I was cleaning my rims (inside and out!) today, and when I took off the rims, I noticed a line, if you will, of rust underneath her. It's the ONLY rusting on the under body, and it's where the "traction bars?" hook up to the frame. Do any of you guys have the same thing?

 

nope, but I'd hit that with a wire wheel and then POR over it

 

How did I know you would be from NY...your state is hard on cars

 

Not much you can do... even if you hit it with a wire wheel, I'm sure there will still be rust deposits lurking in the crevices.

 

yeah, that spot has a few spots on it where you could slide a credit card in the crevice, since it's not 100% flush.. Anyway, I'll try what you recommended, with the wire wheel and POR. After that, probably put some primer over it or something.

to add, yeah, NY uses salt like there is no tomorrow! Originally I purchased the car from Maryland last spring. Apparently they don't use salt down there. At least, that's what I was told..

Upon searching for the word "rust" it seems apparent that the 4th gens are slowly going the way of the 3rd gen..

 

I wouldn't think you'd need to spray any primer over the POR. I would definitely wire that spot down and coat it though. I'd also go to any other spots that resemble that one and hit 'em with POR. Prevention is much better than cure.

 

Yeah, I've never used POR, so maybe you don't need primer then. Upon looking, those two (one on either side) are the only spots. But only a careful analysis will tell different. There probably a re a few little spots like that. How is POR? have any of you guys used it?

 

POR is great stuff, use a respirator when you apply it or a very well ventilated area. Also, make sure you wear gloves because it doesn't come off easily of anything, skin included, and if you happen to be a white guy, you're gonna have black hands.

 

ah, I don't want my hands getting all messed up.. so I guess i'll be wearing gloves. Does this stuff chemically convert rust to.. something?

 

http://www.por15.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1404/.f

 

Thanks a lot! What a relatively inexpensive solution to an otherwise growing problem! When I finally get it all done I'll post up some pictures of it. Weather is looking pretty wet here for the next week or so..

 

My 98 with only 60K was looking like that when I sold it dispite my frequint washing underbody. It seems like a fact for us in the northeast

 

Yeah, this weather is really ****ty around here! Here it is, April 6th, and there is a blanket of SNOW on the ground!

 

yeah I never drove my car in nyc in the winter, specifically because of the salt they use. well I did drive it a couple times, but i gave it a good wash after. oh btw. I use POR15 as well, I por15'ed the SFC welds.

 

Actually, given that your car is 13 years old, I think it looks to be in good shape considering the age and where used. One other place to look for rust (since your under there) is the radiator sill or shelf with the radiator sits on.

That actually looks like a form of crevice corrosion, where water got under the paint and stayed there. The water slowly changes its chemical composition with time and actually can increase the corrosion rate.. The fix? same thing everyone has mentioned, wire wheel and POR-15. I'd take an extra step in there and blow it off thoroughly with compressed are to get rid of any moisture that could be trapped by the POR-15. You'll still have a problem, inherent to the overlapping stamped and spot welded joint, but maintenance should increase the corrosion life significantly.