1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Fingernail-sized rust spot on driver-side door. Prevention measures?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Drumline119, May 9, 2023.

  1. May 9, 2023 at 11:39 AM
    #1
    Drumline119

    Drumline119 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2023
    Member:
    #32752
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2003 4Runner SR5 v8 205k
    I recently noticed that my drivers-side exterior door has a small (pinky fingernail-sized) rust spot; where it appears that the paint/etc. has chipped and the sheet metal as rusted. I am pretty pleased at how this blemish looks pretty contained/simple/small (i.e. not jagged or cracking on the edges); however, I would love to hear recommendations on how to treat this area to keep it contained/not spread/look a little better if at all possible. Overall goal is to ensure it doesn't spread/grow; but without having to re-paint/etc. the entire door.

    (Tried to take a photo but the sun reflection was not helpful...)
     
  2. May 9, 2023 at 11:41 AM
    #2
    Mtbpsych

    Mtbpsych New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2018
    Member:
    #7922
    Messages:
    1,887
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5
    I just use sandpaper on the rust affected area and touch up paint.
     
    2ndGen22re likes this.
  3. May 9, 2023 at 12:35 PM
    #3
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2020
    Member:
    #17452
    Messages:
    2,028
    You could try dabbing some fluid film on there or wool wax.

    Years ago I used to put any type of oil on the wheel wells of my girlfriends Accord. Those things rusted bad with the PA and MI salt, so everytime I washed it I put some oil on a rag and dabbed the area to slow it down. This was before products like fluid film which I would hope would be better since more lanolin based.
     
  4. May 9, 2023 at 4:54 PM
    #4
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2022
    Member:
    #25492
    Messages:
    1,619
    If you plan to repaint, fluid film and the like will probably affect the adhesion of the paint. There are many products for repairing chipped paint. I’ve never used any, but you should start your research on YouTube.
     
  5. May 10, 2023 at 9:34 AM
    #5
    Trekker

    Trekker Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15732
    Messages:
    853
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1997 3rz 5spd
    Don't use fluid film on that part of the vehicle, especially if you want to repaint. The best option is to sand what rust you can away, using a dremel with the small wire brush is the best way to minimize hurting the paint around it, but sand paper will work too. Put some touch up paint over that.
     
    OverRunner likes this.
  6. May 11, 2023 at 4:59 AM
    #6
    Drumline119

    Drumline119 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2023
    Member:
    #32752
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2003 4Runner SR5 v8 205k
    Thank you all very much for the great advice!
     

Products Discussed in

To Top