Dreaded Rust..

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Sdp1234

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I was washing the White 2004 Denali today and noticed rust behind the back passenger side step

Is there a way to remove the plastic and do a diy repair?
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Sdp1234

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Fender flares are held on by a mix of push clips in the fender and molding tape
Thanks what about the side step? What is the best way to repair the rusted metal under the flare and step. I just want to slow the rusting process
 

TysonTrost

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Thanks what about the side step? What is the best way to repair the rusted metal under the flare and step. I just want to slow the rusting process

I took of my side steps and am IMG_4874[1].JPG
preparing to use fiberglass mating and Bondo to do the whole quarter panel. if you don't want any repair i guess put a silicone rust preventer on. It really only took 2 years for this rust to grow like cancer
 

massivespl

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Rust is called cancer for a reason. Even if u cut it out and weld a new piece in and paint in acouple years the rust will be back. That’s why no one will ever warranty rust work.
 
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Sdp1234

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Thanks guys. I don’t understand he cancer thing. How can it come back if it is completely cut out? If that’s the case is it even worth it to try to fix it?

If I cut the damage out and weld or bondo will it at least slow the progression? Is there any paint rust converter or process that slows it down?
Is there a difference between surface rust, rust and cancer rust?
Is here a web site that explains the science behind this? I would love to understand.

I want to fix it but slowing it down will help.
 
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Sdp1234

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removed the side step. Rockers are good surprisingly. Getting ready to grind and repair the front of rear quarter panel. Suggestions on how to do this easily? Most everything is covered with Denali trim. Planned to grind out and bondo/fiberglass

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Sdp1234

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Should I purchase a font lower quarter panel, cut it down and panel bond or weld? May be able to put the seam behind the Denali trim. Has anyone done this?
 

wjburken

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Should I purchase a font lower quarter panel, cut it down and panel bond or weld? May be able to put the seam behind the Denali trim. Has anyone done this?

It all depends on how deep you want to go.

The Denali trim is not helping as crap and moisture gets in behind it and can sit and start to attack the metal.

Also, many times the rust you are seeing started on the back side of the panel and is finally poking its ugly head through on the front side so sanding and covering the visible side is simply a temporary band-aid.
 

OR VietVet

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I lived in KC, Mo for over 35 years and dealt with rust all the time at my shops. Hated that "cancer". Moved to Oregon 23 years ago and they do not use salt on the roads here. Rust problem is gone. So, decide on which is cheaper, moving or fixing.
 
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Sdp1234

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I’ll grind out the bad, get in there and see what’s going on. After that I’ll post a few pictures to see what folks think. Thanks
 
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Sdp1234

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Started grinding and so far it’s better than I expected.

Two views and the crap that was in there

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SteveB

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Remove the quarter trim , get a pack panel , cut it the for the area you need. Cut off the rusty shit off , if the inner metal is good treat with some kind of rust inhibitor , weld new piece in , bodywork , paint.
 
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Sdp1234

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I thinking of buying a patch panel and cutting it at the area indicated in the picture below.
I don't weld so I'm hoping to pay a friend. Would this be a tough weld job?

I will take out one pinch weld in in the back (left on the picture) 3 underneath and I remove the seam sealer. Cut and remove the highlighted part. Cut the replacement part. Remove, Neutralize all rust. Prime with weldable primer.
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89Suburban

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It's ALWAYS worse than it looks at first and it ALWAYS comes back. I don;t miss that ******* shit one bit!!!! :mad:
 
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wjburken

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It's ALWAYS worse than it looks a first and it ALWAYS comes back. I don;t miss that ******* shit one bit!!!! :mad:
Dealing with rust is like dealing with an iceberg. You can only see 10% of it.

I thinking of buying a patch panel and cutting it at the area indicated in the picture below.
I don't weld so I'm hoping to pay a friend. Would this be a tough weld job?

I will take out one pinch weld in in the back (left on the picture) 3 underneath and I remove the seam sealer. Cut and remove the highlighted part. Cut the replacement part. Remove, Neutralize all rust. Prime with weldable primer.
I would buy as big of a patch panel that you can and assume you will use it all and then hope that you can cut back to clean metal sooner rather then later.

Another thought was to use rivets and panel bond since it is under the trim panel?

Thoughts?
If you go this route, I think you will be coming back in a year or two and have a bigger area to deal with since moisture will get behind your riveted joint no matter how well you seal it and wreck havoc.
 
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Sdp1234

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The patch panel is ordered and a friend said they will weld. I’ll post updates as I go along. I’m a bit slow so it will be a couple weeks. Thanks for the help.

If I can get through a couple years I’d be happy. Rockers looked really good. Just a bit starting at the edge of the pinch weld. I’ll keep them fluid filmed


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Rocket Man

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You keep looking at the outside- you need to look at the backside. That’s where it’s coming from. What you’re seeing is 10% of it, like others have said.
 

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