Auto body repair & detailing: scale rust, a little advanced, jeep grand cherokee laredo, jeep grand cherokee

Question
95 jeep grand cherokee laredo with rust under tailgate latch, along very bottom of tailgate. For a novice, what is the proper steps in neutralizing and repairing the damage and restoring red finish. Can common garage tools (wire wheel etc.) be used to help repair this?

Answer
Joel,
 A wire wheel is an excellent choice for rust removal.  After removing ALL the rust, you will have to apply some body filler.  Sand to smooth and can feel o edges. Wipe down with a prep solvent and apply a rust inhibitor.  We use a product called Rust Defender.  Allow that to dry according to the instructions, sand to a smooth finish and you cannot feel any edges.  You are now ready to apply the base coat and the clearcoat.  You will have to get the base color at a paint supplier.  You will find the paint code for you vehicle on the drivers door on the sticker that has the vehicle info.  If you have any trouble, the paint supplier will know where to find it.  
  Also, if the rust is close to the tailgate latch, you will want to remove the handle so you can get all the rust.
Thank you,
Mike and Lisa