Rocker Panel Rusted

[Myrosia]

I just noticed that the rocker panel has rusted out and rust is on my driveway. Also, rust has appeared on the rear drive frame cross axle.

I took it to a body shop and he said they don't repair those anymore and would cost too much. It would be nice to have both sides repaired and the rust underneath sandblasted and painted.

I am not inclined to repair it myself.

Any suggestions please?

Ford Contour L4-122 2.0L DOHC SFI.
Manufactured: 10/98

 

[zorrex]

Well I'll tell you what I'm doing. I'm going to rip out almost everything that's rusted, and get some sheet metal and screw it on over the rust whole, and dropping on a set of SE sideskirts so you can't see it. Maybe I'll paint the sheetmetal and surrounding areas with a lot of Rustoleum, too.

 

[Myrosia]

Well I'll tell you what I'm doing. I'm going to rip out almost everything that's rusted, and get some sheet metal and screw it on over the rust whole, and dropping on a set of SE sideskirts so you can't see it. Maybe I'll paint the sheetmetal and surrounding areas with a lot of Rustoleum, too.

Is there anyone around my area Shelby Twp, MI who would be able to repair this for me? Body shop, ect?

 

[bensenvill]

pics?

I've gutted every nut and bolt from my 99 and I havent found a spot.

 

[JoeM]

Is there anyone around my area Shelby Twp, MI who would be able to repair this for me? Body shop, ect?

No offense, but it is a 10 year old car. You repair this rust and more will pop up. Drive the car till its gone... Then pickup something newer. Or look for a newer contour, assuming your in love with the way the ride/look. (hence, why you are on Ceg).

There are still some low mileage rust free gems out there.
Might even be able to find a high mileage car, swap the motor/tranny into it, and away you go. :shrug:

 

[Myrosia]

No offense, but it is a 10 year old car. You repair this rust and more will pop up. Drive the car till its gone... Then pickup something newer. Or look for a newer contour, assuming your in love with the way the ride/look. (hence, why you are on Ceg).

There are still some low mileage rust free gems out there.
Might even be able to find a high mileage car, swap the motor/tranny into it, and away you go. :shrug:

Thanks but I already invested much money in the car and just about to be payed off. And, my finances are nilch....unfortunately rough times.

 

[mrutkaus]

Sorry about the rust, I've spent a lot of my life trying to fix it.

Rarely is it actually structural/safety matter.

Nothing lasts forever, recognize that. Nobody else will want to fix rust for you, because nothing really lasts and it is difficult.

Use a wire brush or power wire brush and remove all the rust. Paint it with rust eliminator or whatever, the best rust paint you can find.

Patch it up with good quality bondo, sand it and paint it. If you have a paint sprayer and can spray everything external and internal connected with it with the rust paint before you fix it, great.

Make it look as nice as you can and live with it.

Mike

 

[Tony2005]

...Rarely is it actually structural/safety matter.

Nothing lasts forever, recognize that. Nobody else will want to fix rust for you, because nothing really lasts and it is difficult.
..........

Correct. The labor is usually the killer.

If it is structural, then it usually costs more than the car's value to repair it. And the mechanics will usually just replace a part (for example, a subframe) rather than repair it. Of course, nowadays, it cost more than our cars' values to do anything major.

 

[Phil Rohtla]

I just noticed that the rocker panel has rusted out and rust is on my driveway. Also, rust has appeared on the rear drive frame cross axle.

I took it to a body shop and he said they don't repair those anymore and would cost too much. It would be nice to have both sides repaired and the rust underneath sandblasted and painted.

I am not inclined to repair it myself.

Any suggestions please?

Ford Contour L4-122 2.0L DOHC SFI.
Manufactured: 10/98

Go to another body shop. If one guy doesn't want the work, another might.

Another option : If you have a local paper like the Pennysaver, smart shopper, et al, that are classifieds for used goods, they often have a services section. Sometimes, you can find a retired body guy that does work under the table. Worth a shot.

And, as far as Rust paint goes, POR-15 is supposed to be the best there is. I haven't used it myself yet, but will be using it this summer.