Rust converter question

[barmanvarn]

Right now I'm just tinkering with my old truck when time permits. It may be 10 years or more before I can really dive into a restoration.

In the meantime, I have to other option than to keep the truck outside with a decent cover that I replace as needed.

The body has of course developed rust spots on some body panels, especially the top of the can and the bed has a few spots where holes have developed.

What is my best option to try to stop the spread of rust for now? Can I just get a spray can of rust converter and spray it wherever there is rust?

Apologize if this is a dumb idea. Am open to suggestions.

Thanks!

[GuyO]

The only thing I have seen to work is to keep it inside. I kept my 70 GMC short wide garaged for most of its life (since I've had it). Try to find a place to keep it dry and still have access to it when you /need/want it. My 2 cents.

[michael bustamante]

Is ir possable to build a lean-to over it? Over the years ive used naval jelly then rust preventer primer type spray but i live in a dry environment so you might need something more extreme

[67swb72klb]

make sure the cab corners,cowl and kick panel areas are cleaned out and keep it dry as you can is your best bet

[Cape Codder]

If the truck is on dirt and covered you are kind of creating a greenhouse where the moisture from the ground condenses on your truck. A shelter that lets air flow around it might be better. The temp storage shelters with a moisture barrier under the truck would be a better option than just a tarp. I built this for my one of my boats that gets used year around. It doesn't have a moisture barrier as wood boats like moisture.

[special-K]

Rust converter is a good idea. Check periodically and reapply. It will keep the rust (that it is applied to) at bay. The problem is the rust inside you can't apply it to. Do what you can to douse it inside. Minimize the moisture any way you can by allowing air flow. Do not put tarp directly on top. Do you have an engine crane? Slide that under the cab and up to the door,then drape a tarp over that. Building a framework would be even better. Consider a fan under there, too.

[barmanvarn]

Thanks for all the feedback folks.

The truck is on tires and we've parked it on concrete pads that keeps the tires off the ground. As for the cover, it's not a tarp. It's a truck cover that is "supposed to" let moisture evaporate out.

Ideally, I'd love to build a cover over the truck or move it inside but neither option is feasible at this point, sadly.

I'll get some of the spray on rust converter and hit the bed with it and see how that works. Just trying to do the best I can with what is available to me at this time.

I'm hoping to move and set up my own shop. Once that happens, the truck will be making a trip to my place where it can be inside and I can work on it more often.

[franken]

If you apply some rust converter and then sand it after a while you'll find it converts the top bit of rust and not the rest. Unless you remove almost all the rust, converters just cover it up.

[barmanvarn]

Originally Posted by franken

If you apply some rust converter and then sand it after a while you'll find it converts the top bit of rust and not the rest. Unless you remove almost all the rust, converters just cover it up.

Roger that. Would you say that it at least helps to stop the existing rust from spreading?

[bpatrol]

Amazon.com: CarCapsule 18 Foot Indoor Inflatable...maybe this plus your cover?
bpatrol

[barmanvarn]

Originally Posted by bpatrol

Amazon.com: CarCapsule 18 Foot Indoor Inflatable Car Cover and Storage: Automotive
maybe this plus your cover?
bpatrol

Ha! If I can manage to get it running and get it roadworthy, I may look into driving it up to where I live and putting it in storage close by so I can work on it more often at least until I get moved and get a shop of my own.

If I get a shop first, I'm just going to flatbed it up to my place.

Sucks it being an hour away, otherwise I'd be making a lot more progress.