What should I do with rust patches, to stop them getting worse?

[Gingermagic]

Hi all,

I’ve got engine troubles with our T25, which take priority over the cosmetics.

I should have probably done something with these rust patches a year ago, but didn’t.

Patches are mainly around window frames.

I’ve been told that I should buy something to paint onto the patches, to stop them getting worse.

If that’s the right thing to do, which product should I buy?

Thanks,
Damian

[TONYT25T25]

It depends on how deep the rust is, if only surface you may get away with something like kurust or similar, and then treat and fill in, you may have to dig deep into the area to ensure you get to it all, maybe worth posting a couple of images of the area.

[kentishvanman]

If it is temp job, which it sounds as it is then
1, Scrape off bubbled paint. 2 Apply rust preventing paint. They are all basically the same ie phosphoric acid. 3. Optional . Add and rub down filler, Isopon or similiar. 4. Aerosol spray.
When you do a 'proper job' it is more or less the same but the windows need to be removed to get behind the rubber.  

[Gingermagic]

Sorry for the slow reply. Here are some images ...

[RogerT]

Sooner or later, if you want to keep the van, you’ll have to spend ££ or learn to weld. In the meantime look at restoration threads on here, and make a decision on that, while keeping this rust at bay cosmetically.

I’m intrigued by the fridge vent having a pop riveted surround…

[Gingermagic]

Thanks.
I've just ordered some Kurust.

[Stesaw]

just by looking at all the bubbling around the window, that's gonna be rough when you remove it. best to get it done right as asap, if it's letting water into the van it will rot out your floors / sills, which is a big job.

[RogerT]

Two possible solutions, BBB did it properly
viewtopic.php?f=50&t=159419

An old lad who lived near me up north 10 yrs ago pop riveted strips on, covered the rivets with filler, and all looked good enough. Sold his van for 10k after that. Storing up problems in my opinion…

I suspect you have difficult decisions ahead regarding rust. You have the rust that is visible, and I suspect that there is lurking hidden rust. At some point I’d suggest looking at the back of the ‘fridge’ panel below the window, as condensation and rundown from the window can rot through into the sill. I’d also see if you can look down at the top of the rear arch, between the outer and inner skin. And you have a high top, could I see there? Not sure.

Most here would recommend vactan for rust treatment, available only from eBay I think? Single coat giving a waterproof finish.

Good luck, look at restoration threads on here.

[TONYT25T25]

You may have already noticed but take a look at the runner rail for the sliding door, take off the cover to have a good look at it, this is another area that is sometimes missed amongst others for rust and rot but if caught early can be easily repaired without welding.