Redoing Rusty Rockers

[FrustratedMunky]

I know this has been covered plenty of times but I want to make sure I get everything right. I'm planning on getting rid of all the rust on my rocker panels so here's the plan.

1. Wash rocker panels.
2. Sand rocker panels with low grit (80?) with sanding block until all rust is gone.
3. Rinse rocker panel off and dry.
4. Mask off rocker panel
4. Prep with primer on areas that have been stripped to bare metal.
5. Paint with rubberized paint.

Do I need to primer before painting with the rubberized paint? Or can I apply it right onto the metal?

[AndrewBird]

Sounds good to me. I am assuming all you have is surface rust.

[FrustratedMunky]

Most of it, some of it is bubbling from under the paint so I'll have to see how severe it is once I get past the surface. If it's bubbling, would I still be able to get rid of the rust with the same procedure?

[lagoon]

Chad, I was thinking of doing the same thing once it gets a bit warmer. I was thinking more along the lines of POR15 though. Let me know what you end up doing.

[Mike325]

I would use some por15 as well. Even if you get to clean, bare metal. Using por15 is good insurance. Then paint over that with the primer then rubberized coating.

[AndrewBird]

I can't remember the name of it, but there is this stuff that turns rust in black-oxide looking stuff. Basically you just put this stuff on, it does it's job and then you paint over it. Anyone know the name?

[FrustratedMunky]

Do you have a pretty well ventilated garage/work area, Luis? I was actually thinking about doing it this long weekend, but realisicly, the odds of me doing it is pretty slim. The car is stored right now in my parent's garage, and I don't think they'd appreciate me doing all my prep there.

I think instead of doing the primer step, POR15 can be used. Can you go Sand -> POR15 -> Rubberized paint or do you have to go Sand -> POR15 -> Primer -> Rubberized paint?

[lagoon]

Unfortunately my car sleeps outside :( But, if I ever have to work/detail I just move my parents' cars out of the garage and do it there.

RE: POR15 and primer then sealer. I'd also like to know, as I'm not too sure as well. I'll try do some searches on here and on the web, see what I can find. I was thinking of just sanding, then POR15. I have side skirts on mine so I might skip the rubberized coating - I don't think I even have any on there now...

Edit: just reading on their site and it appears that the POR15 also acts as a primer/paint so i figure you can skip the primer and just spray the rubber coating on top. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, I want to do this right the first time)

[FrustratedMunky]

After researching a bit, I think this might be the best way to do it:

1. Wash rocker panels.
2. Sand rocker panels with low grit (80 or 120) with sanding block until all rust is gone. (POR15 doesn't bond as well to extremely smooth surfaces)
3. Rinse rocker panel off and dry thoroughly
4. Mask off rocker panel
4. Apply POR15 in thin layers (few mm thick), multiple layers for better results
5. Paint with rubberized paint.

I heard POR15 is pretty damn expensive though, so I might think of an alternate way.

[AndrewBird]

I heard POR15 is pretty damn expensive though, so I might think of an alternate way.

It's about $30-$40 a quart, which should be more then enough to do your rockers.

[FrustratedMunky]

Good to know, thanks! Luis, I'll let you know if and when I do this.

[lagoon]

Cool, thanks. I'd love to give you a hand (watch ;)) ahaha. I think I read somewhere that you can't reseal the POR15 after you open it? So make sure to get all the spots you want, maybe other parts too.

[AndrewBird]

I think I read somewhere that you can't reseal the POR15 after you open it? So make sure to get all the spots you want, maybe other parts too.

The reason they say that is because the stuff sticks so well to metal, that once you seal the can, it isn't coming back open. All you have to do though is put either a couple layers of saran wrap or wax paper between the can and the lid when you seal it. It does have a shelf life, but it's not like you can't use it again later.

[moatilliatta]

What type of rubberized paint you gunna use? i tried using bedliner and it cracked up, but i left the old rubberized paint under that... i also tried some rubberized paint and it just staid sticky.

[FrustratedMunky]

I see that duplicolour carries some rubberized undercoating spray cans, so I'll probably go that route. If they don't have it, I'll just ask the guys at good old Lordco or Crappytire and see what they say.

I don't know why I'm posting this here, but here's the shopping list:

1 quart of POR-15
Painter's tape
Lots of newspaper
80 or 120 grit sandpaper
Sanding block
Rubberized undercoating (not sure how many cans yet)
Rubber gloves (when applying the POR-15)
Disposeable painting brushes
Cling wrap (to cover the POR-15 after use)
Crappy paint can (to pour POR-15 into)

Am I missing anything? If this actually happens, I'll be documenting it thoroughly.