Rust on roof

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
I noticed a small spec, about 1/4" or less diameter, where the paint got chipped and now it's rusting. How can I go about removing it and dropping some touch up paint into it? I was thinking of using a small grinding stone like you find on a dremel and then dropping the paint into it.
 
I noticed a small spec, about 1/4" or less diameter, where the paint got chipped and now it's rusting. How can I go about removing it and dropping some touch up paint into it? I was thinking of using a small grinding stone like you find on a dremel and then dropping the paint into it.

I know on older cars rust can take over and painting over the top of it only hides it. That's why its known as cancer (or at least in my family it is). If you paint over it eventually it will cause the paint to bubble since it didn't bond with the metal and will cause more headache.. I would say take it to a shop and have it done right. Rust isn't something to mess around with and depending on where you live it could become a nightmare quickly with winter approaching if you drive it during the winter.
 
If it is just surface rust, you can simply sand/scrap the rust and a little surrounding paint away. Then, clean it and use a tack cloth to get any dust left over. After that, a dab of touch up paint can make it look nice and protect your car from allowing the rust to spread.

Taking it to a body shop is an option too... though an expensive one.
 
Also think about how long do you plan on having the car. You can hide the rust enough to get by but if you plan on keeping it, best to fix it. As mentioned though surface rust can be repaired just keep an eye out for that spot in the future.
 
I had this situation on my camry last year. It was probably 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide, right on the edge where the roof touches the windshield.

Got a little bottle of paint from Touch Up Paint Online - Remove Car Scratches and some sand paper. Sanded the rust area and just painted over it. The paint has stayed there since and hasn't bubbled (knock on wood), so I think it worked.