Rust issue

[jktokie]

I have a 1977 Thunderbird and did not know when I bought it that it had a rust problem. I know I should have looked under it but I didn't. I have been told it is rusty all underneath it. I have already replaced the gas tank because of rust, rebuilt carborator. I was told it was near salt water. What do I need to do to fix this? Thanks Judy

[stubbie]

Hi Judy
Are you able to post some pictures so we can see what the problem is? It's hard to give advice if you can't see what the extent of the damage is.

Cheers

[HeadacheGuy]

Rust is a tough one. What are your overalll plans for the car? Naval jelly and paint are effective for the small pieces. Replacement parts are the only way on the really bad parts. Like Stubbie said, post pics. lot of good deals on parts on the net if you look. Paint and undercoating works to slow the process but you have to get the rust off first and chemically treat the surface.

[jktokie]

I don't know how I will get pictures because it is the whole underneath side, Frame, tailpipes, transmishion everything under it. Hope this helps. I was told there is a paint I can get at the parts store and can just paint it. I'm not into restoring I just want to fix what needs fixing. I plan to put loud pipes on it so that will take care of mufflers and tail pipes. Thanks Judy

[paul2748]

If the rust is just surface rust (no holes) then the easiest way to take care of it is to wire brush it to get the loose stuff off, clean it with a oil/grease removing solvent and then paint it with Rustoleum.

I did that on two cars where there was only surface rust. These are street cars and not show cars. Looks neat and your rust problems are usually gone.

The other solution is to use a rust encapsulator and then use the rustoleum. You still will have to get the loose stuff off.

[jktokie]

Thanks everyone for your replies. You have been very helpful.