Panel Behind Front Bumper

[oddnumber]

Evening chaps, got a quick question I'd appreciate some advice on...

I've just had the van resprayed - not bare metal, but flatted back and new colour over the top. Its had new rear quarters and a few other panels. But ... the horizontal panel behind the front bumper wasnt replaced, and a small bit of grot has started to come through already. I've had to take the van back to have a couple of other bits redone, but they've said that unless the panel is replaced there is nothing can be done and rust will come through.

So, is there anything that can be done? Is it inevitable that unless the panel has been replaced, rust will return? I'm a bit disappointed. I'm tenmpted to just paint it in POR15 and forget about it...

Thank you for any advice.

[Jawin89]

The only way to really eliminate rust is to cut it out and replace with new. Just sanding back,priming and painting will do nothing. You could treat the affected area with Vactan which will slow it down and should stop it showing through. Once the area has been treated paint it and it should last some time.

Just my thoughts and I'm sure some people will have other ideas.

[paperhouselad]

We had something similar but around the front No plate, these came up as big rust blisters from stone chips originaly. These were treated with vactan, filled and painted over, this was approx 4 years ago and still no sign of any re rusting. Cheers.

[boatbuilder]

Sound like you're talking about the seam at the bottom of the front panel. Only way is to cut it out and remove all the rust as the rust is right in there in the seam. There is also a hidden L shaped supporting piece behind which will probably be rusting away too. Luckily the horizontal bit is very heavy gauge metal so shouldn't be holed.
You could always use vactan etc as a stopgap.

[oddnumber]

Thanks very much chaps, I appreciate the advice. I guess I was disappointed that the rust was appearing just a month later. I've never heard of vactan, will look into it now. I'm guessing an application of Vactan over the rust then POR 15 over the top?

[CovKid]

Had this discussion with MetaMickey. To get to it, you cut away at (good) front part with a big grinder so you've essentially removed a large U-section. This then allows you to get at the rot beyond and replace with good steel before refitting and welding back in the u-section - if that makes sense. Its one of those jobs where you have to chop your way through good stuff to get to the area thats gone then make good. Mine is the same and full of pudding until next year.