Preventing the spread of Rust

[bloc004]

I have an 02 Sierra and i know the wheel wells are notorious for rusting. Mine are in good condition, but I am starting to see a couple "blisters" popping up. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from spreading? Any suggestions?

[deadeye]

To do it right you pretty much need to take it down to bare metal removing all the rust, use naval jelly to get the stuff you don't see and repaint the areas. If its pretty bad you need to replace the metal.

If your trying to sneak by you could try some of that rust converter stuff but it will come back later...

[CigarGuy]

I just got a new truck and was looking at a bed liner. Guess, I might have to do a spray in liner. Anybody try doing it yourself? How about professionally done? Is one (manufacturer) better than the other? What about price?

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I've done the do-it-yourself liner for a friend. The process is fairly easy, just need to do the proper prep work and take your time. It takes about three coats of the material to make it look nice. Turned out very well and only took two nights after work to complete. The total cost was about $120. Although it looked nice and held up well, I think the Line-x or Rhino is a superior product. The professional application is stronger and they guarantee their work. If the truck is brand new or late model, I'd invest in a professional job.

[harvey lee]

I agree going with the professional job.

[deadeye]

Hippo liner is closest to the professional grade that a DIY can get easily. As others have said prep is key to getting it done right. If your willing to spend a Saturday on it you can do a pretty good job. Otherwise if your gonna try and make It happen in 4 hours take it to the pros because your gonna end up with it peeling.

[Scott M]

I'm seeing a couple rust spots bubble up on the outside edge of the wheel well, one finally opened up through the paint. What's the best remedy?

[Scott K]

I'm seeing a couple rust spots bubble up on the outside edge of the wheel well, one finally opened up through the paint. What's the best remedy?

I have the same thing going on with my truck, unfortunatly once it starts, about all you can do is cut out the effected area, weld in a new piece, and repaint. There really is no way to patch it. You can try sanding it down to bare metal, then treating it, then repainting, but that is usually just a band aid, and it will come back in a few years.

I bought my truck new, and even though it is now 10 years old, it drives me crazy to see the rust eating at her, without doing anything about it.

[BartmanMN]

I've got the same thing happening on my 00 Sierra. Just started popping this year. I know the truck is old, but once it starts rusting then it really gets me wanting a new truck.

[MNice]

I'm seeing a couple rust spots bubble up on the outside edge of the wheel well, one finally opened up through the paint. What's the best remedy?

a new truck!! Seroiusly, I had the same issue with a 01 extended cab, I ground the rust out, spryed bedliner & bought the factory wheel flares, so its covered. It'll come back, rust always does, but I may have bought a few years.

[overdalimit]

the rust you guys are seeing is coming from the inside out. if you could see the inside of the arch you would cry.

[SkunkedAgain]

Chasing rust is a bit like eradicating dandelions. You might think you got them, but they'll come back. We live in the north and drive on heavily salted roads. You can work feverishly to stop the spread of rust in one spot, but it will just start in another. I do what I can to prevent rust from starting but once it's there, it's there. Save your money for a new truck in a few years once the rust gets too bad for you to stomach. There will always be someone in the market for a rust bucket with a good motor!

[BartmanMN]

I just added Fender Flares and made my own mud flaps since the old molded ones did not fit. Blistering is now covered and I don't have to look at it.

I think it turned out nice for $135.