water to wash down the chassis. After this step is complete, let it dry off.
Once the entire chassis is completely dry, make sure you apply multiple coats of primer. This will help protect the underneath parts from rusting out quickly. Once those coats dry you can paint the entire chassis. Lastly, you will want to apply a clear coat of primer to protect the paint layers. After this dries, you have completely repair a rusted out chassis.
Cost To Repair A Rusted Out Chassis
It can be a difficult decision to determine if you would like to spend the time and money on fixing your rusted out chassis. The most expensive part is the labor costs and the number of hours it takes to scrape off all of the rust. However, it is important to note that if you decide you want to repair your rusted out chassis you are probably looking at costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. If your car is a newer car with life left in it, these repair costs might be worth it.
If you have an older car with higher miles you will want to evaluate the pros and cons and really explore all of your options before spending that kind of money on an older car. Even if you spend this kind of money to repair your rusted out chassis it doesn’t mean this is a perfect fix. You hope that you will gain a lot more years with your car but nothing is guaranteed.
Ways To Prevent Rust
If you decide to repair your rusted out chassis, you will want to be aware of a few different ways to prevent rust from occurring. As you know, that process is not simple so you want to try everything you can to avoid that from happening again.
One simple thing that will help you prevent rust on your car is to wash it frequently. This is especially true if you live in a location where salt is used. You want to routinely wash off that salt as it will cause rust if it gets into the cracks and scratches on your car.
Another thing you can do to help prevent rust is to repair scratches and cracks on your car. You can sand them down and then buffer them. Once you do that you will want to add a primer to the area so it seals the area. This primer will help keep out the rust in the future.
Lastly, performing frequent checks all over your car will help you spot rust quicker and take care of the problem before it gets worse. It is also a good idea to wax your car a few times a year. This wax coat will keep your car looking clean and help fight out the rust. Waxing your car is a fairly inexpensive and simple process. You will just want to wash your car and then apply the wax all around the outside of your car. It is a simple task that can make a big difference.
Conclusion
So, now that you know what is involved in repairing a rusted out chassis you need to decide if the costs and labor are worth it. If your car is older and higher mileage, it might not be worth it. You should know that you have other options than just fixing up your rusted out car. You can explore the option of selling your car to Cash Cars Buyer and we will give you cash for it.
Our hassle-free process involves us coming to pick up your rusted out car and junking it for you. Once we pick up your car, you will receive instant cash for it. You don’t need to worry about paying for towing costs to get your car to our lot. We will cover all of that for you and give you instant cash.
If you are interested in selling your car to us, go over to our website and get a quote or give us a call today. We will make this process as quick as possible for you and get you the cash you deserve so you can go purchase another car. Let us help take your rusted car off of your hands. Contact us today to get a quote!