Engine Bay Rust

[rlbjrcpa]

Hi Guys. I'm a new member of the site -so far I have spent a lot of time reading and learning but this is my first post. Also, the proud new owner of a 78 280z.

I decided to clean up / detail the engine bay but wanted to get some opinions on some surface rust. It seems to be in just a handful of places, mostly near the radiator and on the bottomside of the hood. My thoughts were to hand sand the rust spots, apply a rust inhibitor and touch up the paint. Based on the pictures I have attached, does this seem reasonable? None of the rust spots seem to be anything beyond surface rust. Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

[spitz17]

Exactly as you said with one exception. I would personally use a handheld machine grinder (great investment, can be used for more jobs than you think!). Afterwards, as you said, grind just past the areas where the surface rust ends... Use a rust inhibitor paint like POR-15, and touch it up with primer and paint.

Is it just me or does your radiator/hood/engine bay area look of a deeper blue than the exterior of the car in your signature?

[ZCurves]

rlbjrcpa,

On the Radiator Support there are a couple of pieces that are welded together to make up the piece, I would use a Course wire wheel and clean up the loose rust and then soak everything with Phosphoric Acid (you can buy at any paint shop). After the phosphoric acid dries, then cover it up with the POR-15 or other inhibitor or you could just prime and paint.

Straight Phosphoric Acid is basically the same as POR's Metal-Ready and is thin enough to get into the recesses and between welded panels. Some of the inhibitors are kinda thick and have a difficult time penetrating the 'hidden' spots.

Good luck, post pics!

[rlbjrcpa]

Thanks for the suggestions - a Harbor Freight just opened, I'll look into a grinder. Sounds like a good tool to have.

It is the same car as the one in my signature. The sig picture was taken inside - the Nissan dealership I bought it from had it on their showroom floor. The pics I posted were taken early morning outside with an iphone so some of the difference might be lighting or camera difference. But I took another look under the hood and the blue does look a shade darker. I know the exterior was repainted so I guess either the repaint was lighter or maybe the engine bay was touched up with a darker blue (or both). Color code is 510.

Robert

[EScanlon]

DON'T let the phosphoric acid dry on your car.

Let it work, 30 minutes is what the Metal Ready recommends, then RINSE it off and then allow it to dry.

Letting the acid dry would cause problems when you paint.

E