Mild Galvanizing Repair on Rear Frame Member

[ScottT]

I took the tow plate off my 109 last week in preparation for swapping it out for Pangolin 4x4 plate. When the bolts were cut and the plate finally removed I found rust underneath. It has been exposed to Michigan winters and the accompanying tons-o-salt but I was surprised to see the rust never the less.

I am planning on painting over it with Wurth Rust Guard. I haven't had good luck with cold galvanizing.
Does this sound like a good fix for it?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3658100064_b5b9c4a211_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3657306203_51b43653be_o.jpg

anybody know why there is a plastic plug in the center?
my 88 didn't have one.

[gudjeon]

I would think the plastic plug would have aided in the galvanizing process so the molten zinc could enter, drain, and let air escape. It could also be very useful in flushing out the inside of crud and flooding with you favourite rust stopping stuff. A bit redundant on a galvy frame but what the hey?

Myself, I would clean it up by wire brush and steel wool. Dab on Rust Mort on the rusty spots. Then paint the whole exposed cross member with Rustoleum Cold zinc spray compound. If you can get your hands on the industrial version, the better. You will not have to worry about it for many years to come, apart from the odd touch-up.
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/images/PRODUCT/medium/sem-rust-mort-69508-69504.gif
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/woeimages/00001983.jpg

[leafsprung]

you can use zinc wire to touch it up if you are carefull, thats what they use at the galvanizing plant

[scott]

advise from a buckeye transplant, move to the sw. that'll stop the rust.

[BackInA88]

Where in Michigan?


Steve

[ScottT]

Where in Michigan?


Steve


Berkley, by Royal Oak just outside the D.

[KevinNY]

Thats could just be rust from the piece you took off that is stuck on there, give it a good cleaning or touch it with a wire brush.

[ScottT]

I already powerwashed it with a gas 5 hp/ 0 degree tip so I feel pretty confident it is rust.
Still leaning to the Wurth fix. It is impressive stuff. It would all be hidden behind the new tow plate.
The zinc solder sounds good but I am not sure if I can pull it off without burning the other zinc. Anyone have first hand experience with it and where do you get the zinc solder/ wire?

[BackInA88]

Berkley, by Royal Oak just outside the D.


I'm just up the road in Troy.
We'll have to meet up and check out each others rigs.

Steve