We've got a 2002 Camry with some light surface body rust. Am wondering what, if anything we should do to treat this. I'd post a picture, but that doesn't appear to be an option.
It depends on how you want it to look. If you want it to look like the factory finish it's a big job to get it right, best left to a body shop. On the other hand if you really aren't concerned about that just sand any loose rust off, clean the area with some solvent, and spray it with Rustoleum. (The latter is what I do. Rust holes I cover with metal tape for a neat appearance.)
I think what you're seeing is only the beginning.
I would use something like Chuck's cheap'n'cheerful method to spruce it up and that's it.
It's not worth dumping money into.
I'd post a picture, but that doesn't appear to be an option.
Of course it's an option. You must have missed the instructions for pictures when you read the topic at the top of the page entitled "READ THIS FIRST - Forum Guide". You may want to check it again.
Yeah, I know you can post a link. It would be a lot easier to just be able to attach/post a photo, although there are certainly reasons some forums don't like this option.
The main reason is the additional storage it would require over time. I usually use imgbox.com. No signup required and very easy to get the direct URL for the photo so it can appear inline in your post.
Link returns the following:
{"data":{"error":"Imgur is temporarily over capacity. Please try again later."},"success":false,"status":403}
it just worked for me now
I live in upstate New york, and it is easy to get little spots as the car gets hit by stones and whatnot, then starts rusting.
I like the dupli color paint pens with the clear cote in the bottom and a little scraper. Get a color that is close to yours and it won't be very noticeable.
Every six months, or after winter, I just go around and scrape the rusted, or nicked areas and clean it off a bit, slap some paint on and it call it done. The clear coat is great for smaller scratches, just hit it with the clear and often it will make a light scratch vanish if it isn't too bad.
It stops the rust before it gets too bad, and is quick and easy, and a paint pen may cost $20 but you can use it many times.
