The Dos and Don’ts of Rust Removal in Antique Vehicles

Rust never sleeps, as Neil Young sang. Avoid common rust issues and maintain beauty and integrity in vintage vehicles with these expert tips.

Restoring a vintage vehicle is a simultaneously rewarding and frustrating activity. It’s rewarding because the satisfaction you feel after completing a full restoration is like nothing else. However, it’s frustrating because the restoration process is a battle with and against time. And one of the biggest enemies of restorationists is a ruthless thing called rust. To help you fight this insidious menace, here are the dos and don’ts of rust removal in antique vehicles.

What Is Rust?

Rust is a reaction between iron, oxygen, and moisture. It’s a natural if irritating process that can destroy metal over time. Unfortunately, most vintage vehicles are mostly metal, inside and out, so it’s nearly impossible to find a classic car or other vehicle without some measure of rust. Either way, it’s necessary to arrest rust—otherwise, your car will look bad, lack support, malfunction, decrease in resale value, and be unsafe to drive. Whether you want to safely remove rust from a vintage Jeep or another type of antique vehicle, keep the following in mind.

Dos of Rust Removal

Do Use the Right Tools

When tackling rust, have the right tool ready. Wire brushes, sandpaper, and electric grinders with sanding attachments are very effective for the mechanical removal of rust, and chemical rust removers dissolve rust quickly. Whatever tools you use, make sure you know how to use them. Carefully read and follow the instructions.

Do Ensure Proper Ventilation

If you use chemical rust removers, don’t do it in an enclosed space. That’s bad for your lungs and can lead to other health complications. Work in a well-ventilated area, and wear a respirator or other form of protection.

Do Protect the Metal

Remember, you’re getting rid of rust, not metal. When the rust is no longer present, use a rust-inhibiting primer and several protective layers of paint to seal it and establish a barrier to future rusting.

Don’ts of Rust Removal

Don’t Ignore Small Spots

Small spots of rust are a big problem. Small specks can expand and spread across the metal. Minor rust on the surface may even suggest larger deposits of rust underneath, affecting the structure of the vehicle. Deal with rust in all shapes and sizes.

Don’t Rush With Rust Removal

Take your time when working to remove rust. The entire process is a labor of love, requiring time, patience, and care. Mistakes arise when rust removal is rushed, removing the good with the bad, including metal below rust’s surface. Leave the racing for later. Take your time with each step of the process.

Don’t Skip Professional Help

Sometimes, pride is as damaging as rust itself. If a job seems too tough, seek the help of a professional restorationist. An expert can step in and save what you can’t with the help of knowledge and tools you may lack. It may cost a bit more, but it’s a good investment.

Those are the dos and don’ts of rust removal in antique vehicles. Restoring a classic car is a long, laborious process, and rust removal doesn’t make it any easier. But by following the above advice, you can ensure your vintage vehicle looks and remains sharp.