How to Remove Rust from a Honda Accord Quarter Panel

Use 1200 grit sand paper to sand off all of the rust. Dust off the rust as you work and use a shop vacuum as you sand to prevent rust from contacting other parts and spreading since rust is a catalyst, creating more rust.

Keep going past the rust and sand into the metal until it looks bright and shiny (rust free). Sand the paint off around the rust to make sure that the rust did not spread under the paint. Make sure to check the back of the metal if the rust went through to see if there is any rust that you can sand off there, too.

Use a clean, dry rag to wipe off any residual rust that might be still on the car. If the rust penetrated the body, check inside for signs that the rust has spread by poking around inside with a slender screw driver and looking around visually with a flash light. If the rust has spread, call a professional.

Add rust converter (available at your local auto-shop). Make sure that you are wearing gloves and doing this in a location with plenty of ventilation. If the rust converter gets on anything, remove it immediately with a rag so that it does not damage the paint or the part. Wait for the rust converter to dry before proceeding to the next step.

Clean the surfaces of the car. Use Bondo (auto-body putty) to fill in any gap created by rust damage when the rust penetrates the skin of the car but the damage is only cosmetic, not structural. Follow the instructions that come with the container for the particular brand you are using. The putty is a gray putty that is scraped into the gap with a plastic spatula-like tool. Larger gaps may require a wire mesh backing for support.

Use a convex hand-held grater to take of the extra putty so that it conforms more naturally to the car's general shape. Sand the Bondo smooth with the 1200 grit sand paper (that has no rust on it). Next, use the 600 grit sand paper for a smoother finish.

Add a layer of primer and paint to match the rest of the car.