Rust on door

KAMIYAMA

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU

I just bought a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, its my first car and so far I am very happy with it. However there is a little rust around the edges of the front driver side door. I would like to know if there is any way I can clean off the rust, and if there is anything I can spray or coat it with to prevent it from rusting further?

I just want to know the best way to go about it. I don't want to try scrubbing it with something and end up ruining the paint or damaging it further.

Also I am on a budget, if I do need to use any cleaners or protectants if you could suggest something that costs in the 20 - 50 dollar range it would really help me out.

Thanks so much for your time and information!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

The paint is already gone and the rust has traveled under the edges of what's remaining. The only way to stop it from spreading further is to have a body shop sand blast the area, prepare it properly, and repaint it. There are some real good anti-rust primers they can use. There's many products that are better than what was used at the factory.

They will also look at the door adjustments to see if an edge is sticking out so rocks thrown up by the tires can catch and hit it. That will chip the paint and lead to the repaired area rusting again.