QuestionHi,
I have a 2002 Hyuandai Santa Fe that has two small rust holes on the quarter panels above both rear wheel wells; one hole on each side of the vehicle.
The holes are oval shaped, about a half inch by an inch. The metal lip above the wheel well is fully intact, but the holes are each directly above the lip, so there is about one half inch metal between the edge of the quarter panel and the hole.
I am pretty good with home repairs, but I'd prefer to avoid doing body work with Bondo. I watched a couple how-to videos and while I could do it, I doubt it would look great.
I had an idea: covering the hole with rust converter or reformer to stop the rust from spreading. Adding some paint over it. Then covering the small holes with some kind of decorative molding with adhesive.
My question is...if I do this, do you think the rust hole will continue to spread, or will it likely stop? thanks!
AnswerHi Scott,
You might slow the growth but it will continue to grow. However, to do the job correctly it would require replacing the quarter panels and repainting which would be a rather pricey repair and could be as much as the vehicle is worth. I would suggest looking at using POR-15 Rust Preventative Paint as a coating over the rust. POR will stop the rust growth. Then you can either patch it using a fiberglass filler product or cover it as you suggested. Here's a link where you can find POR-15: http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_POR-15_GLOSS_BLACK_Pint.cfm
