rusting 2001 Tahoe

[617dannyp]

Just bought 2001 Tahoe. Runs perfect 136,000 miles on it. Question is I'm finding a lot of rust. Holes in some places. Is it worth fixing properly or better to do a diy fiberglass repair to get through a couple years?

 

[drakon543]

It depends on the major rust locations and just how bad it is and how much it bothers you. If the rust is in a location that isnt critical but you want to slow it down just diy it. If its kind of in a critical location id either ditch the truck or have it fixed.

 

[617dannyp]

It depends on the major rust locations and just how bad it is and how much it bothers you. If the rust is in a location that isnt critical but you want to slow it down just diy it. If its kind of in a critical location id either ditch the truck or have it fixed.

Where is critical?

 

[617dannyp]

Where is critical?

The worst of it is in the wheel well 5-6" hole straight through. Other than than not that much just a surface rust

 

[nharkey85]

Guess it more so depends on how long you want to keep it and how bad the 'holes' are.

Also if you didn't give much for it and only plan on keeping it a few years I wouldn't sink a ton of money into it

 

[617dannyp]

The worst of it is in the wheel well 5-6" hole straight through. Other than than not that much just a surface rust

Guess it more so depends on how long you want to keep it and how bad the 'holes' are.

Also if you didn't give much for it and only plan on keeping it a few years I wouldn't sink a ton of money into it

3,000$ plus 1,000$ on brakes and other things. Would like to keep as long as possible

 

[drakon543]

If possible shoot us some picks showing the locations you are concerned with.

 

[617dannyp]

If possible shoot us some picks showing the locations you are concerned with.

 

[617dannyp]

That's basically it. The rest of the car isn't to bad

 

[07Burb]

I'd definitely go get that fixed properly especially if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a while. If you don't get that rust stopped soon it could start getting serious based where the holes currently are at.

Just my 2 cents

 

[617dannyp]

I'd definitely go get that fixed properly especially if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a while. If you don't get that rust stopped soon it could start getting serious based where the holes currently are at.

Just my 2 cents

Would a good fiberglass repair be ok?

 

[07Burb]

Would a good fiberglass repair be ok?

Not if you're wanting to actually have a chance of stopping/slowing down the rust because the rust will just continue to grow. All you'd be doing is covering up the issue but the issue would just continue getting worse. In order to have a chance at making a significant impact against the rust is cutting out the effected area and replacing it with patch panels. When putting the new panels in hit the back side of them with some POR15 (or similar product) to prevent the rust from coming back from behind the area then do a really good job of prepping and painting the newly patched area. At that point that area should stay rust free for several years depending on what part of the country you're in.

 

[617dannyp]

Would a good fiberglass repair be ok?

At least to get me through three years

 

[617dannyp]

Not if you're wanting to actually have a chance of stopping/slowing down the rust because the rust will just continue to grow. All you'd be doing is covering up the issue but the issue would just continue getting worse. In order to have a chance at making a significant impact against the rust is cutting out the effected area and replacing it with patch panels. When putting the new panels in hit the back side of them with some POR15 (or similar product) to prevent the rust from coming back from behind the area then do a really good job of prepping and painting the newly patched area. At that point that area should stay rust free for several years depending on what part of the country you're in.

Well I was planning on cutting out all rust and using fiberglass. I'll use the patch panels. Where can I find them? Do they need to be welded? How hard are they to install?

 

[07Burb]

You'll probably have to get them from a Tahoe at the local pick 'n pull yard and cut out the pieces yourself and weld them in. OR go get some flat steel and create your own patch panels. As far as I know there isn't anyone or reproduces patch panels for that area just yet.

 

[617dannyp]

Ok , thanks for help. Going to do my best to kee this thing going for a couple years

 

[617dannyp]

You'll probably have to get them from a Tahoe at the local pick 'n pull yard and cut out the pieces yourself and weld them in. OR go get some flat steel and create your own patch panels. As far as I know there isn't anyone or reproduces patch panels for that area just yet.

So you wouldn't consider it structural?

 

[07Burb]

no, not really. If it was closer to the door striker or over by the door hinges then it'd be pretty crucial. Have you looked at your frame? What is it's condition?

 

[617dannyp]

no, not really. If it was closer to the door striker or over by the door hinges then it'd be pretty crucial. Have you looked at your frame? What is it's condition?

Frame is ok. Surface rust only. I've been coating it with fluid film.

 

[Fosscore]

Second 07Burb. If you want to keep it, then get that taken care of pronto before it starts to spread. Good luck.