Hi, I havent posted on here in a long while... well! Since I sold my EF after much trouble.

Anyway I posted on here ages ago saying that one day I was going to try and convince my dad to let me resurrect his XW Fairmont. He has given the go ahead! Unfortunately It has endured some medium/deep rust in the common problem areas...

1. Bottom edge of the Boot seal where the drain slots are
2. Inside edges of front and back doors
3. Lower corners inside the front guard which I believe is called the Inner Guard Panel.

Has anyone done any similar rust removal / treatment theirself. It doesnt have to be an XW, even similar car's such as XW / XR / XT. I'm curious to know with people who have had expierience.


I have made a start on some of the rust by attacking it wtih a wire brush and some Fish Oil to slow the rusting.

Also I have started on the surface rust on the body as It still has the original paint job the paint has got to the point that it has just worn away over the years, so some of those heavily worn areas have got some surface rust.

I was going to attack those areas with a light wire wheel and some wet and dry sandpaper then wipe with metho once bare metal then prime with some primer spray in the effected areas.



Any tips and tricks and interest would be appreciated!



I will post some pics up soon and any more info if people are interested.

Thanks!

Surely there is someone on this board without a plastic car.

any chance you could cut the rust out and weld in a new panel?(or one cut from a wreck)

Last edited by Warlock on Sun Nov 27, 2005 9:30 am, edited 1 time in total.

also this website will come in handy http://www.fordmuscleparts.com.au/cat/

Thanks for that website link! I remember one of their car's was in an old Ford Magazine of mine. From memory it was an XF!

As for the cutting panels and welding in new ones, that really wont work in my case, as its in really difficult spots like the boot seal lip and corner edge of door sill and places like that, so I think the rust will have to be removed and have new metal weld in it just wont be simple. Though i suppose im lucky to not have heavy rust.

I'm going to check the floor pan today! *fingers crossed*

Just checked the floor pan today! and to my delight the floor pan on both side seems to have almost no rust, aside the few odd spots due to the heater leaking (which will soon be fixed).

I expected alot worse!

The car is seeming to clear up alot quicker than expected.

Will post some pics up soon.

have you been to http://www.rarespares.net.au/mainind.htm ???

Yes I have been there mate, they are actually just down the road from where I live too. I'm fine for parts.. I was more up for tips for rust removal and peoples personal experiences with welding in new metal etc..

In those tight places you could just cut/grind the rust out then lead/tin wipe the holes up. that's what we did with my brothers shockwave VL turbo and it turned out a treat.

The method to do this is to cut or grind all of the rust untill there is nothing but fresh bare metal. Then put a backing plate behind the rust hole (secured in place by C clamps or multy grips). Then melt some solder (either with a soldering iron or with a small butane blow torch if your game) and work it into the gap(s). Once it cools and your happy with the result then just give it a light skim of bog over the top and bobs your uncle. We did this around the windows where they usually rust right through.

Here are some pics of the car as promised.. I will post up the rust effected pics soon.

Welding in new metal is the only way to go if youa sk me. Many places will sell you replacement pieces for areas rust normally appears. To fit, you cut out your hole, slot in the new piece, and then weld it in, grind it back, and finish with some bog if the welds arent the best. Anything else is only a temporary fix. If its only surface rust, get a wire wheel on a grinder, and lightly attack the area. As long as its not too deep it should be right. Then start off with a decent undercoat/rust protector and paint from there.

Just what I needed to hear! thank you!

I'm lucky that the rust is not to bad! alot of it is starting to appear to be surface rust and not deep seeded rust!