Driveway sealer as rust proofing coating

[broman]

I'm cheap, let's get that out of the way first.

I am building a wheelhouse and was thinking of applying driveway sealer or roofing waterproofing to the frame of my wheelhouse to help prevent rust.

Will it work?

[theoilman]

I've used the asphalt base "roof cement" several times.

Some years ago on 2 different vans that had a lot of salt corrosion on the lower skirts, I coated the lower outside with this 'roof cement' then used galvanized 'valley tin', pop-riveted it at the upper line where I was working and rolled it down and secured it. The 'roof cement' completely held out all water from getting inbetween and causing further visible corrosion. Painting the galvanized was the hardest part.

Another experience, on rebuilding an enclosed race trailer, when redecking the floor using plywood over the steel frame, coated the bottom completely with the same 'roof cement' and it worked extremely well.

It ought to work well on your wheel house frame! It is slow to set up and harden, so be careful it can make a sticky mess if you aren't careful.