I have a few small spots where rust has begun to appear mainly along the bottom of the doors. I was wondering if getting wax on/near these spots would help, harm, or have no effect on the spread of the rust. Any thoughts? http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/455507100_2110.JPGas you can see, it's really bad. In this spot, it's actually rusted through the metal. I generally try to avoid getting wax near these spots, and dry them as quickly as possible. Any suggestions?

it just would not have any effect for at least one reason i know of: rust is not any where near smooth so how can you get a layer wax on it . just go to autozone get a rust stop crap and apply it.

Oil prevents rust.

Oil prevents rust.

True, but it looks like it's under the paint at this point.

so he will need to go get a rust remove kit

Not really sure if that is even possible to save. If its just surface rust, or paint bubbling becuase of rust, you can probably save it with the rust stopping stuff. Best thing I can think of is knock off all rust and then sand down the good metal and patch with Bondo.

Not really sure if that is even possible to save. If its just surface rust, or paint bubbling becuase of rust, you can probably save it with the rust stopping stuff. Best thing I can think of is knock off all rust and then sand down the good metal and patch with Bondo.

thanks for the info!! The rust in the picture has gone all the way through--I can stick my finger through if I wanted to. It is the rocker panel, so can I "cut" out all the affected area, clean it up, fill with bondo, and primer/paint?? Thanks again!!

Bondo is most definitely not the answer. It will look better....for a while. The rust will begin popping back through and spreading quickly. You need to cut that area out and weld in a patch. Then smooth out the metal with filler. Filler is not a rust preventive nor does it provide strength. Patch, smooth, prime, paint. It is much more complicated than that but those are the basics. There is always much more rust than is apparent, so beware. All you see is the tip of the iceberg. Good luck.
Grant

I was just about to say ... if it's a big hole then probably not. Rockers tend to rot out easily.

Bondo is most definitely not the answer. It will look better....for a while. The rust will begin popping back through and spreading quickly. You need to cut that area out and weld in a patch. Then smooth out the metal with filler. Filler is not a rust preventive nor does it provide strength. Patch, smooth, prime, paint. It is much more complicated than that but those are the basics. There is always much more rust than is apparent, so beware. All you see is the tip of the iceberg. Good luck.
Grant

I thought I was ready to try using bondo...I guess not! That sounds like a job for someone a little more experience than what little knowledge I possess! Would I have to have the whole panel sanded and repainted or could I just have the "affected area" reworked??

Wow, you think thats a little? From what I just saw, there is a lot of it though.

I can't recommend anything that will get rid of this current rust spot but I can recommend how to prevent further damage.

Personally, I just rinse and wash my car, I do not wax it just for that reason and because I don't want smudges.

Waxing is a risk you take, gotta live with it :disappoin

waxing can cause rust?

Quite the opposite, it is a sealant; it keeps everything out.

o thank ya very much.

almost stopped using it.